Page 40 of A Raven Revived

“London,” he said simply.

“How did you find her?”

“It was purely adventitious. I happened to see her one day while she was out shopping with friends.”

“What has she been doing?” His mother seemed genuinely curious, but he wasn’t sure she was ready for the full answer.

“Working, mostly.” He took a sip of his wine, praying his mother would leave it at that, but it was his brother who spoke next.

“Lady Jane has been working? Dare I ask what kind of work?”

“I’m not sure that’s important, nor do I believe your question to be very well-intentioned. Suffice to say, she’s been living a happy life, and will hopefully continue to be just as happy when she’s my wife.”

His brother held up his hands. “I meant no offense, Gerry. I was merely curious. Not many women of Lady Jane’s standing have jobs, that’s all. Of course we wish the two of you every happiness.”

Fitz nodded. “Perhaps I was a bit quick to take offense.”

Geoffrey held up his glass in a toast. “To Gerry. May he live a long and happy life with his future bride.”

Fitz smiled, raising his glass with the rest of them.

Melinda spoke up then. “I am certainly looking forward to getting to know her. I'm sure she has plenty of stories to share about the pair of you.” She smiled teasingly at her husband and Fitz.

He was glad his family was being so supportive. He hadn’t known what to expect, especially from Geoffrey. It had to be at least a little awkward for Melinda, but she was friendly and kind throughout the meal.

When they finished, he retired to a small drawing room with his brother to share some port, and apparently, a celebratory cigar.

“I apologize about what I said earlier, Gerry. I really didn’t mean any indignity, but I can see how it came across that way and I am sorry.”

Fitz nodded. “Perhaps I was a little overly sensitive. I find I’m highly protective of her.”

“Quite right, too.” He raised his glass in a salute.

“Her parents are simply awful, so that may have put me on edge a bit.”

“Are you sure you really want to marry into that family?”

“I’m sure I want to marryher.”

Geoffrey nodded. “I can see that.”

“I should have run away with her, but I was too much of a coward and just assumed she’d prefer to be with you anyway.”

His brother scoffed and looked down into his glass as he swirled the dark liquid. “The truth is, I was not very kind to her. It’s no wonder she ran away. I’ve always felt guilty about that.” He shrugged, obviously uncomfortable with his confession. “I cared for her sister, you know. And when she was gone and I was going to be forced to marry Jane instead, I resented her for that. Of course it wasn’t her fault, but I was self-absorbed, and”—he shook his head with a quick sigh—“stupid.”

“I won’t argue with that. I think we can agree that we both failed her.”

Geoffrey looked up and nodded.

“But in the end,” Fitz continued, “it all worked out for the best. You found your love match, and so did we.”

His brother clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m truly happy for you, Gerry. And for her. You’ll be such a better husband than I ever would have been to her. I mean, I never would have hurt her, not physically anyway, but she’s better off with you. And Melinda has made me a better man.”

“Well,” Fitz said with a smile. “It would seem we both owe her our happiness then.”

“To Jane,” his brother said, raising his glass.

“To Daisy,” Fitz corrected.

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