Page 36 of A Raven Revived

Geoffrey turned his gaze on Fitz, his brow furrowed. “Did you always know where she was?”

“Of course I didn’t.” He looked at her profile as she watched his brother. She was a bit unsure, so he squeezed her hand. “Serendipity somehow brought us together again. And I must be the luckiest man in the world, because she has agreed to become my wife.” He lifted her hand to his lips.

He was surprised to see his brother smile at the news, but he looked genuinely happy. He stood and held out a hand.

“Congratulations,” he said as he shook Fitz’s hand. “I truly do wish you both every happiness.”

“Gerry?” Melinda stood in the doorway.

Both he and his brother froze, but not Daisy. A radiant smile grew on her face. “You must be Lady Redmore.” She didn’t wait for an introduction, simply walked over and curtseyed. “I’m Daisy.”

Finally, his brother spoke up. “Melinda, this is Lady Jane.”

Melinda’s smile faltered just slightly as understanding dawned. “Lady Jane. You’re alive?”

Daisy laughed softly. “I am. But not to worry, I haven’t come to stake a claim on your husband. I’ll be marrying the other one.” She gestured toward Fitz.

That surprised a laugh from him. “The other one, am I?”

She shrugged and he laughed again. “It’s good to see you, Melinda. I hope you won’t be terribly upset by our sudden intrusion and unexpected news.”

“I’m always pleased to see you, Gerry, and this time especially so.” She smiled at Daisy before reaching for his hand. “Congratulations.”

She turned back to Daisy. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Jane.”

“Please, call me Daisy.”

“I hope you’re staying so that we may get to know one another. After all, we are to be sisters.”

Daisy wrapped her arms around Melinda and said something into her ear that made her laugh. Being kind just came naturally to Daisy. One of the many reasons he loved her.

“Will you be staying?” His brother asked, no doubt spurred on by his wife’s suggestion. To be fair, he was probably still in a state of shock. His manners had been fairly good, under the circumstances.

“The truth is, I don’t know.” Fitz shrugged. “We haven’t yet called upon her family.”

His eyes grew wide. “Oh, so they don’t know she’s…”

Fitz shook his head. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous about telling them. “Not yet. We’re going there now.”

Daisy bussed Geoffrey on the cheek. “Thank you, for taking all of this so well. I’m glad that you were able to find happiness too.”

He nodded and looked on her with more warmth than Fitz had ever seen him show her before. It was a relief.

“And thank you, Lady Redmore, for welcoming me, in spite of… well… everything.”

“Melinda,” she corrected. “And please do come and stay, or at least come for a visit soon.”

“I’ll have rooms made ready,” Geoffrey said. “You’ll both be welcome to stay if you decide to.”

“Thank you.” Fitz escorted Daisy toward the front door before calling over his shoulder, “Feel free to tell Mother my happy news.”

Geoffrey laughed. “Coward.”

ChapterEleven

Daisy’s heart fluttered anxiously as the carriage pulled up in front of her childhood home. This should be a joyous occasion, but she was more than a little apprehensive. How would they react to learning she was alive?

Fitz squeezed her hands gently. “You stay here. I will give them the news, and when I know they are willing to have a respectful and courteous conversation, I’ll come and collect you.”

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