After a few minutes, her body became pliant, and she drifted off to sleep.He pressed a kiss against the top of her head.
“You’ve done well, kid.”
“No more boss?”
“My time working for you is done.”
“I imagine you’re looking forward to seeing your family.”
He nodded.“I’m looking forward to all of it.Most of all, sleeping in my own bed.”
Ash sent his carriage to pick them up at the station.It came to a stop beneath the porte-cochère on the back side of Raven House.As soon as they got through the back door Maggie was wiggling, so he put her down and she ran ahead.A group of women were on their way to The Raven’s Den, already in their black dresses.Maggie stopped and looked up at them in awe, and Trent waited to see her response.Their gowns were quite revealing, after all.
“You look so pretty!”She reached out and touched one of their feathers.“And soft!”They all laughed, but then Ash spoke from around the corner.
“Is that my Maggie I hear?”
She squealed and ran for him, everything else forgotten.“Uncle Ash!”
Trent took Samantha’s hand.It was cool and trembled slightly.“Are you alright?”
She breathed in a long breath.“It feels like a different life.It is, I suppose.I’m certainly different, thanks to you.”He wrapped his arms around her.
“You’re the one who did all the hard work.I’m just lucky you came into my life.”
By the time Trent walked around to find them, Maggie was settled on Ash’s arm, telling him about everything she’d seen from the train.“Good evening, brother.”
Ash smiled.“It certainly is.”He shook his head.“I still can’t quite believe the change that has happened in both of you.Would it be terribly patronizing for me to say I’m proud of you both?”
Trent squeezed Samantha’s hand.He was proud of her too.This had to be daunting for her, but she was still smiling.
Gwen entered from the stairs that led to The Raven’s Den.“Ash told me how well you were doing, but to see it with my own eyes.”She rushed over and wrapped her arms around Samantha.
“I couldn’t have done it without you.Without all of you.”
She held Samantha’s shoulders and just looked her over before turning to Trent.“Thank you,” she said, surprising him as she wrapped him in an embrace, as well.
“You don’t need to thank me for anything.”
She stepped back and shook her head.“Just like your brother.”She reached for Maggie.“Why don’t we go up and get you changed into your nightgown?It’s late.”
Maggie didn’t argue, and Gwen carried her back up the stairs she’d just come down.It was strange being here, welcomed as family.But it was wonderful.
“I know your brother is looking forward to seeing you, Samantha, but he’s busy for a little while.I think Daisy is going to be here soon, though.There she is.”
Daisy rushed into the main hall.“Samantha!”She wrapped her in a tight embrace.“I’m so glad to see you!And marrying this one,” she teased, pointing at Trent.“I need to hearallabout it.”She took Samantha’s hand and pulled her away into the sitting room.
Only Trent and Ash remained.“Why do I get the feeling you arranged this?”
Ash shrugged.“I thought we might have a drink.”He led him upstairs and into his private chambers.Inside was a large room, with nothing but a black grand piano.He could hear Maggie giggling down the hall.He followed Ash through a door to what seemed to be half study half sitting room.
“Not terribly spacious,” Ash said.“But it does the job.”He poured two glasses and handed one to Trent.“To a future filled with happiness and love.”
Trent tapped his glass against Ash’s and took a sip.“Dare I ask how you managed to get a license so quickly?”
“I keep this parish afloat almost single-handedly.They owe me a favor or two.”
“It’s all legitimate, though.Right?She’s already had a marriage that wasn’t.”
