***
Travellfairlyflew across the countrysideon his steedwith Loganat his side.His mother had taken the carriage to Rosewood, and aftertaking Sophie to Bow Street andenlisting theiraid to keep watch overherduring his absence, he set out for Ticehurst. He was grateful for Montgomery’s assistance, although he’d told him it wasn’t necessary.
The other agent had merely shrugged and said, “What are friends for?”
Friends.Not just associates.
To show his gratitude, Travell had clapped Logan on the shoulder and said, “Let’s go.”
He’d been too preoccupied to think about everything before, but now a hundred thoughts began to tumble about in his head. His chest ached to think of how long he’d burned for vengeance against his father, believing that he’d walked away from his family without even a pang of conscience. On one hand, that was true, but only because he’d been led to believe such falsehoods under duress of some sort of drug. The gambling debts that Travell had been forced to recoup after his father’s absence were undoubtedly due to the same cause.
While the past seven years had been filled with hard work and dedication, he had managed to restore the coffers and lift the Abernathy name out of the mire. Triana had made a successful love match and things had finally settled into a routine.
In the blink of an eye, that had all changed with the earl’s return. At firstTravell hadbeen angry, wondering why, after all this time, Lord Trenton hadchosen to comehome.Now that he knew the truth, he couldn’t believe howhis fatherhad found a way to escape anasylum. Although he’d heard that Ticehurst was more humane thanBedlam,thatit catered to thosewhocould afford more comfortable and discreet accommodations,that didn’t mean it was comparable to staying at an inn orhotel. The harsh treatments were likelyjustthe same.
He shuddered, imagining Alyssa forced to endure thepanicof an ice bath, or wearing heavy manacles on her ankles that clanged on the floor with each step she took. The idea that she could be subjected to the terrors that he’d only heard about made him yearn to push his mount a bit faster, but he had to restrain himself, for nighttime could be dangerous to both man and beast. One slip of the horse’s leg could see him flying out of the saddle and a broken leg for his gelding,neitherof which would help Alyssa.
Logan had lagged behind slightly, but now he came abreast of him. “Do you have a plan when we reach Ticehurst?”
“Not really,” Travell returned evenly. “I rather supposedI’d just kick in the door and search every inch of the damned place until IfindAlyssa.”
His companion snorted. “You’re not a knight about to slay a dragon. These things must be done with decorum.”
“I don’t have the patience for that right now!” Travell snapped.
“I can see that,” Logan returned dryly.
Travell did his best to glare at the other man in the dark, but he wasn’t sure it was all that effective. “What do you suggest?”
Montgomery shrugged. “I have physician’s training. I’m sure I can find a way to infiltrate a hospital without too much trouble. And,” he added with a scratch to his chin. “Iama spy. If I can’t convince a guard at a mental hospital that I have specific credentials to enter their establishment, then I should just put ona restraining jacketright now.”
Travell narrowed his eyes. Logan offered very little about his life before he joined the Home Office, but considering what he’d heard about his surgical skills in the past, along with the fact he was one of the best agents that had ever set foot in Whitehall, he didn’t doubt his claim that he could succeed now.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” Travell murmured. “With any luck, we’ll beat Lady Fremont at her own game.”
***
Alyssa felt that she’d composed herself very well until that point, but as the carriage pulled up in front ofalarge, imposingwhite building, quite literally in the middle of nowhere, her stomach set off in a flurry of nerves.
As they rolled to a stop, Caroline said, “Welcome to your new home,LadyAlyssa.” With a smirk, she opened the door and climbed down with the driver’s assistance. Lady Fremont was the next to follow, leaving Alyssa alone with her cousin.
James had passed out, snoringformost of their journey, the only consolation that Alyssa had until then was that she could tell it frustrated Caroline to no end. Now, however, he opened his bloodshot eyes and glanced across at her. While she had promised herself that she wouldn’t plead for her freedom, the time for groveling was at hand. It was either that or live with her pride in a padded cell for the rest of her days.
She reached across the expanse and grabbed hold of his jacket. “James, please, don’t allow this. You are the only family I have left. You know I’m not mad. Havemercy.”
For an instant, she believed that she’d gotten through to him, but when he grabbed her arm and pulled her off balance, causing her to tumble across his lap,she knew it was foolish to hope that he might have suddenly grown a conscience. “You beg rather shweetly,” His words slurred and she nearly gagged with the combination of alcohol and stale breath. “Perhapsh we might be able t’ come t’ an agreement that worksh for both o’ us…”
“Never mind.” She pushed off of him, and he grunted in protest. She glared at him and spat, “I’d rather take my chances here.”
“Have it your way!” he snarled, and pushed her toward the open carriage door.
Her momentum sent her spiraling backwards, and she braced for the impact of the hard ground. But it never came.
Instead, she was caught mid-air by a pair of strong, masculine arms. “When I imagined a rescue, I neverdreamedI’d be lucky enough for you to fall into my arms.”
Alyssa gasped in surprise asshe turned,her gazelandingon Travellashappy relief floodedthrough her.“Is it…trulyyou?”
He grinned. “It was the last time I checked.”
