Alyssa's Autumn Affair

by Tabetha Waite

  Alyssa stared directly back at the horrid woman. Truly, how could anyone be so cruel? “I am allowed three months to mourn the loss of an aunt, but since she was so much more than that, I might extend it.”

  “No,” Caroline snapped. “I forbid it. You’re dragging down the entire morale of the servants with your morbid habits. I expect a bit of color tomorrow or—” She shrugged. “You may have to find other family to take you on.”

  Alyssa had to relax her hand where it had been clenching her knife. Instead of replying to her, she looked to James for assistance. He’d remained silent throughout the exchange, but he looked a slightly green when she pinned him with her glare. “James?”

  He swallowed visibly and glanced at his wife and then straightened his shoulders when he returned his gaze to her. “I’m afraid Caroline is right. Besides, it might improve your overall demeanor.”

  Alyssa gritted her teeth. Apparently, no help would be coming from that quarter, but she wasn’t entirely surprised. Her cousin might be the master of the house, but he wasn’t the one who ran things here. “I see.” She slid back her chair, and without another word, climbed the stairs to her room. She was half tempted to slam it shut behind her, but she refrained.

  Nevertheless, she uttered a curse when she entered, causing her maid to glance at her in surprise. “I’m sorry, Daisy. I’m just rather overset by Lady Lockley at the moment.”

  Her maid nodded. “The servants talk about what a nasty woman she is, but the baron pays them well, so they endure her mistreatment to keep their position.”

  After hearing this, some of Alyssa’s frustration dissipated. At least she could escape Caroline’s viperous tongue while the servants had no choice but to endure it day after day. Even so, she collapsed on the bed with a sigh. “I just wish things were… different. If only they could return to normal, when Aunt Pearl was alive.”

  “I know you miss her, my lady,” Daisy said. “I could tell from the first time I was employed as your ladies’ maid nearly five years ago that she meant a lot to you.”

  “That she did,” Alyssa agreed, feeling the sting of familiar tears.

  “If it’s not too bold of me to say so,” her maid said slowly. “Lord Curdiff is rather handsome and you told me that he offered for your hand. I can see that he cares deeply for you as well, and if you truly wish to change your current circumstances—”

  Alyssa shook her head. “I’m afraid that’s quite out of the question. You’re interpreting affection for something more. Travell and I have known each other since we were children.” He doesn’t kiss you like a child, her mind taunted.

  “Some would say affection is enough to sustain a marriage,” her maid pointed out.

  Alyssa stared out the window. “It isn’t for me.” She shook her head. “That’s enough maudlin talk. I think I’ll turn in early this evening.”

  Daisy curtsied. “Yes, my lady.”

  As the maid began to gather her things to prepare for bed, Alyssa walked over to the window and undid the latch. The night air was cool and she breathed in deeply. A slight breeze rustled the leaves still clinging to the trees, although they were starting to lose their color and she knew it wouldn’t be long before the branches were bare, giving way for winter to settle in.

  A sudden chill made gooseflesh break out on her arms, and she hugged herself. She wasn’t looking forward to the long, dreary season to come. She detested snow and being stuck inside this manor with only her cousin and Caroline for company was certainly not appealing.

  Then again, she didn’t know how much longer Travell intended to remain at Rosewood. It likely depended on his father and how much change there would be. Either way, Parliament wouldn’t reconvene until the spring. But while his duties might not draw him back to the city for the “Little Season,” surely his mother would be wondering about his long absence. She seldom left the city, even in the winter and summer months, preferring town to that of the country. And what about Triana when she returned?

  Alyssa cringed at her friend’s reaction. After a honeymoon that was filled with love and adoration, to come back to something so dejecting…

  She released a sigh. Alyssa might wish for something more with Travell, but she must keep her focus on doing everything she could for the earl. Today had been a setback, but she had faith that they would eventually break through the madness that had taken over Lord Trenton’s mind. She wouldn’t accept any other outcome.

  With her resolve in place, she readied herself for bed. When her maid departed, she reached for the treatise on her bedside table and settled in to read.

  Chapter Nine

  Alyssa woke up the next morning with a start. The sun was shining brightly through her curtains, and she groaned, realizing that she had slept half the day away.

  She quickly rang for Daisy, and the moment the maid entered, she demanded, “What time is it?”

  “Nearly noon, my lady,” she returned quietly.

  Her patience instantly snapped. “Why did you let me stay abed so late?”

  “I didn’t wish to disturb you. You were sleeping so soundly…” Her voice trailed off as she lowered her gaze to the floor.

  Alyssa sighed, forcing her tone to gentle. It had been nearly three in the morning by the time she’d set aside her book, but even then, her mind had been whirling with the new techniques she wanted to try. “I didn’t mean to snap at you, Daisy, but I don’t wish to neglect my duties at Rosewood. And you know I’m not just referring to my Blue Ladies.”

  “Yes, my lady. It won’t happen again.”

  Alyssa went downstairs with Daisy at her side, but when she would have made her escape, James stopped her in the foyer. “Wait for me in the carriage,” she murmured to her maid, who nodded and walked out the door.

  “Ah, there you are, cousin. I was wondering when you would show yourself.” Lord Lockley glanced at her in concern. “I do hope you’re not overly tiring yourself by spending so much time at the neighboring estate.”

  “I’m perfectly well. Thank you.” As he smiled and walked away, she would have left, but Caroline appeared around the corner. Her blond hair was styled in an elegant chignon, while the dusky pink of her gown complimented her slim figure.

  However, the moment she spied Alyssa, she offered one of her contemptible smirks and ruined the charming effect. “I’m glad to see you took my advice and dispersed with that horrible crepe.” She eyed Alyssa’s plum walking dress rather critically. “But I’d rather hoped you might have chosen something a bit brighter.”

  It was all Alyssa could do not to clench her fists in frustration. The woman was impossible. “You asked that I retire my black, and I have done so.”

  Caroline waved a hand. “Very well. I suppose that will have to do for now—” She abruptly paused and narrowed her eyes, walking closer to her. As she studied the area below her chin, Alyssa froze. “Are those… bruises?”

  Alyssa’s hand automatically went to her throat. Drat! She had forgotten to don her fichu. However, since she wasn’t about to admit the truth, she attempted to laugh it off. “Don’t be silly. It’s merely a reflection from my gown.” She turned and gathered her redingote, quickly buttoning it at the top, before she faced the woman once more. “Now, if you’ll excuse me? I really should be going.”

  She didn’t give Caroline the chance to reply before she was rushing out the door.

  Alyssa sighed in relief as she joined Daisy, but she didn’t miss the silhouette of Lady Lockley standing in the doorway as they departed.

  When they rolled to a stop in front of Rosewood, Alyssa stepped to the ground just as Ives walked out to greet her. “Lady Alyssa.” He bowed reverently as Daisy headed for the kitchens at the back of the house. Lately, she’d been assisting Cook with her herb garden.

  Alyssa smiled in return. It certainly hadn’t taken long for her to gain the respect of the household, for her dedication to either master had not gone unnoticed, as well as the fact that Daisy had been sorely lacking as a c
haperone. However, her presence was mainly for appearances to appease her cousin and Caroline.

  “Good day, Ives. I regret that I was detained this morning.” They walked inside and she glanced toward the stairs that led to the earl’s bedchamber. “How is Lord Trenton today?”

  “Calm, my lady.” He smiled stiffly and she feared that meant he’d been drugged for most of the time.

  “I see. And Lord Curdiff?”

  “He’s in the dining room having luncheon.”

  Since she didn’t wish to disturb Travell, she said, “In that case, I’ll just check on my roses—”

  Ives gently cleared his throat. “On the contrary, the viscount requested that you join him when you arrived.”

  Alyssa’s breath hitched, as it did every time she considered the prospect of seeing Travell. “Very well.”

  “Would you like an escort?” the butler asked, and something in his tone made her frown.

  “No. I know the way.” Alyssa headed in that direction, for while it had been many years since she’d wandered through these halls, each room was still as familiar to her as Breyton Hall. But then, she had happily explored every single inch with Triana. She could almost hear their childish laughter as they ran through the expanse, inventing stories of brave knights and their damsels in distress. Even back then, Alyssa had pictured Travell in that noble role.

  She smiled at her own musings and entered the massive dining room. A large, mahogany table took up most of the expanse, while a stone fireplace and a tapestry of a battle scene was depicted above. With such inspiration, it was no wonder two young girls with vivid imaginations had made up the stories they had.

  “I wondered if you were going to come by today.”

  Alyssa looked at Travell, who was nursing a glass of some sort of amber liquid. “I apologize. I fear I overslept.”

  He blew out a breath. “That’s a relief. I thought you were upset with me.”

  She walked over to the table and sat down when a nearby footman held out a chair for her. “Why would I be?”

  His eyes were intense and slightly glazed as they landed on her. “Because of our interlude in the conservatory. And the day before in my study.”

  Alyssa’s cheeks instantly warmed, and instead of holding Travell’s gaze, she concentrated on laying the cloth napkin in her lap. “Don’t be silly. It was simply a moment of weakness during a tumultuous time.”

  He snorted, as a footman set down a bowl of soup in front of her. “If you wish to keep telling yourself that, then by all means.”

  Alyssa picked up her spoon and stared into the tantalizing fare, ignoring the slight jab. It was white soup, one of her favorites, but even though it was steaming, the scent causing her stomach to grumble, she could tell that Travell was in a rather sour mood and that lessened her enjoyment of the meal. She’d never known Travell to be in his cups before. Even Triana had told her that he seldom imbibed, and yet, the stress of his father’s condition must be bothering him more than he wanted to let on.

  “Did the earl have a restless night?” she asked gently.

  Again, he snorted. “You think that’s what’s bothering me?” He drained the liquid in his glass and set it down with a decided thunk. He leaned forward and Alyssa had no choice but to return her focus to him. She nearly gasped at the look of pure torment twisting his features. “I hate to disappoint you, but my current ailments have nothing to do with Lord Trenton.” His voice turned harsh. “It’s you, Alyssa Breyton, who has me tied up in knots.”

  She slowly set down her spoon, clasping both of her hands in her lap where they twisted nervously. “I can’t imagine why I—”

  “I can’t rid myself of the taste of your lips, the feel of your skin.” His fist clenched on the table. “I go to bed every night praying for sleep, but it continues to elude me. If I do manage to close my eyes for a brief time, I wake up with the sheets twisted around me, my body aching for—”

  Alyssa abruptly rose and threw down her napkin. His words not only shocked her, but they thrilled a small part of her as well. Either way, she couldn’t allow such crude behavior to continue. “You forget yourself, Lord Curdiff,” she said curtly. “I think I’ll return when you are in better spirits.”

  She started to stalk off, but she made it only a handful of steps before he halted her progress with a hand on each of her upper arms. “Please. Don’t leave.” His breath was heavy against her neck, as he rested his forehead against the back of her head. “Don’t leave me.”

  Alyssa closed her eyes against the heartfelt plea. He might be intoxicated because of the brandy that wafted around her, but her weakness for him was just as strong. But that didn’t mean she had to be treated in such a disrespectful manner. “If I stay, there will be no more crude remarks?”

  “I swear it.” His grip tightened slightly, as if he wanted to convey the seriousness of his words. “I’m… sorry.”

  Alyssa nodded, and without another word, she returned to her seat and sat down. Travell also returned to his, but instead of choosing to refill his empty brandy glass, he requested a strong cup of tea from a nearby footman.

  The rest of the meal passed in silence, and by the time Alyssa finally wiped her mouth with the napkin, she was quite satisfied. To keep things on neutral ground, or at least away from the tension that hadn’t quite dissipated between them, she said, “I finished reading Battie’s Treatise last night.” When Travell didn’t reply, she continued. “He was a staunch follower of John Locke’s theory of the mind. He claimed that we are born without any ideals and it is our experiences that define our mental stability. He also believes that madness stems not from the mind, but rather an imbalance in the brain.”

  “An interesting approach,” Travell murmured. “Considering many modern philosophers would choose to accredit the opposite, that it is our natural penchant for sin that causes lunacy.”

  “If that was the case,” Alyssa countered, “then we should all suffer the same affliction, for doesn’t the Holy Bible itself teach that none of us are without sin?”

  He lifted a brow. “The Catholic church would contradict that statement. It’s only if you are a supporter of their ideals are you exempt from God’s rule and offered absolution and cleared from all transgressions.”

  Her lips twitched. “In that respect, perhaps instead of a doctor, we should have tried to locate a priest in order to exorcise the earl’s demons.”

  Travell laughed, and although it sounded a bit rusty, it was like the sweetest music to her ears. It had been so long since she’d heard him take enjoyment in anything that it warmed her heart that she was able to bring a smile back to his face.

  But any merriment ended abruptly by the arrival of the butler and his stoic announcement from the doorway. “Lady Lockley to see you, my lord.”

  ***

  Travell did his best to hide his sudden irritation, as he forced himself to stand and offer a polite bow for Alyssa’s sake. The earlier strain that had surrounded them, due to his improper conduct was finally starting to dissipate, but with the arrival of the baroness, the stiff set had returned to Alyssa’s shoulders. It was obvious she wasn’t comfortable with the lady, so the sooner he could dispense with her, the better.

  “What a lovely surprise, my lady,” he murmured evenly. “To what do I owe the honor of this visit?”

  Caroline sauntered into the room in the manner of a woman who was confident of her welcome. While Travell could admire a curvaceous figure as much as any man, she stirred not a single bit of lust in him. Not even a twitch.

  She glanced at Alyssa and nearly purred, “I was rather hoping to have a… private word with you.”

  Alyssa stood. “It is time I headed to the conservatory anyway.”

  Travell wanted to tell Caroline Breyton to leave instead, but since he knew it would be best to hear her out to make sure things didn’t get more difficult for Alyssa, he waved a hand toward the doorway, thankful that the strong tea he’d requested had gone far to recover hi
s senses. “Let’s reconvene to my study.”

  He left the door open on purpose as he moved behind his desk and sat down, clasping his hands on the top. “What can I do for you, Lady Lockley?”

  She hesitated, but then sailed forward and perched on the chair in front of him. “I’m here on a matter of concern regarding Alyssa.”

  “Indeed.”

  She leaned forward as if imparting a secret, giving him a generous view down her bodice as she did so. Again, not even the slightest bit of interest stirred within him. “I fear for her safety.”

  He didn’t like that sound of that. “In what way?” He frowned.

  “I believe she may be a danger to herself.”

  Travell would have laughed if the very idea weren’t so absurd. “Impossible. I’ve known Alyssa since I was in short pants. She would never consider such a thing.”

  Caroline shrugged. “You knew her long ago, my lord. I daresay she’s quite different now. She walks about the manor like a wraith most days.”

  He sighed heavily. “That’s rather normal for someone who is in the early stages of grief.”

  “But that’s just it,” Caroline returned. “It’s been nearly a month since her aunt passed. Surely by now her spirits might have lifted.”

  Travell ground his jaw. He’d never met anyone so naïve, or just blatantly clueless. “I fear there’s no time limit when it comes to the bereavement process. You must be patient and give her some time.”

  Caroline tilted her blond head, brushing a hand down her pink gown, drawing his gaze to her slim waist, before it returned to her face. He hoped she could read how boring he found her efforts at flirtation. A sudden flash in her blue eyes made him think she had.

  “Lord Curdiff, I don’t think you’re grasping the importance of this situation. Not only do my husband and I find Alyssa’s recent behavior concerning, but just this morning I saw that she had bruises around her neck. I think she may be… harming herself.”