***
Alyssa watched as Travell paced the floor in the parlor as he waited for his father to come down. At first, he’d been reticent to the idea of allowing the earl’s bonds to be removed, but after Mr. Lyridon had reminded him that he’d shown no further signs of violent activity and that it was time that they allowed him some freedom, Travell had agreed.
Now, as they waited for him and Lord Trenton to join them,it was apparent thatTravell’s anxiety was growing.
“Everything’s going to be fine.”But even as she uttered the words, her hand instinctively went to her throat were her bruises had faded to a light yellow.
“You can say that after he tried to strangle you?” He waved a hand at the teacart. “And this time, there are possible weapons. One broken porcelain plate…”
She laid a gentle hand on his arm.“Don’t look for problems that aren’t there.Mr. Lyridon wouldn’t have suggested allowing this if he didn’t think the earl was ready. At least give him a chance.”
The sounds of murmured voices riveted Travell’s attention on the doorway. A few moments later Talon and Lord Trenton walked through.
The change was remarkable. No longer was the earl in a nightshirt, but he was fully dressed from the top of his cravat, down to the pair of shining boots on his feet. Alyssa glanced at Travell to gauge his reaction, and she could tell by the way his throat worked that he was doing his best to conceal his emotions. He bowed lightly. “Lord Trenton.”
The earl actually chuckled and strode forward. “Is that any way to greet your father, m’boy?” He put his arms around Travell, and after a brief pause he returned the embrace.
As they broke apart, the earlturned to her. “And who is this lovely young lady? Surely not little Alyssa Breyton!”
Alyssa glanced at Mr. Lyridon in surprise, and then, remembering her manners, she dipped into a light curtsy. “It’s good to see you again, Lord Trenton,” she murmured.
“Oh, stuff and nonsense!” he laughed heartily. “There was a time, not so many years ago, that you used to frolic about the grounds with my Triana. I imagined I was like a second father to you. Has that changed?”
“No, my lord.” She offered a genuine smile, for this boisterous man was just as she remembered from her youth. It was hard to imagine that he was incoherent and hallucinating only a few days ago, when now, he appeared to be as hale and hearty as ever.
“Why don’t you have a seat, Lord Trenton?”
The earl glanced at Mr. Lyridon and nodded his head, perfectly content as he settled on the settee. As he began to examine the treats that were available, Travell walked over to the barrister. Careful to keep his voice low, he asked, “How is this…possible?”
Alyssa noted the catch in his voice, and realized that this was the breakthrough that he’d been praying for.
“It was rather by accident,” Talon returned in the same low tone. “As you know, I’ve been trying to unlock the secrets of his past, to get to the root of his condition, butthis morning, it was as if something clicked in his brain.” He glanced at the earl. “He doesn’t appear to realize anything is amiss, as if the last several years were wiped clear of anything unpleasant, but at least he’slucid and appears to be living in the present. Unfortunately, I can’t promise how long it might last. Something could easily trigger his subconscious and he might relapse.”
Travell nodded. “At least he’s here with us now.”
***
Travell couldn’t say when he’d enjoyed an afternoon more. His father had been returned to him at long last. Even if it was only temporarily, it was better than thattormented shell. This man was the one who had set aside his ledgers to play a game of cricket with his son. As Travell grew older, he realized how lucky he’d been to enjoy such a close relationship with his sire, for most men of his station would have chosen work and responsibilities over all else. But not Lord Trenton.
It was these memories that had always haunted Travell, and why he couldn’t understand why, on the night of Triana’s debut ball, his father had thrown everything aside. Lord Trenton’s actions had never made sense to him; for such selfishness didn’t coincide with the man he’d always known.
Perhaps thatwaswhy Travell had thrown himself into his position at Whitehall so thoroughly. As an agent, he could study a criminal’s thought process and predicthisnext move. If he was wrong, he would try to figure out what he’d missed, reflect on where he’d erred.
He’d put this same practice into trying to uncover his father’s secrets, wondering if the warning signs had been there as he’d grown up and he’d justoverlookedthem, or chosen to ignorethem outright. But every single time he would come up empty handed, no closer to the truth than before.
At leastnow, he could take comfort in the facthis father had taken one step forward, even if he had to suffer two steps back.Today hadgiven Travell hope thatwith patience and perseverance, he would gain the answers he’d been seeking for the past seven years.
Once tea was concluded and Ives had escorted his father back to his chamber, Travell looked to Mr. Lyridon, as Alyssa stood quietly by his side. “What now?”
The younger man shrugged. “There’s nothing we can do but wait and hope that his memory resurfaces so that we might peel back the layers of his condition. With any luck, that will be all that’s required to allow a full recovery.” He sighed. “Unfortunately, I have to return to Londonfirst thingin the morning, but I may have a colleague who can continue the earl’s treatments in my absence, and he’s a doctor. I will write to him this evening.”
Travell stuck out his hand in a gesture of goodwill, which the barrister accepted. “Thank you for everything, Mr. Lyridon. You have truly beenan asset.”
“I’m glad I was able to help. I firmly believe that mesmerism shouldn’t be discounted for its healing benefits of the mind.” He smiled. “I fully intend to continue my studies into the subject.”
“I’ll gladly offer you any support that you might require,” Travell returned. “You’ve certainly made a believer out of me.”
Once Mr. Lyridon retired, Travell turned to Alyssa. She reached out and threaded her fingers through his, the intimate gesture meaning more to him than she could ever know. “We should count today as a blessing.”
