Bethany entered the study three afternoons later, now carrying a tailor's measuring tape. It was immediately apparent to Bella that this was in relation to the young lord's wardrobe. Teddy, however, was far from thrilled, unable to remain still and considering the measuring process an utterly intolerable affair. Not surprisingly, it didn't pass without his vocal expressions and fidgeting, just moments before Bella could measure his lengths or circumferences. When they finally completed the measurements, both ladies were so fatigued that their steps scarcely carried them to the dinner table, while Teddy flitted around them like an eager bird. Accompanying the lad to his nursery, Bella noticed Bethany arriving shortly after with a tray of sustenance for the young Earl.

"Lord Kendall isn't dining with Marquess St. Arcey?" Bella inquired, her surprise evident, as she had believed otherwise until now.

Bethany shook her head and without paying her even a glimpse, she responded: "The lad harbours a great fear of him, and the Marquess' inquiries have been known to bring him to tears," the young maid explained in hushed tones, ensuring Teddy wouldn't overhear. "For the sake of his and lad's peace of mind, the Marquess allowed that the young Earl shall take his meals in his nursery."

Another aspect that we'll have to consider changing, Bella pondered. Yet, at that moment, she hesitated, dreading another encounter with Travis, who seemed to derive pleasure from stirring up all her... sentiments? Certainly not!

Two days later, the Marquess entered the study carrying something in his hands. "Lord Silas, Miss Ward," he addressed them, receiving a correction from the boy, "Teddy, Isabella. It's just the three of us here." 

Travis cleared his throat, and his gaze fell on Bella. "Teddy and Isabella."

Something in the way he pronounced her name made her tilt her head. It struck her as peculiar that he yielded on a matter of decorum, but the way he uttered her name only reinforced Bella's belief that he had found yet another means to vex her.

"I've brought the things you asked for, Isabella."

She drew a composed breath before meeting his gaze once more. In his grasp, he held three miniature lead soldiers in one hand and about four slender volumes in the other. Seating himself on the floor with the pair, he extended the tiny soldiers towards Teddy.

"There you have it, three sturdy soldiers. Your regiment now stands at a total of six, Teddy."

"So, with these, each of us shall command two soldiers in our battles!" exclaimed Teddy enthusiastically, examining his new recruits for his private army.

"Quite right," concurred Travis. "Hence, the set of three. Now, young sir, ponder upon names for your newfound companions," he added, turning towards Bella as he handed her the books. "Those are likely intended for you first, Isabella."

With trepidation, she accepted the books into her hands, anticipating that he might, in his usual manner, hesitate to release them. To her surprise, however, he relinquished his grip promptly.

Thank you, she hinted with her lips, unable to say a word as a feeling of gratitude and tenderness for the boy overwhelmed her. She gazed at Travis, and he suddenly felt a prick at his heart, as if his barrier had loosened ever so slightly. Swiftly, he stood up and declared,

"And that's not all—since we have a splendid day outside, I propose we go for a horse ride."

"Aye! Horses!" Teddy shouted enthusiastically, sealing their plans for today.

Bella also stood up and replied, "May you both have an enjoyable ride, My Lordships... and do look after the young lad, Travis."

Mentioning his name stirred an uneasiness within her as if she had caught a glimpse of him in an immodest state. She rather feigned interest in perusing the children's books Travis had brought with him. 

The Marquess arched an eyebrow and inquired with a subtle smirk, "As per my knowledge, our estate boasts an ample number of horses. You could select one and accompany us, or am I mistaken?" 

Bella was taken aback and began to demur, "But, sir, this outing should be intended solely for you and young Teddy." 

"Join us, Isabella, come with us! It's a must!" Teddy exclaimed, seizing her hand and attempting to pull her along. 

Sighing, Bella acquiesced, recognizing her futile resistance, while a small smile played upon Travis' lips.

Soon, they rode along with the wind, and at times, Bella feared for the lad's security in the saddle. Yet, Travis had him firmly seated in front, revelling in the boy's delight. Amidst the ride, Bella endeavoured to appreciate the landscape — fields occasionally bordered by small woodlands, creating natural partitions between parcels. Her gaze fell upon flourishing crops and expansive fields of wild poppies, resembling strips of a crimson sea. She marvelled at the spectacle, and Teddy, who instructed a deceleration, seemed equally enthralled.

"Beautiful," the boy exclaimed, his eyes sparkling like tiny stars. 

"Indeed, summer in Marlborough stands as the loveliest in England," acknowledged Travis. 

Bella couldn't help but smile, "Yet second only to Hertford." 

Instantly, she regretted uttering those words aloud, knowing Travis had an unfavourable history with Hertford. The last thing she desired was to spoil the mood, be it for the young boy or the enigmatic Marquess. As Travis scrutinized her with a lingering gaze, he posed a question, "Are you content in my abode, Isabella?"

She hesitated in her response, unsure if there was a veiled threat behind the question or if it was merely his curiosity.

"Yes, I find contentment, and there's little to complain about, Travis," she replied with a touch of irony, an unexpected tone.

In truth, she had little reason to complain – her options were either to pack up and leave or hope for gradual progress, as she did today. 

Ideally, she wished to succeed in her endeavours while avoiding falling foolishly in love with that unattainable man once more.

Or perhaps the Marquess himself will elucidate how your grievances may unfold if you grow too assertive toward him, a whisper from the devil made her shiver, while a smirk crept onto Travis' face.

"Is there something you lack at my abode?" he continued his inquiry.

The only thing I lack is peace of mind, something likely unattainable even with twenty feet between us. Despite this intrusive thought, she answered, "No, I lack nothing, truly."

"Why then can't you, for once, agree with me or offer your support?" He provocatively asked, his raised eyebrow demanding an explanation.

"To concur would be to oppose myself; this way, I go against you," she retorted sharply. 

His hearty laughter, echoed by Teddy, filled the air, even though the young lad didn't entirely grasp the source of their amusement yet.

For a fleeting moment, that laughter contagiously affected Bella, and she sensed that the Travis she knew from years past still resided within the body of this man, whose actions now occasionally stirred her with a thorough shiver. Suddenly, she spotted two riders in the distance, but Teddy was quicker, pointing toward the approaching figures on horseback.

"Ah, more riders!"

Travis turned, and in that instant, he stilled. Even from a distance, he recognized her face and then that of her husband. They were likely headed somewhere for a visit, given Charles' casual wave. If circumstances allowed, Travis believed they would approach, engaging in conversation with him, Bella, and Teddy. And then...

...then he might have finally discovered whether Miranda was expecting his child or not.

He hoped for the second scenario – he did not wish for a child, especially not with Miranda Gilchrist, who was wed to another man. 

But what if she's with child, and I must observe – no – live with the knowledge that my progeny is maturing somewhere without my presence, with a man who is not his sire, and a mother who conceived him against his own father's will? His lip trembled at such a thought, and he sensed a buzzing in his ears. For a moment, his vision blurred and then smeared again. Travis blinked his eyes a few times and took a sharp breath. He knew what would follow shortly, but he didn't know how to control it, especially not now in the presence of Teddy and Isabella.

"Is something amiss, Travis?" Bella asked him, noticing his grave expression, as it unsettled her.

Her voice reached his ears from a vast distance, as if from a deep well, but it was him who was drowning at that moment, unable to surface and utter a single sound.

Others are deciding about my life again, trampling on my trust once more, using me to reach their goals...

He swallowed hard, grabbed the boy by the lapels, and swiftly lowered him from the saddle to the ground as if the lad were a sack of potatoes. Travis needed to get away, best in an instant, and as far as possible from Bella and Teddy, so they wouldn't experience his suffering. But not on a horse because he would surely fall off and meet his demise at long last.

So many times, I contemplated death, and now I'm avoiding what I once wished for myself.

"What—what is it?" Teddy asked, bewildered and a little frightened by the sudden change in the Marquess' demeanour.

Travis dismounted and headed towards the nearest trees, which formed a small grove at the edge of a field. Isabella also disembarked her horse, surprised and uneasy about what was happening.

"Travis?! Marquess St. Arcey!" she called after him, but he didn't stop; he continued into the woods.

On his stroll, however, there was an air of foreboding about him. It wasn't the resolute gait of a man who understood the purpose and direction of his steps; rather, it was the walk of someone teetering on the brink of collapse.

"What is amiss, Isabella? I'm frightened," the lad uttered tearfully. 

Bella quickly approached him, gracefully kneeling to be at his eye level. She then took hold of his hands and gazed into his sincere green eyes. "Fear not, Teddy. Travis is indisposed, yet wishes not to instil fear in you, alright? Soon, this malaise shall pass, and he shall return to his former self," she reassured him, attempting a smile, though conviction eluded her.

She felt apprehension, not only for the Marquess but also for Teddy, lest he be frightened anew. Yet, her words seemed to pacify him.

"Shall we not follow him?" the lad continued inquiring.

It was a probing question that Bella herself grappled with. Bringing Teddy to Travis bore considerable risk, and leaving Teddy unattended with the horses was perilous.

"Go after my brother, at least, Bella," Teddy implored when she remained silent. "You can! You must!" he exclaimed, seating himself on the ground. "I'll await here. I promise! I'll keep watch over the horses."

Bella shut her eyes firmly. The panic's impact was palpable to her, and neither of the available choices was appealing at all. There was also a third option—waiting with Teddy until Travis returned.

"Please, I implore you," the lad pleaded, prompting her to sigh deeply.

Get thee gone, get thee gone from the recesses of my mind! Travis vehemently cried within as he fought with the voices that haunted his mind. Though he longed to voice his torment aloud, only a subdued howl escaped him. I can't, I can't unleash a scream now; the lad might catch wind of it.

Swiftly, he turned to ensure that Bella and his sibling had vanished from view, sensing with each passing moment an increasing struggle merely to draw breath. A force, akin to an iron hoop, clamped upon his chest, and he sensed it would soon crush every organ within him. Even his gaze became a struggle, the surroundings a blur difficult to focus upon.

If I haven't succumbed ere this, surely this moment shall seal my fate.

In the corner of his eye, he discerned movement, and instinctively pivoted toward it. It was his mother, resting in the casket, eyes tightly shut, resembling a glass figurine. Hovering above the ground like a spectre, her visage induced beads of sweat on his brow.

"Feebleling, you could not bestir yourself to visit me whilst I drew breath. I implored thee, implored thee so fervently!" she lamented.

You did never implore me, you deceiver. Never did you signal that somewhat ailed you.

He averted his gaze from her, stumbling as he descended to his knees.

"Behold, Travis, behold our progeny," he heard another voice.

It was Miranda, as though emerging from one of his reveries, cradling a blue-tinged infant in her arms.

How could you... against my volition. After all the trials we've weathered together. You saved me from myself only to become prey to you.

Another wave of agonizing pain coursed through him, rendering him unable to draw breath. At that moment, a shadow loomed over him.

"Travis, draw breath! Inhale, my son."

He lacked the strength to meet the apparition of his father.

You departed too early, father. I shall never forgive you, just as I'll never forgive mother for her indiscretions. And Miranda, for betraying my trust.

His body trembled, sweat intensified, and he rolled onto his side, tightly closing his eyes.

So, where are you, devils?! Come claim your accursed son. I can endure no more, I cannot...!

It was a sweltering June day, the sun scorching his face, and the breeze held its breath, as if reluctant to stir on that particular day.

Travis? Travis?!

He recognized the sweet voice, yet once again, it emanated from a vast distance. She would never reach him in time... Suddenly, he felt the constriction around his neck loosen—some hands unfastened it down to his chest, as he was turned over on his back.

Travis, can you hear me?

He wanted to reply, but he couldn't, as he was yet again knocking at death's door. What a pity, that my brother would soon become an orphan. One hand then began to massage his chest, while the other checked his head and face.

Open your eyes, Travis!

Fear resonated in that voice, compelling him to comply at last. He managed to open his eyes to just a narrow slit. It was enough to catch a glimpse of that beautiful face with great, blue eyes as vast as the ocean. The spot where her hand rested on his chest began to gently burn, but he felt a modicum of relief at long last.

I'm here, and I'll be by your side as long as it's required.

He didn't comprehend the method she employed, but her voice had a soothing effect on him. Slowly, he began to breathe steadily, and the pain and visions, along with the ringing, gradually subsided. However, it took several more minutes until he fully regained his composure. He still had his eyes closed, and with each passing moment, Travis became increasingly aware of her hand resting on his chest.

I cannot allow myself to entertain thoughts of her. I must not permit her to harbour any emotions for me, assuming she has any at all. I would only mar her life; she merits more than what I can provide. More than I'll ever be able to provide. After all, I'm ailing... And she'll never forgive me that another woman is expecting my child! He ruminated. So, he did what he excelled at – he opened his eyes, and his hand swiftly reached up, capturing hers. It startled Bella so that she attempted to withdraw, but his other hand seized her elbow, drawing her closer to his countenance. Although he could have brought his lips to hers, notwithstanding the very tempting circumstance, he refrained.

"That hand is akin to an invitation," he uttered ominously.

"Nay," she murmured breathlessly.

"Your 'nay' sounds like an 'aye' to me," he rejoined. "Where are your seven feet now?!"

Bella couldn't respond immediately, no matter how ardently she endeavoured. She knew she was once again gazing into the eyes of a man who could be perilous and menacing when he truly desired, and it was apparent that he did at this moment – she couldn't explain his behaviour any other way.

"I thought you were injured," she finally articulated in a subdued tone.

"Miss Ward, if you touch me again, I swear to you, I'll carry you to my bed and proffer you of everything you possess," he declared menacingly.

After this ominous remark, her cheeks promptly flushed, and under the force of his gaze, she had to lower her own. Her resolve to not be afraid of him and counter his verbal assaults wavered suddenly, as she hadn't anticipated such an aggressive outburst and didn't know how to respond or defend herself further. It was abundantly clear that the beast within him was speaking once more. Travis then released her, swiftly rising to his feet.

"Where is Teddy?" he demanded sharply.

"L-Lafferty appeared as if summoned, took the lad home," Bella replied meekly, feeling her throat dry up, a sensation akin to swallowing sand.

"Then stand up, and we shall return home," he commanded without offering her assistance, his gaze never meeting hers.

Disgusting, vile man, Bella thought, as she rose, the unsettling encounter still echoing in her mind. Soon, they found themselves back at the estate, where Travis swiftly handed the reins to a servant and disappeared without uttering a word to her.

Since it was still early for dinner, Bella went to check upon Teddy, who was quietly engrossed in new picture books in his room. After ensuring the boy was alright and reassuring him about Travis' well-being, a semblance of normalcy seemed to return.

Yet beneath the facade of calm, the unsettling emotions from Travis' threat lingered. She needed solace, hence she sought refuge in the library, where her gaze fell upon the open dreambook, a neglected companion for too many days.

She swiftly discerned that the book was open on different pages. With a weighty sigh, she closed her eyes and gently rested her face upon the paper. It seemed Travis had perused the content, possibly leaving the dreambook ajar on pages tethered to his dreams.

Could this be some cryptic message from him? she mused silently. Yet, his message was unequivocal – another touch of hers and he would claim her, even if it meant defying her will. At that notion, her stomach constricted once more, and goosebumps appeared all over her body as if he might have materialized in the library and insisted upon his desires right then and there.

Eyes shut, the scenario played vividly – the ramparts of her soul were besieged by the beast, eagerly awaiting her lapse. 

Once, she might have surrendered everything with just one word from him. Yet it had been quite a while since she saw his character through the lens of her innocence, a considerable time since she crafted justifications for his actions, and a long stretch since the simplest gestures from him could bring her amusement.

Now, yielding herself, surrendering to his stratagems or coercion without the ardent passion she once held for him in reciprocation could be a misstep haunting her for the remainder of her days.

But she wouldn't make such a misstep. Regardless of the rationale behind his intimidation, she vividly recalled her nonexistence in his life. 

And nonexistence it would remain once her duty in Marlborough is concluded.