Sophie shook her head miserably. “Once we returned to London, Lady Fremont sacked Amy anyway. I should have known she would, but—” Her voice broke, but she continued on, even as shameful tears began to stream down her face. “Amy and I ran away to the country, and for a time I did everything I could to forget what Lady Fremont and I had done. It was difficult for a time, but I managed to secure a position as a serving maid. So many times I had that paper in front of me, willing myself to write to you, but the words just… wouldn’t come. What would I say? Would you even believe me?”
She stood, her hands shaking at her sides. “When Amy died two years later, I knew it was penance for what I’d done. I packed up what little I had and convinced one of my regular patrons to forge a letter of recommendation for me. I moved to Brighton and became Lady Harvey’s companion. She was a widow with no children, and I felt that I would be safe, that I could fade into the background.” She hugged herself. “I hated coming to London. I was always fearful that I would see you or Lady Fremont. For five long years I tried to forget it all. I tried. But today when you walked into the museum, all of the guilt came rushing back.”
She walked over to Travell and clutched his jacket. “Please forgive me. I know what I did was wrong, but I was young and scared, afraid that I would meet the hangman’s noose, or worse. But I don’t care anymore. I just want it all to end.”
As she fell silent, Travell watched her sob, tears coursing down her cheeks. For a moment, he warred with his conscience, but in the end, he realized the most important thing that had to be done. “All I want from you is a confession. I will take care of Lady Fremont, but you must agree to testify against her.”
She nodded fervently. “You have my word.”
Amelia leaped to her feet. “Travell! This cannot be borne! You can’t just let the chit go free after the part she played in all of this!”
Travell kept his gaze steady on Sophie and thought of Alyssa and what she would do if she were here. He was confident it would be the same. “The way I see it, Mother,” he said quietly. “The only crime she committed was trying to help someone she cared about. How can I fault someone for that?”
His mother had just opened her mouth to dispute this claim when there was a brisk knock at the study door. “My lord,” his butler said upon entering. “An urgent missive just arrived from Rosewood from the Duchess of Chiltern.”
Travell’s nerves immediately went taut as he grabbed the letter from the tray. He broke the seal to read a few scribbled words that struck terror into his heart.
I hope this message reaches you before you leave London. Alyssa has been taken. Lord and Lady Lockley plan to commit her, with the assistance of Lady Fremont, to Ticehurst Hospital. If you hurry, you might be able to catch them. Please, bring her back home to Rosewood.
—T
Travell crumpled the note in his fist. His father had been Lady Fremont’s victim, and now the woman he loved had been targeted.
Soon, Lady Fremont would be his to grind beneath his bootheel.
Chapter Twenty-Five
“Our helpless ‘Little Mouse’ has been caught in a trap of her own making.” Caroline’s mocking words were meant to cut, but Alyssa was too numb to react. She continued to stare out the window of the carriage as it rattled and bounced across the dark countryside. She refused to plead for her life, knowing that it would fall on deaf ears. And if there was one thing Alyssa still possessed, it was her dignity.
Besides, her cousin was the only one who could intercede on her behalf, and from the moment he’d sat down in the carriage, he’d withdrawn a flask from his jacket pocket, which he’d been nursing ever since.
Instead of lamenting her current existence, Alyssa comforted herself with memories of Travell. She thought back to the day she’d been walking among the fallen leaves around Breyton Hall, and how she’d topped the hill to see the Curdiff carriage pulling into the drive of Rosewood. She never imagined that after knowing the viscount for most of her life, it would only take a fortnight for her to fall completely and irrevocably in love with him. Although she’d harbored a tendre for him for years, it was nothing compared to what she felt now. There was no way she could possibly go to America now, even if she was free to do so. It would hurt her too much to be parted from him.
Tears stung her eyes as she thought of all the times Travell had proposed. At first, she imagined that it had all been in jest, and later, she was waiting for it to mean as much to him as it had her. Now she might have missed her only chance at true happiness.
Alyssa Abernathy. She had to admit it had a certain ring to it.
It would have been the most wonderful birthday present if she might have held the title of Viscountess Curdiff. Instead, it appeared that she would be celebrating her twenty-fifth year in a private cell somewhere in East Sussex.
A heavy sigh escaped her, one that did not go unnoticed by Caroline’s mother. “It won’t be much longer now,” Lady Fremont goaded. “Once you are gone, Travell will be so preoccupied trying to free you that I will finally be able to finish what I started all those years ago.”
At this, Alyssa turned her head. Faced with the maniacal look in the older woman’s eyes, she had no doubt Lady Fremont was the one who was truly insane. “What are you talking about?”
“Lord Trenton, of course.” She snorted and rolled her eyes, as if Alyssa was dense. “I don’t know how the earl managed it, but he escaped from Ticehurst after I had him committed, and found his way back to Rosewood.”
Alyssa’s eyes widened at this revelation. “You’re the reason he’s been gone for the past seven years? Why would you do something like that?”
“To put that whore wife of his in her place, of course. To make her suffer as I have suffered.” She lifted her chin and a ghost of a smile touched her lips. “She stole my husband from me, but that was a mistake he shall regret for the rest of his days.”
Alyssa was almost afraid to ask. “What happened to him?”
“I—”
“Mama!” Caroline broke in. “Surely it isn’t necessary to relay every single detail.”
Lady Fremont blinked and then laughed. “Of course, you’re right.” She glanced at Alyssa. “In a few hours you will no longer be our problem. That’s all you really need to know.”
***
Travell fairly flew across the countryside on his steed with Logan at his side. His mother had taken the carriage to Rosewood, and after taking Sophie to Bow Street and enlisting their aid to keep watch over her during 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 first Travell had been angry, wondering why, after all this time, Lord Trenton had chosen to come home. Now that he knew the truth, he couldn’t believe how his father had found a way to escape an asylum. Although he’d heard that Ticehurst was more humane than Bedlam, that it catered to those who could afford more comfortable and discreet accom
modations, that didn’t mean it was comparable to staying at an inn or hotel. The harsh treatments were likely just the same.
He shuddered, imagining Alyssa forced to endure the panic of 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, neither of 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 supposed I’d just kick in the door and search every inch of the damned place until I find Alyssa.”
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. “I am a 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 on a restraining jacket right 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 of a large, imposing white 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, Lady Alyssa.” 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, snoring for most 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. Have mercy.”
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 never dreamed I’d be lucky enough for you to fall into my arms.”
Alyssa gasped in surprise as she turned, her gaze landing on Travell as happy relief flooded through her. “Is it… truly you?”
He grinned. “It was the last time I checked.”
Without any other reason than that, she grabbed his jacket lapels and kissed him soundly on the lips, heedless if they were being observed or not.
When she pulled away, her heart thumped when she saw his eyes had darkened to the color of a stormy sea. “I can’t wait to revisit your gratitude in private,” he murmured. “But I’m afraid I have more pressing matters to attend to at the moment.”
He set her on her feet and turned his attention to Caroline and Lady Fremont, his expression changing from desire to something infinitely more dangerous. Alyssa noticed that they weren’t alone, as a tall, black-haired man with ice blue eyes stood next to them. She thought of her correspondence with Isabella about her friend’s adventures in France, and, according to her description of Logan Montgomery, she surmised that this had to be him. He was certainly intimidating enough.
However, even Logan didn’t stop Lady Fremont from stepping forward and demanding, “What is the meaning of this, Lord Curdiff?”
“I’m surprised you don’t already know,” he returned evenly, although his entire body tensed.
“All I see is that you are interfering with a delicate matter.” She pointed to her daughter. “My dear Caroline has expressed her concern about Lady Alyssa’ behavior, and James has agreed that something must be done.”
Alyssa saw her glance around for the baron, but when she heard a soft snore come from inside the carriage, it was obvious that he’d passed out once more.
“Lord Lockley no longer has any say when it comes to his cousin, for Lady Alyssa is my betrothed.”
Alyssa’s heart thumped, but it wasn’t due to anything other than pure admiration. Travell was here and that was enough for her.
***
Travell watched as shock lit Lady Fremont’s eyes, but then it dissipated just as quickly. However, when she would have opened her mouth to speak, he took another step toward her. “I think if anyone needs to walk through those doors—” He pointed toward the entrance of the hospital. “ — it should be you.” He advanced closer. “You left my father here to rot because of a grudge you had against my mother. Rest assured, I will have retribution for that.” He stopped directly before her. “It’s over, Lady Fremont. The devil has come to collect his due.”
As if on cue, the door to the asylum opened and light from a lantern spilled out into the yard as two men in white strode forward. As they approached, each grasped one of Lady Fremont’s arms.
Travell’s mouth lifted in the corners. “Since we arrived a bit early, Dr. Montgomery and I took it upon ourselves to express our own concern about your erratic behavior, and along with the maid Sophie’s written account. I’m afraid it was all found to be quite disturbing. This is to be your new home once your daughter signs the admission papers.”
Caroline gasped, but it was Lady Fremont who answered. “She won’t do it! She wouldn’t dare betray me!”
Travell lifted a brow. “You don’t think so?” He shifted his gaze to Lady Lockley. “I’m sure there’s plenty of room for the baroness if she doesn’t agree.” He crossed his arms, and played his final card. While he didn’t yet know all the details, he could only guess what had happened to Lady Fremont’s husband. “Why don’t you tell me what happened to the marquess?” He shrugged. “Or perhaps I will just ask Sophie.”
Her face instantly bleached of all color and she turned her panicked gaze on her mother. “Mama…” She visibly swallowed. “I’m sorry.” As the man with the lantern walked forward with a paper in his hand, Travell saw her hand shake as she quickly signed her name and sealed her mother’s fate.
Without warning, Lady Fremont screamed and lunged for her daughter. “How dare you!” The two men easily held her back from an attack, but her eyes spewed enough hatred to convey more than a blow ever could.
Instead of crumpling under such rage, Caroline lifted her chin as color heighted her cheeks once more. “I warned you what could happen when you started all of this!” She waved her arm in a wide arc. “While Lord Fremont may not have been my father, he was all I ever knew. He was kind to me, and I’ve despised you for what you did to him! He’s suffered in that bedchamber for years without even knowing where he is!”
“Don’t act as though you are without blame!” Lady Fremont snarled, spittle flying from her lips. “You were aware of Lord Trenton’s whereabouts, and yet, you did nothing to save him!”
“No, I didn’t,” Caroline spat. “But I’m tired of cleaning up after you. I live in my own hell with that drunkard I married. I don’t have time to remain in yours.” With that, she flounced back to the carriage, climbed in, and slammed the door behind her.
Silence reigned for a time, and then Travell nodded his head. The guards began to drag Lady Fremont inside, her demands and curses slowly fading into oblivion as the door shut behind them.
Montgomery walked forward. “What are you going to do about them?” He gestured to the carriage.
Travell turned to Alyssa. “That, I’ll leave up to my future wife.”
She looked at him, and he could tell the wheels were turning. But in the end, she shook her head. “Honestly, I think that they will suffer enough just being together that I don’t need to do anything else.”
He nodded and then put one arm around her, as he held out his other hand to Logan. “Thank you, Montgomery.”
Logan clasped his hand firmly. “Glad to be of assistance.” With a parting wink at Alyssa, he got on his horse and rode off into the darkness.
As the Lockley carriage rumbled away, Travell allowed his attention to drift back to Alyssa. He tenderly touched her cheek. “Let’s go home.”
Alyssa's Autumn Affair Page 23