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 tochange 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 maidbegan 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 cityfor 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 doingeverything she couldfor 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 readiedherselffor 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 morningwith 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 notjustreferring tomy Blue Ladies.”
“Yes, my lady. It won’t happen again.”
Alyssa went downstairswith Daisy at her side, but when shewould havemade her escape,Jamesstoppedherin 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 Lockleyglanced 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 hesmiledand 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 merelyareflection from my gown.” She turned and gathered her redingote, quickly buttoning it at the top, before she facedthe womanonce more. “Now, if you’ll excuse me?I really should be going.”
She didn’t give Caroline the chance to reply before she wasrushing out the door.
