Page 11 of A Raven Revived (The Raven’s Den #4)

Chapter Eleven

D aisy’s heart fluttered anxiously as the carriage pulled up in front of her childhood home. This should be a joyous occasion, but she was more than a little apprehensive. How would they react to learning she was alive?

Fitz squeezed her hands gently. “You stay here. I will give them the news, and when I know they are willing to have a respectful and courteous conversation, I’ll come and collect you.”

He didn’t give her a chance to argue before exiting the carriage and striding to the front door. When it opened, the butler stood to attention. He hadn’t changed a bit since she last saw him. His brow furrowed, and he shook his head. He was turning Fitz away. She sighed and opened the carriage door.

As she climbed down, the butler looked in her direction. His eyes grew wide, and he took an involuntary step back.

“Lady Jane,” he said, astonishment still evident on his face as she approached the door.

“Grayson.” She raised a brow. Would he refuse her as well?

“I told you to wait in the carriage,” Fitz admonished.

She smiled and shrugged. “I’m not very good about doing as I’m told.”

He chuckled. “And you never will be, will you?”

She shook her head and turned her attention back to the butler. “Will my parents wish to see me, Grayson? If not, we will leave.”

“My lady, I—” He trailed off. He didn’t know the answer and didn’t want to just let her in.

“Why don’t you go ask them? We’ll wait.”

He nodded, still looking unsure. “Yes, my lady.”

When the door closed, Fitz placed a hand on her shoulder. Sadness filled his eyes. She’d known there was a chance they wouldn’t wish to see her after the way she’d left.

A few minutes later, her father appeared at the door, a sneer on his face. “You finally realized selling your wares can’t provide you with the same comforts that I always have, and thought you might be able to beg your way back into my home? Well, you’d better come in then, before someone sees you. But he’s not welcome.” He gestured with his chin in Fitz’s direction.

She was quite sure she heard a low growl from Fitz.

“I won’t be coming in without him, Father.”

“You disappear for three years, leaving us to assume you’re dead, and you think you can show up on my doorstep making demands?”

She shook her head and stepped in front of Fitz to stop him from doing something foolish. His anger was nearly palpable. “I’m not making any demands. If you do not wish to see me, I will leave.” She was proud of herself for sounding so calm while her heart was trying to gallop its way right out of her chest and tears were threatening to burst from her eyes.

“Please.” Her mother’s voice was quiet, but Daisy heard the single word spoken from behind her father.

He let out an irritated sigh. “Very well.” He turned and walked away from the door.

It would seem that was as much of a welcome as she was going to get. With a deep breath to steel herself, she stepped into the house. As soon as the door closed, her mother approached her. Tears shimmered in her eyes. She reached a hand up and placed it gently against Daisy’s cheek.

“Jane. It’s really you.” Her fingers trembled as her gaze swept over every inch of Daisy’s face.

Daisy nodded. “It’s really me.”

“I thought I’d lost you too.” A single, quivering tear made its way slowly down her mother's cheek.

She’d never considered how painful it must have been for her mother to lose first one daughter and then the other. They’d not been very close, and the truth was, Daisy hadn’t thought much about how her decision to run might affect anyone else. She’d just had a desperate need to flee.

Her father cleared his throat as he stood next to the entrance to the drawing room. He didn’t want them to make a scene in front of the servants. He’d always cared more about how people perceived them than how anyone actually felt.

Fitz followed closely behind her as they made their way into the room. Her father nodded toward a chair, and her mother sat in it. Somehow Daisy had never realized just how much he controlled her.

Daisy seated herself on the edge of the sofa and Fitz sat beside her. His presence was comforting. It made her feel safe and reminded her that she was cared for, even if her parents didn’t. Or, at least, her father didn’t. He quite clearly despised her for what she’d done.

“I’ve come because—” She paused for a moment, trying to bolster her confidence. “Gerard and I are going to wed, and I thought you should hear it from me.”

Her father’s eyes narrowed and he turned them on Fitz. “Come looking for a dowry, have you? Well, I won’t be providing one, so you can go fortune hunting somewhere else.”

Fitz shifted beside her. She placed a hand on his arm, afraid he might pummel her father.

“We’re not here for your money, Father.”

A muscle ticked beside his eye. “You don’t have my permission to wed.”

She sighed. “I haven’t come for that either. I had, of course, hoped to have your blessing. But since it would seem I won’t be receiving that, and my presence here is unwelcome, I’ve done what I came for, and we will leave.”

She started for the door, but her mother grabbed her arm. “Please, Jane, don’t leave. It’s just been a shock, that’s all. We thought you were—” She swallowed and looked into Daisy’s eyes. “We didn’t think we’d ever see you again.”

Fitz spoke quietly from her other side. “That is no excuse for rudeness.”

She squeezed his hand, silently begging for his patience.

Her father spoke up. “If they want to leave, let them.”

To her surprise, her mother turned to face him and straightened her spine. “No, Richard. She is our daughter. She is welcome in this home.”

He clenched his jaw and glared at her but said not a word. Daisy was proud of her mother for standing up to him and couldn’t help but smile.

Her mother placed a hand on her arm. “Please stay. Dine with us and stay the night. I can’t lose you again already.”

Daisy closed her eyes and gradually blew out a long breath. How could she possibly say no to that? Her mother was obviously hurting. Slowly, she opened her eyes and nodded. She owed her that much after leaving the way she had.

Her lips turned up in a grateful smile. “I’ll have your room made ready for you.”

“And a guest room as well?” Daisy asked.

Her mother’s smile fell.

“No,” her father said firmly. “He will not be staying in my house.”

Daisy was of two minds. Part of her wanted to simply turn and march right out the front door, but her mother didn’t deserve to be punished because of her father’s stubbornness. Settling on her decision, she turned around and faced Fitz.

“Go home to your family’s estate. I’ll be fine here for the night, and you can come back for me in the morning.”

He placed a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t feel very good about leaving you. Are you sure that’s what you want?”

“Yes. I’ll be fine. It’s just one night.”

Grayson appeared in the doorway. “Dinner will be served in a few minutes, my lord. How many places would you like set at the table?”

“Three places. And see Mr. Fitzwilliam out. He won’t be staying.”

“I’ll walk him out, Grayson.” Daisy didn’t wait for anyone to contradict her. She simply strode from the room and hoped Fitz would follow her without causing a scene.

He placed a hand on her arm as they neared the front door. “Daisy.” She stopped and turned to face him. “Are you alright?”

She nodded. “Of course I am.”

“Then why does it feel like you’re running away from me?”

She sighed. “I just don’t want you to get into a fight with my father, and I can feel your anger growing every time he speaks.”

He gave her a sad smile. “I’m sorry. I won’t cause any problems. Come here, love.” He wrapped his arms around her. It was exactly what she needed in that moment.

“Are you sure you want to stay?”

She nodded against his chest.

“Do you want me to sleep outside your window?”

Daisy laughed. “With a slate?”

He nodded. “My daisy chalk drawings were becoming quite masterful.”

“They were.” How was it possible to love someone so much? “Go home and spend some time with your family.”

He pulled back and looked into her eyes. “Alright. I’ll be back first thing in the morning.” He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, then squeezed her hands before walking out the door.

Just one night. She only had to endure one night with her father. She’d managed a lifetime with him, surely she could get through one more night.

As she turned back to the drawing room, she saw her father slipping up the stairs toward his study. Apparently, he had business to attend to that was more urgent than the sudden reappearance of his daughter. Perhaps she wouldn’t have to endure his presence after all.

“Thank you.” Her mother placed a hand on her cheek again when she returned to the drawing room. “It makes me so happy to have you home, Jane.”

It was still strange to hear that name. She hadn’t been addressed by it in a very long time. Daisy was her name now. It was who she was.

“I’m sorry, Mother. My intention wasn’t to hurt you.”

“I know.” She nodded. “Where have you been all this time?”

“In London,” Daisy said with a shrug.

“Why did you leave?”

Daisy blanched. Why did no one seem to know the answer to that? “I didn’t make any secret of the fact that I did not wish to marry Geoffrey. Father threatened to have me committed if I didn’t. What else was I supposed to do?”

Sadness seemed to fill her mother’s entire being. “I’m sorry, Jane.”

“It doesn’t matter now. I’ll be wed soon enough to someone who truly cares for me.”

“I’m happy for you.”

Her father appeared in the doorway. It would seem he wasn’t going to spend the evening in his study, after all. “Am I to dine alone?” he said grumpily. “Or will the two of you be joining me?”

“Of course,” her mother said quickly. “We’re coming.” She hurried to his side, leaving Daisy to follow behind.

It wasn’t how a marriage should be. Fitz would never treat her so abhorrently. Quite the opposite. He was so sweet, always doing little things to make her smile. He always had. From the time he’d learned her middle name was Daisy, he’d rarely shown up without one to give her. He would never be like her father.

* * *

Fitz really didn’t like leaving Daisy there alone, but perhaps her father would be more welcoming to her if he wasn’t around. She’d been so brave, standing her ground and not showing any weakness. In many ways she was stronger than him. Pride blossomed in his chest thinking about it.

He was the luckiest man alive to be marrying her after all that had kept them apart. The words she’d used when she’d accepted him played through his mind. Of course I’ll marry you, you muttonheaded half-wit . He laughed at the memory as he walked through the front door of his family’s estate. He was a muttonheaded half-wit, for ever letting her go.

Everyone was already seated around the table when he entered the dining room.

“Apologies for my tardiness. I hope I’m still welcome.”

“Of course you are,” his brother said jovially. A footman hurried to set him a place and pulled out a chair, which he settled into.

“Well,” his mother said, beaming at him. “If that smile on your face was put there by your betrothed, then I will certainly give my blessing to the match, even if it is a bit unconventional.”

His cheeks warmed slightly as he placed his napkin in his lap. “It was most assuredly put there by thoughts of her. Unfortunately, she will not be joining us. She’s staying with her parents tonight.”

“They must be overjoyed to see her safe and well.”

“Sadly, that is not the sentiment with which we were greeted.” He shrugged. “I’m very glad that she will be welcomed here, at least.”

“Where has she been all this time?” his mother asked.

“London,” he said simply.

“How did you find her?”

“It was purely adventitious. I happened to see her one day while she was out shopping with friends.”

“What has she been doing?” His mother seemed genuinely curious, but he wasn’t sure she was ready for the full answer.

“Working, mostly.” He took a sip of his wine, praying his mother would leave it at that, but it was his brother who spoke next.

“Lady Jane has been working? Dare I ask what kind of work?”

“I’m not sure that’s important, nor do I believe your question to be very well-intentioned. Suffice to say, she’s been living a happy life, and will hopefully continue to be just as happy when she’s my wife.”

His brother held up his hands. “I meant no offense, Gerry. I was merely curious. Not many women of Lady Jane’s standing have jobs, that’s all. Of course we wish the two of you every happiness.”

Fitz nodded. “Perhaps I was a bit quick to take offense.”

Geoffrey held up his glass in a toast. “To Gerry. May he live a long and happy life with his future bride.”

Fitz smiled, raising his glass with the rest of them.

Melinda spoke up then. “I am certainly looking forward to getting to know her. I'm sure she has plenty of stories to share about the pair of you.” She smiled teasingly at her husband and Fitz.

He was glad his family was being so supportive. He hadn’t known what to expect, especially from Geoffrey. It had to be at least a little awkward for Melinda, but she was friendly and kind throughout the meal.

When they finished, he retired to a small drawing room with his brother to share some port, and apparently, a celebratory cigar.

“I apologize about what I said earlier, Gerry. I really didn’t mean any indignity, but I can see how it came across that way and I am sorry.”

Fitz nodded. “Perhaps I was a little overly sensitive. I find I’m highly protective of her.”

“Quite right, too.” He raised his glass in a salute.

“Her parents are simply awful, so that may have put me on edge a bit.”

“Are you sure you really want to marry into that family?”

“I’m sure I want to marry her .”

Geoffrey nodded. “I can see that.”

“I should have run away with her, but I was too much of a coward and just assumed she’d prefer to be with you anyway.”

His brother scoffed and looked down into his glass as he swirled the dark liquid. “The truth is, I was not very kind to her. It’s no wonder she ran away. I’ve always felt guilty about that.” He shrugged, obviously uncomfortable with his confession. “I cared for her sister, you know. And when she was gone and I was going to be forced to marry Jane instead, I resented her for that. Of course it wasn’t her fault, but I was self-absorbed, and”—he shook his head with a quick sigh—“stupid.”

“I won’t argue with that. I think we can agree that we both failed her.”

Geoffrey looked up and nodded.

“But in the end,” Fitz continued, “it all worked out for the best. You found your love match, and so did we.”

His brother clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m truly happy for you, Gerry. And for her. You’ll be such a better husband than I ever would have been to her. I mean, I never would have hurt her, not physically anyway, but she’s better off with you. And Melinda has made me a better man.”

“Well,” Fitz said with a smile. “It would seem we both owe her our happiness then.”

“To Jane,” his brother said, raising his glass.

“To Daisy,” Fitz corrected.

He gave an acceding nod. “To Daisy.”

They both took a drink. “Have you heard from George recently?” Fitz asked.

“Mother insists on reading me every one of his letters.” Geoffrey rolled his eyes. “He always was her favorite son. Every letter comes from a different city. Apparently, he’s still thoroughly enjoying the arts Europe has to offer.”

“Yes, I’m sure it’s the arts he’s enjoying.” Their brother had always been a lothario.

“So, how does your wife feel about Daisy’s sudden reappearance?”

Geoffrey shrugged. “She seems to be quite accepting of the whole thing. I think she really would like to get to know her.”

“Perhaps, after I collect her in the morning, we’ll come and share luncheon with all of you, if that would be agreeable.”

“Absolutely. We’d love to have you both.”

Fitz was glad of his family’s willingness to welcome Daisy, but as he prepared for bed, he couldn’t stop himself from worrying about her. He was half tempted to do just as he’d said and station himself beneath her window. Had her father continued to treat her badly after he’d left? He’d never wanted to punch someone more in his life. At least her mother had seemed genuinely happy to have her home.

Daisy would never be like her mother, afraid to stand up to him. She would always speak her mind and put him in his place whenever necessary. He sighed as he climbed into bed. One night, that was all she had to endure, and then she’d never have to see them again if she didn’t wish to.