Page 101 of Four Promises to Love

“After Wally identified Felix Pearce as the writer of the clue, it occurred to me that the lies we’re supposed to uncover might have to do with him,” she said. “Felix was made invisible by his family—erased from history just because he was different. Maybe he wanted a chance to have his story told.”

“Gigi told me you looked for his gravesite.”

“Yes, we searched the family plot at the churchyard. All the Pearces are accounted for—except Felix,” she said glumly. “Wally didn’t recall a funeral, so Lord only knows what happened to the poor fellow’s remains.”

“Perhaps he was buried on one of the Pearces’ properties. Whilst finding a decades-old, unmarked grave won’t be the easiest task,” he acknowledged, “at least it gives us something to search for.”

“But we are not supposed to search, remember? The clue says Felix’s gift is not for finding but for knowing.”

“Bloody riddle and its circular reasoning.”

“We’ll keep at it.” Finn sighed. “How was Thymehill?”

He shared the progress that was being made, along with challenges—such as drainage systems and weed management—that were likely tedious to anyone but him. Yet she listened and asked questions and even came up with a helpful suggestion. He was grateful that his lover was also an astute and clever companion.

“Baron Sangerton seemed pleased with the results,” he concluded. “He said that he’d written his esteemed guest about the new gardens and the latter expressed interest in seeing the damask roses I planted.”

Finn cocked her head. “Still no hint about the identity of this personage?”

“I shall find out when he arrives,” Owen said ruefully.

They caught up with Tansy and Simon at the pudding contest table, where the pair were gleefully inhaling samples. The table was set up next to a cleared area, which served double duty as a stage and dance floor. Several rounds of judging had taken place, and now the three final bakers were distributing their wares to the eager crowd. Amongst them was Mrs. Pettigrew with her Bloody Poor Knights of Windsor pudding, and Xenia, Evie, and Gigi were there, cheering her on.

“How is the contest going?” Finn asked.

“Mrs. Pettigrew’s pudding was a hit with the judges,” Xenia said.

“They asked for a second helping,” Evie added.

Gigi grinned. “The dashing blond judge even licked his spoon clean.”

“Considering the judges are your husbands,” Mrs. Pettigrew said, “I hope you are right. But I fear Mrs. Ames may have the upper hand with her cabinet pudding. Her decoration was the most refined, and candied citron was an inspired addition.”

Looking at the stage, Owen saw his brothers and Grantley standing in a huddle as they made their final deliberations. Nearby, a quartet was poised to perform. At Ethan’s nod, they played a few dramatic bars to gain the crowd’s attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Ethan said. “We have finished our deliberations and have the pleasure of announcing the winners of the Chudleigh Bottoms Pudding Contest.”

Carrying the prizes, James and Grantley strode to the table where the contestants awaited behind their entries. Xenia, Evie, and Gigi gripped hands in nervous excitement. Gigi grabbed onto Finn, who gave Owen an amused grin.

“The third prize is awarded to Widow Newsom’s apple pudding,” Ethan announced.

The audience applauded as James presented her with a handsome glazed pudding basin.

“And for the second prize,” Ethan said.

Murmurs of anticipation rose from the crowd.

Tansy said in a whisper-shout, “Give it to the fancy pudding! It looks pretty but ain’t as tasty as Mrs. Pettigrew’s.”

“Not so loud, Tansy,” Finn said under her breath.

“The second prize goes to…”

Ethan drew out the moment, the violins swelling.

“Mrs. Ames for her cabinet pudding.”

“I knew it!” Tansy sang.