Page 2 of A Raven Reformed

Sunday was the only day of the week she could actually see him during the day, and even then, it had to wait until after church. The rest of the week, he couldn’t be seen with her while he was supposed to be working. She did sometimes sneak out at night to see him, but Lizzie didn’t like that very much. Not that she would actually punish her, since technically she was her lady’s maid, but she was the closest thing Belle had ever had to a mother.

Lizzie didn’t need to worry, though. Isaac would never do anything improper with her. She’d tried to kiss him one time a year ago, and he’d made it very clear that she was not to do that again. He said it was like kissing his little sister.

“How’s your Sunday, Bells?”

“Better, now that I get to spend time with you. Although Lizzie says I only have an hour. Apparently, we have a visitor coming this evening. I don’t know who would possibly be coming to visit me.”

He shrugged. “Let’s just enjoy the sunshine for an hour then, and next time you can tell me all about this mystery visitor.”

Two hours later, Belle stood in front of her mirror as Lizzie helped her to dress after having a bath. “Why must I dress for dinner?” Something strange was afoot. Belle could feel it in the air. All of the servants had been acting a bit strangely, and the house was currently dusted, waxed, and buffed like she’d never seen it before.

“I have told you, Belle, you have a guest visiting. Now hold still.” She settled Belle’s corset into place and began pulling it tight.

Belle let out a sigh. “Does it have to be so bloody tight?” At those words, her backside was met with a hard swat.

“Ouch!” She met Lizzie’s disapproving eyes in the mirror. For her entire life, Belle had largely been allowed to do or say whatever she pleased without much in the way of consequences, so that swat confirmed that something was definitely afoot.

“Can you at least try to behave with a modicum of propriety?” The laces were given one final tug and a moment later, Belle was turned around to face her maid.

The disappointment in Lizzie’s eyes did wither her stubbornness a bit. “I’m sorry.”

She was rewarded with an understanding smile. “Now listen.” Lizzie placed her hands comfortingly on Belle’s shoulders. “I know there has been a lot of fuss going on in the house and you have many questions about this mysterious visitor. Unfortunately, I can’t answer most of them, so you’ll just have to trust me. Can you do that?”

Belle nodded, but she wanted to rail and refuse to cooperate. Why were they keeping secrets from her?

“His name is Lord Dalinridge. He is a very important visitor, so you need to be on your best behavior.”

Belle let out a long sigh as she slipped her arms into the sleeves of her bodice. It had been so long since she’d last dressed properly for dinner, she’d forgotten just what a hassle it was. Mr. Carlyle, her father’s solicitor, was one of the only people who ever dined with her, so there was simply no point most of the time. Who was this man? Why did she have to dine with him? And most importantly, why was the staff being so tight-lipped about him?

“Mr. Carlyle will wish to speak to Lord Dalinridge when he arrives, so I will come to collect you when he’s ready to make your introduction.” Belle was pulled from her thoughts as Lizzie stepped back to look her over. She’d been so lost in her own mind, she hadn’t realized Lizzie had finished with her.

“Did you hear me, Belle?” She nodded, and after giving her another glance from head to toe, Lizzie left her.

Mr. Carlyle was coming as well? She hadn’t realized that. His presence would at least make the evening bearable. She crossed to the window, which overlooked the drive. The servants all stood in a line. Brodwell was just giving them a final inspection when a carriage came into view. Belle folded her arms with a huff. This was ridiculous. Why was she nervous?

Mr. Carlyle stepped down from the carriage and greeted Brodwell with a nod, then smiled brightly up at her. His hat tumbled from his grasp as he waved, and Belle giggled as he chased after it. In his first three attempts, he only kicked it further away before he finally managed to secure it. He turned and gave her a deep bow and then winked up at her before turning back to the servants. Mr. Carlyle had always been kind to her, always bringing her sweets and making her laugh. Surely, he wouldn’t allow anyone to visit if he had any misgivings about them.

A second carriage made its way up the long drive, and her stomach fluttered with nerves. Belle pushed her window open slightly in hopes of hearing any conversation that might be had below. The crunch of gravel grew quiet as the carriage came to a halt at the front of the house. Belle knew nothing of the man within, except his name. Lord Dalinridge. She watched with bated breath as the door was pulled open. What kind of man was he? An elderly cripple? A young coxcomb come to intimidate them all with his title?

Neither description could have been further from the truth.

A tall, elegantly dressed man stepped gracefully down. His tawny gold hair, tied neatly at his nape, shone in the sunlight, and his wide grin was visible, even from Belle’s vantage point. His coat was perfectly tailored for his broad shoulders, and he carried himself with confidence and command.

“Ah, Carlyle, my good man!” He clapped Mr. Carlyle on the shoulder and shook his hand animatedly.

“So good to see you again, my lord!” Again?

Lord Dalinridge then turned to the butler. “Brodwell.” He shook his hand, as well, and gave him a nod.

“You’re looking very well, my lord.” Was that a smile? Brodwell had always reserved his smiles just for her. Belle was liking this man less and less with each passing minute. Obviously, most of the staff had met him before, and they treated him as if he were royalty.

Even Lizzie was no stranger to him. He took her hand and bowed over it. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Ingram.” What a way to behave with a servant. Belle rolled her eyes. So they all knew him, and yet none of them had ever mentioned him, even though apparently, he was someone important. Well she just wouldn’t have it. She would simply refuse to be introduced to this man until someone explained who he was and what the devil he was doing here.

He looked up then. She barely glimpsed his blue eyes before she whipped around and pressed her back firmly against the wall, her heart suddenly pounding inside her chest. Had he seen her spying?

Belle didn’t like him. She could feel in her bones that his presence meant something big was about to happen, and she wanted no part of it.

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