Alyssa wasn’t sure she liked the sound of that.
Triana’s eyes became determined as she looked at her. “You helped me to find out what my brother was hiding by suggesting I pick the lock to his study and search his things. While I did uncover his secrets, it wasn’t quite the way I imagined. Whatwewill do is slowly wear him down until he has no choice but to love you.”
“I’m not…sure that’s thebestway to go about earning his affection…”Alyssa murmured.
“Of course it is!” Triana said exuberantly. “I should think I know my own brother. Trust me, the only way to convince him to do anything is to give him no other choice.It’s how I found out about—”
She broke off and Alyssa eyed her curiously. “About what?”
This time, itappearedTriana whothe one whowas reluctant to reveal her innermost thoughts. However, she relented with a heavy sigh. “I didn’t intend to tell youthis, but to let Travell do it in his own time, but…”She paused and said firmly, “You must swear that you won’t allow this information to leave this room.”
Alyssa was starting to getnervousnow. “Of course. Just tell me what’s wrong.” She swallowed. “Is he involved in something illegal?”
“On the contrary,” Triana returned, a bit of pride invading her voice. “He’s an agent for the Home Office.”
Alyssa instantly relaxed. “Oh.”
“Oh?” Triana was taken aback. “You alreadyknew?”
She shrugged. “I figured it out some time ago.”
“I see.” Trianasighed and regarded Alyssa rather grimly. “In that case, I suppose you know how dedicated he is to Whitehall. He’sbeen in service since before I made my debut.I’m not sure he could ever give it up the way Gabriel, Mr. Claymoore, and Ro’s husband have.”
Alyssa digested this. “I can’t say I faultTravellfor that. I feel the same way about my roses. They’ve meant so much to me for so long, I’m not sure what I would do without them. I certainly wouldn’t make Travell choose between me and what he loves.”
“But if he lovesyou, surely he wouldn’t want to continue doing something that would put himself in danger so frequently. Maybe you’re the answer he’s been looking for all this time, the roots he needs to settle down and start a family.”
She shook her head. “I believe thatTravell cares for me, but…”She paused.
“What?” Triana prodded.
She could feel her cheeks heat rather traitorously, when she admitted,“Although hehasasked me to marry him…”
Triana’s mouth fell open. “And you’re justnowtelling me this? My goodness, Aly, surely you can see this proves his devotion!”
“But,” Alyssa added. “I’m not sure he’s asked me for the same reasons I want him to.” She hadthoughtthe way he caressed her so tenderly just a few hours ago mighthave proved that he loved her. But then, perhaps it was onlypent updesire and frustration that had caused him to come to her bed.
Unfortunately, she couldn’tconfidesuch intimaciesin Triana, for she would surely confront her brother, and shecertainlydidn’t want Travell to wed her out of some sense of“duty.”
However, since shefelt she needed to add something else,she said,“He wanted to protect me from my cousin and Caroline. That’s all.”
Triana gave a huff. “I think you’re wrong, but we’ll just find out when Travell returnsand ask himexactly what his intentions are—”
She immediately reached out and grasped her friend’s hand. “Oh, please, Tri. Don’t do that. I should die from sheer mortification should heeven hesitate. You know as well as I do that it’s difficult for him to express any sort of raw emotion.Just…let him come to me on his own.”
The duchess regarded her for a moment, and then nodded. “Very well. I truly don’t mean to interfere, but I just know the two of you would make a wonderful match and I should be rather upset if Travell ruins both of your chances at happiness.”
“I’m grateful to have such a good friend in you, Tri,” Alyssa said in all sincerity. “You have always been the sister I never had.”
Her blue eyes filled with moisture. “Stop that this instant. I don’t need to turn into a watering pot.” But the smile that followed belied any chiding she might have otherwise expressed.
As the duke walked into the room, his unique silver eyes assessed the situation. He stopped and lifted a dark brow. “Am I interrupting something?”
His wife shook her head and then winked at Alyssa. “No. Just idle feminine chit chat.”
“Heaven forbid,” he murmured, but there was a ghost of a smile about his mouth. “I was sent downstairs with a message from Dr. Perimore. It seems he might have encountered a breakthrough regarding your father’s memory.”
Triana put a hand to her chest with a gasp. “Truly?”
