Alyssa's Autumn Affair by Tabetha Waite

Author:Tabetha Waite [Waite, Tabetha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tabetha Waite
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

***

The next morning, Alyssa went downstairs, prepared for battle. She’d lain awake half the night going over her strategy, for the more she considered Lady Fremont’s arrival, she decided it wasn’t just coincidence. While she didn’t want to imagine that there was some sort of conspiracy at hand, neither could she discount the fact that if Caroline’s mother was anything like her daughter, Travell could have a real problem on his hands.

However, the moment she entered the dining room, she didn’t have the chance to approach Caroline, for she lifted her head and offered Alyssa a brilliant smile. “Ah, there you are, Little Mouse.” God, how she detested that nickname. “I thought I might go with you to call upon Lord Curdiff this morning and see how his father is faring.”

She daintily wiped her mouth with her napkin, but her innocent demeanor didn’t fool Alyssa. Now, more than ever she was convinced there was something else going on here. But since she couldn’t very well tell her that she couldn’t go, she forced a smile and said, “I’m sure he would appreciate that.”

“I rather hoped to gain an audience with that mesmerist as well,” Caroline noted.

That, at least, Alyssa could prevent. “I fear he was heading back to London this morning.”

“Oh.” She appeared truly disappointed. Alyssa could only imagine why. “That’s a shame.”

Caroline stood to her feet as gracefully as a queen. “I’ll call for the carriage and have it brought ’round. Join me in the foyer when you’re ready.” She smiled rather pointedly. “You shouldn’t wish to skip breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day.”

As she walked away, Alyssa had to grit her teeth. It was going to be a long day stuck in that woman’s company. Unfortunately, she knew that it was Travell who would have to suffer.

She ate her eggs and kippers as quickly as she could manage and gathered her redingote and bonnet from the footman. Daisy was nowhere to be found.

When Alyssa inquired after her maid, Caroline offered another sunny smile. “I told her that I would be chaperoning you today, so she could remain behind.”

Alyssa had to fight to hold her tongue. “But what if you should wish to return earlier?” If only I could be so lucky…

“I shall be quite content to wait for you. I daresay I’m rather curious as to how you could spend so much time at Rosewood. Surely your flowers don’t require that much care.” She leaned forward almost conspiratorially, as if imparting a secret that Alyssa was already in on. “I’m starting to think your interest lies more in the viscount.”

“I’ve told you several times that Travell and I are friends and nothing more.” A few passionate kisses notwithstanding. Although, she didn’t offer that particular bit of information as it was none of Caroline’s business.

Caroline didn’t reply, but the smirk that touched her lips was enough of a confirmation that she didn’t believe a word Alyssa said.

But then, it wasn’t really the truth, was it?

Alyssa clenched her fists in her lap as they rode the short distance to Rosewood.

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