Alyssa blinked. She couldn’t imagine why Caroline didn’t wish to spend more of her time in London. She would fit in perfectly with the rest of the nobility who liked to boast about their superiority, whether it was winning a bet at White’s, or ensnaring the hand of a duke. It was one of the reasons Alyssa only attended certain events when she knew one of her closest friends would be in attendance. Otherwise, she found it difficult to stomach all the false politeness.
Weary of beating about the bush, Alyssa said boldly, “Naturally, while it’s your business when it comes to disparaging your own circumstances, I fail to see what any of this has to do with me.”
Caroline’s mouth pursed together. “Don’t you?” Her lips tilted upward at the corners. “You have responsibilities to this family to show a modicum of respectability and gallivanting all over the countryside without a chaperone will cause talk that will reach London. I will not stand for it. You will either cease your actions immediately, or I will ensure that you do.”
Alyssa stilled. “Are you threatening me?”
Caroline shrugged. “Call it what you will. Since James has not seen fit to remind you of your place, it falls to me to attempt to curb your shameless behavior before you are branded as a harlot and drag the Breyton name through the mud along with you.”
Alyssa wasn’t even sure how to respond, she only knew that she wasn’t going to sit here and be attacked any longer. She stood. “I think you’ve made yourself perfectly clear, Lady Lockley. Good night.”
She walked out of the room, but instead of heading to her chamber, she went in search of her cousin. Perhaps he might be able to sort things out with his darling wife.
Alyssa found him in his study. He was sitting by the fire with a glass dangling from his fingertips. “James?” He glanced up with a brief squint and her heart plummeted. If he was that deep in his cups, she feared he wouldn’t be able to see reason. She started to back out of the room. “I’m sorry. We can speak later—”
“Nonshense,” he slurred and waved her forward. “What can I do for you, coushin?”
Alyssa moved forward, but still she hesitated to speak. She didn’t think she’d ever seen her cousin in such a state, but then, she’d been spending most of her time closed off in her room, or at Rosewood. But since this might be her only opportunity to speak to him without Caroline present, she swallowed and said, “It’s about Lady Lockley. She seems to think I’ve been behaving in an irrational manner.”
He held up a finger. “Ah. I shee. She told me she was consherned.” He peered at her again. “Come closher sho I can get a good look at you.”
Alyssa wasn’t sure how that might make any difference, but she decided to humor him. However, when she drew near, he grabbed her arm and yanked. Caught off balance, she landed in his lap. When he spoke, the scent of brandy on his breath was so strong that she nearly gagged. “Why don’t you tell me why you’re really here, Alyssha?” he crooned. He laid his hand on her leg and she struggled to rise, but he held her tight. “There’sh no need to play coy with me. I promishe you’ll like it.”
“Unhand me!” With a shove, she managed to stumble away from him. When he merely laughed, she glared at him hotly. “You’re nothing but a drunkard!” she gasped.
He saluted her with his glass. “Guilty ash charged, my shweet.” He was still chuckling as he drained the last of the liquid, a small trickle trailing down his chin.
Alyssa’s temper was nearing its limit, so she decided it was best to retreat, rather than say something she shouldn’t. But she couldn’t resist saying, “I can’t believe you bear the title of Lord Lockley. You don’t even deserve to have the surname of Breyton.”
He merely shrugged as she walked out the door.
***
Travell was in the dining room the next morning, reading the latest edition of the Times when Alyssa marched in. When he took note of her tight expression he thought he’d done something wrong, but when she collapsed on the chair beside him, it didn’t take him long to realize that she was there for sanctuary.
He slowly set aside the paper. “Rough morning?”
She sat back in her chair and crossed her arms, proper ladylike comportment temporarily abandoned. It reminded him so much of the girl who used to pout when her parents would chastise her, that Travell would have smiled if he didn’t think it would upset her further. “It was more like a rough evening.” She sighed heavily.
He winced. “That bad?”
“Worse. Caroline noted that you were in my company last evening without a chaperone. She is afraid that I will sully the Breyton name by my ‘shameful behavior.’ I suppose it doesn’t matter that we’re practically related, I’ve known you for so long.”
Travell decided it was best not to remind her of just how unrelated they truly were. “I don’t wish to agree with Lady Lockley, but I have to admit she makes a valid point. If we had been caught together in London, your reputation would have been ruined. However, in this instance, I fear I was at fault for insisting on escorting you home.” He paused. “Did you speak to your cousin about this?”
“I tried.” She snorted. “But he was so deep in his cups I doubt he even remembers trying to make an advance on me—”
“What?”
She waved a hand. “Don’t look so angry. It’s not as if I’ve never had to deal with overzealous suitors before.”
“I don’t care.” He gritted his teeth. Angry honestly didn’t even describe the fury that was about to explode out of his chest. “You are under the baron’s protection, not his mercy.” He shook his head. “I don’t want you to stay there any longer. It’s too dangerous.”
She looked at him obliquely. “Don’t be ridiculous. I have nowhere else to go—”
“My offer still stands.” He didn’t know how many times he had to propose to this woman, but this had to be the third. Or perhaps the fiftieth. He’d honestly lost count at this point.
“You know that’s not possible,” she returned quietly.
“Why?” he challenged. “It would greatly improve your current circumstances—”
“Would it?” she shot back. “Or would I just be trading one prison for another?”
Travell clenched his fist on the hard wood of the table. “I’m glad you regard me so highly.”
She put her hands to her temples. “I don’t mean it that way, Travell, only that—”
Travell would never know what she’d been about to say, for they were suddenly interrupted by the appearance of the barrister. “Lord Curdiff, I—” He broke off midsentence as he addressed Alyssa. “Oh. Good morning, my lady.” He bowed slightly and she offered a murmured reply in return. Mr. Lyridon then turned his attention back to him. “I may have some good news.”
Travell instantly sat up a bit straighter. For the past few days, the other man’s treatments had been for naught. And for someone who had only intended to engage in a brief consultation, he’d ended up staying on at Rosewood for nearly a week. However, Travell wasn’t complaining. In truth, he was grateful that he could share his father’s condition with someone beside Alyssa who had her own burdens to bear.
“What is it, Mr. Lyridon?”
The younger man grinned broadly. “He has asked to join us for tea this afternoon.”
***
Alyssa watched as Travell paced the floor in the parlor as he waited for his father to come down. At first, he’d been reticent to the idea of allowing the earl’s bonds to be removed, but after Mr. Lyridon had reminded him that he’d shown no further signs of violent activity and that it was time that they allowed him some freedom, Travell had agreed.
Now, as they waited for him and Lord Trenton to join them, it was apparent that Travell’s anxiety was growing.
“Everything’s going to be fine.” But even as she uttered the words, her hand instinctively went to her throat were her bruises had faded to a light yellow.
“You can say that after he tried to strangle you?” He waved a hand at the teacart. �
��And this time, there are possible weapons. One broken porcelain plate…”
She laid a gentle hand on his arm. “Don’t look for problems that aren’t there. Mr. Lyridon wouldn’t have suggested allowing this if he didn’t think the earl was ready. At least give him a chance.”
The sounds of murmured voices riveted Travell’s attention on the doorway. A few moments later Talon and Lord Trenton walked through.
The change was remarkable. No longer was the earl in a nightshirt, but he was fully dressed from the top of his cravat, down to the pair of shining boots on his feet. Alyssa glanced at Travell to gauge his reaction, and she could tell by the way his throat worked that he was doing his best to conceal his emotions. He bowed lightly. “Lord Trenton.”
The earl actually chuckled and strode forward. “Is that any way to greet your father, m’boy?” He put his arms around Travell, and after a brief pause he returned the embrace.
As they broke apart, the earl turned to her. “And who is this lovely young lady? Surely not little Alyssa Breyton!”
Alyssa glanced at Mr. Lyridon in surprise, and then, remembering her manners, she dipped into a light curtsy. “It’s good to see you again, Lord Trenton,” she murmured.
“Oh, stuff and nonsense!” he laughed heartily. “There was a time, not so many years ago, that you used to frolic about the grounds with my Triana. I imagined I was like a second father to you. Has that changed?”
“No, my lord.” She offered a genuine smile, for this boisterous man was just as she remembered from her youth. It was hard to imagine that he was incoherent and hallucinating only a few days ago, when now, he appeared to be as hale and hearty as ever.
“Why don’t you have a seat, Lord Trenton?”
The earl glanced at Mr. Lyridon and nodded his head, perfectly content as he settled on the settee. As he began to examine the treats that were available, Travell walked over to the barrister. Careful to keep his voice low, he asked, “How is this… possible?”
Alyssa noted the catch in his voice, and realized that this was the breakthrough that he’d been praying for.
“It was rather by accident,” Talon returned in the same low tone. “As you know, I’ve been trying to unlock the secrets of his past, to get to the root of his condition, but this morning, it was as if something clicked in his brain.” He glanced at the earl. “He doesn’t appear to realize anything is amiss, as if the last several years were wiped clear of anything unpleasant, but at least he’s lucid and appears to be living in the present. Unfortunately, I can’t promise how long it might last. Something could easily trigger his subconscious and he might relapse.”
Travell nodded. “At least he’s here with us now.”
***
Travell couldn’t say when he’d enjoyed an afternoon more. His father had been returned to him at long last. Even if it was only temporarily, it was better than that tormented shell. This man was the one who had set aside his ledgers to play a game of cricket with his son. As Travell grew older, he realized how lucky he’d been to enjoy such a close relationship with his sire, for most men of his station would have chosen work and responsibilities over all else. But not Lord Trenton.
It was these memories that had always haunted Travell, and why he couldn’t understand why, on the night of Triana’s debut ball, his father had thrown everything aside. Lord Trenton’s actions had never made sense to him; for such selfishness didn’t coincide with the man he’d always known.
Perhaps that was why Travell had thrown himself into his position at Whitehall so thoroughly. As an agent, he could study a criminal’s thought process and predict his next move. If he was wrong, he would try to figure out what he’d missed, reflect on where he’d erred.
He’d put this same practice into trying to uncover his father’s secrets, wondering if the warning signs had been there as he’d grown up and he’d just overlooked them, or chosen to ignore them outright. But every single time he would come up empty handed, no closer to the truth than before.
At least now, he could take comfort in the fact his father had taken one step forward, even if he had to suffer two steps back. Today had given Travell hope that with patience and perseverance, he would gain the answers he’d been seeking for the past seven years.
Once tea was concluded and Ives had escorted his father back to his chamber, Travell looked to Mr. Lyridon, as Alyssa stood quietly by his side. “What now?”
The younger man shrugged. “There’s nothing we can do but wait and hope that his memory resurfaces so that we might peel back the layers of his condition. With any luck, that will be all that’s required to allow a full recovery.” He sighed. “Unfortunately, I have to return to London first thing in the morning, but I may have a colleague who can continue the earl’s treatments in my absence, and he’s a doctor. I will write to him this evening.”
Travell stuck out his hand in a gesture of goodwill, which the barrister accepted. “Thank you for everything, Mr. Lyridon. You have truly been an asset.”
“I’m glad I was able to help. I firmly believe that mesmerism shouldn’t be discounted for its healing benefits of the mind.” He smiled. “I fully intend to continue my studies into the subject.”
“I’ll gladly offer you any support that you might require,” Travell returned. “You’ve certainly made a believer out of me.”
Once Mr. Lyridon retired, Travell turned to Alyssa. She reached out and threaded her fingers through his, the intimate gesture meaning more to him than she could ever know. “We should count today as a blessing.”
“A miracle,” he corrected with a grin, and then he sobered as his eyes roamed over her face, as if trying to memorize every curve. “Thank you, Alyssa.”
She frowned slightly, and he wanted to kiss the wrinkle between her brows. “What did I do?”
He swallowed thickly. “More than you can possibly imagine.”
Chapter Fifteen
Alyssa was wearing a smile when she returned to Breyton Hall that evening. Today hadn’t only been a successful day for Lord Trenton, but the look on Travell’s face when he’d expressed his gratitude to her would warm her long into the night. She was finally starting to feel that there could be hope that someday, he would allow his heart to fully open.
As they pulled into the drive, Alyssa’s contentment abruptly shifted as she saw another carriage depart. She didn’t catch the crest on the side of the coach as it pulled away, but it was obvious the black, shiny vehicle was one of quality, and had likely traveled from London.
She turned to her maid who was sitting across from her. “Do you know if my cousin was expecting company today, Daisy?”
The other girl shook her head. “I haven’t heard anything below stairs, my lady.”
Alyssa considered this as they came to a halt. Her maid went around to the servant’s entrance while she walked up the front steps. As a footman took her outerwear, she asked him, “Who just left?”
“Lady Caroline’s mother,” he returned stoically, and offered no further explanation.
“I see.” Alyssa was burning to know what had prompted such a sudden visit, but since it was obvious the servant intended to be rather tightlipped, and she wasn’t about to approach James or Caroline on the matter, she would have to wait until Daisy attended her to and see what she could uncover in the kitchens where gossip tended to congregate on a daily basis.
Alyssa climbed the stairs to her chamber and shut the door, wondering what she could do the pass the time until Daisy arrived. She walked over to her dressing table and adjusted a few of the things on top, which weren’t out of place to begin with, finally abandoning that pursuit.
She glanced at her writing desk, but found she wasn’t in the mood to pen a letter. However, she could make a list.
Alyssa sat down and placed a sheet of vellum in front of her. Dipping her quill in the ink, she paused, the nib hovering over the paper, and then she drew a line down the middle of the page. On one side she wrote, Pros and the other, Cons. S
he tilted her head and studied the odd pattern. It was something she’d learned from her American friend, Korina, who claimed that Benjamin Franklin, one of the most brilliant men of her country, had invented the technique in order to outline certain advantages when it comes to making certain decisions.
Alyssa decided it didn’t hurt to try, and with her emotions growing more attached to Travell every day, she needed a bit of assistance when it came to the choice of moving to America. She had been certain this was the course she intended to take when her beloved aunt had died so unexpectedly and she was forced to live on the goodwill of a distant relation that she hardly even knew. But now, she wasn’t sure she was strong enough to leave Travell, especially when it was evident that he needed her.
Out of adversity comes opportunity. Apparently, Mr. Franklin was to have said that as well. Alyssa considered Lord Trenton’s condition, and had to believe that something positive had to come from such a devastating circumstance. And yet, she had to ensure that she was making the right choice.
She bit her bottom lip as she considered what to write and then she began. On the Pro side, she listed; New Beginnings, Chance for Adventure, Fewer Society Restrictions. She paused and nodded. That gave her a nice start, and as she read over her choices in moving to the New World, she had to admit they sounded rather intriguing.
And now, Cons. She took a deep breath and wrote, Travell. Her pen hovered in mid-air as she concentrated on what else to write in that same column. But after several moments, it became clear that Lord Curdiff was her only incentive to remain in England. She had little family left, and the only ones who mattered were gone, their memories sustaining her wherever she went.
She set aside her pen and picked up the paper, studying the columns in front of her with a critical eye. If she went by this list, it was obvious which path she should take, but then, there were so many other things that branched off that single name, such as the love she held in her heart for him. It would be difficult to replace an emotion she’d carried inside for so long with something else.
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