Page 60 of Four Promises to Love

Finn stilled.

Blooming hell, did Carver miss this? Has the parure already been found?

She thought quickly. “What happened to the jewels? If any belonged to Rose, they might carry her impression⁠—”

“That is a good thought. However, the jewels were returned. The Corrigans were behind a string of local burglaries, you see, and the authorities were able to match and restore every stolen piece to its rightful owner. All’s well, as they say.”

Relief burgeoned in Finn. The emerald parure would not have matched any recent burglary, nor would anyone know to claim it. Which meant it remained safely hidden—and she still had hope of saving Iris.

“You were lucky to escape that cutthroat,” Finn said.

“Yes, well, I’ve been running from her my whole life.” Xenia looked down at the coverlet she was pleating between her fingers. “The cutthroat happens to be my mother. Currently, she is serving her sentence for this and other crimes behind bars.”

Finn frowned. This pretty, sweet-natured lady was the offspring of a criminal?

“But you are so refined,” she blurted. “Such a lady.”

Xenia’s smile was wry. “I’m glad I have succeeded in pulling the wool over someone’s eyes. I try to live up to the honor Ethan has bestowed upon me.”

“He is the lucky one,” Finn said sincerely.

“He would agree with you.” Xenia’s smile faded, and her mien turned somber. “I believe there is a reason Rose shared her experiences with me, Gigi, and Evie. It happened during crises in our lives—and when we met the fellows we fell in love with.”

The words hung like ripe fruit that Finn could not allow herself to pick. Her feelings for Owen were too complicated—mostly because she shouldn’t have them. Moreover, how could she confide in the lady she was planning to rob?

“You and Owen have formed a connection, haven’t you?”

The question was simple—and impossible to evade.

Finn gave a small nod.

“I’m ever so glad.” Xenia squeezed her hand. “He is a good man. After everything he has survived, he deserves a good woman who understands him and loves him as he is.”

At the use of the L-word, Finn’s heart stuttered. “The connection, as you call it, is quite new. Probably, um, nothing serious⁠—”

“While Owen might have engaged in some rakish behaviors as a youth, he has always been sincere in his affections. He is not one to dabble in the game of love.”

Why does she keep bringing up that blasted word?

“You should see your face.” Xenia’s eyes had a sudden twinkle. “You look like you bit into an apple and discovered half a worm.”

“I just, um, I’ve never…that is, he and I are not⁠—”

“There is no need to explain, my dear. In fact, I ought to apologize for poking my nose where it does not belong. Owen would not take kindly to my interference, no matter how well intended. He, like Ethan, can be stubborn about his privacy. It’s a matter of pride with the Harringtons.”

“It’s more than pride,” Finn countered. “Owen has endured more than any man should have to. If I were him, I would not wish to speak of the past either.”

“A woman who understands him, like I said.” Xenia’s lips curved. “I believe in destiny. It drew me to Ethan and a happiness I never thought possible. It transformed Gigi and Grantley from enemies to man and wife. It reunited Evie and James, who are more in love than ever. And now it has brought you here, Seraphina—and I speak for the family when I say we are inexpressibly glad.”

Finn’s throat cinched with guilt…and longing.

“Now I should let you rest, and we shall talk more in the morning.”

Finn found her voice. “Xenia?”

Nearly at the door, Xenia turned. “Yes, my dear?”

“My friends,” she said tremulously. “They call me Finn.”