“What thedevilis going on in my house?”
***
Travell waited for the former maid to speak, high tension flowing through his veins. When she continued to remain silent, her head lowered tothe clasped hands inher lap, he expelled a heavy sigh and prompted, “You realize that you aren’t leaving this room until I find out whatI want to know.” As she remained silent, he added, “My father has returnedto Rosewoodwith thedeclarationthathe was in love with you and that you were with child, andyet, inthe nextbreath, he claims that you were a spy and he’s never loved anyone but Lady Trenton. So which one is the truth? Exactly what was your purpose for being at Rosewood?”
Sophie lifted her eyes, but instead of the contrite manner he might have expected, there was an obstinate glint in her gaze. “I will not hang for another’s misdeeds. I left that house intending to spend the rest of my lifeatoningfor my sins, but I refuse to take full responsibility for what happened there.”
Travell had to admire her recalcitrance. It was rather bold of her when she only held a few cards, whereas he could have her arrested and sent to gaol with the snap of his fingers. “I promise that I will do everything in my power to ensure that your cooperation is duly noted, but I can’t promise that there will be no repercussions until I’ve heard the entire accounting. Do you understand?”
She gave a brief nod of her head.
“Good, now let’s—”
Asuddencommotion caught his attention,voices raised in command,and he blew out a frustrated breath.Of all the times for my mother to return.
Hestoodand walkedover to Logan.“Make sure she doesn’t move.”
The agent nodded. “Upon my honor.”
Travellwrenched open the door and stalked out of the room. He found Lady Trenton in the foyer with several traveling items surrounding her, proving that she had just returned from an extended trip. She had just removed her bonnet and gloves when Travell snapped, “Where have youbeen?”
She removed her cloak and handed it over to a waiting footman. “Is that any way to greet your mother after a long absence?” she scolded. “Truly, Travell, I expected more from you.”
He ground his teeth together, but managed to say, “I hope that you’re well.”
“That’s better.” She gave a satisfied nod and patted the bun at the nape of her neck, and then walked over to him as the servants began to take her belongings upstairs. “To answer your question, I’ve had the most lovely time in Brighton. A few other matrons and I took it upon ourselves to have a brief ladies’ holiday.”
“Brief?” Travell snorted. “I’ve been trying to reach you for the past fortnight or more!”
She frowned slightly. “Whatever for? Most of the time you’re closeted in your study and don’t even realize I’m in the house. What could have possibly changed?” But then she abruptly stilled. “Has something happened with Triana?”
He set his hands on his hips. “No. The Duke and Duchess of Chiltern are perfectly well. They returned from Italy a few days ago and came to call upon me at Rosewood.”
“Rosewood?” His mother’s brows rose. “I’m surprised you were able to tear yourself away from London long enough to greet them,” she said dryly.
Again, heclampedhis jaw. His mother never made things easy. “I’m afraid that’s not all.” He paused to make sure he had her full attention. “Father has returned.”While she was still recovering from the shock of that revelation, he added, “And I found Sophie. She’s sitting in my study as we speak.”
He wasn’t sure what he might have expected his mother’s reaction to be, but when she fell to the floor in a dead faint, he couldn’t say he was surprised.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Seven pairs of eyes turned their full attention onLord Trentonas hestood onthethreshold. He was fully dressed and appeared as hale and hearty as Alyssarememberedhimto be from her youth.
Dr. Perimore appeared behind the earl and sent the Duchess of Chiltern a regretful glance. Apparently, the earl had found a way to slip past him. Gabriel moved to stand by his wife to present a united front and to give her the support she might need should Lord Trenton’s behavior suddenly become erratic. Lord and Lady Lockley moved to the other side of the room, a slight touch of fear touching Caroline’s eyes.
Lady Fremont was the only one who stood her ground.“Lord Trenton,” she said smoothly. “Howniceto see you in such good health. I daresay I had heard some rather alarming reports of late.”
Alyssa held her breath asshe waited for the earl to reply. She had heard him speak of Lord and Lady Fremont when he was lost to his mind, so she could only imagine what he might say now. When he took a menacing step forward,Alyssaput a hand to her stomach to quell the sudden nerves. “You viperous woman!” he snarled. “I should have you horsewhipped for what you’ve done!”
The lady didn’t seem concerned by his tone. Instead, she calmly clasped her hands before her and said, “And what do you suppose I’m guilty of?”
His face was nearly purple in his rage. “You know damned well that you kept me prisoner for the past seven years!”
Lady Fremont sighed in obvious disregard. “Do you realize how deranged that sounds, Lord Trenton? If I didn’t know better, I might think that you are just as unhinged as Lady Alyssa.”
“The only insane person in this house isyou!”he nearly shouted. “You stole my life from me, and turned me into a villain to the only peoplewhoever mattered.” He turned to the mesmerist. “Perimore, send for the magistrate this instant!”
“There’s no need for all this upset,” Lady Fremont said in a soothing tone. “Perhaps if you lie down—”
