Though he might not have liked the answer, Ian could certainly see her reasoning. "I do understand, Alyssa, but you must curse me... just one last time... in order for us to uncover who fulfilled the curses." He saw the indecision upon Alyssa's face and pressed harder. "This will be the last time. I promise. Then you can announce that you will no longer be telling fortunes or issuing curses."
"That should alleviate everyone's unease," Alyssa agreed.
"Indeed. And we could point out that the only one you ever cursed was me." Tapping his fingers against the arm of the parlor chair, Ian outlined his plan. "You will say I'm to be plagued by a herd of swine."
"Pigs?"
Alyssa's astonishment made him laugh. "Don't con-cern yourself, Alyssa. No one will set pigs free in my home. This time I shall lie in wait and watch to see who comes to fulfill the curse."
"But why pigs?"
"Someone would be hard pressed to get them into my home unnoticed," he explained.
For a long moment, Alyssa remained silent, before finally nodding her head. "Very well," she conceded, "but even if this plan doesn't work, promise me this will be the end of the curses."
"You have my word."
* * *
"I believe we'e accomplished our goal," Alyssa whispered in the darkness of Ian's foyer.
"Our goal?"
"In convincing the ton that we have no intention of marrying."
"Oh, that goal."
She wondered at the dark tone in Ian's voice. "Is something the matter?"
"No," he replied softly. Clearing his throat, he added, "I believe you're correct though, for I haven't heard mention of my grandfather coming up with any further schemes. Perhaps even he's given up."
"Only on me." Shifting on the stair, Alyssa peered at Ian through the dimness, trying to see his features. "It seems unlikely that your grandfather will be swayed from his intent to see you well married."
"Interfering old bastard," Ian muttered.
Allowing silence to fell between them, Alyssa listened while the grandfather clock chimed the early morning hour. "It is a shame you don't get along with your grandfather," she said finally. "He is, after all, family."
"By blood only."
She had to concede that point. "That's true," she murmured. "It surprises me that Lady Eleanor could be his sister."
"Me as well, even though I'd only seen her a hand-ful of times as a child. My father always spoke well of her."
"How could he not? She's a delightful woman." Wrapping her arms about her knees, Alyssa thought of all the changes Lady Eleanor had made in her life. "Calla and I adore Lady Eleanor. Thank you for sharing her with us."
Ian shook his head. "There is no need to thank me, Alyssa, as I can't lay claim to her."
"But she is your family, Ian," Alyssa insisted. "Don't you want to be part of a family again? There were times after my parents died that I felt so alone, even though I still had Calla." Reaching out, she placed a hand upon lan's arm. "But ever since your family entered my life, everything has changed for me. I've changed."
"Yes, you have," Ian agreed softly. "But you still sneak off in the middle of the night."
Lightly, she swatted at him. "I'm being serious, Ian. Don't you ever wish to be part of a family again?"
He remained silent for so long, Alyssa didn't think he planned to answer her. "Yes, I do."
"Then you should come around more often to call upon Lady Eleanor. I'm quite certain she would love to see you." Looking away, Alyssa smoothed her skirts. "And you could even try speaking with your grandfather."
Ian's bitter laughter was precisely the reaction she'd expected. "How could you suggest something like that when you know how manipulative he is?"
She countered his question with a question. "Have you ever thought that perhaps he is trying to control your life simply because he wishes to be a part of it?"
"If that is true, he has certainly picked a poor way of demonstrating it."
"There is no denying that, Ian, but what if he doesn't know any better? After all, the duke treated your father just as poorly, so perhaps he simply doesn't know how to forge a bond." Turning to face Ian, Alyssa tried to see through the shadows that cloaked his expression. "Perhaps if you tried to speak with your grandfather, if you make him understand you have no wish to be controlled, you might be able to build a relationship with him."
"Your fanciful imagination astounds me," Ian mur-mured.
"But how can—"
His hand covered her mouth, cutting off her words of protest. Leaning closer, he whispered in her ear. "I thought I heard something coming from my study."
As soon as she nodded in understanding, Ian released her and levered himself up from the stairs. In his stocking feet, he made his way across the dark foyer to the open door of the study. Slipping off her shoes, Alyssa followed, pressing a hand to Ian's back so he knew she stood behind him.
A window remained open wide, an invitation Ian had issued after Alyssa had made her final curse. Peeking over lan's shoulder, Alyssa could see a slight figure slide into the house through the open window. Dressed all in black, the person leaned over the sill and grabbed hold of a rope. Propping his feet against the wail, the man leaned back, tugging on the cord, until a large bag fell into the room. From the squealing coming from the burlap bag, it was easy to tell what was inside.
Alyssa felt the muscles in Ian's back tense and she knew he was about to charge into the room, but before he could move, another hand clamped onto the window sill. A muffled exclamation ripped from the figure in black as he dragged his bag over behind Ian's desk and ducked down.
The furtive actions led Alyssa to believe that the two men weren't connected. The situation kept on getting stranger and stranger. A booted foot swung up through the window, and with considerably less grace than the first intruder, this fellow landed on the floor with a loud thud. Rising to his feet, the second man brushed himself off before pulling his bag in through the window.
Suddenly, there was another loud squeal from the first man's bag. "Who's there?" hissed the second intruder.
Apparently Ian had seen enough. Flicking a match, Ian lit a nearby taper and strode into the room. "Who the devil are the two of you and what are you doing in my house?"
The second man staggered backward, catching himself against the wall, while the slighter man squeaked again from behind the desk. "Stand up over there," Ian ordered the first man, waiting while the in-cruder slowly got to his feet. "Pull off your masks, sirs, and reveal yourselves."
When the larger man yanked off his mask, Alyssa couldn't believe her eyes. "Mr. Meiser!"
Glumly, the man nodded. " 'Tis I, Lady Alyssa," he confirmed.
"But... but why?"
"The earl and I didn't wish for the ton to think you weren't truthful."
"So you let frogs and geese loose in Mr. Fortune's house," Alyssa concluded.
Meiser shifted on his feet. "It was either that or everyone would know you hadn't a drop of Gypsy blood."
Nodding, Ian glanced over to the figure crouched behind his desk. "And who is this, then?"
"I have no idea," Meiser returned with a shake of his head.
"Out with you." Walking over to his desk, Ian grasped the slight figure and pulled him over to the light. "Let's have a look at you now."
Tugging off the low-slung hat, Ian started as a wealth of long, blond hair tumbled from beneath the cap.
"Calla?" Alyssa couldn't believe her eyes.
A defiant expression tightened Calla's features as she lifted her chin and met Alyssa's gaze. "I'm sorry, Alyssa. But I didn't want anyone to know that you weren't a Gypsy. After all, it was our livelihood. You went out night after night and entertained the ton, so collecting a few frogs while you were gone was the least I could do."
The thought of her young sister roaming the streets of London gathering frogs made Alyssa feel ill. "And did you collect geese as well?"
Nodding, Calla explained, The birds were more difficul
t to catch, but I managed. But when I came to let them free in your house, Ian, there were already some running around."
"Those would have been my geese," Meiser offered. Pressing a hand to his chest, he looked at Alyssa. "I only acted in your best interest."
Hearing the sincerity in the man's voice, Alyssa softened toward him. "I believe you, Mr. Meiser." She turned toward Ian with a smile. "See, Ian. No one meant me any harm. In fact, both Calla and Mr, Meiser were convinced they were helping me."
Ian glared at Meiser. "You may leave now. I shall have a word with the earl in the morning."
Sparing a glance at Alyssa, Meiser nodded and clambered out the window. Immediately, Ian turned his gaze upon Calla. "And as for you, young lady, I shall speak with my aunt in the morning to ensure she keeps a closer watch on you." Reaching out, he tugged on Calla's hair. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to roam the streets of London alone at night?"
"Ian's quite right," Alyssa agreed. "Just the thought of you wandering about makes me shiver."
Slanting her a pointed look, Ian reminded her with' out words that he'd lectured her on this very topic a number of times. She glared at him right back. "I'm not fourteen years old," she muttered under her breath.
Ian smiled at her. "There are times, my dear Alyssa, when I wonder."
* * *
Lady Eleanor's hand shook as she lifted it to her face. "Thank you for telling me about Calla's nighttime activities, Ian." She offered him a grateful smile. "I shall have to ensure the safety of both Calla and Alyssa in the future." She reprimanded Alyssa with a stare. "Don't believe for one moment that I feel any better about you roaming the streets at night simply because you are the elder. If anything, I am far more disappointed in your behavior, Alyssa, as you are old enough to know better."
"I'm sorry, Lady Eleanor," Alyssa murmured softly, "but I did what I felt needed to be done."
Reaching forward, Lady Eleanor patted Alyssa on the back of her hand. "I understand, dear, but I would have been more than willing to help you. After all, that's what family is for."
Feeling a rush of love, Alyssa nodded, uncertain of her ability to speak.
"I do hope you can stay and join us for the noon repast," Lady Eleanor said on a bright note. "I would so enjoy your company."
Ian hesitated and Alyssa was certain he would refuse, but then, much to her surprise, he accepted. "That would be delightful."
* * *
"I'm glad you stayed, Ian," Alyssa murmured as she strolled around the rear gardens at his side. "You made your aunt happy."
"I'm thankful I stayed as well." What surprised Ian was just how much he enjoyed the dinner. "I never knew my father was such a mischievous lad."
"From the sound of it, he often slid from mischievous into just plain naughty," Alyssa said with a laugh. "I well understand where your bedeviling nature came from now."
"Bedeviling nature?" He lifted his brows. "I have never behaved as anything other than a gentleman toward you."
"Ha! Have you forgotten how we first met? You felt compelled to torment me while I was simply trying to make an honest day's wage."
"Ah, yes, there was that," Ian replied, flushing slightly. "I should be heading off for my offices now. I have a few investments I need to investigate." Clasping her hand, he bent over and pressed a kiss to the back of her fingers. Straightening again, he asked, "Will I see you at the Athertons' ball this evening?"
"Yes... I mean, no," Alyssa stammered.
A side of Ian's mouth quirked upward. "What's it to be, Alyssa? Yes or no."
"Both," she said, before explaining. "What I mean is yes, I will be there, so you will probably see me, but no, I will not be conversing with you or even dance with you while there."
"Why the devil not?"
"Because it would defeat the whole purpose of issuing all of these blasted curses!" She set her hands upon her hips. "We've finally convinced everyone that we have no intention of marrying, so now we should avoid one another in public to reinforce that idea."
"Bloody hell," Ian murmured, thrusting a hand through his hair, before allowing it to drop to his side. His gaze shone with an intense light as he looked at her. "I've grown rather accustomed to your company at these affairs," he admitted.
"And I yours," she replied, praying her voice didn't reveal how deeply his words affected her. "I suppose we'll both have to return to suffering through the evenings alone."
"Oh, joy."
Alyssa would have smiled over Ian's wit if she hadn't been too busy holding back tears.
Lifting his hand, he brushed the tips of his fingers along the curve of her cheek. "Be happy, Alyssa."
"Same to you," she murmured in a tight voice.
He smiled at her before turning on his heel and leaving her alone in the garden. Watching him leave pained her and Alyssa wanted to do nothing more than to call him back.
May God help her, she'd fallen in love with Ian.
When had it happened? From the first she'd been attracted to him, but ever since they'd become friends, she'd slipped quietly and solidly in love with him.
And now she had to watch him walk away.
21
The Athertons' ball was in full swing when Ian arrived. Though he'd wanted to stay away, he'd been unable to resist the urge to see Alyssa. He'd been with her just this afternoon, but somehow the knowledge that he was no longer free to call upon her, to speak with her privately, made him yearn for her company.
Accepting a drink, he sipped quietly and searched the room for Alyssa.
"She's over speaking with Lady Wirth," Peter said as he moved next to Ian.
Not even pretending a lack of interest, Ian leaned forward to catch a glimpse of Alyssa. Just the sight of her calmed his raging emotions.
"Earlier this evening, everyone was speaking of her intent to never again tell a fortune or issue a curse." Peter patted down his vest. "Naturally, everyone was dismayed... especially the gentlemen."
Ian looked sharply at his friend. "What do you mean by that, Peter?"
"Nothing untoward," he hurried to assure Ian. "All I meant was that most of the gentlemen seek Lady Alyssa's advice with regard to their financial invest-ments."
"Fools," Ian scoffed. "Alyssa may be many things, but a seer she is not."
Shrugging lightly, Peter tugged on the sleeve of his shirt. "Perhaps not, but you've managed to do a wonderful job of convincing everyone that she does in-deed possess Gypsy magic."
"That's true," Ian returned, "but as long as Alyssa ceases reading fortunes, people will soon forget about her supposed abilities."
"I wouldn't accept that wager regardless of the odds," Peter scoffed. "I doubt if anyone will ever forget that Lady Alyssa Porter is also Madam Zora."
Before Ian could respond to Peter's assertion, he was hailed by Lord Wirth. "I say, Fortune, just the man I wanted to see."
"Lord Wirth," he murmured in greeting, bowing to the older man. "What can I do for you?"
"I wondered if you might speak to your aunt on my behalf."
The unusual request surprised Ian. "On what mat' ter?"
"Regarding Lady Alyssa... or more specifically, Madam Zora." Glancing around, Lord Wirth stepped closer and lowered his voice to a whisper. "It is my understanding that Lady Alyssa will no longer be telling fortunes, so I was wondering if you might speak with your aunt and ask her to convince Lady Alyssa to grant me an audience."
Taken aback, Ian was at a loss for words.
"Privately, of course," Lord Wirth rushed to reassure Ian. "It is perfectly understandable that Lady Alyssa would not wish to tell fortunes anymore ... especially after that incident the other evening when someone tried to accost her. Why, I thought—"
"Someone tried to accost Lady Alyssar Ian asked fiercely, interrupting Lord Wirth.
"I-I-I don't know any more about it, Fortune," Lord Wirth stuttered, taking a small step back. "I had just finished speaking to Lady Alyssa about a small business matter when I heard her cry ou
t. Naturally, I hurried back to see if she needed my aid. Lady Alyssa was shaken and she told me someone had reached out from behind a large floral arrangement and grabbed hold of her arm."
"She never mentioned a word to me," Ian said grimly.
Lord Wirth shook his head. "I don't believe she wished to speak of the incident. She even asked me to hold my silence." A distressed expression shifted his features. "I do hope she won't be upset with me for be-traying her confidence."
"Don't fret, my lord. I'll see to it that she doesn't hold it against you," Ian said as he turned from the older gentleman. "Now, if you'll pardon me, I'd like to have a word with Lady Alyssa."
Stepping away from Peter and Lord Wirth, Ian started toward the opposite side of the room, only to pull up short when he noticed that Alyssa was no longer speaking with Lady Wirth.
Where the devil had she gotten off to now?
* * *
"Good evening, Lady Wirth, Lady Alyssa." Bowing to them, Lord Atherton smiled engagingly. "Pardon for the intrusion, but I was wondering if I might have a moment of your time, Lady Alyssa."
Lady Wirth raised an eyebrow, but she excused herself nonetheless.
Immediately, Lord Atherton launched into his question. "Is it true that you are no longer telling fortunes?"
The slight edge to his voice disconcerted Alyssa. "I'm afraid so," she replied softly.
"Surely you can aid me ... just one last time," he implored her.
"I'm sorry, my lord, but I must remain firm to my decision."
Reaching out, Lord Atherton grabbed hold of her arm. "But I need—"
"My lord, please!" exclaimed Alyssa, pulling back her arm. Had it been Lord Atherton who'd reached out for her the other night? Disturbed by the notion, Alyssa hurried away, ignoring his pleas.
Glancing behind her to make certain no one watched her, Alyssa slipped out the door into the cool night air. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing nerves.
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