Page 24 of Four Promises to Love

“In my experience, males can be rather closed-minded,” Finn said tightly.

“Owen isn’t closed-minded by nature.” The fierce way Gigi came to his defense spoke volumes about the strength of their familial bond. “In fact, he is the most adventurous and free-spirited of my brothers. Or at least he was until…until his time in the army.”

If Finn had antennae, they would have quivered. This was the first she was hearing about Owen’s military background. The Hawks had scoured the village for gossip about him but had netted surprisingly little. They’d learned that he’d designed several local gardens and was making a name for himself as a landscape gardener. He was also considered Chuddums’s most eligible bachelor. A rumor was circulating that when he fell in love, he would break the so-called curse of Bloody Thom.

With his wild hair and turbulent eyes, Owen had struck Finn as an artistic sort. Or a rakehell. The revelation that he was an army man made her question her perception. It also aroused her curiosity—for purely professional reasons, of course.

“I didn’t realize Lord Owen had military experience,” she said.

“He is not fond of the topic, and we respect his wishes.”

Despite her natural effervescence, the duchess spoke sternly, reminding Finn that the Harringtons (like the Hawks) had a reputation for loyalty. Gigi wasn’t going to disclose more about her brother’s past, which made Finn wonder why. Had Owen seen battle? Even if he had, a toff like him probably had a lofty commission. It was common knowledge that the family patriarch, the Marquess of Blackwood, was a war hero who’d helped defeat Boney. As the son of a distinguished gentleman, Owen must have enjoyed a career path paved by nepotism and gold.

“We must speak to him before planning a séance,” Evie agreed.

Finn was not about to let another opportunity slip away.

“Perhaps Lord Owen would prefer a private audience with me.” Despite her racing heart, she managed to sound calm and assured. “This would allow him to experience my skills firsthand and ask any questions he might have. I have found that nothing reassures like the truth.”

Or lies cleverly disguised as such.

“That is kind of you to extend an invitation,” Xenia said. “We shall pass it on.”

“When you do.” Finn sipped her tea and strategized. “Do convey to his lordship that I respect his doubt and hope he will extend me the courtesy of dispelling it. While the spiritual world may seem daunting and uncharted to the uninitiated, assure him that it offers rich and unexpected rewards—for those brave enough to explore beyond the veil.”

Owen wasn’t the only one who could issue a challenge. Being an excellent judge of character, Finn was confident that he would not be able to resist the gauntlet she’d thrown down.

“We will tell him,” Gigi promised.

Finn took another bite of pudding.

The game is not over yet, Owen Harrington.

Seven

“Help me. Don’t let me die.”

The man gripped Owen’s hand, dragging him to his knees. Muscles burning, breaths choppy, Owen managed to hold on even as the ground beneath him began to crumble, clumps dropping into the raging water below. Still, he held on, looking into his enemy’s face and seeing others.

“Captain, help me.”

“Save me, sir. I-I can’t move.”

“For mercy’s sake, end it for me. I cannot bear it.”

He shut out the voices, the wintry horror and freezing despair, and focused on holding on. Terror stretched the skin of the man’s face tighter than a drum. It didn’t matter that the villain had blackmailed Owen’s kin; in that moment, as he dangled in the rushing currents clinging to Owen’s hand, he was every man Owen had failed to save.

The man’s fingers began to slip.

“Hold on.” Owen gritted his teeth. “For God’s sake, do not let go.”

The frothing water raged, sucking the man deeper, pulling Owen down with him. Sprawled on his belly on the muddy bank, Owen strained to pull the man up even when he knew it was impossible. His arm muscles drew taut, trembling at the limit of their strength, and moisture blurred his vision, but he couldn’t let go.

One of his many sins was that he could never let go.

“For mercy’s sake, end it for me. I cannot bear it.”

“No, Johnson. I will get you to safety. Just hold on.”