To Save a Love - Alexa Aston Page 0,34

opened the door.

“We are here, Anna,” he told the sleeping woman. “I pray I can help you find yourself again.”

Going inside, he went to the settee and sat. Anna continued sleeping. It made him feel good that she had enough trust in him—whether she knew it was him or not—to fall asleep and stay that way.

Sometime later, Coral arrived. Dez saw the valet standing in the open doorway, a wicker basket in his hand.

“Come here, Coral,” he said. “Take a seat.”

Over the next half-hour, he told his servant the entire story, holding nothing back. How he and Anna had grown up and tried to elope. How they both had been sent away. And how he and Lord Shelton had discovered Anna was alive and retrieved her from the inhumane conditions they found at Gollingham Asylum.

“Thank you for your trust in me, Lord Torrington,” the valet said solemnly, his gaze on Anna. “I hope Miss Browning will be restored to full health.”

“I am counting on your discretion, Coral. There’s to be no gossip about this unusual situation. In fact, I don’t even want anyone to know she is here. I will depend upon you daily for many things.”

Dez explained the kind of supplies he would need. The daily trek to Shelton Park. How Coral was to tell everyone from Meadows to Mrs. Abbott to Paul Lexington that Lord Torrington was working on a very important project and had retreated to a private space. He was to be left alone until he returned to Torville Manor proper.

“You can count on me, my lord,” the valet promised.

He had Coral build a fire and put water on to heat. Coral removed some of the food from the basket and placed it on the small table in front of the settee.

“Go and get the things I need most now. The soap and towels. The vinegar and cheese whey. The kerosene and comb.”

“What of clothes for you and Miss Browning, my lord?”

“I can wait for those until tomorrow’s trip. Check in my sister’s former bedchamber and see if any gowns were left behind.”

He knew Dalinda had wed Gilford in London during the Season and she had never once returned to Torville Manor. His hope was that his twin had left some gowns more suited to the country in her wardrobe and that his father and Ham had been too self-centered to even think of them being there, much less removing them.

“Yes, my lord. I will return within an hour.” The valet hesitated. “Might I say something, my lord?”

“Speak freely, Coral.”

“It is a shame what happened to Miss Browning. I admire you for trying to help her. Not many men would.”

Tears stung his eyes. “Thank you, Coral. I only hope I can help her.”

Coral’s head bobbed up and down several times and he took his leave. Dez sat holding Anna, not fighting the tears that began to stream down his face.

And then she opened her eyes.

Chapter Eleven

Anna had heard talking again, like bees buzzing in the background. She had stopped listening to others a long time ago. When she’d first gone to Gollingham, she had strained to hear every word spoken. In the end, she had learned it led to nothing and only gave her false hope. So she had not bothered to listen. To the attendants, who had gossiped like magpies and played cruel jokes on the patients in their care. To Fiend, who pestered her with questions and no matter how she answered, told her she was wrong and stupid and mad. To Matron, who was cruel and abusive and taunted Anna.

Not hearing what went on around her allowed her to be in her own world. The one of her own making. It was a far more pleasant place to spend her time, especially during the long hours of sitting on the benches that lined the hallway. During those hours, she tuned out anything that occurred around her. If someone spoke to her, she never answered because she never heard their voice. If a patient was carted off for treatment, she never realized it occurred.

In her world, Anna created beautiful things. She lived in a wonderful house. Not as large as Shelton Park but still roomy and airy. Only she and Jessa lived there. No adults were allowed. Thoughts of Mama hurt too much for her to dwell upon. Mama had been in ill health and something told Anna that Mama was dead. As far as Papa went, she refused to think of him at