Page 96 of Four Promises to Love

“I was hoping you would ask,” Gigi said brightly.

Xenia and Lord Ethan excused themselves to work on his latest sonata while Finn accompanied Gigi and Grantley to the village dress shop. Mrs. Sommers, a brunette who was as tidy as her establishment, greeted them with a curtsy.

“Welcome, Your Graces and Madame Seraphina. It is a pleasure to see you, as always.”

“You are looking well, Mrs. Sommers,” Gigi said warmly.

Grantley looked around the shop. “Business appears to be thriving.”

During Finn’s visit with Nell, she’d appreciated the airy and immaculate space. Sunlight streamed through the spotless windows, illuminating the muted blue walls and dusty pink chairs. Glass-fronted cabinets showcased arrangements of fashionable accessories, and dressmaker’s figures dotted the room, displaying frocks cut in the latest silhouettes.

“The expansion of the premises has led to an increase in orders,” Mrs. Sommers said with satisfaction. “I am in your debt, Your Grace, for the generous renovation.”

“Think nothing of it.” Grantley waved a hand. “It was a sound investment. I plan to refurbish my other properties along the square as well.”

“Once he raises the funds, he is also going to build a new theatre,” Gigi said proudly.

“The villagers owe you both a great deal, and I hope we can return the favor. Speaking of which”—Mrs. Sommers turned to Gigi with a knowing smile—“I have a gown with pagoda sleeves that would suit you beautifully, Your Grace. Shall I have it brought out?”

“To my deep regret,” Gigi said, “I have a purpose other than shopping today.”

“Words never before spoken by my wife,” Grantley quipped.

“Is there something else I may help with?” Mrs. Sommers asked.

“If it isn’t too much of a bother, we would like to inquire if Mr. Walford is free,” Gigi said.

“It is no bother at all. Grandpapa just finished taking luncheon. If you’ll follow me through?”

Mrs. Sommers led them to the back of the shop, through a curtain, and past several changing rooms. As she and Grantley chatted about business, Gigi turned to Finn.

“Mrs. Sommers has a flat above the shop, but when Grantley made improvements to the building, he added a suite in the back,” she explained. “That way, Wally doesn’t have to climb the stairs with his bad knees.”

“That was kind of His Grace,” Finn said.

“My husband’s reputation for ruthlessness is vastly exaggerated.” Gigi’s eyes twinkled. “Deep down, he is a sentimental fellow.”

Finn thought it must be very deep down, but she gave a polite nod.

At the end of the corridor, they arrived at a door painted a glossy green.

Mrs. Sommers knocked loudly. “Grandpapa? You have visitors.”

Shuffling sounds came from the other side. The door opened.

“I have mail, you say?” Wally peered out, his dark eyes magnified by his thick lenses, his hair standing up in wispy tufts. “Oh ho, visitors. Come in, come in.”

Wally ushered them into his home, which was decorated in a colorful and eclectic fashion. Nothing matched, but everything went together. It reminded Finn of the Hawks’ decorating style. She felt at home as Wally seated them at a scarred table and served them tea in mismatched cups.

“If I had known you were coming, I would have put on my best coat,” he said. “It’s quite eye-catching.”

Since his current coat was a blinding shade of canary, Finn could only wonder.

“We are sorry to drop by unannounced,” Gigi said. “We wish to consult you on a matter of some urgency. It will require your utmost discretion.”

“Discretion is my middle name,” Wally declared.

Gigi had told Finn that Wally was a trusted friend and an expert in the history of Chuddums (something Finn already knew from his tour). He was aware of the ladies’ visions and believed they came from Rose. Now Gigi informed him of their quest to identify the villain of Rose and Thomas’s story. She laid the two clues from F. P. on the table. Smoothing them with his gnarled fingers, Wally read them.