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CHAPTER17
“Has Owen had any luck with finding anyone in London who can offer assistance?” Sarah asked as she and Selena walked down the busy shopping district around Mayfair.
“He was calling on a gentleman this morning, and yesterday he happened upon a former Army acquaintance. They may give him some answers.”
Selena had not told her friend all the details. For some reason, Selena felt she and Owen needed some privacy until they sorted things out.
As the friends walked, Selena glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, Jacob, one of their footmen, was several paces behind her. The young man took his responsibility seriously. While Selena and Sarah went into shops, she’d told him he could wait outside, but each time he’d insisted on keeping her in his sights. Deep down, she was grateful. Since the attack in the alley, Selena was on edge every time she went out of the house.
“Bran said they have made little headway at the clubs.” Sarah continued. “Evidently your husband was not one to make close friends.”
It wasn’t surprising. The only information the gentlemen at the private clubs had offered Owen was regarding his past business dealings. Evidently, Owen had enjoyed bragging when he had gotten the upper hand on a deal or had outbid a competitor. All Owen had seemed to care about in the past was winning and crushing those beneath him.
The look on Owen’s face when he had recounted the conversations had broken her heart.
“I believe he and Bran have gotten closer, with all the time they spend together. Only the other night, Bran said how happy he was to have his childhood friend back.”
Selena smiled at Sarah. “Then if nothing else, that is something to be glad of.”
“How are things between you and Owen?”
“Things are better. We have gotten closer.” Intimately closer.
Sarah studied her friend. “But you still aren’t sure about him?”
Selena sighed. “I don’t know. I feel like there is always something holding me back from completely falling in love with him.”
“You love Owen?”
Did she? It was the first time in her entire married life that Selena had uttered the word in regard to Owen. When she was with him, things felt right, as if there was no other place she wanted to be. Then she would remember his outburst. Although it had not been directed at her, it had given Selena a frightening glance at the old Owen.
Sarah grasped her arm, releasing Selena from her thoughts. “There is the object of our discussion.”
Up ahead, Owen leaned against a tree with a nonchalant expression. Selena’s breath caught. Yes, she loved her husband. Then why was it so hard to say the words?
“Good afternoon, ladies,” Owen grinned.
Both women returned the greeting.
“I must be going. I promised to meet Bran at home for a late lunch.” Sarah gave Selena a quick hug before leaving the couple alone.
Owen turned his attention to Selena. “I know we said about going to lunch, but do you mind if we walk first? There are some things I’d like to discuss with you.”
“Of course.”
Owen turned to Jacob. “You can wait for us at the carriage.”
“Yes, sir.” The footman bowed then went down the path.
Owen offered Selena his arm, then told her about his meeting with Longfellow, including his part in a plot to smuggle gold into England. Truthfully, it did not shock her that Owen would have been a part of something of an illegal nature.
During their stroll, they passed several people of their acquaintance. The couple would nod or stop to speak for a moment before continuing their walk.
“What do you think?” Owen asked.
“I must admit, part of the story sounds like something you would do.”
“It just doesn’t make sense.” Owen shook his head. “From everything that I have discovered about my former self, I would not have been so willing to help the authorities. I feel like I’m missing something.”
