Travell straightened his shoulders and turned to the side. “Good evening, Lady Lockley.”
With that final dismissal, Caroline lifted her chin and swept from the room.
The moment she was gone, Triana started laughing. “Oh, my God, Travell! That was brilliant! You really should have made a career on the stage.” She applauded for extra emphasis.
“I daresay I’m relieved as well,” Gabriel muttered. “I’m not sure how you managed as long as you didwith your relations, Alyssa. You must have an iron will,or a fortitude of stone.”
“I admit it has been…challenging,” she confessed. “But I ended up spending most of my time here anyway.”
“That reminds me.” Trianaarose and seemed to glide toward the door.“While we wait for your maid to return with your things, I’d love to see your roses.”
Alyssa stood as well. “Of course.”
Before they departed, Triana turned to her husband and Travell. “Don’t youboys misbehave too much while we’re gone.”
Gabriel’s eyes heated the instant they landed on his wife. “Rest assured, my love, I save all of my mischiefforwhen I’m with youthese days.”
Alyssa’s face heated at the intimacy sparking between them, and while she could feel Travell’s eyes upon her, she didn’t dare look at him. Instead, she led the way down to the conservatory. She opened the door and was met with the familiar scents of delicate floral perfume and rich dirt. As Triana walked over to her Blue Ladies, Alyssa’s focus was drawn to the brick wall where she’d been with Travell just hours earlier.
The way he’d touched her and brought her to such heights of ecstasy…
“Aly?”
She quickly snapped to attention. “What?”
Triana crossed her arms and studied her more carefully than she would have liked. “I was talking to you for five minutes. Did you not hear a word I said?”
Alyssa shifted, and said rather guiltily,“Yes?”
“Out with it.”
She tried to pretend ignorance. “Out with what?”
“Don’t play coy with me,” Triana admonished. “I’ve known you since we were still in pinafores. Something’s bothering you.” She paused and narrowed her gaze. “Did you lie to me when you said Lord and Lady Lockley didn’t mistreat you?”
Alyssa thought of James’ unwanted advances and Caroline’s little quips at her expense. “Not in the physical sense, but I could tell I was a burden to them.”
Triana walked over and gave her a hug. “Then I’m glad you’re here now. I’m proud of my brother for standing up for you. It took him long enough. Maybe there’s hope for the two of you yet.”
As she pulled back, Alyssa’s eyes widened. “What are you talking about?”
The duchess tilted her dark head to the side. “Surely you might have guessed by now that I would love nothing more than to have you as my true sister someday!”
Alyssa blinked.“Really?”
“Of course!” Triana laughed. “You don’t think I would want Travell to settle down with anyone else, do you? I’ve always thought you were a perfect match for one another.” She sighed. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t seem to get him away from his desk long enough to find out what a wonderful woman you are.” She grinned conspiratorially. “But I see things are working out on their own after all. My father’s return has proven to be providential.”
“You never told me you thought Travell and I should get married. In fact,” she pointed out,“I believeyouwere the one who suggested that we all go to America with Korina.”
“Yes, well,” Triana grimaced slightly. “I may have spoken out of haste because I was upset with Gabriel. But really,” she added firmly. “I think it did us all a world of good. Not only have Isabella and Rowena recently wed, but I feel confident that there will soon be bells ringing between you and Travell.”
“Don’t be so sure on that score,” Alyssa returned dryly. “And I wouldn’t goso far as to claim you were a successfulmatchmakereither. You were out of thecountrywhen Izzy and Ro found love. You can’t very well take credit for their marriages when you weren’t even here.”
“Perhaps not.” Triana tossed her head. “But then, all it takes is a seed of doubt to grow love’s everlasting bloom.”
Alyssa couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Tell me you didn’t just say that.”
For answer, Triana laughed once more and drew her over to her prized roses. “How about you start with telling me how you managed to take over my brother’s conservatory, and then we can discuss how we might gain control over his heart.”
