Page 72 of A Raven Realized


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A woman walked into the entrance hall from the long corridor where all of the ladies’ rooms were. A bright smile graced her lips.

“I’m sorry if I kept you waiting, McKinnon. I was going over some choreography with Samantha and I didn’t realize how late it had gotten.”

“Not to worry, lass. I’ve nowhere else to be.”

“Allister, this is Mrs. Fitzwilliam.”

She rolled her eyes. “My name is Daisy.”

“Allister is a new addition to our team here.”

“Simon Allister?”

Simon nodded. “The very one.”

“Are you here to see your sister?”

“I am, if she has time for me.”

“Oh, she’ll be thrilled. I’ll go and collect her for you.” She turned and hurried back down the corridor, her skirts swishing.

“Will you be here to help me through my first night?” Simon asked McKinnon.

He shook his head. “Keeping Mrs. Fitzwilliam safe is my job now. But you’ll do just fine.”

A moment later, Samantha threw herself into his arms.

“It warms my heart to see you looking so well, Samantha.” There had definitely been some improvement, but still not as much as he would have liked. Still no smile.

“Are you taking me with you this time?”

Simon shook his head. “No, but I am going to be working here now, so hopefully I’ll see you often.”

Her eyes brightened. “You are?”

He nodded. “But first, I need to introduce you to someone special.” He pulled Madelene against his side. “This is Madelene, my wife.”

“Your wife?” Her brow dipped, her eyes flicking between Madelene and him. “You mean, I have a sister?”

Madelene pressed a hand to her chest and nodded, a single tear running down her cheek. “As do I.”

“Not enough hugging!” Daisy threw her arms around them both. These women would be good, not only for his sister, but for Madelene, as well.

“Would you mind if I leave you here to get to know my sister while I go over to the Den?”

“I would like nothing more, as long as you promise to come back for me.”

“Nothing could stop me.” He pressed his lips to hers in a brief kiss.

“Careful,” Daisy warned. “Fitz got told off by Ash for kissing me once.” Mischief danced in her eyes.

“I’ll try to behave myself.”

He looked at his sister. “I assume you won’t mind keeping Madelene company?”

She rolled her eyes and held out her hand for Madelene. “My room is at the very end of the hall.”

Simon sighed as they disappeared down the corridor. Perhaps Madelene could somehow help her find her smile again. There were a lot of similarities between the two of them. Both timid. Both recovering from the damage inflicted upon them by men. Hopefully they would bring each other strength and comfort.