Page 14 of A Raven Repents

A footman entered with a tray carrying a fresh pot and an assortment of things to nibble on. “Would you like sugar, Mr. Pelham?” he asked.

“You needn’t worry about that, Thomas. I’m happy to pour. Thank you.” She wanted to be alone with her father as quickly as possible. Their conversation was sure to be a personal one, for which she did not want an audience.

He nodded, but rather than leaving, he stationed himself across the room. Would it be rude to ask him to leave?

“You don’t need to take time away from your other duties, Thomas. If we need anything, I’ll ring for you.”

“I don’t have anything else more pressing. I’ll stay, just in case.”

“I’ll pour my own tea, shall I?” her father said irritably, lifting the pot from the tray.

She tried to stop him, but it was too late. He even filled her cup while he was at it. “I’ll let you add your own sugar.”

He always took his plain. She added milk and sugar to hers and stirred it before sitting back down.

“I’m sorry, Papa. And not just about the tea. I’m sorry I abandoned you the way I did.” She spoke quietly, but glanced at Thomas from the corner of her eye. Surely he could hear every word despite her efforts.

Her father shook his head. “No need to apologize.”

“But what will you do now that I can no longer help you to earn money?” Perhaps she could sell some of the dresses that were being made for her. But that wasn’t a long-term solution, and her husband would no doubt be furious with her. “What will happen when they call in your debts?”

“Your husband paid my debts.”

Stunned, she set her cup back in its saucer. “All of them? Why would he do that?” That was not a small thing. Her father had owed a substantial amount.

“I assumed he did it to curry favor with you, but clearly that’s not the case if he didn’t tell you about it.” Her father shrugged. “He only said he did it for you.”

That didn’t make any sense. “He despises me.”

“Has he hurt you?”

“No.” She shook her head, not sure what else to say. He hadn’t abused her, at least. But he’d sworn he would never give her father money. So why did he?

“Well, it doesn’t appear he despises you. It cost him a hefty sum to pay off everything I owed.”

“So… you’re free?” Tears pricked her eyes. “The debt is really gone?” She still struggled to believe it. He’d been in debt for as long as she could remember.

He reached for her hand and nodded. “It would seem your decision was the right thing for both of us.”

An incredible weight lifted from her heart. “Promise me you won’t go back to it, Papa.” She set her dishes on the table and held his hand with both of hers. “Please.”

“I don’t know what I will do without it, and without you. But I assure you, I won't dig myself into that hole again.”

“You can come and stay with me. It’s lonely in this house, and I’d enjoy your company.”

“Unfortunately, I am only allowed a visit. I’m not permitted to stay the night.”

“What does that mean? Of course you are.”

“Your husband has allowed me to visit you with certain conditions. No staying the night, and—” He nodded toward the footman who still stood in the corner.

“That’s not fair, or necessary.” She scowled at Thomas. “Does he think my father will steal the silver?”

Thomas shifted ever so slightly, but didn’t give an answer. It wasn’t his fault, though. It was her wretched husband. Apparently he had been in communication with the household. Not to check on her welfare but to control her surroundings while he was away.

“Why would you go along with something so ridiculous, Papa?” She’d never known him to acquiesce to someone’s demands before. He’d always been stubborn. That’s where she learned it from.

Her father shrugged. “He’s your husband, and I wasn’t in a position to argue with him when he’d just handed me a stack of vowels he’d paid.”