Page 46 of A Raven Repents

“As am I.” Allister set his drink on the table and leaned forward. “I don’t have a lot to invest, but I will do everything in my power to help.”

“While I appreciate the enthusiasm,” Ash said, “this is going to be a step-by-step process. Step one is simply to buy the building. That’s easy enough. But step two will be pushing out Madame Bustier, which will mean taking on any of her girls who want our help. I’ll need all hands on deck for that.” He turned to Giles. “If we are to do this, then after Michael’s baby is born, I’ll need you here, and fully committed.”

Giles nodded. “I will be. You have my word.”

“I know you’re a new father, Patrick, but I hope, by the time we get there, you might be back too. At least part-time.”

“I’ll be here. Rosie will probably be glad to be rid of one of the many people who are constantly hovering.”

“Good. I’m going to go around the table and I want a yes or a no from each of you. Allister?”

“Yes.”

“Do you think your security staff is adequate?”

“No. We will definitely need to add a few more men. Even now, we could use another one or two.”

Ash nodded. “Good. Let's make that happen.”

“Patrick?”

“Yes. I’ll talk to Rosie about it tonight. I’m sure she’ll be thrilled at the prospect of doing away with Maison Rouge.”

“Fitz?”

“Yes. And you know Daisy will welcome every single one of them.”

They all chuckled.

“Giles?”

“Yes,” he said, thrilled that he actually got a vote.

“Good. I’m going to task you with talking to Michael, since you’re going up there.”

“Are you sure you trust me with something that important?”

“Absolutely, I do.”

Giles closed his eyes as renewed appreciation for these men, their friendship, and partnership, settled over him. “Thank you.”

After the meeting, Giles eventually found his wife down the street at a tea shop. He stood next to McKinnon and watched through the window as she laughed with the others.

“She seems to be getting along well with them.”

“I’m not sure you could find a person on God’s green earth who wouldn’t get along with Mrs. Fitzwilliam.”

“That’s true. What do you suppose they’ve told her about me?”

McKinnon raised a brow. “Are you keeping secrets from her?”

“Not intentionally. But we haven’t had a lot of time to get to know each other yet.”

“Well, I probably know most of your secrets, and I haven’t heard anything too terrible. So I wouldn’t worry about it. Besides, she looks pretty happy to me.”

She did look happy. Warmth filled his heart as he continued to watch her. Perhaps they really could make this work.

When Christina walked out of the tea shop with Gwen and Daisy, Giles was waiting for her, a proud smile turning up his lips.