Page 42 of A Raven Returns

“It’s funny you should say that, because that’s exactly what he said when I asked him to keep an eye on you. These past few days, Benson has been a caring, fatherly kind of figure to me, and I have truly appreciated it. I think you could probably use that, as well. He has a lot of wisdom to impart and warmth to share.” Ash shrugged. “I hope one day you’ll even allow him to act as a valet for you.” He could see Trent gearing up to argue, so he held up a hand to stop him.

“I know you’re not ready for that, and maybe you never will be, but when you have a good valet, they can become a bit of a confidante. A friendly face at the end of a rotten day. Benson is a good man, and you can trust him.”

Trent pondered quietly for a moment. “Thank you. I suppose I hadn’t ever really thought of any of that. I’ll be sure to talk to him.”

“Good. Now, I have one other thing to take care of before I go. I need to address the staff, and I'd like it if you were there, as well, so that I can introduce you formally.”

Trent blew out a long breath.

“Don’t worry,” Ash assured him. “They don’t bite.”

ChapterThirteen

When Gwen woke, she knew before she even opened her eyes that she was alone in the bed. Ash’s warmth wasn’t there, and she already missed it. There was a piece of paper on the pillow beside hers.

Gwen,

I’m sorry I left you, but I have a lot to take care of before our departure. You needn't worry about anything, so enjoy a warm bath and take your time getting ready.

Ash

No ‘Angel'. He wasn’t only gone from the bed, he was gone from her. Even though she’d known it was coming, her heart still broke. She wouldn’t cry, or fall to pieces. If he knew she was hurting, he’d blame himself, so she steeled herself, threw back the blanket, and climbed out of his bed for the last time.

She did order herself a hot bath. She wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity for one more soak in that luxurious tub. Her inner thigh muscles ached slightly as she lowered herself into the steamy, fragrant water, likely from all the shaking they’d done the night before. As she washed between her legs, she could still feel him there, and remembered what it was like having him buried deep inside her. She would cherish every memory she had of their time together here.

When she eventually made her way down the main staircase, there was a line of servants filing into the ballroom.Theballroom. She stood, frozen in place on the stairs until long after the last person disappeared into the room. After a few minutes, determined to not allow her pain to show, she straightened her spine and quietly slipped through the door.

Ash stood before the entire group, a commanding presence as his deep voice filled the room.

“I’d like to introduce you all to Mr. Gibson. He is—” His head whipped to the side, his gaze immediately locking on her. The slightest hint of a smile graced his lips. He had smelled her. She blushed with the realization and the memory of exactly what had occurred on that piano he now stood in front of.

He shook his head as if to clear it. “Mr. Gibson will be overseeing the estate in my absence and he will be in residence. If you need anything, or have anything to report, he will be available to you. One thing I’d like to make clear is that things are going to be very different around here moving forward. I want every person here to feel safe in this house. If any of you ever feel unsafe, from anyone, that includes Mr. Gibson, any other staff or visitors, anyone, I want you to report it immediately. You may bring it to the attention of Mrs. Archer, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Gibson, or directly to me. I will ensure that each and every one of you has my direction so that you may reach out to me via post or telegram. Your safety and happiness are of the utmost importance to me. Is that clear?”

There was a chorus of “Yes, my lord,” from the servants. A few of the women breathed a sigh of relief, but most of them seemed unsure of what to think about the pronouncement.

“As a thank you for your loyalty even in my absence, you will all be receiving bonuses.” Gwen watched all of their faces brighten. Pride blossomed inside her chest. In order to improve the lives of the people who worked for him, he was making a permanent connection with this place, even though it was the source of so many nightmares. Of course, none of them would ever know that. Benson was probably the only other person here to ever see his scars, and she was the only one to hold his shaking body when he awoke from a night terror. She didn’t blame him for leaving this place as quickly as possible, even if she wished they could stay forever.

The long train ride was pleasant, if a little awkward. At first, it was obvious they both had pasted on smiles, but eventually, they settled into comfortable conversation. He told her all about Trent and his vision for the estate moving forward. They talked of the weather. They talked of the changes that had taken place at Raven House since last she was there. Apparently, both Patrick and Michael had married, and Patrick’s mother-in-law now acted as surrogate mother and manager to all of the ladies. It was hard to believe those two men had married. All three of them had been decided bachelors, as far as Gwen had always known. Although, according to Ash, Michael had actually been betrothed the whole time. There was also a new addition to the group of partners, named Giles. Perhaps all the changes would make it easier to return.

What they didn’t discuss were all of the wonderful things that had happened between them over the last few days. It couldn’t continue, no matter how much she wished it could, so there was no point in dwelling or reminiscing. Although, she did wonder if he, too, was sad to see it end.

When the hired hack pulled up to the backdoor of Raven House, Ash helped her to step down. It was one of the few times they’d made physical contact during the journey, and even with gloves on, it sent a thrill through her. Their eyes met briefly before he quickly looked away.

It was dark, but the porte cochere was lit by two lamps. Her breath created clouds as it left her lips, which was strangely comforting. It was as if the cold outside somehow offset the cold that had settled around her heart.

As she looked up at the entrance to Raven House a mass of emotions fought for her attention. She was frightened, of course. Not because this was new. She’d obviously been here before. But the last time, it had been a refuge, a stepping stone to help her to a better life. She’d certainly managed to muck that up. She felt like a naughty child being sent back to school.

A large man Gwen didn’t recognize held the door for them. Probably someone who had been hired since last she was here.

“Welcome home, boss. We didn’t expect you back so quickly.”

“Neither did I, but everything went smoothly.”

It was a change to have him back to boss instead of my lord. Another reminder that things were back to the way they had been once before.

The moment they walked through the door, someone shouted. “Gwen? Is it really you?”

Gwen couldn’t help but return Daisy’s excited smile. “I’m like a bad penny,” she said with a shrug. Daisy squealed and threw her arms around her.

---