Page 7 of A Raven Reformed

“Out of that whole story, that’s the part that stood out to you?” He was supposed to be angry along with her and rage about the injustice, not be impressed by the man’s stupid title.

“Well, I have to be honest, Bells, it doesn’t sound like such a bad thing to me.”

“But Lizzie lied to me, all this time.” She turned on her side so she could see his face. He seemed to be mulling over his response.

He turned his head and looked into her eyes. “Because you’ve never had to work in order to survive, I’m not sure you can really understand this. When your employer tells you to do something, you don’t really have any choice, because there will be consequences if you don’t. Perhaps Lizzie didn’t tell you, because she was afraid she’d be sent away if she did, and she didn’t want to lose you.”

With a sigh, Belle flopped back onto her back and stared up at the stars. She’d not even considered that possibility, but now that Isaac had said it, it seemed fairly likely. That still didn’t make it acceptable. She could have told Belle in confidence.

“That seems like all the more reason I shouldn’t marry him, though.”

“What’s the alternative, Bells? Are you going to run away and live by yourself in the forest?”

She tapped the side of his leg with her foot. “Ha ha. You think you’re so funny.”

“Don’t you want a family? You know, a husband and children?”

“Of course I do. I just thought I’d be able to choose the man I marry. Why don’t you run away with me? I don’t see why we couldn’t marry.”

His mouth drew together in a line of disgust. “Bells, you’re like my sister.”

“What if he beats me?”

Isaac got to his feet and helped her up. “You write to me as soon as you get where you’re going, and if he’s a beast, I’ll come and rescue you.”

She giggled and shook her head. It was too bad he wasn’t her brother. He said the kindest things sometimes, even if there was no way he could actually follow through on them.

He wrapped his arms tightly around her. “I’m going to miss you, Bells.”

“Maybe you can come with us. It wouldn’t be so bad if you were with me.”

“What, and leave all this?” He gestured to their surroundings. “Come on, I’ll walk you home. Lizzie is probably worried sick about you.”

With a sigh, she resigned herself to her fate. She took the hand he offered and walked with him back through the trees toward home.

* * *

Michael leaned against a large tree, twirling a dandelion between his finger and thumb. After receiving word that Miss Hattigan had run off, he’d taken up a post that had a clear view of her window, since apparently that’s how she’d left. Assurances that she would come around and return home notwithstanding, he wanted to see it with his own eyes. After all, he was the reason she had fled in the first place.

He just needed to get her to the church and then onto the boat. Once they were back in England, she would settle in. They’d host a house party and introduce her to society. As Lady Dalinridge, she was sure to be loved and respected in no time. Getting her to that point was always going to be a bit of a struggle.

A sudden movement caught his attention. She stepped out of the trees, but she wasn’t alone. She was holding the hand of a man. Tall, thin, dark-haired, and probably about five years older than her if he had to guess. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek before letting her go. Was it possible she had a beau? Someone who’d already staked a claim on her heart?

He let out an irritated sigh. That was something he hadn’t even considered.

She dashed across the lawn to the large tree that grew beside her window. Michael blinked as she hiked up her skirts before scampering up the trunk of the tree and along the huge branch that pointed directly in front of her window. In spite of himself, he chuckled. She would definitely keep him on his toes. When he turned back, the other man was already gone.

Tomorrow, she’d be his wife, regardless of whether her heart belonged to another. He blew the remaining white seeds from the dandelion, wishing on every one of them for the strength to get them both through this in one piece.

The following morning, Michael was relieved as she made her way down the aisle of the church, right on time. Mrs. Ingram had managed to have a gown made for the occasion, and Annabelle looked beautiful. Although, she could have worn a potato sack for all he cared. He was just glad he hadn’t had to carry her to the altar kicking and screaming.

She refused to look him in the eye. Her slight trembling was the only evidence that she felt anything at all. Where was the defiant young lady who’d refused to follow his orders and who’d hiked up her skirts to climb trees? Guilt niggled at his stomach. She would come around. She just needed time.

She repeated the lines she was told to and allowed him to slide a ring onto her shaking finger, but she seemed to be in a daze, her eyes not focused on anything. When he pressed a quick kiss against her cool lips, she barely responded. If anything, she seemed relieved it was over.

But it was done. Now they just had to get on the boat, and everything would work itself out. He’d made sure they had separate cabins for the crossing. He sure as hell wasn’t going to force her to share his bed tonight. He might have bungled this whole thing, but he wasn’t a brute.

ChapterThree

---