Her eyes slid to the closed door on the opposite wall — the one which, no doubt, adjoined the master’s chamber.
“Would you be requiring a bath before bed, my lady?” Greta asked, though Triana had to swallow several times before she could speak, her throat having suddenly gone dry.
Somehow, she managed a nod. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”
As Greta left to prepare the water for the large copper tub sitting in the corner of the room, Triana sighed and sank down on the bed, attempting to make any sense of why she was even here.
***
Gabriel didn’t even bother pouring himself a glass of brandy, feeling that a clear head was what was truly required, although a dose of strong spirits wouldn’t be entirely amiss considering the circumstances.
Upon entering the study, a room he hadn’t entered in nearly two decades, he hesitated — his gaze riveted on the massive oak desk that dominated the masculine room as a flood of memories rushed back to haunt him. With a deep breath, he walked over to one of the floor length windows and stared out at the darkness. There was a sudden twinge in his chest as he brought to mind a nearly forgotten stitch in time…
As a boy, he’d had a certain talent for eluding his strict nanny. While he had led her on a merry chase countless times, he always managed to get caught by the irate woman eventually, for while he had a mischievous nature at heart, it was also a very predictable one. He could have hidden in the gardens or the kitchen cupboard, but he found himself continuously drawn to the same place. Most of the time, Gabriel wouldn’t even make his presence known as he just stood inside the doorway of his father’s study, content simply to silently watch his sire as he bent over the estate ledgers and scribbled away, unaware that he was being observed, so intent was he on his work. But if there was one thing the prior duke had firmly believed in, it was to keep a flawless account of one’s holdings. He’d always said that the key to passing down a spotless legacy, and to keeping an age-old fortune from faltering was to maintain a strict household.
After all this time, it was rather ironic that Gabriel was now in possession of the manor, the one thing that had driven him away all those years ago.
With a curse, he pushed his past behind him where it belonged and tried to concentrate on the matter at hand — how he might manage to make it through this night with his sanity intact, knowing that Triana slept under the same roof.
Unbeknownst to Triana, he and Travell had discussed the possibility that Madame Corressa might yet be under surveillance for her ties to theEvening Swan’s captain. They both hoped that wouldn’t be the case, for the courtesan hadn’t been intimate with the man for well over six months. However, since there had been that thread of concern, they had thought it best to keep an eye on Triana, from a distance, of course. It had been planned that Travell was going to be the one at the opera, but since he’d been detained by an urgent missive from the Prime Minister at the last minute Gabriel had stepped in.
Since it was considered a spy mission, Gabriel was careful to retain a proper disguise. He doubted that even Triana had noticed that beneath his greatcoat were the rugged clothes of a stagehand.
Or that they had been followed.
It was a wonder he hadn’t missed the dark figure that began to set off after them as they left the opera house, as furious as he’d been with Eastbury. But after reminding himself that he had to focus, he’d been able to keep his calm, thus alerting him to the potential danger. He was worried Triana might catch on to his sudden awareness, so he had been grateful when he noticed her even breathing, letting him know she’d fallen asleep. That had been all he needed to tell his driver to lose their shadow in the congestion of the city. While he had made sure to give ample compensation to the man for his trouble and his silence, Gabriel was convinced that they hadn’t seen the last of Cordelia’s hired henchmen.
Which was why Gabriel had taken Triana to Chiltern Hall. It was the only place he and Travell agreed no one would look for her — where she’d be safe.
Thankfully, he knew his servants were extremely loyal and discreet, although their allegiance, wasn’t foremost in his mind at the moment. If Travell couldn’t get away from London, he would be alone with Triana for an entire night. A verylongnight.
But, dammit, he would retain control, even if it killed him. He refused to defile his best friend’s sister — no matter how much he desperately wanted to.
He just prayed he would hear from the viscount soon.
As if on cue, there was a light rap on the door as Hannity strode in. He handed him a sealed missive. “This just arrived for you, Your Grace.”
Gabriel dismissed the servant, as he began to read the carefully penned letter from Travell;
I was most aggrieved to receive your message. Unfortunately, we felt that might be the case, which is why we devised this plan. While I’m pleased to hear my sister made such wonderful progress, I fear for the danger we have now put her in,although I trust youunreservedlyto keep her safe.
Even as I write this, I have already senther maid,Genevieve,to the country to visit with her family with my good wishes, giving every impression to our mother that she has joined my sister on a short sojourn to visit the girl’s sick cousin. While Lady Trenton is irate about the entire affair, she will continue to be my concern.
Otherwise, I leave Triana in your capable hands and regrettably tell you that I will be unable to join you this evening. The Prime Minister is quite insistent that I am needed here as there have been new developments in the case, which I will reveal to you on our next meeting.
If you do not hear from me prior, I shall see you within twodays’ timeat the appointed rendezvous.
—Curdiff
Gabriel crumpled the note in his fist.
Bloody hell.
***
Triana closed her eyes in calm serenity the minute she sank down into the steaming, rose-scented water. Unfortunately, the contentment didn’t last longer than it took to open her eyes — and spy that closed door. The one that taunted her, reminding her that it led to the master’s chamber…
With a long-suffering sigh, Triana scrubbed at her pale skin until it practically glowed with a pinkish hue, the joy of a soaking bath evaporating like the steam. She quickly dried herself off, having dismissed Greta some time earlier. She certainly didn’t wish to be fussed over as if she were the duchess of the house.
