Alyssa rode back to Breyton Hall beside Travell and barely withheld a sigh of contentment. Today had been one of the most enjoyable days she’d had since returning to her father’s former estate. While she still felt her aunt’s loss rather keenly, for Pearl had always enjoyed the Bartholomew Fair and its entertainments in London, at least today was the first time Alyssa hadn’t fought the urge to burst into tears when she thought of the lady.
She glanced at Travell who had insisted on escorting her home before he headed for Rosewood, even though she’d assured him that she would be perfectly fine, though it was starting to become dusk. However, it was evident that she wouldn’t have any trouble on the road, for as the vicar had said; most of the villagers were already deep in their cups once the nightly entertainment had begun.
Once their identities had been discovered, the villagers were more than welcoming, many of them Travell or Lord Lockley’s tenants. But while Travell was well received, the baron and his wife were not. “They never bother t’ step foot ‘ere.” The blacksmith had said, as he’d spit on the ground. “Tha’ wife o’ his thinks she’s too high in th’ instep t’ mingle wit’ us common folk.”
This hadn’t settled well with Alyssa, for she knew her parents had always joined the local festivities. In the morning, she intended to have a word with her cousin.
As they rode up in front of Breyton Hall, a groom took the reins from her as she dismounted. As he led Posy away, she glanced up at Travell. “Thank you for seeing me home, even though I told you it wasn’t necessary.”
“Your safety is my main priority,” he returned firmly, the possessiveness in his voice causing her toes to curl in her boots.
“I appreciate your concern,” she returned politely. “Good night, Lord Curdiff.”
His blue eyes caught the light of the moon and twinkled like the night sky. “Sweet dreams, Lady Alyssa.”
Alyssa wanted to hug herself as she strode up the steps to the manor, but she forced herself to retain her outward poise. She heard Travell ride off as she walked in the foyer.
“Alyssa? Is that you?”
Her bubble of happiness dissipated at the sound of Caroline’s voice coming from the front parlor. “Yes.”
The baroness appeared in the doorway like an ethereal being in her light blue dress, her hair styled becomingly, like a golden halo atop her head. “I’d like to speak with you, if you have a moment.”
“Of course.” Alyssa wanted to sigh as she walked toward the parlor. She should have known that after Travell accompanied her home she wouldn’t be able to go to her room without any interruption. The woman had likely been watching for her return from the window.
As they settled across from one another, Alyssa couldn’t help but think she was facing off with an adversary. While Caroline’s face was perfectly serene, it was her blue eyes that sparked with malicious intent. “I see that you were out riding with Lord Curdiff this afternoon.”
“Actually,” Alyssa corrected. “We’d just returned from the village festival.”
Caroline tossed her head. “Those commoners send us an invitation to their little gathering every year. As if I would attend without a single member of the gentry present.” She snorted. “However, if I would have known the viscount would be attending, I might have persuaded James to go.”
Alyssa clenched her hands in her lap. “Lord Curdiff believes that a little goodwill inspires loyalty in his tenants.”
“They will be loyal to Breyton Hall if they don’t wish to be evicted,” Caroline shot back.
It was all Alyssa could do not to get up and walk out. The woman was insufferable. “And does my cousin share your opinion?”
Lady Lockley’s eyes filled with a haughty ire. “My husband stands by me in all things. I was an earl’s daughter before I married him. While I lowered myself to do so, his wealth was a powerful incentive.”
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.”