She moved to the opposite side of the railing, in order to keep as much distance between them as possible. Shehadtold Travell that she could handle her cousin, but she didn’t wish to test that theory unnecessarily. “I merely returned to speak with Daisy,” she lied easily, knowing her maid would back up her claim. “It’s time I returned.”
Alyssa started to move past James, intent on putting an end to their conversation, but he turned and began to follow her down the stairs, his steps uneven. “There’sh no need to rush off. Perhapsh we can shpend shome time alone together.”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so. You need time to sober up before we can converse in a proper fashion.”
He laughed and the scent of brandythat wafted off him nearly made her eyes water. “Don’t be shilly. Come’ere.” He reached for her, but Alyssa easily avoided him as she sidestepped his advance.
However, without anything to stop his forward momentum, he began to waver unsteadily, eventually losing the fight for balance. Alyssa gasped in horror as he tumbled down the stairs, landing on the hardwood with a decided sprawl. She lifted her skirts and immediately rushed to his aid, for while she didn’t care for his continued attempts at seduction, that didn’t mean she wished for him to be hurt.
“James!” She touched his shoulder gingerly and relief flooded her with she heard a slight groan that proved he was alive.“Help!”she shouted.
The butler and a footman quickly appeared. The moment they saw their master on the floor, shock filled their gazes. “The baron has suffered a fall down the stairs,” she explained. “Please take him to his room and send for the physician to ensure nothing’s broken. I’m going to inform Lady Lockley of the incident.”
“Yes, my lady.” The butler lifted Lord Lockley’s torso, while the footman took his legs. Together they started the climb back to the second floor, as Alyssa donned her redingote and bonnet.
She walked outside to a gust of wind that nearly ripped the hat off of her head. The sky was darkening rather ominously to the west, so she knew she had little time to spare. She climbed into the carriage and instructed the driver to return to Rosewood in all due haste.
Alyssa closed her eyes until they finally reached their destination, where she jumped out without assistance the moment it rolled to a stop. Ives opened the door and took one look at her and knew something was wrong. “The viscount and Lady Lockley are taking a walk in the gardens, my lady.”
Frustration coursing through her veins, Alyssa rushed around the side of the house. It didn’t take her long to find Travell and Caroline—although she hadn’t expected to find them in such a compromising position. The viscount was pressed up against the hedge, as the baroness kissed him passionately.
She cleared her throat and Travell’s head instantly snapped up, where he carefully disentangled himself from the lady.
“Alyssa,” Caroline said rather breathlessly. “I wasn’t expecting you back quiteso soon.”
“Apparently,” she snapped in return. “There’s been an accident. Jamesfelldown the stairs.”
Caroline’s blue eyes instantly widened.
“I sent for thevillagephysicianto access any injuries, but I thought you might want to attend to him. He is yourhusband, after all.” She made a point to emphasize that bit of information.
But instead of eliciting a sympathetic response, Caroline snorted. “The foolish drunkard,” she spat. “I’ve warned him about his excessive drink. Maybe now he will listen to reason.” She started to walk away, but then paused when she realized Alyssa wasn’t following her. “Aren’t you coming?”
Alyssa paused. “I’ll be there in a moment.”
Caroline’s eyes narrowed, but she merely huffed and headed for the carriage.
Only whenshe was out of earshot, did Alyssa turn to Travell with a glare, but since there was nothing she could say to express her distaste regarding his actions, she was fully prepared to leave him standing there looking as though he was a child with his hand caught in theproverbialcookie jar.
Heshoved a hand through his hair, thosecoolblue eyes turbulent.“It’s not what you’re thinking.”
She rolled her eyes. “Of course it’s not,” she returned snidely. “It never is.”
He pointed toward the direction Caroline had gone. “Shekissedme. Trust me, there is a vast difference.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Alyssa sighed. “I think Ijust…need to take a break from Rosewood for a while.”
Travell jerked as if she’d struck him. “Why? Because of what youthinkyou saw?”
Alyssa wasn’t about to tell him the true reason she required some distance. She had no doubt that Caroline had instigated that little interlude she’d come upon. No, the trouble was her heart. She was falling for Travell too hard and too fast. She’d always loved him, but if she wasn’t careful, she would ruinany chance she had at happiness before his eyes were finally open enough to truly see her.
He set his hands on his lean hips and she swallowed at the stiff set of his shoulders. “What about your roses? Do you intend to just let them die?”
“I’ll send Daisy over to water them and give me a report. If it is something urgent, then of course, I will see to them. Butasthey are thriving in their current environment,I don’t see any cause for concern.”
He stared at her intently, until she had to fight the urge to fidget under such a direct glare. “So, that’s it then? You’re leaving me when I need you the most? When myfatherneeds you?”
She swallowed thickly. “You managed before I arrived and you’ll do fine after I leave. Mr. Lyridon promised that he would send another trusted colleague to your door,and I believe him to be a man of honor. Besides,” she added quietly. “We both know I can’t stay here forever.”
