Page 40 of Four Promises to Love

While his tone was grave, she saw the smile in his eyes.

“Now Madame Seer can actually see.”

Xenia broke Finn’s reverie, saving her from gawking at Owen like some lovelorn miss.

“You’ve brought your charming assistants. Welcome, my dears.” Xenia beamed at the Hawks. “Would you care to join us for tea in the drawing room?”

“That is kind but unnecessary—” Finn began.

“Yes, please, milady.” Tansy put on her shy, dimpled smile. “I am feeling rather parched.”

“We shall remedy that immediately,” Xenia said.

Unfortunately, Owen took that moment to notice Simon’s footwear. He stared at the boots before lifting his gaze to Simon’s face, which had turned a telltale red. Finn held her breath.

“Nice boots,” Owen said. “I couldn’t have chosen finer ones myself.”

His easy smile lured one from Simon.

Finn’s relief was short-lived, however. When they entered the drawing room, she saw three gentlemen with Gigi and Evie. Two of them bore the Harrington stamp. The bronze-haired fellow had a distinguished air and hawkish features; as he was standing protectively by Evie’s side, Finn presumed he was James Harrington, the Earl of Manderly. The other fellow shared Gigi’s dark hair and indigo eyes. He swept a measuring glance over the Hawks.

“Well, my love.” He spoke to Xenia with husbandly affection, confirming that he was Lord Ethan Harrington, the middle brother and master of Bottoms House. “You’ve collected quite an entourage.”

“These are Madame Seraphina’s assistants,” Xenia said.

Introductions were made, with Tansy performing a nimble curtsy. Finn saw Caleb and Nell take stock of the well-appointed drawing room, no doubt calculating how much the silver candlesticks and small bronzes would fetch. Unfortunately, she wasn’t the only one to notice.

“Bit young to be fleecing the public, aren’t they?”

The dry comment was uttered by the Duke of Grantley, Gigi’s husband, who shared a settee with her. He was rakishly handsome with golden hair and pale green eyes. His tough, ruthless quality set Finn on edge, but it didn’t seem to intimidate his duchess one bit.

“Be nice,” Gigi scolded.

He leaned over, and whatever he whispered in her ear caused roses to bloom on her cheeks. He smiled, brushing his lips across her temple. Yet when he and the other newcomers turned to Finn, their guarded countenances told her she had more obstacles to conquer.

Stick to the plan. You are Madame Seraphina, here to do them a favor.

“Please refresh yourselves,” Xenia said.

She waved everyone to the seats surrounding a coffee table piled with refreshments. Tansy’s eyes widened at the platters of sandwiches, pastries, cheese, and fruit; she wasted no time in accepting their hostess’s invitation, filling a plate with gusto and settling happily on the settee next to Gigi. Waiting until everyone was settled, Finn glided toward a chair. As she reached it, she swayed with theatrical precision, grabbing the back as if to steady herself.

“Easy there.”

Flustered, she realized that Owen had rushed to her side. His hands, large and warm, braced her waist. If that intimacy didn’t give them away, surely his concerned expression would.

Don’t get distracted, Finn. You have a job to do.

She pulled free. He released her, worry lingering in his eyes.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“I am fine.”

To her consternation, the quiver in her voice was not entirely feigned. He helped her to sit before settling in the chair beside her. His attentiveness did not go unnoticed; she saw the looks his brothers aimed his way. Caleb’s eyes also had a speculative glint that she did not like.

Do not let your personal feelings get in the way. You are a leader. Act like one.

“I beg your pardon,” she said. “As a medium, I am sensitive to disturbances in the spiritual miasma, and I was momentarily overset.”