Her voice trailed off and Travell nodded. Who knew if the earl was actually in the present, or if he still believed it was seven years ago. “Indeed.”
The duke remained silent as they conversed, but he put a comforting arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Mother told me what happened in London with Sophie.” Triana shook her head. “I should be furious at her for the part she played in father’sabduction, but I can’t seem to feel anything but regret on her behalf.” She looked at him intently. “Perhaps we can find her a position?”
Travell couldn’t say he was surprised by his sister’s reaction. She’d always had a kind heart. “I’ll see what I can do,” he promised. And he’d be lying if there wasn’t a small part of his conscience that didn’tfeel the same.
“Tell me what happened with Lady Fremont.”
As Travellrecounted the events of the evening to his sister, he saw her eyes widen when he revealed her fate. While she was digesting this, Gabriel murmured, “It sounds rather fitting.”
When Triana found her voice once more, she said, “What of Lord Fremont?” She held a hand to her stomach. “Could she really have kept him as a prisoner in his own home all this time?”
Travell tapped a finger on the table, but since there wasn’t any easy way to say it, he pushed forward. “Logan is looking into the matter, but I have no doubt that’s exactly what happened.”
“The poor man,” Triana breathed. “What a terrible price to pay for a temporary moment of weakness.”
Travell glanced at Lady Trenton. “I think it would be best if Mother didn’t hear of this, considering their past…relationship.” He tossed aside his napkin, pushed away from the tableandstood. “If you’ll excuse me, it’s been a long night.”
Triana grasped his hand when he would have movedoff. “Thank you for bringing Alyssa home.”
“Of course,” he returned without hesitation. “It’s where she belongs.”
But as he headed for his chamber, a slight frown creased his brow, because he didn’t yet know if thatwas where she truly wanted to be. Now that she had full control of her trust, she might want the freedom that had been previous denied.
And he loved her enough not the stand in the way of her dreams.
***
The sun was high in the sky when Alyssa finally awoke. She lifted her arms above her head and stretched. If things had been different, she might be waking up in a completely different room, instead of the cheery blue walls that surrounded her. While she’d never really paid attention to the shade of the wallpaper before, she had to admit that it paled in comparison to Travell’s stormy gaze. With one look he could melt her heart.
She sighed in contentment. Today was her birthday, and while she’d anticipated this day as the moment she gained her independence, now all she wanted was to marry Travell and start a family with the man she loved. She put a hand to her stomach and wondered if there might already be a life growing inside of her womb. Although childbirth itself was a scary thing to contemplate, bearing a son or daughter that belonged to her and Travell was absolutely thrilling.
Anxious to see him, she tossed aside her bedcovers and rang for hermaid. But when Daisyarrived to help her dress, instead ofrequestingthedourcolors of mourning that had been her constant companion, she opted for a light peach muslin.
The girl’s eyes widened. “Are you sure, my lady?”
Alyssa thought of her dear Aunt Pearl and smiled as the older woman’s voice drifted into her head, telling her thatshe shouldstop grieving for her and to live the rest of her life surrounded by happiness and love. “Yes. It’s time.”
A short time later she headed downstairs to the conservatory to check on her Blue Ladies. It seemed as if a lifetime had passed since she had touched their delicate petals. They had carried her through some rather difficult times over the years, becoming the friends that were always there to listen. She had told them the deepest secrets of her heart, most of which had to do with the viscount. Today was no different.
She spoke as she watered them. “I know you’re tired of hearing me talk about Travell all the time, but I fear that can’t be helped. With any luck, you will hear about him every day for the rest of our lives.”
“Someone’s in a good mood.” Triana’s teasing voice drifted over to her from the doorway.
Her grin widened. “Well, itisa rather lovely day.”
“It’s also someone’s birthday!” Triana said enthusiastically. Until that point, Alyssa hadn’t noticed the box she’d held, but now she held up the gift, complete with a bright red ribbon.
“Oh, Tri!” she exclaimed. She instantly set down the watering can and moved to embrace the woman she prayed would soon be her sister-in-law, but had been like a true sister to her long beforenow.
Alyssa took the gift and gave it a light rattle.
Triana gasped and swatted at her hand. “Stop that!”
She merely laughed as she untied the ribbon. Lifting the lid off the white box, she moved the delicate wrapping aside to reveal a rather scandalous, red nightdress. Her cheeks instantly reddened as she held up the lacy material to her chest with a giggle. “Tri! Whatever were you thinking?”
Triana shrugged, although her blue eyes danced with mischief. “I’ve found that red is a rather strong enticement when it comes to the opposite sex. It’s perfect for seduction.”
Alyssa’s mouth fell open. “Surely you aren’t suggesting that I—”
