Page 45 of A Raven Reborn

"Don't be ridiculous, Finch. You're in no state to be moved. And besides, we both know I'd make a terrible nurse."

"Well that's true enough, but you shouldn't be alone, Patrick."

Patrick let out a long sigh. "I know you're worried about me, Finch, and you have good reason to be." He stood so he could look Finch in the eye. "I promise I won't do anything stupid."

Finch nodded. “Go and talk to her, Patrick.”

He stayed and visited with Finch for a few minutes longer before leaving him to get some rest, then he made his way toward the door at the end of the hall. Ash had told him that was where Rosie was staying. Once again playing the coward, he placed the flowers outside her door, along with the note he’d written for her. It said everything he wanted to tell her far better than he’d be able to if he was looking into her eyes.

Propping them up against the wall, he stood and briefly pressed his palm to the surface of the door, before turning and striding back down the corridor. He had done what he came for. What came next was her decision.

* * *

Dearest Rosie,

I hope this letter finds you well. I won’t pretend to fully understand why you left the way you did, but I imagine at least part of it had to do with the idea of marrying into a family like mine. I suppose that doesn’t sound particularly enticing to me either.

Perhaps it will do us both good to spend some time apart. You can experience life with the other ladies and explore your options for trades that might appeal to you. I trust Ash will keep you safe and well.

If you’re open to the idea, I would love the opportunity to see you again. I’d like you to have some time to think on it, so Tuesday next, I’ll be outside Siegfried’s Ice Parlor at three in the afternoon.

Patrick

Rosalyn finished reading the letter for the second time. It felt so cold. There was no passion or warmth in it. There was a knock on the door before she could think any further on it.

“Come,” she called, but was surprised when Ash opened the door. She took an involuntary step backward. His imposing form still made her nervous.

“Good day, Rosie.” He gave a polite nod. “Will you please join me in my study? I’d like a word.”

“Of course.” She pasted a smile on her lips, but as she followed him down the corridor, dread filled her. Was she in trouble? Perhaps he’d changed his mind about her being here and was going to tell her to leave?

“Have a seat,” he said, closing the door behind them.

She sat in the chair in front of his desk and waited on tenterhooks for him to be seated across from her.

“How are you settling in?” he asked, resting his clasped hands on top of the large wooden desk.

“Well, I believe.” She nodded jerkily. “Daisy has been very kind and all of the other girls have been more than welcoming.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Did Daisy go over all of the rules and expectations of the house?”

“Yes.” Rosalyn nodded. “Right after breakfast this morning.”

“Good, good.” He tapped his thumbs together, his eyes not leaving hers. After a moment, one side of his mouth lifted slightly. “Now, we just need to work on this fear you have of me.”

Even to her own ears, her laugh sounded slightly panicked. He waited patiently for her to settle, then slowly inhaled and gradually let out a long, relaxing breath. Reflexively, she mimicked him. As she let out her breath, she felt her muscles soften slightly, and the vice around her stomach loosen.

“That’s better,” he nodded and leaned back in his chair. “You’re safe here, Rosie.”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

He sighed and rubbed a hand over his temple. “Now, the reason I wanted to speak with you is because I’ve had a bit of a change of heart about you being a Lady Raven.”

She should have known being here was too good to be true. “Of course,” she said, biting down hard on her lip to keep her chin from trembling. She would not cry in front of him. “May I gather my things and say goodbye to Finch before I go?” It took all her strength to meet his eyes.

He let out a huff and shook his head. “Rosie, what did I just say to you?”

“You said you’ve changed your mind about me being here.”

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