She sighed dramatically, and it was all Travell could do not to snort at the blatant lies that rolled so easily off of her tongue. He’d already discussed Alyssa with her, and it was obvious she cared more for her own comfort than the grief Alyssa still carried around with her.
Travell’s frown suddenly deepened, for he supposed he’d failed Alyssa as well. He’d been so focused on his own need for her, that he forgot she was still nursing some inner wounds of her own. Shame, hot and cutting, tore through him and he vowed that he would make it all up to her at the earliest convenience.
“I’m sure you understand my continued concern, Lord Curdiff.” Caroline batted her lashes at him.
“I do,” he returned tersely. “But I fear it’s misplaced. I admire Lady Alyssa. She’s always been an important part of my sister’s life.” He paused. “And mine. I told you before that you have no cause for worry. Now, if you will excuse me?”
He spurred his mount forward without even glancing back.
***
Alyssa turned away from the window in her bedchamber. She had witnessed the interaction between the two people on horseback and found a smile finally stretched her mouth. She knew the man was Travell, for he was the only onewho might haveriddento the top of the hill and watch over the manor from a distance. With his dark greatcoat flowing in the breeze, she imagined that he was a highwayman, coming to rescue her from the tower of the mad witch.
Butit wasn’t until the lady in questionrode up beside himthatAlyssa’s brief, childish fantasy withered and died. However, once it became apparent the viscount was in no mood to engage with Caroline, Alyssa’s heart lifted. As he rode away, she could see the stiff set to her cousin’s wife’s shoulders as she rode back to Breyton Hallalone.
No doubt Caroline would be in a sour mood to have been spurned by Travell once again, when it was obvious that she considered herself to be a gift when it came to the male species. The factthatTravell was immune to Caroline’s charms pleased Alyssa to no end.
But as she’d watched them converse, she could understand how Travell might have overreacted to the sight of her with Mr. Lyridon, especially after he’d had such a difficult day in London. Alyssa certainly hadn’t appreciatedCaroline’s interference that day at Rosewood, any more than she wanted her to continue her pursuit of Travell right beneath her husband’s nose. Either James was ignorant of the fact his wife was hoping to obtain a lover, or else he preferred to turn a blind eye to her peccadilloes.
Either way, the last few days had been pure torture for her. Alyssa had told herself countless times that she was right in spending as little time at Rosewood as possible in an effort to avoid Travell’s advances. While she loved him with all her heart, she didn’t want to make a mistake that would be irreversible. She knew that if she gave in to her attraction to him that it would be wrong, because in time, he would grow distant andeventually tire of her. She’d seen the same pattern countless times through the years. He might imagine she was different, but until Travell could finally confront the demons from his past, he couldn’t truly open his heart to anyone. He might believe that he could, but she knew the truth, even if he refused to confront it.
Unfortunately, the key to everything depended on Lord Trenton and his ability to break through his own troubled mind, but with any luck, Mr. Lyridon would unlock that long closed door.
Feeling restless, Alyssa decided it was time to venture out beyond her bedchamber and since it was another sunny day, she decided she really should be taking advantage of this lovely fall weather, for these coveted days in England didn’t last long.
Deciding that she would takePosyout for a ride, she rang for Daisy,who assisted her into a plum velvet riding habit. “Are you going into the village, my lady?”
Alyssa considered that.Perhaps another visit to the vicar would soothe her wayward thoughts.“Maybe I will.”
“You should. Today is the annual harvest fair, a reaping celebration to give thanks for a good crop.” Daisy reddened slightly. “I’ve heard the other servants talking about ithere and at Rosewood.”
“I see.” Alyssa frowned slightly. “I’m confused. Isn’t that what Michaelmas is for?”
Daisy laughed. “They aren’t passing up the opportunity to pluck a fattened goose during the harvest moon, but from what I understand, that day is a bit more reserved, which is why they host the fair.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “The scullery maid said it’s just an excuse for the men to get soused on ale and actthefools.”
“I see.” Alyssa smiled as Daisy handed her a matching bonnet.“I daresay it won’t be quite as grand as the Bartholomew Fair going on in London this month, but I’m sure it’s worth checking out.”
“If I might be permitted, I’d like to go this evening.” Hermaid’seyes practically gleamed. “There’s talk of a dance.”
Alyssa winked at her. “Of course. I daresay you shouldn’t miss it. And I’m sure there will be several gentlemen who will ask you to partner with them.”
The younger girl’sfaceinstantly brightened. “Thank you, my lady.”
As Alyssamade her way to the outskirts of the village, she saw that it was rather crowded.Vegetablestalls surrounded the main thoroughfare with men and women alike hawking their wares, as children scurried about, their laughter making Alyssa smile.One buxom woman walked by pulling a young boy with one hand while holding her skirts up with the other. She didn’t look happy.
Alyssa realized that this wasthe distraction thatshe’d needed.
She led her mare over to the church and tiedPosy’s reinsto a tree. As she dismounted, the door to the chapel opened and the vicar walked out. As he spied her, he offered her a welcoming grin. “Lady Alyssa. It’s good to see you again.” He gestured to the buzz in the marketplace. “And you’ve arrived at the perfect time.”
“Mr.Adams.” She inclined her head. “I daresay the fair looks very intriguing.”
“Indeed, it is.” He held up a hand. “But be cautious. Some of the folk tend to allow the celebration to warp their good sense.”
“Thank you for the warning, Mr.Adams,” she returned.
He clasped his hands before him. “I hope you found the answers you were seeking the other day.”
Alyssa’s face warmed slightly as she recalled herinterlude with Travell inside the church, where he’d made that ridiculous proposal. “I fear it will be a work in progress,” she demurred.
