Daisy gasped, completely drawn intothe possibility.
Instead of indulging the same fantastical ideas that were swimming about her mind, Alyssa said, “I’m sure it’s nothing out of the ordinary. Either way, we will find out tomorrow. I might even mention it to Caroline at breakfast to gauge her reaction. But for now, I’d like to prepare for bed.”
“Yes, my lady.” Daisy sounded rather disappointed as Alyssa gave the maid her back, where she began working on the rows of buttons.
But while Alyssa attempted to appear calm and poised, her heart was still racing with the news of Lady Fremont’s visit, because something told her it wasn’t just by chance.
***
The next morning, Alyssawent downstairs, preparedfor battle. She’d lain awake half thenight going over her strategy, for the more she considered Lady Fremont’s arrival, she decided it wasn’t just coincidence. While she didn’t want to imagine that there was some sort of conspiracy at hand, neither could she discount the fact that if Caroline’s mother was anything like her daughter, Travell could have a real problem on his hands.
However, the moment she entered the dining room, she didn’t have the chance to approach Caroline, for she lifted her head and offered Alyssa a brilliant smile. “Ah, there you are, Little Mouse.” God, how she detested that nickname. “I thought I might go with you to call upon Lord Curdiff this morning and see how his father is faring.”
She daintily wiped her mouth with her napkin, but her innocent demeanor didn’t fool Alyssa. Now, more than ever she was convinced there was something else going on here.But since she couldn’t very well tell her that she couldn’t go, she forced a smile and said, “I’m sure he would appreciate that.”
“I rather hoped to gain an audience with that mesmerist as well,” Caroline noted.
That, at least, Alyssa could prevent. “I fear he was heading back to London this morning.”
“Oh.” She appeared truly disappointed. Alyssa could only imagine why. “That’s a shame.”
Carolinestood toher feet as gracefully as a queen. “I’ll call for the carriage and have it brought’round. Join me in the foyer when you’re ready.” She smiled rather pointedly. “You shouldn’t wish to skip breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day.”
As she walked away, Alyssa had to grit her teeth. It was going to be a long day stuck in that woman’s company. Unfortunately, she knew that it was Travell who would have to suffer.
She ate her eggs and kippers as quickly as she could manage and gathered her redingote and bonnet from the footman. Daisy was nowhere to be found.
When Alyssa inquired after her maid, Caroline offered another sunny smile. “I told her that I would be chaperoning you today, so she could remain behind.”
Alyssahad to fight to hold her tongue. “But what if you should wish to return earlier?”If only I could be so lucky…
“I shall be quite content to wait for you. I daresay I’m rather curious as to how you could spend so much time at Rosewood. Surely your flowers don’t require that much care.” She leaned forward almost conspiratorially, as if imparting a secret that Alyssa was already in on. “I’m starting to thinkyour interest lies more in the viscount.”
“I’ve told you several times that Travell and I are friends and nothing more.” A few passionate kisses notwithstanding. Although, she didn’t offer that particular bit of information as it was none ofCaroline’sbusiness.
Caroline didn’t reply, but the smirk that touched her lips was enough of a confirmation that she didn’t believe a word Alyssa said.
But then, it wasn’t really the truth, was it?
Alyssa clenched her fists in her lap as they rode the short distance to Rosewood. When they stopped near the front door, Ives opened the door to greet her, as had become his habit, but she could tell his eyes shuttered slightly when he saw that instead of her ladies’ maid, Lady Lockley had joined her.
Without even giving the servant a flicker of a glance, she handed her outerwear over to him and instructed, “Please inform your master that Lady Lockley has called.”
As he passed her things to a waiting footman, he inclined his head. “Of course, my lady.But first, shall I show you into the parlor?”
As she joined Ives, he glanced back at Alyssa who pointed towardthe direction ofTravell’s study. He nodded slightly and she quickly scurried in that direction before Caroline could recall her to her side.
Breathless, Alyssa knocked lightly onthe closed wood. When she heard the gruff command to enter from inside, she opened the door and shut it behind her quickly. She leaned against the hard oak and released a deep breath, which caused Travell to stand up from behind his desk with a look of deep concern on his face.
“What’s wrong?”
She glanced at him in empathy. “Caroline insisted on joining me this morning.” She closed her eyes temporarily. “She’s in the parlor waiting for Ives to come collect you.”
He released a heavy sigh of his own. “I rather hoped I would be through with the lady after her last visit, but apparently not.” He grimaced. “I can only imagine what she wants with me now.”
“I think I can answer that.” Alyssa pushed away from the door and stood on the other side of his desk. She laid her hands on the top and leaned forward slightly. “Her mother’s carriage was leaving Breyton Hall when I returned home last night. I can’t say how long she was there, or what her purpose was, but this morning, Caroline was rather eager to see you again.”
Travell instantly muttered a curse and shoved a hand through his thick hair. “I hope word about my father’s condition isn’t already spreading in London. That’s the last thing I need to contend with right now.”
