Page 60 of A Raven Repents

“At home.”

“Which home?”

“My townhouse. I won’t be taking her back to the country unless I’m with her.”

Ash nodded his approval. “Is she alone?”

“She’s not alone. Thistle and her maid, Winnie, are there.”

“No security, though?”

“Do you think that’s necessary? We don’t live in Raven Row.”

“Yes, but you’re still an owner here. And with the history with her father…”

“I hadn’t considered that. Do we have anyone we can spare?”

Ash waved his cane toward Allister. The man sighed and scrubbed a hand across his forehead. “For tonight, I’m sure we could send someone, but we don’t have enough men for a good permanent solution. My previous colleague, Timms, would be a good choice for anything we might need here, though.”

“The Intelligence Services are going to start investigating me if I keep poaching their agents.”

“You don’t think they already have a file on you?” Allister said incredulously.

“Do they?”

“After Fogg?”

Giles hadn’t realized Fogg came from the Intelligence Services. That explained why he was so good at tracking people down.

Ash shrugged. “Bring him in then. I’ll be happy to interview him. And if you’re recommending him, I trust he’s good.”

“He’s good. For tonight, I’ll put Doyle at the back door and we’ll send Donoghue over to keep an eye.”

“Thank you, Allister.” Giles was grateful to have his help.

The man gave a quick nod before going to arrange it.

“Why don’t you go down and relieve Fitz? Daisy is feeling a little under the weather tonight. Tell him to go home.”

“Is she ill?”

Ash shrugged. “Perhaps she’s pregnant.”

“You’re going to have more nieces and nephews than you know what to do with.”

He smiled. “Good. I hope I do.”

“Do you want Fitz back for closing time?”

“No.” Ash tapped his cane on top of his shoe. “I want you to help me tonight.”

Gratitude nearly overwhelmed him. He nodded. It wasn’t keys, but it was probably more confidence than he deserved. Ash wouldn’t want a thank you, so he simply squeezed his shoulder as he left the room.

The enchantment he felt did not wane as the evening went on. He spent time conversing with every table, cheering the men when they won, and giving sympathy when they lost. He hardly felt the hours pass. Only Ash’s sudden appearance on the gaming floor made him realize it was closing time. With a nod, he went up to see the ladies off for the night.

But standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure every shilling and chip was accounted for, was the best part of the whole night.

Or at least it was until he approached his townhouse. His lips turned up in an unconscious smile. Christina was in there. Quite possibly in his bed.