She rubbed Madelene’s upper arms and nodded. “Have a seat, and while you eat, I’ll explain a few things.”
She hated leaving Simon’s side, but after a moment, she acquiesced.
When they were settled, Gwen let out a long sigh. “I don’t really know where to start,” she admitted.
“How do you know Simon?”
“The truth is, I don’t. I’d never met him before last night, and he wasn’t conscious then, so I’m not sure that really counts. But Ash knows him.”
“But not as friends?”
Gwen shook her head. “I don’t know the details. I’ve learned not to ask a lot of questions,” she said with a shrug. “But Ash seems to trust him, which means he must be a good man.”
Madelene nodded, tears starting down her cheeks again. “He is.” She looked over at him. “He’s the kindest, most honorable man I’ve ever met.”
“We’ll take good care of him,” Gwen promised.
The warmth of the tea was soothing as she sipped on it. “What is this place?”
“This is Raven House. It’s essentially a dormitory for women.”
Madelene placed her scone back on her plate, her mouth suddenly dry. “Is this an asylum?”
Gwen laughed in earnest then, shaking her head. “No, although it might feel like it sometimes.” But then she looked at Madelene, and sobered, her smile falling as she seemed to suddenly understand something. “Oh. Oh dear. I’m sorry.” She came around to crouch beside Madelene. “Did you come from Auburn Ridge?”
Shame filled Madelene’s belly. She didn’t want to admit the truth, but couldn’t bring herself to lie. Slowly, she nodded.
Gwen squeezed her hands. “This isn’t an asylum, Madelene. Raven House acts as a stepping stone to help women get off of the streets and into safe positions, so they can be independent.”
“I’m still not sure I understand.”
Gwen smiled. “It’s all a bit complicated, but I promise you are safe here, and you will never be a prisoner. Now,” she said, getting to her feet. “This is a good time for you to get some rest. I’ll take you to your room.”
Madelene shook her head. “I don’t want to leave him.”
“Someone will be with him every minute, and if anything changes, we’ll wake you. You must be exhausted. When was the last time you slept?”
She didn’t care when she’d last slept. She couldn’t leave him. “Please not yet.”
Gwen let out a long sigh. “Very well, but the other ladies will be starting to get up soon, so if you don’t go now, you’ll be stuck in here for a few more hours.”
“I don’t mind.”
Gwen nodded reluctantly. “The lavatory is across the hall. I’ll stay with him while you at least take a moment for that.”
Madelene rushed, even through that. She was terrified something might change while she was away from him. Terrified she might lose him.
Gwen placed kind hands on her shoulders. “People will be in and out to check on him, and you. You can trust everyone here.”
“Thank you.” She didn’t know what else to say. She was so incredibly grateful for all her kindness, but she felt utterly lost.
Gwen hugged her, collected the tray, and left.
Madelene went back to Simon’s side and took hold of his hand once more. It was still cold and completely limp as she lifted it, his arm not holding any of its own weight. “You can’t leave me, Simon. I’m telling you no. Do you hear me? I’m saying no, Simon.”
As the hours passed, she moved from one side of the bed to the other and back again. Different people came and went, just as Gwen had said they would. Ash tried to convince her to sleep, but once again, she refused to leave.
Simon wasn’t getting any better. At least, not much. And she feared if she left, she might lose him. Gwen brought food in and sent her to the lavatory again, but otherwise, she didn’t leave his side. Daylight turned to darkness and as dawn came again, so did Ash.
