He stilled.“How?”
“The day your father attacked me, he thought I was your mother.He mentioned it then.” Her hand fluttered to her throat. But when she glanced at him, she quickly set it back in her lap.
His jaw clenched. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I meant to,” she returned. “But I was so out of sorts that day, and the next morning I arrived late and you were rather…”She paused, as if to find the right word. “Overset. After that, I suppose it just slipped my mind.”
Travell certainly couldn’tblameher when it was his boorish behavior that wasat fault.
“Are you acquainted with Lord Fremont?”
He took another drink. “Not as yet. But I intend to rectify that at the earliest opportunity. Perhaps I might even make a trip to London tomorrow.”
“Are you sure that’s wise?” she asked softly. “You wouldn’t wish to confront him without due provocation.”
“My father’s insanity isn’t enough of a reason?” Travell snapped. When her gaze drifted to the floor, he sighed. “I’m sorry, Alyssa.I don’t mean to take out my frustrations on you, but this man is at the heart of my father’s madness,and I want to know why. He might not have just been having an affair with my mother, but he could very well be behind the poisoning the earl keeps ranting on about.”
Her eyes widened. “Do you really think so?”
Travell shrugged. “I don’t know. But I intend to find out.” As he downed the last of his drink, he set it aside and said, “I also think it’s time I send for Lady Trenton as well.”
Chapter Twelve
When Alyssa headed over to Rosewood the next morning, after another strained, but polite breakfast at Breyton Hall, she arrived to find that Travell had left at dawn for London. Her spirits sank, but she knew he was on a quest to uncover answers and shecertainlycouldn’t censure him for it. If the roles were reversed, she’d want the same.She just prayed that he didn’t meet with any further oppositionwhen he got there.
As she headed for the conservatorywith Daisy at her side,Travell’s guestwas walking down the stairs and offered her a respectful smile. “Good morning, Lady Alyssa.”
She inclined her head in greeting. “Mr. Lyridon.”
He joinedthemand said, “I assume you’re here to check on your roses?”
She smiled. “Indeed. I am.” She tilted her head to the side. “Would you like to see them?”
He grinned in return. “I would be delighted.”
As he followedthemdown the hall, she paused before the conservatory door. The moment she opened it to reveal the bright, healthy blossoms, their natural perfume filling the warm, humid air, she was glad to see that he appeared genuinely impressed.
Daisy, giving them a moment alone to talk, gathered the watering cans and left to fill them.
“This is…incredible,” he said with a touch of awe.
Alyssawasslightly embarrassedin the face of his praise, but proud of her accomplishments all the same. “Thank you. I’ve worked very hard to keep them that way.”
He lightly touched one of the petals of her Blue Ladies. “I’ve never quite seen their equal before.” He turned to her, his silver gaze filled with excitement. “Surely these aren’t natural.”
“Actually, no,” she admitted. “They are a rare cross-breed that I developed.”
His jaw slackened. “Have you sent a specimen to the Horticultural Society? I imagine that they would be fascinated by this.”
Alyssawinced. But then, any mention of theSociety sentherhappiness spiraling downward. “I’ve tried many times to gain an audience with the Society, but since I’m a woman, any requests have been denied, even with the backing from the Duchess of Coyton, where she personally sent them a letter on my behalf. It was also declined.”
He turned to her and empathy was visible on his face. “I’m sorry to hear that, my lady. I fear it is a man’s world.” He paused thoughtfully and said, “But if you would permit me, I might be able to help you. One of the members owes me a personal favor.Perhaps I can get him to grant you an audience. Or, at least, your Blue Ladies.”
Instantly, her heart started to pound with excitement, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up just yet. “That would be wonderful!”
He eyed her steadily. “It’s obvious you have a particular talent, my lady. I should hate to see it wasted.” He paused and winked at her. “And I daresay I could use your assistance with the earl in the interim. I wouldconsiderit a fair exchange of services.”
Alyssanodded. “Thenconsider it a partnership, Mr. Lyridon. For you have yourself a deal.”
