Page 60 of A Raven Revived

“I’m sure.”

She sat on the side of the bed while Fitz quickly dressed. His eyes never left her, as if he was terrified she might suddenly disappear again. After another long hug, he escorted her down to the dining room. A mass of smiling faces greeted her.

“Samantha?” She returned her smile and then looked up at Fitz. “You got her out too?”

“Of course we did. You asked me to.”

“Did I?” She didn’t remember that. “Well, I’m glad I did.”

“So am I,” Samantha said quietly.

Daisy’s gaze wandered over the table. Lord Epworth sat at the head, making her nervous, in spite of Fitz’s assurances that he’d been kind and helpful. Patrick, Michael, and Ash all looked at her with so much affection. Even the security staff around the table smiled at her. It was hard to believe that so many people had come to her aid.

Michael got up from his seat and wrapped a strong arm around her shoulders. “I’m glad to see you smiling.”

“Thank you all, for coming to my rescue. I don’t know how you managed to find me and get me out of there, but my gratitude is beyond measure.”

“You’re one of ours,” Patrick said. “We take care of our own.”

Somehow, in running away from her family, she’d managed to stumble into a much better one. She gave silent thanks to be back with them again. Lord Epworth smiled kindly at her as she sat down in the chair that was pulled out for her to his right.

“I’m glad to see you up and about. I was worried about you when they brought you in last night.”

“Thank you for providing me a place to recover.”

“It’s the least I can do after the way I treated you the first time we met.” He took a sip of tea.

“You remember?”

“I remember being terribly rude.”

Patrick chimed in from two seats down. “You most certainly were.”

“Well, perhaps it will ease your conscience if I tell you that I cheered when Rosie told me Patrick had punched you.”

A chorus of laughter erupted around the table, and Lord Epworth gave her an indulgent smile. “Rightly so.”

“I understand you have been very helpful, and I thank you, my lord.”

He inclined his head. “You are welcome to convalesce here as long as you need, Daisy.”

Ash placed a plate piled with an assortment of foods in front of her. “No raisin scones, I’m afraid, but I’m sure you’ll find something you like there.”

She smiled up at him. “Thank you.”

He rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. “The rest of us need to head back today, but you stay as long as you want. Fitz will be here, and I’ll leave McKinnon just in case there are any problems.”

“As much as I appreciate that, I think I just want to come home.”

He nodded. “Whatever you want, if you think you’re up to it.”

She longed to go home, where she felt safe. She didn’t want to spend any more time in a strange place.

Her body ached as she climbed into Ash’s carriage. Fitz made sure the heavy blanket was tucked tightly around her after she snuggled up against his side. Samantha had gone with Michael. Apparently, she felt safe with him. That was fine by Daisy. She wasn’t feeling up to much conversation right now. She was tired, but carriage rides always lulled her to sleep, so she didn’t mind.

It was a long journey back to Raven Row, but Fitz held her against his side, and every so often, he’d squeeze her and place a kiss on the top of her head.

Ash was quiet, but whenever she looked his way, he was watching her.

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