Page 64 of A Raven Reborn

She nodded again and sniffled. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before letting her go. She did as she was told, and Patrick quickly made his way to her mother. She still hadn’t moved, and although the blood had slowed down, it was inching ever closer to her.

He crouched down next to her, purposely blocking the view of her husband’s body. “Mrs. Sheppard?” She didn’t even seem to know he was there. Her eye was blackened, but it didn’t appear to be a fresh injury. It was undoubtedly put there by the man who was now dead. At least she wouldn’t have to endure any more of his abuse.

“Mrs. Sheppard?” Slowly, she began to come out of her trance. Her eyes looked up at his face. “Are you hurt?” he asked gently.

She dropped her hand and slowly closed her mouth. “I don’t believe so.”

“Good. Rosie is waiting for you in my carriage.”

Her brows drew together in confusion, but eventually she asked, “Rosalyn?”

“Yes,” Patrick answered with a smile. He forgot there were people in the world who didn’t know her as Rosie. “Would you like to see her?”

She nodded, tears filling her eyes.

“Let’s get you to your feet.” He helped her up and then ushered her over to his carriage, trying his best to keep her from seeing any of the blood.

Once she was safely inside with Rosie and Daisy, Patrick spoke with the three servants. Thank god he’d brought them all with him. “I think that one is still alive.” He pointed toward the man he’d pummeled into unconsciousness. “But if I’m the one who restrains him, he won’t be by the time I’m done. Will one of you please see to that?” The coachman gave a confident nod and set to work.

“Fuck. What a mess.” Patrick scrubbed his hands over his face. “Will one of you please cover him with something?” He pointed to the dead man.

“Yes, my lord,” they chimed in unison.

While they took care of that, Patrick climbed into the carriage. “Are any of you hurt?” he asked the three women. They all shook their heads.

“Is my husband dead?” The woman appeared stoic as she asked the question, but her pallid face suggested otherwise.

“Yes.” Patrick nodded. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Sheppard.”

“Does it make me a horrible person if I say I’m not sure I am?” She spoke just above a whisper. “He sent away my daughter, and he could have killed her tonight.” Sobs burst from her and she reached for Rosie’s hands.

“We’re losing light, and the sooner we leave, the better. Is there anything I can collect for you from inside the house, Mrs. Sheppard?”

“But surely I cannot leave. I need to stay and see to my husband’s burial.”

Patrick shook his head. “He will be taken care of with complete deference, and you can, of course, plan a service. You have my word.”

Patrick went into the house and gathered the few items Sarah had requested. He handed the bag off to one of the footmen and then collected the shotgun off the ground and loaded it with fresh shells. The hogtied piece of trash had begun to moan and move, and he didn’t want to leave them unarmed with him, just in case.

“I’m taking the women away from here. I need you two to stay and guard him and watch over the body until reinforcements arrive in a few hours.” He handed the gun to the footman. “It looks like he’s pretty securely tied, but if that changes, you have my full permission to shoot him.”

It was a long, quiet ride back to Raven House. Rosie held her mother, but no one said a word. Patrick had just turned the poor woman’s world upside down in an instant. He had no plans in place for this scenario, but as long as they were all safe, that was all that mattered.

Patrick’s gaze never left Rosie. This was meant to be a joyous occasion, and instead it had turned into a nightmare. He gave her a reassuring half smile when she looked at him and touched the side of his foot to hers to try and tell her everything would be alright.

The carriage finally came to a halt beneath the porte-cochere on the back side of Raven House. Patrick jumped down and immediately sent the doorman to fetch Ash, then turned and helped the three ladies to disembark.

“Daisy, will you please take Rosie’s mother to your room? I need a word with Rosie. No explanations, no talking, just straight to your room, please.”

Daisy gave him a nod and escorted the woman inside.

As soon as the pair was through the door, he pulled Rosie into the shadows and wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace. Nothing on earth felt better than having her body pressed against his. He could have lost her today. He pulled away just enough to be able to press his lips to hers.

“I’m so sorry, Rosie. I wish I could just hold you all night, but I have to go clean up my mess and make sure this is all taken care of properly.” He rested his forehead against hers and looked into her eyes.

“There’s no need to apologize, Patrick. It was my family that caused all the problems.”

He held her face between his palms. “I’m your family now, Rosie.” He kissed her again to pour all of his love into her and assure her he would always take care of her.

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