Lady Falls (Black Rose Trilogy) by Renee Bernard

prize.  Mrs. Carlton, here you are!”
    Mrs. Carlton took it from his hands as everyone except Mr. Sheffield celebrated.
    “Open it, dearest!” Mr. Carlton urged.
    The paper gave away easily and she lifted the framed miniature painting free to gasps of admiration.  “Oh, it’s lovely!” she exclaimed.
    “The painting is worthless, but the frame is solid gold and a very pretty antique,” Trent said.  “Think of it as a trinket to commemorate the day.”
    Mrs. Carlton held up the small painting and ornate frame for all to see and Phillip watched Raven’s color change slightly.  Curiosity forced him to give up his place against the wall to draw closer.  The painting was a delicate thing recognizably portraying the same mighty oak that they had picnicked under on the estate grounds.  Bright colors and dappled sunlight hinted at a summer’s day and Phillip leaned in to note the initials of the picture’s author.
    “R.W.?” He looked toward Raven.  “Miss Wells, is this your work?”
    “A trifle,” she admitted.  “My feeble attempt at art after failing miserably at squibbling flowers onto teacups.”  She pressed her hands together, her voice edged in a cheer that failed to touch her eyes.  “As Lord Trent has said, it is a worthless thing.”
    Mrs. Carlton’s eyes widened.  “Not worthless! It has even greater value to me, Miss Wells, I can assure you!  I am in love with your little painting and each time I view it I will remember our holiday here and your lovely company.”
    “Assuredly it will hold a place of great honor in our home, Miss Wells,” Mr. Carlton added quickly.  “The earl is too familiar with your talents to make such a judgment.”
    Phillip nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat at the hurt Raven was graciously denying.  “I am wishing I’d put more effort into winning now that I see the prize, Miss Wells.”
    “Oh, good God!” Lord Trent rolled his eyes.  “She isn’t Rembrandt!  It’s an oil painting of a tree and I’m not heartless!  Come, Raven.  Reassure our guests that you are happy to see a sweet ending to the game.”
    Raven renewed her efforts and Phillip marveled at the change.  With a small lift in her shoulders, she instantly embodied an airy gladness that lightened the room.  “It could not have a better home than yours and the earl is right.  What use is it here when we are blessed to enjoy the sight of the oak that inspired it each and every day?  This way, you have a memento of your visit unique to Oakwell Manor.”  She reached out to touch Mrs. Carlton’s hand, “And when you see it, you can summon the bravery of the day, don’t you think?”
    “I shall!” Mrs. Carlton said and then kissed Raven’s cheek.  “What a treasure you are!”
    Lady Baybrook’s expression remained purposefully neutral.  “I for one prefer the rewards of good conversation over willy-nilly exertions that result in nothing more than a need for a long nap.”
    Lord Trent smiled.  “My gift for entertaining conversation is impossible to rival!  But on that note of wisdom, let us each retreat to some quiet pursuit before the evening unfurls.  I for one, sense a long night of cards ahead.  Warn your husband, Lady Morley.  I am in the mood to win.”
    “Yes.  Though my husband hates to lose so perhaps it is you who needs the warning,” Millicent said then made her farewells as the rest of the party began to do the same. 
    Phillip watched Raven with fascination as the girl who could draw every eye with a single gesture now successfully faded to retreat from the room without much notice.  He’d have said it was impossible for Miss Wells to enter or escape any room without creating a stir.  But she was an enchantress with more tricks than he knew…
    And he was set on learning all of them.
     
    “You all right?” the maid asked as Raven came into her bedroom.
    “I’m fine, Kitty.  Why wouldn’t I be?” Raven inwardly cringed at how defensive she