Page 18 of A Raven Returns

She walked to the window for probably the hundredth time hoping to catch a glimpse of him, but still nothing. She had seen Mr. Warwick arrive a couple of hours ago. She had no interest in seeing that man again if she could avoid it. Something about him was oddly familiar, and he made her exceedingly uncomfortable.

A light but frantic tapping sounded at her door.

“Come,” she called.

The door opened cautiously and a young maid took a hesitant step into the room. She was obviously distraught.

“Mrs. Lawrence?”

Gwen rushed to her and ushered her inside, closing the door. “Are you hurt?” she asked quickly.

The girl shook her head. Her eyes darted about the room as tears dripped from the corners.

“What’s your name?” Gwen asked softly.

“Sandra.” She sniffled, her eyes not meeting Gwen’s.

“What’s wrong, Sandra?”

“His lordship told me to come to your rooms.” She looked up then. “He said you’d take care of me.”

Gwen’s stomach dropped. There was only one reason Ash would send a maid up to her like this. She wrapped her arms around the girl. “You’re safe now, Sandra.” The girl’s body trembled, but she didn’t sob or speak. Probably still in shock from whatever had happened. Gwen got her settled into a chair and poured her a cup of tea.

“It’s not very hot anymore, but it will do for now.” Gwen certainly didn’t want to summon someone. The last thing this girl needed was a witness to what she was going through.

“Thank you.” She sipped the tea in silence for a minute. Gwen realized she was hovering, so she seated herself in the empty chair across from Sandra. Slowly the girl looked up at her. “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”

Angry shouts sounded from across the house and Sandra flinched, her eyes growing wide with panic. “It’s alright, Sandra. You’re safe here.” Gwen wasn’t able to make out any of the words, and the shouting quickly grew quiet.

“What happened, Sandra?”

“Well.” She stared down at her fidgeting thumbs, her pale cheeks growing pink. “Mr. Warwick wanted some company.” She swallowed before continuing. “His lordship walked in and—” The words trailed off and she raised her gaze to meet Gwen’s. “I’ve never seen someone look so angry.” She nibbled on the corner of her lip. “Is he going to sack me?”

Gwen crouched next to Sandra’s chair, taking hold of one of the girl’s hands. “No, Sandra. You haven’t done anything wrong. He wasn’t angry with you. I promise.” Gwen squeezed her hand. “Was this the first time something like that has happened with Mr. Warwick? Or has he asked for that kind of company from you before?”

“It wasn’t the first time,” Sandra said quietly.

“Nor the second?” Gwen asked. Sandra shook her head. This had been going on regularly. Gwen hooked a finger under the girl’s chin to urge her to look at her. “Lord Ashdown is a good man, Sandra, and I can promise you that he will ensure that nothing like that ever happens again.”

Her brow furrowed. “Is he staying?”

Gwen shook her head. “I don’t believe so, but he’ll find someone trustworthy to take over in his absence. Clearly, Mr. Warwick was not the right man.”

ChapterSeven

When Ash entered his chambers, he was shocked but so relieved to see Fogg there. A footman cowered in the chair beside him.

“Thank God you’re back, Fogg. I’ve just mucked everything up.”

He raised his brow and turned his hands up exasperatedly. “I’ve been gone a day and a half. How did you manage that?”

Ash shook his head and gestured at the footman. “What’s going on here?”

“Oh him?” Fogg jerked toward him and the man flinched. “He’s the one who’s been reporting to Warwick since you arrived. I found him in here poking about.”

Ash folded his arms across his chest, tucking his cane into the crook of his elbow. He turned his glare on the footman. He was hardly more than a boy and looked terrified. Ash couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity for him. “What’s your name?”

“James, my lord.” Fear made his voice crack slightly as he spoke.

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