Lady Fremont clenched her hands into fists and rolled her eyes impatiently. The gel was always falling into dramatics at the drop of a hat. “I don’t have time for this right now. In case you aren’t aware of it, Curdiff is in London, and could very well be speaking with Sophieatthis very moment!If the scandal were to spread, it could not only mean my ruin, butyoursas well.” She paced the length of the parlor. “Stupid gel! I told her to remain out of sight!”
This regainedCaroline’s attention.She lifted her head andspat,“You were foolish for letting herleave!”
Sheglared at her daughter. “She served her purpose well enough. And yet, I asked youforonesimple favor—”
“I tried!” Caroline whined. “The viscountistoo enamored with James’ cousin to pay me any mind.”
“I thought Lord Lockley was going to take care of her.”
Caroline flopped back against the settee, her mouth pursed in a pout. “James is an imbecile. He told me he was going to see Lady Alyssa was thoroughly reprimanded for the incident involving the stairs, but I doubt he’s been sober long enough to actually follow through with it.”
“Is that so?” Lady Fremont tapped a thoughtful finger against her lips. “In that case, it appears we will have to remove thedistraction for him.”
Her daughter tossed her head and snorted. “And how do you imagine that might happen? It’s not as if you can drag her off into the wilds of Africa and dispose of her, especially with the Duke and Duchess of Chiltern in residence.”
“I won’t have to.” The older womanwalked over to her writing desk and withdrew a sheet of vellum. She sat down and held her quill at the ready. “Tell me everything you know about Lady Alyssa and her recent behavior.” She smiled. “And I will ensure that she receives thehelpthat sherequires.”
Caroline blinked,but asher mother’simplicationbecome clear,her lips turned upward in a cruel smile. “Of course, Mama. I daresay her conditionisrather concerning.”
As she rattled off a few things, Lady Fremont’squill worked furiously. When they were done, she nodded her head. “This should do the trick. Once Lady Alyssa is out of the way, Curdiff will besopreoccupiedtrying to free her that I can take care ofLord Trenton, once and for all.”
Her daughter’s eyes widened. “Youdon’t mean totakehim back—”
She pinnedCarolinewith a dark glare. “No.I can’t take the risk that his memory will fully resurfaceand he will summon the authorities.”She glanced off into the distance and said softly, “Hefound a way to escape, but Iwill ensure hesuffersthe same fate asLord Fremont.I nearly had thetonconvinced that he took the same route as Lord Trenton, but if Curdiff learns the truth…”She shook her head. “Thisis the only way.”
***
Alyssawent to the conservatory to check on her Blue Ladies and then shewalked into the parlor to find Triana working on some needlepoint. The momentthe duchess spied herthe stitching wasimmediatelytossed aside. “Thank heavens! I wasn’t sure how much more of that torture I could withstand!” She stood up and took Alyssa’s hands in hers. “Truly, you have saved me from a terrible fate!”
Alyssa couldn’t help but laugh as they embraced fondly. She had always loved Triana for her wit and easy manner, and in order to quell any doubts she might be harboring this morning, her presence was appreciatednow more than ever.
Triana must have read the hesitation on her face as they parted, for she said, “What’s wrong?”
“Why does anything have to be the matter?”
Triana shook her head. “That doesn’t work with me. I’ve known you too long.”
She pulled her over to the settee where they sat down together. Alyssa couldn’t even count all the times they had been this close in order to share a confidence. But while childhood infatuations ortongossip was one thing, discussing such delicate matters of the heart, especially when it involved someone like Travell, was rather different.
But when the silence stretched out between them, Alyssa found the words tumbling out without warning. “I love Travell.”
Instead of the shockAlyssamight have been expecting, Triana laughed and said, “I know you do! You always have.But then, he’s been like a brother to you all these years, hasn’t he?”
Alyssa sighed and shook her head. “Of course he has, but that isn’t what I mean.” She took a deep breath and looked intently at Triana, hoping to get her to understand. “Ilovehim. Quite ardently.”
The duchess was silent for a moment, and then her mouth fell open. “Truly?”
Alyssa nodded her head. “Yes.”
Triana shrieked and hugged her once more. “Oh, you can’t know how happythatmakes me!” She pulled back with a sigh, her blue eyes full of excitement. “Sowhencan I expect to help plan the wedding?”
At the mention of this, Alyssa hesitated. “I’m not sure.”
“What do you mean?” Triana frowned. “Has he notproposed? Ortold you he loves you?”
“Not…exactly.” An image of them in a torrid embrace flashed through her mind,and she was quite sure she reddened slightly.But even she knew making love and beinginlove wasn’t the same thing.
“I always knew my brother was headstrong, but I didn’t know he was such an idiotas to not declare himself,” Triana huffed, as she crossed her arms. “The way I see it, there’s only one thing that can be done.”
