Page 59 of A Raven Repents

“Of course I will. Go take care of your club, Mr. Henderson.” She pushed him toward the door. “I’ll be here when you get back.”

It was hard to believe how much things had changed in a few short days. But as much as he hated leaving his wife, The Raven’s Den welcomed him as he walked through its doors. Ash and Fitz were distributing cash and chips to the dealers, and the musicians were tuning their instruments in the corner.

“Evening, chaps,” he said to his partners, giving them a nod. “Put me to work wherever you need me. I am here for the night.”

Ash smiled approvingly. “The ladies should be coming down soon, and when I’ve finished here, I want to hear about Michael and my new niece, so I’ll meet you on the balcony.”

O’Connell was unlocking the door to the bridge that connected to Raven House. He stood at the far end while the ladies crossed over.

“Good evening, ladies,” Giles said, welcoming them to the club.

“I keep hearing that you got married,” Sophie said as she came through. “Daisy and Gwen both say they’ve met her, but I’m not sure I believe it. I want to see the woman who finally snatched you up.”

“I had no idea I was the topic of gossip around here. I know it’s hard to believe a woman agreed to marry me, but I promise to bring her in soon, and put your doubts to rest.”

When they were all through, O’Connell locked both doors and trotted down the stairs to take up his post at the curtain.

Allister was on the balcony, watching over the floor below. “What are you grinning at?” he asked when he looked over his shoulder.

Giles shrugged and went to stand beside him. “I’m just appreciating how fortunate I am. Do you think there’s a better place to work than this?”

“Not in my experience, but I don’t expect you would be working at all if it weren’t for this.”

“Fair enough. But I love it, all the same.”

“So,” Ash said when he walked through the door. “Tell me about her.”

“She’s beautiful. She has Belle’s dark hair. And Michael is beyond smitten.”

A proud smile grew on his lips. “How long do you think it will be before I can start to spoil her?”

“You mean before you can send her a pony?”

Ash shrugged. “And what about Belle?”

“I didn’t actually see her, but as of this morning, Isaac said she had her color back, and her spirit. So I suppose that means she’s already giving Michael hell.”

“Good,” Ash said with a nod. “Michael didn’t mention anything besides the baby, but since you’re here, I assume you were able to talk to him?”

“He’s in.”

Determination filled Ash’s eyes. “I’ll move forward with the purchase then. Thank you, Giles. I appreciate you going up to take care of that.”

“Thank you for trusting me with it. Although I should confess that Christina heard most of it.”

“You told her?”

“She eavesdropped at the door. She was afraid Michael was going to give me a beating.”

Ash didn’t look angry or disappointed. In fact, his brow raised and a smile turned up his mouth. “Protective of you, is she?”

“It would seem so, even if I am undeserving of it.”

“Can we trust her not to tell her father?”

“I believe so.” If it were up to him, she’d never see the man again, anyway.

“And where is she tonight?”