Page 21 of A Raven Revived (The Raven’s Den #4)

Chapter Twenty-One

D aisy stretched and slowly opened her eyes. Her body still felt delicious from everything Fitz had done with her last night. She was disappointed that he wasn't in bed with her, but that probably wasn’t something she could expect of him every morning, even if she did wish for it. Surely, he had other things to see to besides her.

With a sigh, she folded back the blankets and sat up on the side of the bed. There was a trail of daisies on the floor, leading to the dressing room. She smiled. Perhaps he was actually seeing to her this morning, just not in bed.

She slipped on a robe, and picked the daisies up one by one as she followed their path. She had a handful of them by the time she entered the dressing room. Fitz was sitting in the empty tub, dressed in his pajamas, a smile on his face.

“Good morning, Daisy.”

“Good morning, Fitz. What is this?” She held up her fistful of flowers.

“Well, I thought, last night we started to conquer those difficult words, so perhaps this morning, we can take the first step in conquering the tub. I have raisin scones.” He held one up and raised his brow hopefully.

She laughed softly and nodded. Anyone else would be condescending and dismissive. But not Fitz. He understood how hard this was for her. The truth was, she was terrified, but knowing she had him and his support, gave her the strength she needed to try. “How could I possibly resist?” Happy tears pricked the corners of her eyes.

Slowly, she made her way to stand beside him and placed the daisies on the floor next to the tub.

He held a hand out for her. “When you’re ready, step over the side and settle onto my lap.”

After closing her eyes for a moment to center herself, she took the hand he offered and did as he said, slowly lowering herself onto his lap. He wrapped an arm around her and kissed her shoulder.

“My brave girl.” He held a scone in front of her mouth. “Here’s your reward.”

She giggled and took a bite. “Mmm. It’s delicious, but I think you are the better reward.”

He pressed kisses against her neck, sending chills down her arms. “You can always have me.”

He continued holding her, pressing kisses against her neck and shoulders while she nibbled away on the delicious scone. It was nothing short of heaven.

When she finished with the scone, he pulled her back to rest her head on his shoulder. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Your tone doesn’t sound like it’s good news.”

“Well, I don’t know how you’ll feel about it, honestly.” He let out a sigh. “Your father died.”

She turned so she could look into his eyes. “Did Ash kill him?”

He chuckled and shook his head.

“You think I’m joking, but that’s something he would do.”

“I don’t think you’re joking. I laughed because we all thought the same thing. He didn’t have anything to do with it, though.”

That was hard to believe. “How did he die?”

“Apparently, he fell down some stairs.”

She wasn’t sure how to feel about the news. “The timing seems awfully suspicious. I want to talk to Ash myself.”

He nodded. “Of course. We can go over there again today. I’m sure the floors will need sweeping again anyway.”

He winked, and she swatted his shoulder.

“No kissing while we’re there, though. I got told off for it yesterday.”

She laughed. “Of course you did. Ash and his rules.”

He pressed his lips softly against hers. “You can kiss me as much as you want here, though.”

She kissed him briefly. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of kissing you, but if I get started, who knows how long it will be before we eventually get out of here today.”

He pressed a kiss to her temple and hugged her tight. “How are you feeling about your father's death? Are you alright?”

She wasn’t really sure. After everything, it was hard not to be glad. “What about my mother?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know anything else, but we can certainly pay her a visit. I need to call on the new Lord Litchfield anyway, so I can obtain his permission to marry you. What do you think about becoming Mrs. Fitzwilliam instead of Lady Jane Kemp?”

“Mrs. Fitz?”

“Mrs. Fitz,” he said with a chuckle.

“I love it.”

“Me too.” His smile was tender and affectionate. “Are you ready to get out of the tub?”

She nodded. “Maybe tonight, we can try it with a bit of water in it.”

“If you decide you’re ready, I promise it will be warm.” He looked at her with such pride. It seemed like a silly thing, but somehow he understood just how afraid she was.

With a contented sigh, she pressed a kiss against his lips and then climbed out of the tub.

They didn’t have time for both in one day, so Daisy opted to forgo visiting Raven House in favor of calling on her mother, who had apparently already moved into the dowager house.

“Jane!” The smile she greeted her with was in stark contrast to the widow’s garb she wore. It was a bit jarring, in fact, and Daisy wasn’t entirely certain how to feel about it.

“Mother.” She kissed her cheek, and when she looked into her eyes, some of the shadows that had resided there the last time she’d seen her had gone. For some reason it hadn’t occurred to her that her mother might be happy about her father’s sudden death.

“I would say I’m sorry to hear about Father, but you don’t seem to be.”

She shrugged and let out a long sigh. “At least he can’t ever hurt you again.” A flash of something different, something strong, appeared in her mother’s eyes, just for a moment.

“Mr. Fitzwilliam,” she called over to him, “you don’t need to stand over there by the door. Come and sit with us.”

He gave her a slight bow and moved away from the door where he’d stationed himself. He’d refused to leave Daisy alone, even here with her mother. “Thank you, my lady.”

He settled onto the sofa beside Daisy, and her mother poured them all tea before sitting down in the chair.

“Have you met the new Lord Litchfield yet?” Daisy asked her.

“Yes,” she said with a nod. “He’s up at the house now. He’s been very kind and has assured me that I will be welcome here and will be provided everything I require. He even suggested I bring on a companion, and I think I will.”

“That’s wonderful. A companion will do you good.” She sipped her tea, still feeling a bit off balance. “Fitz wanted to talk to him, so I’m glad he can do that while we’re here as well.”

“I told him he’d probably be hearing from you soon, Mr. Fitzwilliam. And I also let him know that you have my blessing to marry my daughter.”

“That is very kind of you, my lady. Thank you.”

“Really?” Daisy asked. “We have your blessing?”

“Of course you do. It’s obvious the two of you are in love, and I have no doubt Mr. Fitzwilliam will take good care of you. If it weren’t for him, you’d still be… well, in truth I don’t really know where you were, but I know it wasn’t good.”

Her mother looked up from her tea and tears shone in her eyes. “At first, when that large man appeared at the door to my sitting room, I thought they had come for me too, but he assured me that no harm would come to me, and he was just there to make sure I was secure and safe until they left. He said they were going to do everything in their power to get you back.”

Daisy looked at Fitz. She hadn’t asked any questions about what had happened that night. They must have confronted her father. Those were questions for another time, though. She walked to her mother and bent down to embrace her. “We’re safe now, Mother.”

Her mother nodded. “I’m sorry I didn’t have the courage to stop him before he caused you so much pain.” She leaned back and placed her palm against Daisy’s cheek. “I hope you know I love you.”

Daisy nodded, unable to form words, as thoughts and emotions swirled through her. Her mother stood and squeezed her hands. “You’d better go up to the house and meet with Lord Litchfield.”

She hugged her mother one more time. “I love you, Mother.”

They left her and made their way up to the main house. Grayson allowed them entry without hesitation, but did not look either of them in the eye.

“I hope there won’t be any hard feelings between us, Grayson,” Daisy said after he led them into the drawing room.

He looked up at her then and slowly nodded. “Thank you, my lady.”

“Are you sure he deserves that?” Fitz asked quietly after they were seated.

“Of course he does. He was only following my father’s orders.”

“Good afternoon,” Lord Litchfield said as he entered the drawing room. He was younger than Daisy had expected, not much older than her, in fact.

Fitz stood and gave him a bow before shaking his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, my lord.”

“Oof, I’m still getting used to all this my lord stuff.” He walked over and held out a hand for Daisy. “Lady Jane.” He bowed over her hand. “I believe we technically met once or twice as children.”

She paused for a moment, taking in his face. He was vaguely familiar. “William?”

“Ah!” He beamed at her. “So you do remember!”

“Very nearly.”

He laughed and seated himself across from them. It was hard for her to believe this blithesome man was actually the new Lord Litchfield. He couldn’t have been more different from her father.

“I imagine I already know why the two of you requested an audience with me. It seems a bit ridiculous that a virtual stranger who’s barely two years your elder should be the one to decide who you marry, but here we are.” He shook his head. “Your mother has already told me she’s supportive of the match, but what really matters to me, is what you want, Jane.”

He looked at her intently as he waited for her response. She reached for Fitz’s hand and her heart warmed as he squeezed his support.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with him, and if we can do that as husband and wife, all the better.”

“I didn’t even need an answer after seeing that smile.” He turned his gaze on Fitz. “You are a lucky man to have the heart of such a lovely lady.”

“I am.” Fitz nodded slowly. “And I will treasure it always.”

“Well, far be it from me to stand in the way of love. Of course you’ll have my blessing.”

Daisy’s hands trembled as she pressed her fingertips to her lips. Tears sprang from her eyes. Somehow she hadn’t thought it could really happen. Fitz’s arm wrapped around her shoulders and he held her tight.

“I hope those are happy tears,” he said quietly into her ear. She nodded and quickly wiped them away.

“Thank you, my lord.”

He cringed slightly at her words. He leaned in and spoke quietly. “Can we just stick with William?”

She laughed. “Just as long as you’ll call me Daisy.”

A short time later, when the carriage door closed behind them, Daisy threw herself into Fitz’s arms, and pressed her lips to his.

They were going to be married. It was really going to happen. Her lips turned up at the thought, even as she kissed him. The feel of his tongue dancing with hers was a sort of divine ecstasy, and it sent desire racing through her.

“Is it possible to make love in a carriage?” she asked through ragged breaths.

Fitz choked and sputtered into a laugh. “It most certainly is. However, because we didn’t stay here long, we’ll have time to stop at Raven House before going home, so we need to stay presentable.”

She rolled her eyes and sighed. “Very well.” She climbed off his lap.

But then without warning, tears burst from her eyes. Her body was suddenly racked with sobs, and she gasped for breath.

“Daisy, sweetheart.” Fitz wrapped his arms around her. “What is it? What did I do?”

She shook her head, unable to form words and simply continued to bawl. She’d had to be so strong all this time, but her strength had disintegrated. She tried to stop the crying, tried to be what Fitz needed her to be, resilient and whole. But she couldn’t, so she gave up and allowed him to simply hold her. Allowed him to take care of her, just as Ash had told her to.

“It’s alright, Daisy. You cry all you need to. I’ve got you, love.” He rocked her gently as she continued to weep.

She took hold of his hand and squeezed, trying to show her gratitude in the only way she was capable in that moment. He didn’t ask any more questions or insist that she explain. He just allowed her to not be strong, and let out her pain, guilt, fear, and everything else she was feeling. It was exactly what she needed from him.

Gradually, her crying calmed and her sobs quieted into sniffles.

“Are you alright?” Fitz asked, continuing to hold her.

Daisy nodded. “I’m sorry.”

He turned her chin gently and looked into her eyes. “No apologies. You’ve been through more than anyone should ever have to endure, and have been dauntless through it all. I’m glad you finally took a moment to not be. You are allowed to be vulnerable or scared or hurt, or whatever else you need to feel. I know you’ve had to rely only on yourself for a long time, but you have me now.”

Her breathing was still uneven and shaky. “I think I’ve been waiting to hear that we wouldn’t be able to marry for one reason or another. Waiting for something or someone to take you away from me again. And now that we have permission, it’s really going to happen. Isn’t it?”

His smile was so tender as he gazed at her. “It was going to happen with or without permission. I am never going to lose you again.”

“I must be the luckiest woman alive.”

“Well, I don’t know about that. But you’re my woman, and I love you.”

She was definitely the luckiest woman alive. She turned and leaned back in his embrace again, the only sound that of the carriage wheels as they rumbled along.

“There is something else that may have contributed to my sudden outburst,” she said quietly.

“Have I been pushing you too hard?”

“No.” She shook her head. “You’ve been wonderful.”

“What then?”

She let out a long sigh. “I thought Ash must have killed my father, or at least knew who did, but after talking to my mother—.” She paused to reconcile her thoughts. “It wasn’t him.”

A long moment passed before he said anything. “How do you feel about that?”

He hadn’t said she was wrong. “You think I’m right, don’t you?”

He squeezed her hand. “I think your mother loves you, and she lived in fear of what your father might do to you, or to her, for a very long time. When he sent you to Auburn Ridge, and her fears became reality, that must have been extraordinarily difficult for her.”

“You don’t think it makes her a bad person?” The truth was, she wasn’t entirely sure how she felt about it. In a way, she was proud of her mother, but she was also sad. Sad that she’d had to do something so heinous to have some kind of peace. She wasn’t sad that her father was dead, that was undeniably true.

“I think it makes her a mother who wanted to protect her daughter in the only way she could. Besides, after what your father did to you, I imagine his days were numbered one way or another.”

He was right, of course. She’d been with Ash long enough to know he wouldn’t have just let that pass.

“You know,” he said, turning toward her. “Just because we need to stay presentable doesn’t mean we can’t have a bit of fun.” He grasped her chin gently and kissed her. “Do you remember the first time I touched you, all those years ago?”

“I might.” She would never forget it. He’d introduced her to pleasure, and at the time, it had been the most incredible experience of her life. “Four years is a long time, though. Perhaps you can remind me.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” He traced his tongue over her lips before plunging inside. His kiss sent spirals of desire racing through her, and in no time, she was breathless and desperate for more.

“When are we going to get to the touching part?”

He chuckled and pulled her back onto his lap. “Patience never was one of your stronger virtues.”

He reached under her skirts and settled his hand on her calf, his movements achingly slow as he brushed his palm up the inside of her thigh and into the slit of her drawers. She held her breath as he neared her sex until finally his fingertip slid along her heated flesh, and she groaned as a wave of pleasure washed over her.

“Mmmm. You really did need to be touched, didn’t you?”

She should feel embarrassed that she was already so aroused, but she was far too needy to feel anything but the delectable sensations of his touch. His lips returned to hers and as his tongue slid over her own it somehow only increased her body’s demand for more. Slowly, he slid one finger into her body, and she sucked in a desperate breath.

“I don’t remember that from the first time.”

“Would you rather I didn’t?” His smile was devilish.

“Gerard Fitzwilliam, if you stop now, you may be in danger of physical harm.”

He laughed before claiming her lips once more. “I wouldn’t dream of stopping.” His thumb swirled over her, coaxing a whimper from her lips.

As the tempo of his movements increased, so too did the speed of her gasping breaths. Or perhaps he was following her lead, she wasn’t sure. But either way, burgeoning pleasure was quickly building and her need for release became unbearable.

She wrapped her hand around the back of his head and pulled him to her. Pleasure crashed over her and she groaned, pouring the sound of her cataclysm into his mouth as her body writhed on his lap.

Slowly, she pulled back, leaning against his arm, her breathing labored as she smiled at him. He removed his hand from between her legs and straightened her skirts.

“Was it as good as you remembered?”

She’d let him have this one, even if he was being a bit smug. “It was incredible.”