Alyssa sighed in relief as she joined Daisy, but she didn’t miss the silhouette of Lady Lockley standing in the doorway as they departed.
When they rolled to a stop in front of Rosewood, Alyssa stepped to the ground just as Iveswalkedout to greet her. “Lady Alyssa.” He bowed reverentlyas Daisy headed for the kitchens at the back of the house. Lately, she’d been assisting Cook with her herb garden.
Alyssasmiled in return. It certainly hadn’t taken long for her to gain the respect of the household, for her dedication to either master had not gone unnoticed, as well as the factthatDaisy had been sorely lacking as a chaperone.However, her presence was mainly for appearances to appease her cousin and Caroline.
“Good day, Ives. I regret that I was detained this morning.”They walked inside and she glanced toward the stairs that led to the earl’s bedchamber. “How is Lord Trenton today?”
“Calm, my lady.” He smiled stiffly and she feared that meant he’d been drugged for most of the time.
“I see. And Lord Curdiff?”
“He’s in the dining roomhavingluncheon.”
Since she didn’t wish to disturb Travell,she said, “In that case, I’ll just check on my roses—”
Ives gently cleared his throat. “On the contrary, the viscount requested that you join himwhenyou arrived.”
Alyssa’s breath hitched, as it did every time she considered the prospect of seeing Travell. “Very well.”
“Would you like an escort?” the butler asked, and something in his tone made her frown.
“No. I know the way.” Alyssaheaded in that direction, for while it had been many years since she’d wanderedthrough these halls, each room was still as familiar to her as Breyton Hall. But then, she had happily explored every single inch with Triana. She could almost hear their childish laughter as they ran through the expanse, inventing stories of brave knights and their damsels in distress. Even back then, Alyssa had pictured Travell in that noble role.
She smiled at her own musings and entered the massive dining room. A large, mahogany table took up most of the expanse, while a stone fireplace and a tapestry of a battle scene was depicted above. With such inspiration, it was no wonder two young girls with vivid imaginations had made up the stories they had.
“I wondered if you were going to come by today.”
Alyssa looked at Travell, who was nursing a glass of some sort of amber liquid. “I apologize. I fear I overslept.”
He blew out a breath. “That’s a relief. I thought you were upset with me.”
She walked over to the table and sat down when a nearby footman held out a chair for her. “Why would I be?”
His eyes were intenseand slightly glazedas they landed on her. “Because of our interlude in the conservatory. And the day before in my study.”
Alyssa’s cheeks instantly warmed, and instead of holding Travell’s gaze, she concentrated on laying the cloth napkin in her lap. “Don’t be silly. It was simply a moment of weakness during a tumultuous time.”
He snorted, as afootman set down abowl of soup in front ofher. “If you wish to keep telling yourself that, then by all means.”
Alyssa picked up her spoon and stared into the tantalizing fare, ignoring the slight jab. It was white soup, one of her favorites, but even though it was steaming, the scent causing her stomach to grumble, she could tell that Travell was in a rather sour mood andthatlessened her enjoyment of the meal.She’d never known Travellto be in his cups before.Even Triana had told her that heseldomimbibed, and yet, the stress of his father’s condition must be bothering him more than he wantedto let on.
“Did the earl have a restless night?” she askedgently.
Again, he snorted. “You think that’s what’s bothering me?”He drained the liquid in his glass and set it down with a decidedthunk. He leaned forward and Alyssa had no choice but to return her focus to him. She nearly gasped at the look of pure torment twisting his features. “I hate to disappoint you, but my current ailments have nothing to do with Lord Trenton.” His voice turned harsh. “It’syou, Alyssa Breyton, who has me tied up in knots.”
She slowly set down her spoon, clasping both of her hands in her lap where they twisted nervously. “I can’t imagine why I—”
“I can’t rid myself of the taste of your lips, the feel of your skin.” His fist clenched on the table. “I go to bed every night praying for sleep, but it continues to elude me. If I do manage to close my eyes for a brief time, I wake up with the sheets twisted around me, my body aching for—”
Alyssa abruptlyroseand threw down her napkin. His words not only shocked her, but they thrilled a small part of her as well. Either way, she couldn’t allow such crude behavior to continue. “You forget yourself, Lord Curdiff,” she said curtly.“I think I’ll return when you are in better spirits.”
She started to stalk off, but she made it only a handful of steps before he halted her progress with a hand on each of her upper arms. “Please. Don’t leave.” His breath was heavy against her neck, as he rested his forehead against the back of her head. “Don’t leave me.”
Alyssa closed her eyes against the heartfelt plea. He might be intoxicated because of the brandy that wafted around her, but her weakness for him was just as strong. But that didn’t mean she had to be treated in such a disrespectful manner. “If I stay, there will be no more crude remarks?”
“I swear it.”His grip tightened slightly, as if he wanted to convey the seriousness of his words. “I’m…sorry.”
Alyssa nodded, and without another word, she returned to her seat and sat down. Travell also returned to his, but instead of choosing to refill his empty brandy glass, he requested a strong cup of teafrom a nearby footman.
