Page 32 of A Raven Returns

Ash moved to ring for Mrs. Archer, but then saw a whole group of servants gathered in the hall, his housekeeper among them. He couldn’t blame them for wanting to get a glimpse of his guest. Anyone with a pair of eyes would guess they were brothers, which would only heighten their curiosity. “Mrs. Archer?”

She hurried across the hall to the drawing room. “Yes, my lord?”

“Will you please show Gwen and Maggie up to the nursery? I know it’s been closed up for a very long time, but just do the best you can.” He lowered his voice so only she would hear. “And get everyone back to work. I don’t need onlookers or eavesdroppers.”

“Yes, my lord. Of course.” She turned and glared at the other servants and they immediately dispersed.

Ash grabbed the tray of food and handed it to the housekeeper. “Take this with you so she can nibble on them if she decides to.”

Gwen took Maggie’s hand. Ash leaned down and whispered into her ear on her way out of the room. “I promise I’ll explain everything later. Thank you for showing me so much grace.”

“I look forward to hearing the story this evening, my lord.” The little minx winked at him before turning and leaving the room.

Feeling a bit discomfited, Ash sighed and turned back to Trent. “Why don’t we go up to my study? We’re less likely to have an audience up there.”

Trent’s gaze traveled over every detail as they moved through the house, clearly not accustomed to so much extravagance. Who would be, really?

“Have a seat,” Ash said as they entered his study. He closed the door as Trent settled himself in front of his desk. Ash poured two glasses of brandy and set one in front of Trent before sitting across from him.

Trent picked up the glass, examining its contents before setting it back down. His dark eyes wandered aimlessly about the room looking slightly bewildered.

“I don’t really know how to do this.”

“How to drink brandy?” Ash teased.

Trent’s laugh sounded subdued, and he looked a little overwhelmed. “I mean, all of this.” He waved his hand aimlessly. “The luxury, the house, the servants, the crystal and expensive spirits, and especially you.” His eyes came up to meet Ash’s. ”Particularly in this grand house, I don’t feel right not addressing you by your title. And all of the kindness you’ve shown me and Maggie and?—”

“Trent,” Ash said, cutting him off. “I don’t know how to do this either, but we’ll just figure it out, won’t we?”

Trent nodded.

“I promise I didn’t put poison in that brandy.”

Trent smiled meekly and took a sip. He nodded appreciatively.

“I need to apologize about something from last night, Ash.”

“You don’t need to apologize about anything, Trent.”

“I do,” he said more firmly. “I should not have used that word when I mentioned the women who work for you. It was disrespectful to them, and I regretted it the moment it left my mouth. I don’t use words like that, and I’m sorry.”

Ash raised his glass. “Thank you.” The truth was, he was actually very pleased that Trent insisted on apologizing for that. It spoke to how he felt toward women.

“Feel free to tell me if I'm being impertinent, but is Gwen one of the women who works in your club?”

“She was, and she will be again. Unfortunately, she was one of the women involved in the fake marriage scheme. Luckily, fate somehow brought her to my doorstep, once more.”

“My God. I wish I’d known that was happening. Perhaps I could have done something.” He shook his head dejectedly.

“What’s done is done. As horrible as it is, there is no undoing any of it now. We can only hope the people involved are punished sufficiently.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Now,” Ash said. “I have done a lot of thinking since I met you last night, and I want to see that you’re taken care of.”

“Ash, you don’t owe me anything.”

He held up a hand to stop him. “I know I don’t, but let me finish. I believe I have a solution that will benefit us both.”

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