Together, they settled in for the performance.
Chapter Fourteen
Alyssa rode back to Breyton Hall beside Travell and barely withheld a sigh of contentment. Today had been one of the most enjoyable days she’d had since returning to her father’s former estate. While she still felt her aunt’s loss rather keenly, for Pearl had always enjoyed the Bartholomew Fair and its entertainments in London, at least today was the first time Alyssa hadn’t fought the urge to burst into tears when she thought of the lady.
She glanced at Travell who had insisted on escorting her home before he headed for Rosewood, even though she’d assured him that she would be perfectly fine, though it was starting tobecomedusk.However, it was evident that she wouldn’t have any trouble on the road, for as the vicar had said; most of the villagers were already deep in their cups once the nightly entertainment had begun.
Once their identities had been discovered, the villagers were more than welcoming,many of them Travell or Lord Lockley’s tenants.But while Travell was well received, the baron and his wife were not.“Theynever bother t’ step foot ‘ere.” The blacksmith hadsaid, as he’d spit on the ground. “Tha’ wife o’ his thinks she’s too high in th’ instep t’ mingle wit’ us common folk.”
This hadn’t settled well with Alyssa, for she knew her parents had always joined the local festivities. In the morning, she intended to have a word with her cousin.
As they rode up in front of Breyton Hall,a groom took the reins from her as she dismounted. As he ledPosyaway, she glanced up at Travell. “Thank you for seeing me home, even though I told you it wasn’t necessary.”
“Your safety is my main priority,” he returned firmly, the possessiveness in his voice causing her toes to curl in her boots.
“I appreciate your concern,” she returned politely. “Good night, Lord Curdiff.”
His blue eyes caught the light of the moon and twinkled like the night sky. “Sweet dreams, Lady Alyssa.”
Alyssa wanted to hug herself as she strode up the steps to the manor, but she forced herself to retain her outward poise. She heard Travell ride off as she walked in the foyer.
“Alyssa? Is that you?”
Her bubble of happiness dissipated at the sound of Caroline’s voice coming from the front parlor. “Yes.”
The baroness appeared in the doorway like an ethereal being in her light blue dress, her hair styled becomingly, like a golden halo atop her head. “I’d like to speak with you, if you have a moment.”
“Of course.” Alyssa wanted to sigh as she walked toward the parlor. She should have known that after Travell accompanied her home she wouldn’t be able to go to her room without any interruption. The woman had likely been watching for her return from the window.
As they settled across from one another, Alyssa couldn’t help but think she was facing off with an adversary. While Caroline’s face was perfectly serene, it was her blue eyes that sparked with malicious intent. “I see that you were out riding with Lord Curdiffthis afternoon.”
“Actually,” Alyssa corrected. “We’d just returned from the village festival.”
Caroline tossed her head. “Those commoners send us an invitation to their little gathering every year. As if I would attend without a single member of the gentry present.” She snorted. “However, if I would have known the viscount would be attending, I might have persuaded James to go.”
Alyssa clenched herhands in her lap. “Lord Curdiff believes that a little goodwill inspires loyalty in his tenants.”
“They will be loyal to Breyton Hall if they don’t wish to beevicted,” Caroline shot back.
It was all Alyssa could do not to get up and walk out. The woman was insufferable. “And does my cousin share your opinion?”
Lady Lockley’s eyes filled with a haughty ire. “Myhusbandstands by me in all things. I was an earl’s daughter before I married him. While I lowered myself to do so, his wealth was a powerful incentive.”
Alyssa blinked. She couldn’t imagine why Caroline didn’t wish to spend moreof her time in London. She would fit in perfectly with the rest of the nobility who liked to boast about their superiority, whether it was winning a betat White’s, orensnaring the hand of a duke. It was one of the reasons Alyssa only attended certain events when she knew one of her closest friends would be in attendance. Otherwise, she found it difficult to stomach all the false politeness.
Weary of beating about the bush, Alyssa said boldly, “Naturally, while it’s your business when it comes to disparaging your own circumstances, I fail to see what any of this has to do with me.”
Caroline’s mouth pursed together.“Don’t you?” Her lips tilted upward at the corners. “You have responsibilities to this family to show a modicum of respectability and gallivanting all over the countryside without a chaperone will cause talk that will reach London.I will not stand for it. You will either cease your actions immediately, or I will ensure that you do.”
Alyssa stilled. “Are you threatening me?”
Caroline shrugged. “Call it what you will. Since James has not seen fit to remind you of your place, it falls to me to attempt to curb your shameless behavior before you are branded as a harlot and drag the Breyton name through the mud along with you.”
Alyssa wasn’t even sure how to respond, she only knew that she wasn’t going to sit here and be attacked any longer. She stood. “I think you’ve made yourself perfectly clear, Lady Lockley. Good night.”
She walked out of the room, but instead of heading to her chamber, she went in search of her cousin. Perhaps he might be able to sort things out with his darling wife.
Alyssa found him in his study. He was sitting by the fire with a glass dangling from his fingertips. “James?” He glanced up with a brief squint and her heart plummeted. If he was that deep in his cups, she feared he wouldn’t be able to see reason. She started to back out of the room. “I’m sorry. We can speak later—”
