Page 67 of A Raven Revived

“Daisy is strong.” Ash’s words pulled him away from his thoughts.

He nodded. “I know she is. I have no doubt she’ll overcome this, in time, and I will do everything I can to help her. If you could have some raisin scones sent over for the next few mornings, that wouldn’t hurt.”

“I’m sure that can be arranged.”

There was a knock on the door.

“Come,” Ash called.

Patrick smiled when he saw Fitz. “Just the man I was hoping to see.”

“Am I?”

“How is she today?”

Before Fitz could answer, Ash interrupted. “Is your brother here?”

Patrick nodded.

“Good, let’s take this over to the club then.” He looked back at Fitz. “That way you won’t have to repeat yourself with each of us.”

It was such a strange experience as he entered The Raven’s Den. Michael, Giles, and Lord Epworth were all there. They each took turns greeting him and clapping him on the shoulder as if he were one of them.

“What are you drinking?” Patrick asked as he headed for the bar.

“I’m not picky. Whatever you’re having is fine.”

“Well it’s a good thing I’m pouring, then, and not Michael.”

When they were all settled around the table, five pairs of eyes were fixed on him.

“Well?” Michael asked, taking a sip of his barley water. “How’s our girl?”

Fitz’s heart swelled, and he smiled. “She’s going to be alright with a little time. She’s lucky to have all of you. As am I. I would never have had a chance of getting her back without your incredible help.”

“She’s lucky to have you too, Fitz.” Lord Epworth raised his glass as a sort of salute.

“That’s very kind of you to say, Lord Epworth.”

“As I'm sure Patrick will attest, I don’t bestow niceties. The devotion you showed her was impressive, turning down any help from maids or servants, in spite of your exhaustion, and watching over her, making sure she was safe and cared for every minute.”

“He’s not wrong.” Patrick was sitting beside him and clapped him on the back.

It was hard to accept their kind words. “And yet, if I hadn’t left her with her father in the first place, she wouldn’t have needed rescuing.”

“Welcome to the club,” Michael said. “At least yours wasn’t in danger because she was running away from you.” He shrugged. “All that matters now is that she’s safe. Blaming yourself won’t do anyone any good.”

Fitz nodded. He was right of course. It did make him feel a little better that none of these men seemed to be condemning him. Especially knowing how protective they were of her.

“I believe Epworth has some news for us,” Ash said, moving the conversation along.

“I do, as it happens. Although perhaps not the news you're expecting. Litchfield is dead.”

All eyes turned to Ash. He held up his hands. “This is the first I’m hearing about it. Not that I didn’t want to, but I had nothing to do with it.”

Their heads all swiveled to look at Fitz, and he just shook his head. “I haven’t left Daisy’s side for a single moment.”

They once again turned back to stare at Ash. He sighed. “How did he die?”

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