Page 24 of A Raven Repents

Christina nearly jumped out of her seat when the butler entered with the reply she’d been waiting for. She tried to hide her urgency as she removed the letter from the salver. “Thank you.” She waited for the man to leave before reading the missive. She wiggled in her seat with a celebratory dance. Lavinia was happy to meet her for a day of shopping.

“Thomas, I’d like to go shopping with my friend Lavinia today. In Mayfair.”

He blinked a half-dozen times without speaking.

“Surely, my husband hasn’t said I’m not allowed?”

“No, but perhaps we should inform him first.”

She shook her head. “I am going, just as soon as I get my reticule. Since you always seem to be watching me, I assume you’d like to accompany me. If so, I suggest you don’t dally.”

“Yes, Mrs. Henderson. I’ll have a carriage made ready.”

When he was gone, she blew out a breath. Thank goodness he hadn’t called her bluff. She wouldn’t even know how to get to Mayfair on her own.

Fortunately, Winnie didn’t need convincing. She was thrilled at the prospect of a trip to Mayfair.

“I’ve never been before,” she said happily, as she tidied Christina’s hair. She retrieved a jacket and a parasol, and soon, they were on their way.

Excitement grew as the train picked up speed. Even her husband wouldn’t be able to stop her now. She wasn’t leaving him. Surely he’d find her eventually. But she needed a little time before she could endure his cruelty again, and with no way of knowing when he might return, she would not be going home today. Instead, she was running away like a coward.

“Lavinia!” She threw her arms around her friend. Tears welled in her eyes. It was so nice to see a friendly face.

“Are you alright, Christina?”

“Of course I am. I just need some time with my friend.”

“And perhaps some shopping?” Lavinia linked her arm with Christina’s as they walked.

“The shopping was more of a ruse than anything. I don’t have much of that money left. But perhaps I can afford a new pair of gloves or a hat.”

“Oh come now. All of these stores will open accounts for your husband.”

Christina nodded. “Undoubtedly, but I don’t feel right about doing that without his permission. And he certainly wouldn’t give it. He didn’t even admit to sending me that money. Probably too drunk to remember doing it.”

“Is he a drunkard? I’ve never heard that about him.”

“I don’t know, but he was certainly in his cups when he showed up the other night and passed out at my feet, proclaiming he was there to rescue me.”

Lavinia giggled. “Rescue you from what?”

“Himself, apparently.”

“That’s stuff and nonsense.”

Christina laughed. “One would think so.”

“Well, I think he deserves for you to spend some of his money. By all accounts, he has plenty of it.”

Christina spared a quick glance behind them. Winnie, Thomas, and Lavinia’s maid all kept their distance but followed the pair of them as they walked.

She leaned in and spoke quietly. “Did you manage to get a note to my father?”

“You doubt my abilities? He’ll be waiting for you a bit later. I’ll provide you an opportunity to slip out after we get back to my house.”

Christina squeezed her arm. “You really are the best friend a girl could ask for.”

“You say that, but I selfishly plan on having you return the favor one day.”