Page 73 of A Raven Revived

Fitz stood and gave him a bow before shaking his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, my lord.”

“Oof, I’m still getting used to all this my lord stuff.” He walked over and held out a hand for Daisy. “Lady Jane.” He bowed over her hand. “I believe we technically met once or twice as children.”

She paused for a moment, taking in his face. He was vaguely familiar. “William?”

“Ah!” He beamed at her. “So you do remember!”

“Very nearly.”

He laughed and seated himself across from them. It was hard for her to believe this blithesome man was actually the new Lord Litchfield. He couldn’t have been more different from her father.

“I imagine I already know why the two of you requested an audience with me. It seems a bit ridiculous that a virtual stranger who’s barely two years your elder should be the one to decide who you marry, but here we are.” He shook his head. “Your mother has already told me she’s supportive of the match, but what really matters to me, is what you want, Jane.”

He looked at her intently as he waited for her response. She reached for Fitz’s hand and her heart warmed as he squeezed his support.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with him, and if we can do that as husband and wife, all the better.”

“I didn’t even need an answer after seeing that smile.” He turned his gaze on Fitz. “You are a lucky man to have the heart of such a lovely lady.”

“I am.” Fitz nodded slowly. “And I will treasure it always.”

“Well, far be it from me to stand in the way of love. Of course you’ll have my blessing.”

Daisy’s hands trembled as she pressed her fingertips to her lips. Tears sprang from her eyes. Somehow she hadn’t thought it could really happen. Fitz’s arm wrapped around her shoulders and he held her tight.

“I hope those are happy tears,” he said quietly into her ear. She nodded and quickly wiped them away.

“Thank you, my lord.”

He cringed slightly at her words. He leaned in and spoke quietly. “Can we just stick with William?”

She laughed. “Just as long as you’ll call me Daisy.”

A short time later, when the carriage door closed behind them, Daisy threw herself into Fitz’s arms, and pressed her lips to his.

They were going to be married. It was really going to happen. Her lips turned up at the thought, even as she kissed him. The feel of his tongue dancing with hers was a sort of divine ecstasy, and it sent desire racing through her.

“Is it possible to make love in a carriage?” she asked through ragged breaths.

Fitz choked and sputtered into a laugh. “It most certainly is. However, because we didn’t stay here long, we’ll have time to stop at Raven House before going home, so we need to stay presentable.”

She rolled her eyes and sighed. “Very well.” She climbed off his lap.

But then without warning, tears burst from her eyes. Her body was suddenly racked with sobs, and she gasped for breath.

“Daisy, sweetheart.” Fitz wrapped his arms around her. “What is it? What did I do?”

She shook her head, unable to form words and simply continued to bawl. She’d had to be so strong all this time, but her strength had disintegrated. She tried to stop the crying, tried to be what Fitz needed her to be, resilient and whole. But she couldn’t, so she gave up and allowed him to simply hold her. Allowed him to take care of her, just as Ash had told her to.

“It’s alright, Daisy. You cry all you need to. I’ve got you, love.” He rocked her gently as she continued to weep.

She took hold of his hand and squeezed, trying to show her gratitude in the only way she was capable in that moment. He didn’t ask any more questions or insist that she explain. He just allowed her to not be strong, and let out her pain, guilt, fear, and everything else she was feeling. It was exactly what she needed from him.

Gradually, her crying calmed and her sobs quieted into sniffles.

“Are you alright?” Fitz asked, continuing to hold her.

Daisy nodded. “I’m sorry.”

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