At least James had fully recovered from his injuries. Other than a bump on the head, the localphysicianhadn’t been concerned from his unfortunate spill down the stairs. Caroline, of course, had acted as the perfect, doting wife upon their return, cooing over the baron as if he was a childin need of constant care.
Alyssa was just grateful that, other than a polite greeting upon her arrival at dinner each evening, James made sure the meal remained a stilted affair. When Caroline attempted to make conversation, he would murmur some noncommittal reply, and then retire to his study once it was over, to drink or reflect on his poor life choices, Alyssa couldn’t say, but neither did she care. After two unwanted advances, she was through feeling sorry for him and his unfaithful wife.
The very next day after James’ injury, Caroline had returned to Rosewood, presumably to give the viscount an update on the baron when she could have just as easily sent word by messenger. But she returned a short time later after being denied an audience with Travell. Alyssa could tell that she wasn’t pleasedat being dismissed, but again, she didn’t really care.
Alyssa found that she was content to stay in her room or, if the same four walls became too much to bear, she would venture down to the library for a change of scene. She found her escape in the leather tomes, their musty scent a source of comfort when she could easily allow her own despondency to envelop her, especially as her twenty-fifth birthday approached. While it meant that her trust would finally be available to her, she was hesitant to start making preparations to travel to America. She told herself it was merely because she had plenty of time, but that was a lie.She was torn about leaving Travell.
She opened her eyes and stood up, moving away from the window. That was enough time spent on melancholy. It was time to begin the day, however morose the weather might be.
She rang for Daisy and sat down at her dressing table as she waited patiently for her maid to attend her. The younger girl arrived moments later with a slight curtsy. “Good morning, my lady. Would you like your breakfast tray now?”
Other than making her daily appearance at dinner, Alyssa generally chose to take her breakfast and lunch in her room and afternoon tea in the library. “I find that my appetite has deserted me this morning, Daisy. If you couldjust bring me a cup of tea, that would be wonderful.”
“Yes, my lady.”
The maid returned a short time later with a silver tray. After Alyssa held a cup of the steaming liquid, she could tell that her spirits were already starting to improve. She had just taken a sip when there was a brisk knock at her bedchamber door. She frowned as Daisy went to open it. The butler stood on the other side. “Pardon the intrusion, my lady, but there is a gentleman here who is most insistent to see you.”
Alyssa’s heart lodged in her throat as she imagined Travell waiting downstairs.After swallowing down her anticipation, she managed to ask, “Who is it?”
“Dr. Jacob Perimore.”
She shook her head, more disappointed than she wanted to admit. “I don’t know anyone by that name. Kindly send him on his way.”
“Wait.” Daisy’s entreaty caught her attention. “That’s the name of the new mesmerist at Rosewood.”
Yet again, Alyssa’s attention rose, but for a different reason altogether. “Indeed.” She stood and grabbed her dressing robe, tying it around her waist. “In that case, I’ll see him.”
The butler stood aside as she rushed downstairs. She found a man in the foyer holding a crumpled hat in his hands. He looked to be in his mid-to-late forties with fading dark hair and silver at his temples. When he glanced up and saw her, his face relaxed slightly, but his dark eyes were intent. “Lady Alyssa?”
“Yes. How can I help you, Dr. Perimore?”
He nodded. “I’m the new mesmerist at Rosewood. Mr. Lyridon sent for me to assist Lord Trenton, but I fear I need your help.I fearthe earl has had a relapse and the viscount said you might be able to assist in calming him.”
“Of course. Just let me get changed.”
As Alyssa turned and headed back to her room, she could only imagine what she would find when she arrived, but she wouldn’t let Travell down again.
***
Travell was pacing the front hall when Alyssa arrivedwith Daisy.At first glance, he found it difficult to look at her;she was such a sight forsoreeyes.He thought he had memorized everything about her, but when she removed her redingote to reveal a lavender gown, his attention was drawn to herrather curvaceous figure.He blinked, recallingthatlovely formwas even more tempting than before, but thenit had beendays since he’d laid eyes on her.
Today, even though his father’s deteriorating condition worried him, shewas impossible to ignore.
“It’s good to see you again, Lady Alyssa.” Ives bowed respectfully. “We’ve missed you.”
She smiled at the butler and Travell had to remember how to breathe. “Thank you.”
When she turned her gaze on him, he stepped forward almost hesitantly. “I’m gladyou were willing to come.”
“Of course.” She nodded, but before she could say anything else, a gruff shout came from upstairs. Her green eyes filled with compassion. “I’m sorry the earl has suffered a relapse, but Mr. Lyridon said it could happen.”
“Indeed.” Travell sighed heavily. “I just imagined it wouldn’t be so soon.” He swallowed heavily. “I thought Iwould have…moretime.”
She walked over and touched his arm. “Hewillreturn. I know it.” With that, she started forthe stairs, while Travell and Dr. Perimore followed.
There was no one standing guard outside Lord Trenton’s chamber today. There was no need, for the earl was restrained to his bed once more, his sudden violent outburst causing one ofthefootmen to sport a rather nasty bruise.
Alyssa opened the door and stepped inside. Travell watched his father thrash about on the bed and he had to glance away. It was difficult to see someone you loved tied down like a rabid animal, but he’d been left with no other choice but to bring the bonds back. It was either that, or send him away, and he wasn’t prepared to do that. Not yet. He kept telling himself that there was hope.
