“Of course.” She smiled. “My Blue Ladies were probably lost without me here to tend to them.” He fell silent, so she added, “I’m joking.”
He grunted, so she took that as his acceptance.
She sighed. “I daresay it will be much nicer to spend my birthday here than at a mental hospital.”
“Todayis your birthday?”
“Don’t sound so surprised.” Shelaughed. “Not that turning five and twenty has been any different than turning four and twenty, but it does mean that my trust will be released to me. I was planning to use it to go to America, butnow—”She broke off, unsure if she should finish that dangerous sentence.
“Now?” he prompted quietly.
Unfortunately, neither of them would have an answer to their questions, for the door opened and Ives stood on the front step. He was as proper as any English butler, but his mouth was curved into a smile. “Lord Curdiff.” He bowed as Travell helpedAlyssadown and then dismounted himself. “My lady. It’s good to have you back with us.”
She realized it wasn’tappropriate to hug a servant, for they were in one’s employ and not a close friend or family member, but she couldn’t resist the urge to do so now. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, my lady.” He awkwardly patted her arm and cleared his throat as she pulled away.
Once Travell had handed his reins over to a groom, he joined them.
“The family is having breakfast in the dining room.”Ivespaused, then added,“Allof them.”
Alyssa glanced at Travell to gauge his reaction, but other than a brief incline of his head, his face was carefully devoid of emotion. Even so, she could imagine how he must be feeling, so she took his hand in hers and gave it a light squeeze. He returned the gesture and together they walked down the hall.
Theyenteredthe room to see the Duke and Duchess of Chiltern and Dr. Perimore at the large mahogany table, but it was the sight of Lord and Lady Trenton seated together that caused Alyssa’s heart to soarwith hope. While there was little conversation at the moment, the overall mood appearingrather melancholy, Alyssa couldn’t miss the empathetic look in Travell’s mother’s eyes as she looked at the husband who had been returned to her. After nearly a decade of heartache and sadness, perhaps things could finally be mended between the earl and his countess.
“I hope there’s plenty of food left because I’mstarving.”
Travell’s dry tone caused everyone to start in surprise. Triana was the first one to her feet as she jumped up andran across the room to embrace Alyssa. “Thank God, you’re safe!”
“I’m fine too,” Travell drawled as he walked over to the sideboard and began to fill his plate.The duke joined him and they struck up a conversation.
Triana rolled her eyes at him. “Brothers,” she murmured, and then turned her full focus back on Alyssa. “Youmusttell me all the details, but no doubt you’re hungry too.”
Alyssa wasn’t sure her stomach could manage much of anything at the moment, so she shook her head. “Actually, I’d just like a bracing cup of tea.” She glanced at the assemblage. “In private.”
Triana nodded.“I’ll see that a maid sends it up to your room straightaway. Unless you’d prefer to take it in the conservatory?”
Alyssa considered it, and then decided that a hot bath and some sleep wouldn’t be amiss either. Now that the excitement of the night was starting to wear off, she was starting to feel rather tired. “My room sounds lovely.”
Triana winked. “Consider it done.”
***
Travell watched Alyssa leave the room, although he didn’t comment on the fact. She had been through a difficult night, and he didn’t begrudge her the need to rest. She was more than entitled to a nap—especially on herbirthday.
Hefrowned. He wanted to get her something extra special, buthe honestly had no idea what it might be. As he shifted in his seat, he heard the light crinkle of paper in his pocket. He stilled. In all the chaos of tracking down Lady Fremont and freeing Alyssa, he’d nearly forgot about the special license in his pocket.
Maybe…
“What’s that dark look all about m’boy?”
Lord Trenton’s voice broke through Travell’s reverie. “Just woolgathering, Father.” He was thankful to see that the earl was having a lucid moment. No doubt it was easier for his mother. He couldjust imagine how she might handle one ofLord Trenton’soutbursts. But she seemed to behandling her husband’s homecoming withrelativeease at the moment.
He took in the scene before him with a light smile. It was so odd to see both of his parents together after so long apart. It was something hethought he’d never see again.
Fearing that his musings might take him down a rabbit hole from which he’d never resurface, he addressed his sister, who was seated to his leftnext to her husband. “How have things been since Mother arrived?” he murmured.
Triana kept her voice level so that it wouldn’t travel down the table and returned, “Very well so far. I took her toFather’s chamber,and he knew her instantly.” She swallowed. “As far as I can tell, hehas been conversing quite normally. But I can’t tell if he knows…”
