Page 25 of A Raven Repents

By the time they arrived at Lavinia’s townhouse, it was rather late in the afternoon. Thomas approached her. “I think we should be getting back, Mrs. Henderson.”

“One cup of tea, Thomas. I promise I won’t dally.”

After they settled into the sitting room, Christina excused herself to use the lavatory, but hurried through the house and out the back door. Running as fast as her feet would carry her, she made her way to where her father’s carriage was waiting.

He stood beside it, the door already open. As soon as they were both inside, he thumped the roof and they were in motion.

Exhilarated laughter spilled from her lips as she tried to catch her breath.

“Papa! Thank you so much for coming!”

He smiled at her, but his eyes were bloodshot, and the smell of alcohol hovered in the carriage. He’d been drinking again. Hopefully that didn’t mean he’d been gambling as well. She couldn’t bring herself to ask. She was just grateful that he’d come for her.

When they walked through the door, she closed her eyes and breathed in the wonderful aroma.

“I had Betsy prepare your favorite roast chicken.”

“Thank you, Papa.”

She settled into the chair to his left at the dining table. Her chair. The chicken was tender and delicious, just as it had always been.

“I’ve missed this.”

“Does he treat you well, Christina?”

She huffed a cynical laugh. “No. I wouldn’t be running away from him if he did.”

“Has he hurt you?”

She shook her head. He hadn’t hurt her. Not physically, at least.

“Has he forced himself on you?”

“No, Papa.”

“So the marriage still hasn’t been consummated?”

“Papa.” Heat filled her cheeks. But he merely raised his brow. “No,” she said eventually. “I’ve hardly seen him, and when I have, he’s never done anything but shout at me.”

Her father sighed. “I’m sorry, Christina.”

“It isn’t your fault, Papa. I’m the one who ran away with him.”

“But I’m the reason you had to. I failed you.”

“It’s not a bad life. He doesn’t abuse me. I want for nothing. I have my own maid, I live in a grand house full of servants, and more gowns than I can count. I even redecorated." She smiled remembering the words her husband had used. It looks like a bloody flower garden threw up in here.

With a sigh, she placed her napkin on the table. Giles had given her a lot, but it was hard to be grateful for it when he openly detested her.

“Why don’t you go up and get ready for bed? There are still nightgowns in your armoire. I’ll bring you a cup of some special tea, that will help you get good rest tonight.”

She pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you, Papa.” Her father had made his share of mistakes, but he was good to her, and she loved him.

Chapter

Seven

Giles slept through the entire night and late into the morning. He still woke feeling as if he’d drunk himself to sleep, even though he hadn’t. Perhaps it was just lingering from the night before. But it wasn’t alcohol that had his head aching all day. It was guilt. Like it or not, he was a husband now. A bloody lousy one. That was going to change, but he needed one night of something he loved first. One night at his club to feed his soul. Then he would step up and do what was needed to right his many wrongs.