Page 53 of A Raven Repents

Giles’ mouth fell open. “I missed it?” One more failure.

“Only just. The baby came in the early hours this morning.”

“And Belle?”

“Resting, but doing well.”

Thank God for that. The last several weeks had put everyone on edge, and had Michael terrified. Even if he never said so.

“This,” Michael said, taking a step nearer, “is Olive Elizabeth Henderson.”

“A girl?” For some reason, he’d never really thought that possible. This baby was supposed to be his reprieve.

Michael chuckled. “Not off the hook yet, I’m afraid.”

The baby began to fuss, and a nurse was there in an instant to take her. Michael pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before handing her over. “My first moment alone with her,” he said with a proud smile as he watched her be carried out of the room.

“She’s beautiful,” Christina said from beside him.

For a moment, Giles had been so shocked by the baby, he’d almost forgotten Christina was there.

He placed a hand at her back. “Michael, this is my wife, Christina.”

She sank into a curtsey. “My lord.”

It was easy for Giles to forget that Michael was Lord Dalinridge. There’d never been that sort of deference between them.

“None of that,” Michael said, holding out a hand to her. “We’re family, after all.”

She nodded, looking uncharacteristically shy.

“It’s an honor to finally meet you, Christina. I understand my cousin has been unacceptably rude.” His eyes flicked to Giles. “I can only apologize on his behalf.”

“He had every reason to be angry with me, I assure you. And he’s quite made up for any… lack of patience he may have exhibited.”

“I’m glad to hear he’s mended his ways. But if he behaves discourteously to you again, you need only let me know, and I will have a talk with him.”

She laughed quietly. “Thank you. But I believe I am now perfectly capable of reminding him of his manners.”

Michael gave an approving nod. “I’m glad to hear it. Just the sort of wife he needs.”

“Congratulations, Michael.” Giles had heard quite enough talk of his poor behavior. “She’s a beautiful baby. I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”

Michael clapped his shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here now. I imagine we’ll have a lot to discuss over port this evening, assuming you’re sober enough for it.”

Giles cringed at the jab. “I deserve that.”

“Yes you do.”

“I really will stick to barley water this time.”

“That’s not necessary, but perhaps don't drink the whole bottle tonight. For now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go back in with Belle.”

He didn’t see his cousin for the rest of the day. Even at dinner, he sent his apologies and took a tray in Belle’s room.

Giles sat across from his wife at the long dining table. It was just the two of them, and it felt awkward in its formality. Each course was served by a footman, every step clicking in an even cadence, like the pendulum of a clock, as he walked from one side of the table to the other. The butler stood against the far wall, supervising every move. The silence was only broken by the scraping of knives and a clank when he accidentally bumped his glass against his plate.

When the last dishes were cleared away, Christina’s brow furrowed as she looked at him. “Are you really going to have port with Lord Dalinridge?”