Page 28 of A Raven Reformed

Michael rolled his eyes. There was no arguing once Ash had decided something.

Ash rang for Jones and instructed him to escort the doctor out. His face was grim when he returned to sit next to Michael. “It was no poacher. The gun we found is one of yours. There was no sign of whoever fired it.”

What did that mean? It didn’t make any sense. “Is it possible it was somehow an accident?”

“I don’t know.” Ash shrugged. “But why would they run, and leave the gun?”

“Why would they want to shoot me in the first place?” Michael suddenly remembered the conversation they’d been having before all hell had broken loose. “So tell me more about this rumor you heard.”

“Fogg brought it to my attention.”

“Of course he did. Was your valet a spy in a former life?”

Ash shrugged noncommittally. “He doesn’t know where the rumor started, but it would seem, someone said that you dragged Belle into a sitting room during last night’s ball and beat her.”

Michael blew out a long breath. Obviously, he’d not been nearly as discreet as he should have been, and especially with all the extra help they’d hired for the house party, it was irresponsible.

Ash’s brows dropped into a deep vee and his eyes narrowed. “Tell me it isn’t true, Michael. I know you’re better than that.”

He couldn’t believe Ash would even question it. “Of course I’m better than that, Ash. You know I’d never hurt Belle. It isn’t what it sounds like, but I may have done something careless.”

“What does that mean?” he asked slowly.

If it was anyone else, he would have just told them to go to the devil, but Ash was like a dog with a bone when he thought a woman might be in danger. Michael pinched the bridge of his nose. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I did take her in there for some privacy.”

Ash closed his eyes and nodded his understanding. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly.

“It’s a little odd, though. I didn’t see anyone around when we entered the room.”

Michael could see Ash working through countless scenarios in his head. He nodded decisively. “I’ll send for some extra security.”

“I’m not sure if that’s really necessary.”

Ash completely ignored him. “Right now, I’m going to go send your guests on their way. You are supposed to be in bed.”

Michael rolled his eyes, but Ash just pointed. “Doctor’s orders.”

“You really are a mother hen sometimes, you know that?” The last thing he wanted to do just now was sleep.

“Send Belle up to me before you talk to the others. I’d really like her to hear the story from me, so she doesn’t panic.”

* * *

Belle enjoyed spending time with Rosie. They were kindred spirits in some ways. Rosie understood the feeling of being an outsider.

“Tell me something about Michael,” Belle said as she stirred her tea.

“I don’t really know that much about him, if I’m honest. Of the three of them, I’ve spent the least amount of time with him. He’s always been kind to me though, and I have no doubt he’s a good man.”

“He’s been nothing but good to me,” Belle assured her. “I was hoping you might know some embarrassing story that I could tease him with.”

Rosie laughed and shook her head. “Sorry to disappoint. Right now, I feel like I don’t know any of them. It’s so strange seeing them in these surroundings, and yet, somehow they fit perfectly. It’s easy to forget this is how they were raised. That all of this is also who they are. I would never have thought to see Ash in a ballroom, dancing a waltz.” She brought her hand up to cover a laugh.

“Did Michael not ever live here before we married?” How had that not even occurred to her? She’d seen how happy and proud he’d been in his club. But for some reason, even though they’d spent the night in his townhouse there, it just hadn’t crossed her mind that he actually lived in London all the time.

“As far as I know, they have all lived in Raven Row for a dozen years or so. I know Patrick has felt a bit lost without Michael around. The three of them definitely function better as a unit than they do individually.” She laughed again.

She’d been so wrapped up in meeting tenants, planning this house party with Mrs. Thistle, and of course their goodnight kisses. The wonderful, glorious kisses that she looked forward to every day. And now, she had even more to look forward to. But she hadn’t given any thought to their future and what that would look like. She thought back to when she’d asked him if he was going to leave her again. He hadn’t said no. He’d simply said they needed to plan a house party so that she could be introduced to the important people in his world. Was he still planning to leave her here? Surely he wouldn’t do that to her. Not after last night… and this morning. Desire stirred in her belly as she remembered it.

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