Page 64 of A Raven Repents

“Good evening, Giles.”

“Good evening, Lucy. How are you settling in?”

The woman nodded. “Well, I think.”

“This is my wife, Christina.”

Lucy’s nervousness was obvious, and it pushed Christina to put her own aside. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lucy.”

Giles squeezed her hand. “After the club is open, I’ll come and collect you. It will be about an hour. Don’t leave this room.”

“Yes, boss.”

He laughed and pulled her in to press a kiss against her forehead, and whispered into her ear, “I love you.” Then he turned and simply strolled out of the room, as if he hadn’t just stolen the breath from her lungs. His words rendered her unable to move, or even think. She stood, staring at the doorway where he’d disappeared. He hadn’t even given her an opportunity to reply. She sighed. He hadn’t wanted her to feel obligated to. But what he didn’t realize was that she’d already thought the words. Already knew it was true.

“Would you like some tea?”

She’d forgotten she wasn’t alone. “I’m sorry,” she said, forcing her mind to Lucy. “I would very much appreciate a cup.”

With a smile and a quick nod, she poured another cup and held it out for her. Christina took the saucer and added a biscuit from the table before settling onto the sofa.

“How long have you been here, Lucy?”

“About a week.” She sat down at the other end and retrieved her dishes. “Everyone here is so kind. I confess to not quite knowing how to accept it all.”

“I confess to not quite knowing how, either.” She looked back to the door.

“Were you a Lady Raven?”

“No. But Giles and I were thrown into marriage by a series of desperate circumstances. We despised each other just a short time ago. But—” She looked toward the door again. She had to share it with someone. “He just told me he loves me.”

Lucy laughed. “That was obvious from the moment he introduced you. So much pride in his eyes.”

“Was there?” Christina struggled to believe it.

“Yes. Just as it’s obvious that you love him.”

Christina nodded. She did. But she wouldn’t tell him tonight. He’d think she was just saying it out of obligation. “I’m sorry. You don’t even know me and I’m sharing all these details about my personal life.”

“Don’t be silly. Your story is what gives the rest of us hope.”

It was the sort of story that would have given her hope. But how had it become her life?

The sound of laughter and rustling grew in the hall. It had to be the Lady Ravens. She deposited her dishes on the table and hurried to the door, hoping to catch a glimpse. Gwen stood in the doorway across from her and smiled when she saw her.

“Christina! I’m so glad to see you. Ladies,” she said as the group approached, “this is Christina, Giles’ wife.”

She was stunned by their collective beauty, and even more surprised by their kind welcome. They waved and smiled and a few of them even hugged her. Their black dresses and low necklines accentuated their curves and decolletage. Her father had always said men were simple creatures who could easily be lured out of their money with the slightest hint of feminine sexuality. It was why their scheme had worked, after all.

The women disappeared up the stairs. They all seemed quite happy. Perhaps, if she had known about this place, she would have come here and used her wiles to earn money for herself rather than her father.

Although, if she had, she never would have married Giles, and she wouldn’t change that for anything now.

She returned to the sofa. “Are you going to be one of them?”

Lucy nodded. “I’m nervous about it, of course, but excited too. Daisy has been so sweet. She was here earlier today, and I had my first choreography lesson. I was also fitted for a raven gown today.” She tapped a fingernail against the side of her cup. “It isn’t what we dream of as little girls. But the alternatives are not good.”

“I think you should be proud. You’re here, which means you're strong and brave. You haven’t just given up.”