Page 2 of A Raven Revived

What did that mean? Of course he wanted to invest for the money.

He headed for the tavern next to the inn where he was staying. Anderson would likely be there. Although it was a bit unconventional, his solicitor had become his closest friend. He’d had a few chums at school, but since leaving Cambridge, Fitz had mostly been a lone wolf. Anderson was of a similar nature and followed him around on his adventures as he looked for ways to spend his fortune. The man could also uncover anything about anyone, which was extremely useful when investing and undoubtedly accounted for much of Fitz’s success.

“Just the man I was hoping to find,” Fitz said as he seated himself across from his solicitor.

“You’re back early tonight.”

He shrugged. “I was having too much good luck.”

Anderson laughed. “Only you would complain about winning money.”

“I got to meet the infamous Ash tonight, though. He was exactly what I would have expected.”

“Was he open to your investment offer?”

“He had me escorted into a dark alley. Apparently, he thought I was studying the place so I could rob them.”

Anderson choked on his brandy as he laughed. “Not off to a good start then.”

Fitz shrugged. “Actually, he asked me to get him information about myself and my past so that he can look into me, so I think perhaps it was.”

He gave an impressed nod and raised his glass.

“I need more information about them. I barely even know their names, and obviously Ash is as much his name as Fitz is mine.”

Anderson nodded. “I’ll see what I can dig up.”

* * *

After being cooped up for almost two weeks with a cold, Daisy was thrilled to finally be out with Belle and Rosie, enjoying a sunny spring day. Rosie’s belly was growing more rounded by the day, and she wanted to get a few more things for the baby.

“How’s your mother doing at Langley Hall?” Daisy asked her. Up until a few weeks ago, she’d been the manager to all the Lady Ravens, but now that Ash was married, Gwen had taken over that role giving Sarah the chance to be a doting grandmother, instead.

Rosie blew out a sigh but smiled. “Don’t misunderstand me, I am happy to have her support, but she never stops fretting.”

“Aww, you can’t really blame her,” Belle said. “You’re her only daughter, and on top of that, she’ll soon be a grandmother.”

Rosie nodded. “I know, and I do love her so.” She rubbed a hand over her stomach. “At least I know this child will be surrounded by people who love them.”

Daisy squeezed her hand. “They will be loved by so many people they won't know what to do with it all.”

“You won’t mind if we call you Aunt Daisy, right?” she asked.

“I’d better be Aunt Daisy. And to yours too, Belle.” Her pregnancy wasn’t far behind Rosie’s.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

They may only be friends, but she loved these women like sisters, even if they were married to her employers.

“Lady Jane!” a man's voice called from behind them.

A brick dropped into Daisy’s stomach, and as the blood drained from her head, a wave of dizziness swept over her. Jane was a common name. He could have been calling for someone else. What wasn’t common was a lady in Raven Row, present company excluded. But no one here knew her as Lady Jane. Not even the people she was closest to. It had been three years since she’d run from her old life, but it would seem someone had finally found her.

Without looking back, she lifted her skirts and ran as fast as her legs would carry her. Her pulse hammered in her ears as she turned up the nearest alley, but she wasn’t fast enough. Pounding footsteps grew closer until suddenly, his hands clamped onto her shoulders.

He spun her around and stared into her face, and for some reason, her stupid heart tripped over itself.

“Lady Jane. You’re alive.” His beautiful emerald eyes were wide with disbelief. Eyes she used to dream about.

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