Page 34 of A Raven Repents

A flash of heat filled her cheeks. What was she supposed to say to that?

“Gossip rags often lie, so what’s the truth of it? Did he act inappropriately with you?”

Christina paused to consider her response. “Is that why you sent him away? Hoping I might betray him?” She took a sip of her drink. She liked it a bit more with each taste. “He’s never been anything but a gentleman.” At least in that regard.

“Even still?”

“Forgive me for being disagreeable, but I don’t believe that is any of your concern.” After her father, she’d learned her lesson about sharing intimate details.

The woman’s lips turned up in a slow smile and she raised her glass in salute. “Beautiful and self-assured. But does he really deserve such loyalty?”

Christina laughed softly. “I don’t know. But I’m starting to think he might.” She steered the conversation away from their marriage. “Do you always live here in Bournemouth?”

She nodded. “Mostly. I find it difficult to go back to the house where I lost my husband. Walking into those same surroundings just takes me right back to that day, and my heart still breaks.” His mother breathed a wistful sigh.

“I don’t know if it will make any difference, but I redecorated. It doesn't look anything like it did.”

“I’m surprised Giles allowed that. He’s always been stubborn about changing any of it from the way his father would have liked it.”

Christina’s heart stumbled. “He wasn’t there to stop me. I did it mostly out of spite after he abandoned me there. I figured he’d be annoyed by it, but it never occurred to me that it might hurt him in some way.”

“Well, if he abandoned you, it was the least he deserved.”

She looked down at the liquid in her glass. “I probably shouldn’t have said that.”

“You don’t need to protect him from me, dear. I’m his mother. I know him better than anyone else in the world.”

Christina met her gaze. “He said you’re going to tan his hide.”

“I probably should. It would seem he got the pair of you into a right mess.”

“It wasn’t really his fault. But he wouldn’t have to be in this mess with me, if he wasn’t so stubborn.”

His mother chuckled. “I should have given him Stubborn as his middle name. He doesn’t know any other way to be.”

Christina shrugged. “I’m not sure I do either.”

“Good, then hopefully he’s met his match.”

Christina liked his mother. They went for a long stroll, and by the time they returned, the dining table was set and ready for them. She sat in the chair that was held out for her. It was a small table, with just six chairs around it. His mother must not entertain large groups.

Not long after they were seated, Giles entered. Christina couldn’t deny that he was handsome. And not just his eyes. He was tall, with broad shoulders that filled out his blue jacket perfectly, and dimples that graced his cheeks when he smiled.

“Am I allowed out of my room now?”

“Have you been sufficiently chastened?” his mother asked.

“I believe so.”

“Well then, I suppose I’ll allow you to dine with us.”

He sat down in the chair across from Christina. “Did you enjoy your time with my mother?”

“I did.”

He shook out his napkin and placed it on his lap. “I told you she’d be nice to you.”

“Of course I’ve been nice to her. After all these years, I finally have a daughter.”