Triana thought she might be sick.
Travell touched the brim of his hat in farewell, and then set his gelding into motion, leaving Triana to follow suit. For whatever reason, she was compelled to risk one last glance at Gabriel, who was already in the process of pulling back into the congested traffic. She watched as they were instantly hailed by another carriage, the occupant inside probably intent on gaining the full tête-à-tête about their interlude.
Not once did the duke turn back and seek her gaze.
But then, wasn’t it said that fools were quickly forgotten?
Chapter Six
Triana had hoped that after the duke’s acknowledgement in Hyde Park, she would be able to return to her usual routine and quickly fade into the background once again. But as the next several days passed, she found the efforts of turning a blind eye to the snickers and sour looks that followed her around like a heavy shadow became rather tiring and virtually impossible to tolerate.
She was so popular that caricatures of her were now being drawn in the society pages. The most embarrassing, thus far, had been when the artist portrayed Triana as a light skirt holding a swaddled dog in order to chase down unsuspecting bachelors as they went screaming for their life.
In spite of her newfound fame, even the most mundane of tasks, such as shopping with her mother on Bond Street, had become a wearisome ordeal as the shopkeepers recognized her and often chuckled at her expense the moment she started to walk out the door. Naturally, Amelia always had plenty to say on the matter, and the battle going on inside the house was nearly as bad as the one raging outside its doors.
Lady Trenton had ignored her daughter’s pleas to remain at home until some of the ensuing scandal had died down; thus Triana generally ending her evenings with nerves strung as tight as a bowstring and a headache the size of the Sistine Chapel.
It was as if she was making her hellish debut all over again. Except this time, it wasn’t her father’s indiscretions that were causing the nightmare. Although, honestly, how a simple dance was at all comparable to Lord Trenton running off with the scullery maid to parts unknown, never to be seen again, she would never know.
Triana wasn’t sure she would have been able to survive if it wasn’t for the fact Travell had accompanied them to a few events, thus causing the more malicious gibes to desist for a time.
But even her brother’s support couldn’t take away the pain whenever she saw...him, with the elegant, Lady Worthington forever present at the duke’s side. It hurt to think that Gabriel had seemed to forget her existence, for that silver-hued gaze never once turned her direction, nor did he bother to acknowledge her again. The knife only twisted deeper when the rumor mills began churning that he and Cordelia were becoming known asthecouple of the season, although a formal betrothal had yet to be announced.
One would have thought that all the negative attention swirling about Triana would have deterred Lord Eastbury’s pursuit, but he was just as diligent as ever. He’d actually had the nerve to corner her one evening as she was coming out of the water closet at Lady Gretfield’s musicale. He had accosted her in a deserted hallway with one of those predictable, leering grins — but abruptly lost his balance when Triana eluded his advance at the last instant. He’d stumbled forward and slammed into one of the baroness’ costly, Greek vases, not quite managing to steady the teetering china before it smashed to the floor. While it was obvious he was irritated at being so sorely dissuaded, his pride more than pricked, at least the episode had taken long enough for her to make a hasty retreat.
To make matters worse, she’d made the mistake of telling her mother about the incident. She thought for sure Amelia would be aghast at the earl’s inappropriate behavior and finally lay the matter of his suit to rest, but to her utter disbelief, the countess turned the tables, subjecting her to a two hour lecture about the proper behavior of a lady and how a chaste reputation was essential in gaining a proposal.
“It’s no wonder you’re such a disappointment if such common sense escapes you,” Lady Trenton had scolded, the accusation,“Just like your father,”hanging unspoken between them.
Some days later on a gloomy afternoon, feeling rather despondent and with an intense need for someone to talk to, Triana called for the carriage to be brought around. With her maid accompanying her, she allowed a footman to assist her inside, before giving the driver her direction.
Shortly thereafter, she was deposited in front of Lady Alwan’s townhouse. The home of Alyssa Breyton’s rather eccentric aunt was the only place she knew she’d always be welcome. While the lady of the manor was unfortunately out for the day, luckily, her niece was in. After a brief wait, Triana was led to the conservatory, where Alyssa was pruning her prize-winning roses.
After a surprised, but pleasant smile upon seeing her, Alyssa brushed the dirt off her fingers and removed her soiled apron. “Tri! How nice to see you! And you couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. I fear the Blue Ladies were growing a bit weary of my presence since I fuss over them so,” she said, referring to one of her most lovely and fragrant cross breeds as she walked over and gave Triana a welcoming hug. After a moment, Alyssa released her and they removed to the front parlor where she ordered tea. It was quickly served on a scrolled cart, the maid bobbing a curtsy as she left the girls to themselves.
They settled comfortably upon a maroon settee near the window, and chatted for a while over the latest fashions andon dits, but those subject were soon exhausted, as the only thing that seemed to be on everyone’s lips these days was either about the duke, Lady Worthington, or Triana.
Suddenly, Alyssa reached out and took her hand. “You know, I nearly took Aunt Pearl up on her offer to go for an ice at Gunther’s, but now I’m so glad I declined and remained behind.”
Triana sighed. “I’m sorry. I know I should have sent you a note before I just showed up on your doorstep like that…”
Alyssa’s expression became firm. “You know that’s not what I meant! You’re welcome to come over any time. Auntie and I love your company. Besides, I don’t think there was ever a time when we haven’t been friends.”
Triana knew she referred to the simple days of their childhood where they had seen each other practically every day, for their families’ estates in the country bordered one another. “That’s true,” she noted solemnly. “I guess that’s the reason I’m here. I’ve been feeling like an exile lately, so I was in dire need of a friendly face.”
Alyssa rolled her eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic. It’s not that bad.” When Triana just shot her a look, she amended, “Perhaps itisthat bad, but it’s bound to get better. You and I both know that nothing lasts forever.” A faraway look abruptly passed in front of her friend’s expressive green eyes, but just as soon as it appeared, it was gone. She replaced her sudden lapse with a bright smile. “You haven’t said anything about Travell. You two aren’t clashing, are you?”
“Not at the moment.” Triana smiled, knowing she and Travell had undergone their squabbles like any other siblings. “Honestly, I think he’s too busy acting as my protector to argue with me right now, for when he does step outside of his study, it’s only to accompany Mother and I to a ball, and then he disappears not long after we get there. It’s rather frustrating.”
Alyssa took a thoughtful sip of her tea. “I certainly hope he’s not had a run of bad luck at the tables,” she mused aloud.
Triana waved off her friend’s concern. “It’s not very likely. He’s never been prone to do much gambling after the terrible state Father put us in when he left. It was enough of a struggle to lift us up once. I don’t think Travell will let it happen again.”
“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” Alyssa murmured. “Well, I’m out of ideas. Although…” She glanced sideways at Triana before shaking her head. “No, never mind. It’s a silly notion.”
Triana knew that look. It had gotten her into trouble more than once. “Do I even want to know?”
Alyssa tried to appear all innocence, but her eyes spoke volumes as they twinkled mischievously. “It’s nothing, really. I was just thinking of a way you could find out what’s been monopolizing all of Travell’s time.” She paused meaningfully. “If you really wanted to.”
