Page 50 of A Raven Reformed

“After everything I’ve done?”

“Becauseof everything you’ve done, actually. You’ve proven that you’re willing to cross an ocean and even sacrifice your own life in order to keep my wife safe. You are also not romantically interested in her. I believe that makes you an ideal candidate.”

“I… I don’t know what to say. I don’t see how I could possibly deserve such a chance.”

“Well, before you go thinking it’s just going to be a walk in the park, there are a few things you should know. First of all, this is not an opportunity for you to become my wife’s companion. Your relationship with her is going to be one of complete professionalism. You will address her by her title only, and no longer by her given name. There will be no physical contact unless your job requires it. I cannot have her reputation questioned because of your behavior. Do you think you can manage that?”

“Yes, my lord. Absolutely.” He nodded enthusiastically.

“I am not always an easy man to work for. I keep strange hours, I have strict expectations, I can be quite grumpy at times, and I require absolute loyalty from anyone in my employ.”

Isaac nodded his understanding.

“If, at any time, I believe you have engaged in inappropriate behavior with my wife, or if you have been disloyal to me, or her, in any other way, you will be let go without warning, and without a reference. Is that clear?”

“Yes, my lord.” He didn’t hesitate in his response.

“Now, when Belle and I are here at Glenwood, you will not be needed in that same capacity. We can always use extra security at The Raven’s Den, however, so you’ll not be without employment if you want it, but that would mean working with O’Connell and Mckinnon. I’m not sure how you’ll feel about that. Do you need some time to think it all over?”

Isaac looked at him with amused wonder. “No. I don’t even need a moment. Of course I’ll do it. And I won’t let you down. I’m not yet accustomed to the whole lords and ladies thing. I don’t know all the right ways to address people, but I will learn quickly.”

“Oh don’t worry.” Michael chuckled. “I’ll make sure you know when you’ve made a misstep.”

Isaac nodded his appreciation. He looked Michael in the eye. “I’m still not sure I deserve such a chance after everything I’ve done, but I promise to do my best.”

Michael believed him. “Good man.” He slapped the top of his desk lightly. “Now, let’s go down and introduce you to the other servants before I take care of some less pleasant business with them. When I’ve finished there, you can just return to your room upstairs until I send for you.”

His staff was all assembled and waiting in the entry hall by the time he got down there. Their nervous whispering stopped as he entered.

“Good morning.” Michael held his arms up to indicate his greeting to all of them. A sea of bows and curtseys followed the words. “I’d like to introduce you all to Isaac. He is new to my employ. He will not be staying at Glenwood long, and he won’t be here often, but while he is here, I expect you all to welcome him and treat him with the same respect you would any of the other staff here.”

They responded in unison with a soft chorus of, “Yes, my lord.” Michael sent Isaac over to join the end of their line, which he did without question.

“It has come to my attention that there have been some inappropriate rumors circulating below stairs.” A couple of them exchanged nervous glances. “I have not been often in residence for a very long time, and that has clearly opened the door for some bad habits to develop. Let me make something absolutely clear. Gossip will not be tolerated, especially that which is disrespectful of Lady Dalinridge or myself.” Michael moved his gaze slowly along the row, sure to make eye contact with every person. “There will not be further warnings on this subject. In the future, if I learn of similar behavior from any of you, there will be severe and immediate consequences. Now, I am going to start with Pearson and make my way along the line, and I want an affirmative response from each one of you to confirm that you fully understand what I’ve said.”

He walked to the head of the line and faced Pearson, who stood stiffly at attention. “Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes, my lord,” Pearson quickly answered with a nod. Michael waited to get a response from every person as he moved along the row, until he ended with Isaac.

“Dismissed,” he said, then turned and left the room.

He didn’t like being heavy-handed with his servants. Especially like that, forcing them all to humble themselves to him before their colleagues. It was not the way to gain their loyalty, but he’d had to put out the immediate fire. Now, he could start to work on earning their loyalty, trust, and respect. He hadn’t realized just how much he had neglected in his absence. He’d just arrogantly assumed that if their wages were paid, then they’d be happy. For today, they would hate him, but tomorrow, they would all start off with a bonus and a personal note of thanks. It would at least be the first step.

ChapterFifteen

Warmth filled Michael’s heart as he watched Belle sleeping in his bed. Had she missed him? Even after everything he’d done?

He noticed torn pieces of paper scattered over the floor across the room and went to investigate. As he picked up the remnants of the letter, he slowly began to understand what it was, even if he could only read a few words at a time. It was the last thing that Isaac had been protecting her from. The letter she had sent that had prompted him to leave America in the first place. He had known it must exist. It wasn't as if Isaac just hopped on a boat on a whim. It would be easy enough to piece it back together and read exactly what it said, but he’d seen enough words like horrible, arrogant, prisoner, and beast, to get the gist of it. It didn’t even hurt his feelings, really. The way she’d felt in the early days of their marriage was no secret. He’d made too many mistakes to count, and her feelings were warranted. He gathered the scraps into a pile on the table and returned to sit on the side of the bed. He may have gone about it all wrong, but marrying her was definitely not a mistake. She was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

Gently, he brushed a few strands of dark hair from her face. As she opened her eyes, a smile shone there, even before one grew on her rosy lips. How could she possibly be happy to see him?

“Good morning, Belle.” He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

“I’m glad you’re back.”

He hopped over her and laid himself down beside her resting an arm over her body, breathing in her sweet scent. “I’m glad you’re glad.” She turned to face him so they could look into one another’s eyes.

“I’m sorry, Belle. I’ve been a fool and a brute and a coward.”

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