Page 38 of A Raven Revived

“We’re not here for your money, Father.”

A muscle ticked beside his eye. “You don’t have my permission to wed.”

She sighed. “I haven’t come for that either. I had, of course, hoped to have your blessing. But since it would seem I won’t be receiving that, and my presence here is unwelcome, I’ve done what I came for, and we will leave.”

She started for the door, but her mother grabbed her arm. “Please, Jane, don’t leave. It’s just been a shock, that’s all. We thought you were—” She swallowed and looked into Daisy’s eyes. “We didn’t think we’d ever see you again.”

Fitz spoke quietly from her other side. “That is no excuse for rudeness.”

She squeezed his hand, silently begging for his patience.

Her father spoke up. “If they want to leave, let them.”

To her surprise, her mother turned to face him and straightened her spine. “No, Richard. She is our daughter. She is welcome in this home.”

He clenched his jaw and glared at her but said not a word. Daisy was proud of her mother for standing up to him and couldn’t help but smile.

Her mother placed a hand on her arm. “Please stay. Dine with us and stay the night. I can’t lose you again already.”

Daisy closed her eyes and gradually blew out a long breath. How could she possibly say no to that? Her mother was obviously hurting. Slowly, she opened her eyes and nodded. She owed her that much after leaving the way she had.

Her lips turned up in a grateful smile. “I’ll have your room made ready for you.”

“And a guest room as well?” Daisy asked.

Her mother’s smile fell.

“No,” her father said firmly. “He will not be staying in my house.”

Daisy was of two minds. Part of her wanted to simply turn and march right out the front door, but her mother didn’t deserve to be punished because of her father’s stubbornness. Settling on her decision, she turned around and faced Fitz.

“Go home to your family’s estate. I’ll be fine here for the night, and you can come back for me in the morning.”

He placed a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t feel very good about leaving you. Are you sure that’s what you want?”

“Yes. I’ll be fine. It’s just one night.”

Grayson appeared in the doorway. “Dinner will be served in a few minutes, my lord. How many places would you like set at the table?”

“Three places. And see Mr. Fitzwilliam out. He won’t be staying.”

“I’ll walk him out, Grayson.” Daisy didn’t wait for anyone to contradict her. She simply strode from the room and hoped Fitz would follow her without causing a scene.

He placed a hand on her arm as they neared the front door. “Daisy.” She stopped and turned to face him. “Are you alright?”

She nodded. “Of course I am.”

“Then why does it feel like you’re running away from me?”

She sighed. “I just don’t want you to get into a fight with my father, and I can feel your anger growing every time he speaks.”

He gave her a sad smile. “I’m sorry. I won’t cause any problems. Come here, love.” He wrapped his arms around her. It was exactly what she needed in that moment.

“Are you sure you want to stay?”

She nodded against his chest.

“Do you want me to sleep outside your window?”

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