Page 28 of A Raven Revived

Now that Daisy was lying in bed trying to sleep, herself, it suddenly occurred to her that she had questions. She’d agreed to marry Fitz, but hadn’t given any thought to what that actually meant. Where would they live? What about her job? What about her friends? The only way she’d have a dowry was if her father still provided her one, which was unlikely and would mean going back and facing everyone. Would she have to do that anyway in order to get his permission? Ice crystals filled her veins as panic spread through her.

She had to talk to Fitz.

Carefully, she opened her bedroom door and peered into the hall. All was still and dark. She moved quickly and quietly down the corridor. Why hadn’t she thought of any of these questions earlier? Trent would not be happy if he caught her sneaking around. Oh well. Too late to turn back now.

When she found Fitz’s room, she carefully opened the door and slipped inside. He stood in front of the window but turned toward her upon her entrance. He wore pajama bottoms but no top. The curtains were wide open, and moonlight spilled across his bare chest. She couldn’t seem to pull her eyes away. She swallowed, her mouth suddenly watering.

“Daisy.” His soft voice got her attention and she reluctantly raised her eyes to meet his. “You should not be here.”

She took a quick breath and pulled herself together. “I have questions.”

“Questions that couldn’t wait until morning?”

She shook her head. “I’m scared.”

Those two words were all it took for him to immediately cross the room to her. He took her hands in his.

“You’re freezing.” He pressed her hands against his warm chest and pulled her into his embrace. “Why aren’t you wearing a wrapper?” He looked down at her feet. “Or slippers?”

She shrugged. “I needed to talk to you.”

“Let’s get settled by the fire, and then we can talk about whatever you’d like.”

He pulled a blanket off the foot of the bed and wrapped it around her, then ushered her over by the fire. He sat down on the floor, his back against the front of the chair and patted the floor between his legs. She happily dropped onto her bottom and scooted herself back against him. His arms held her in, promising warmth and safety.

“Better?”

“Mmmm. So much better.”

“Did you get your feet tucked in there?”

He leaned over her shoulder to look, and she nodded.

“Good. Now, what has you scared, Daisy?” His voice was soft and gentle beside her ear.

“Well, I said yes to marrying you without really thinking through everything that would entail.”

She felt him stiffen slightly. “Have you changed your mind?”

“No. No, of course not. I love you, Fitz. I want to be with you.”

He squeezed her tighter and pressed a soft kiss to the side of her head. “Then what is it?”

She swallowed over the sudden tightness in her throat. “I’m not sure if my father will provide a dowry or even give his permission.”

“I don’t give a damn about a dowry or your father’s permission.”

She turned so she could see his face. “You don’t?”

He shook his head. “We’re only a stone’s throw from Gretna Green. We could be married tomorrow if we wanted.” His soft lips pressed against her temple. “That being said, I do think we’re probably going to have to tell your family. I still have occasional contact with mine, so we wouldn’t be able to keep you, and our marriage, a secret forever. I also think we should give them a chance to celebrate with us. But you wouldn’t have to go there. I can go and tell them and see how they react.”

She let out a long sigh and pressed herself back into his embrace. “What of the marriage contract with your brother?”

“Three years is a long time, Daisy, and a lot of things have changed since you left. Geoffrey married someone else six months ago. By all accounts, Lady Redmore makes him quite happy.”

“Your father passed?”

He nodded. “About two years ago.”

---