Page 31 of A Raven Repents

“None of this is your fault. No one gave you a choice in any of it.”

They could undoubtedly go back and forth apologizing for the rest of the night, but that would accomplish nothing. Perhaps getting to know him might do some good. “Will you tell me about your club?”

“I’ll tell you about it tomorrow. You need to sleep.”

“And what about you? Are you just going to sit in that chair and watch me?”

“Because of the laudanum your father gave you, I’d like someone to watch you. But if you’d prefer it wasn’t me, Winnie is here and I can send her in instead.”

“I don’t mind if it’s you.” Somehow, in a single conversation, her whole view of this man had changed. Was it possible he really had forced her into this marriage to save her from her father?

She picked up the paper from the bed and held it out for him, not wanting to see it again. It would seem he’d at least rescued her tonight. “Thank you.”

As he took it, he held her hand with one of his and patted the back of it with the other. “Things are going to get better. I promise.”

When she woke in the morning, the sun was shining, but he was still there, in the chair.

“Don’t you sleep?”

“Not usually at night. How are you feeling?”

“Better. I’m sorry for the way I reacted when I woke last night. I was disoriented when I came around and it scared me.”

“Understandably. And mine was not the most comforting face for you to wake to.”

She couldn’t argue with that.

“Do you think you’re up to traveling?”

“Yes. But I should warn you. If you shout at me, I will shout back. Even if we’re in public.”

He chuckled, and a flash of amusement crossed his face as he smiled. “Warning received.”

Chapter

Eight

Giles was relieved to see Thistle waiting for him on the train platform. “I wasn’t sure my telegram would arrive early enough for you to make the train.”

The man merely raised a perturbed brow.

“Are you going to make me grovel too? I am sorry, Thistle. I was so caught up in my own nonsense, I neglected everyone and everything around me. I have missed you, though. I even had to take a cold bath.”

The corner of Thistle’s lips twitched ever so slightly and he reached for Giles’ bag. “It’s the least you deserve after leaving me there with my sister.”

“I promise to make it up to you.”

Giles settled himself across from his wife. Winnie and Thistle were traveling with them, but elsewhere on the train. He wanted to have some privacy with her. Wanted a chance to get to know her a bit more. This woman that he’d be spending the rest of his life with. The reality of that was still somewhat daunting.

The train started into motion, and she didn’t waste any time. “Now will you tell me about your club?”

“The Raven’s Den.” Thinking about the place was enough to conjure a smile.

“Is it still your club if you’ve had your keys confiscated?”

“I’ve been assured I’m still a partner. And thank God for that because I love the place, and my partners, and I don’t know what I would do without any of it.”

“I can see that. What exactly is it?”