“Is it?” She crossed her arms and lifted a brow.
He should have known to stop there, butmaybeit was because he’d been an agent for the Crown for so long, used to staring danger in the face, or perhaps he was as mad as his fatheralready. “I know you’re unhappy living with your cousin, andI could use your helpright now.It’s the perfect solution for both of us.”
She stiffened her spine. “You don’t need awife, Travell, but a nursemaid. In case you haven’t noticed, I am still in mourning, and I refuse to toss aside my respect for Aunt Pearl by makingan impulsive and hasty mistake of this magnitude. So as…appealing as your offer is, I’m afraid I must decline it. Good day.”
Travellwatchedas she threw open the door to the chapel, just as the thunder rolled across the valley and the sky opened up.
***
Alyssa didn’t even heed the rain pouring down from the heavens as she marched toward her horse. Her anger was still bubbling beneath the surface that she was actually surprised that the droplets of water didn’t turn into steam the moment they touched her.
As she untiedPosyfrom the tree, sheclutched the edges of the saddle and blew out a heavy breath in an attempt to draw in her turbulent emotions. The mare would surely recognize her upset, and she certainly didn’t need to return to Breyton Hall in this condition. It would be bad enough to squish her way through the foyer yet again, gaining another disparaging glare from Caroline.
She closed her eyes and let the rain mix with the tears that seeped from the corners of her lids.
Ever since she was a child, she’d been in love with Travell, staring at him in starry-eyed infatuation.For years she’ddreamedof the moment when Travell would walk up to her and whisk her into a dance, and then lead her onto the terrace where they might converse in private. There, he would bend down on one knee and confess his undying love and ask her to marry him. She would accept, of course, and then he would swing her around in a circle, kissing her until they were both breathless.
As much as she adored Triana’s friendship, she’d never once shared her innermost thoughts with her for fear that they would reachTravell’sears.
Butin all those personal fantasies that she’d held close to her heart,shehad never pictured a moment like today, where he’d approached herwithout a single hint of emotion.
A marriage of convenience.She snorted at the very idea. It might be perfectly acceptable for some members of society to enter into a loveless union. But to live with Travell as husband and wife without sharing a bed would surely be nothing of the sort. In truth, it would be ratherinconvenient, for even now, that kiss from long ago tingled upon her lips, her desire for him still simmering underneath the edge of her anger.
She was utterly hopeless.
“You’ll get drenched riding back to Breyton Hall.”
Alyssa hastily wiped at her face, although she didn’t turn around, but grabbed the reins instead. “I’ll manage.”
“Don’t be nonsensical,” Travell muttered, and then she heardhim step down to the ground. He reached across her and gently took the strips of leather from her grasp. “Go get in the curricle while I tie your horse to the back.”
A shiver coursed through her, and although she tried to tell herself it was because of the rain, she knew it had nothing to do with the cool, autumn shower. Nevertheless, she climbed into the two-person carriage and scooted as far to her side as she could.
Travell appeared moments later and took up the reins. After he gave the command to walk on, he turned to her. “You know, you really should stop this habit of going outside when it looks likeit could pour at any moment.You’ll catch your death.”
She nearly told him that it didn’t matter, but that wouldn’t really make her sound all that sane, so she amended with, “I have a strong constitution.”
“That may be, but you’re not invincible. The last thing I need is for you to get sick and die on me.”
She glanced at him sharply, but although she didn’t detect any humor in his voice, he kept his gaze focused on the road, so she couldn’t see if he was mocking her or not. “That would be regrettable, wouldn’t it?”
This time he turned and looked directly at her. “Yes. It would.”
Since Alyssa didn’t know what to say to that, she remained silent for the rest of the trip. As the curricle pulled up in front of Breyton Hall, Travell set the brake and climbed out. The worst of the downpour had eased somewhat, so he was able to untiePosyand lead her to the waiting groomwithout getting drenched.
He glanced at the manor before him and said, “I suppose I should go inside and pay my respects since I’m here.”
Alyssa’s stomach rolled at the idea. Not that Travell would be lingering a while, but because she wasn’t sure what he might make of her cousin and his wife. But since it would be rude for him to ignore the opportunity to be a friendly neighbor, he followed her up the steps.
The moment they entered the foyer, not only was the butler waiting to take their wetcloaks, but Carolinewas there as well. She was standing in the middle of the marble with a cross expression,her handson her hipslike an irate mother. She might be the mistress of the manor,but ironically enough, Alyssa was at least three years her senior.
Nevertheless, that didn’t keep LadyLockleyfrom tossing her blond head.“I see you’ve beenout playing in the rain again, Alyssa. One would think at your age that you wouldn’t be socareless—”She abruptly broke off when she saw the tall figure behind her. A flicker of interest passed through her blue eyes as she beheld his handsome countenance. Her tone was decidedly softer when she said, “And who might you be?”
Reluctantly, Alyssa made the introductions.“Caroline, this is Travell Abernathy, Viscount Curdiff. He owns Rosewood, the estate bordering Breyton Hall. Lord Curdiff, this is Caroline Breyton, LadyLockley.”
Instantly, Caroline’s face brightened when she realized a higher-ranking peer had called, and she offered Travell a winning smile. “My lord. What a pleasant surprise!” She walked forward and threaded her arm through his, as though they had known each other for years. “I hope that our Little Mouse didn’t trouble you too much.”
“Little Mouse?” Travell lifted a brow at Alyssa, but she didn’t reply.
