Valentine's Vow (Avenging Lords 3)

“Then let us get on with it,” Drake said, most irritated.

“As you wish.”

As soon as Drake and Cassiel left the room, Valentine turned to Ava. “What was it that unnerved you? The fact you recognised the watch? Or had it more to do with the man you knew who owned one?”

Ava’s meditative gaze remained fixed on the fire. She shook her head as if trying to drag her mind from a cloud of confusion. “I have seen that watch before.” She peeked back over her shoulder at the door before whispering, “Mr Fairfax owned one similar if not identical.”

“Your father’s man of business?”

She nodded.

Valentine contemplated the information. Perhaps it was a popular design, owned by many men. But Mr Cassiel had revealed private information about her parents, and Mr Fairfax had been in Hamilton Kendall’s employ. Had the two men corresponded? Had Mr Fairfax divulged family secrets before meeting his demise?

“Another man might tell you it is a coincidence, that there are many watches of a similar design,” Valentine began. “But I am inclined to believe there is a connection. I am inclined to think that Mr Cassiel does not need to contact the dead for he is already party to the information.”

“You mean from an informant?”

“I mean from a friend or relative who worked with your parents.”

Juliet turned to Ava and patted her hand. “Devlin told me what happened to your parents. This must be very distressing for you.”

Valentine watched as Ava fought back the tears.

Hell, he would make Cassiel pay if his suspicions proved accurate.

Ava’s shoulders sagged. “Part of me wants to run away, to find a distraction. Part of me wants to fight for those who can no longer do so for themselves.”

The pain in her voice tore at Valentine’s heart. He stood, was about to cross the room and offer comfort when Cassiel and Drake returned.

Valentine’s fingers throbbed. Punching Cassiel would bring temporary relief from the anger simmering beneath the surface. But he kept his temper at bay.

“We have found suitable places for you all,” the mystic said, moving farther into the room.

From the look of Drake’s clenched jaw, he was unhappy with the arrangements.

“Mrs Drake will sit in the study.” Cassiel pressed his hands together in prayer and closed his eyes as if receiving divine enlightenment. “Mr Drake is to occupy the master bedchamber.”

“And where sh

all I sit?” If Cassiel could hear voices they would tell him to put Valentine in the coal shed.

“You’re to take a guest room. I shall show you which one.”

Valentine stepped closer to the fraud. It was whilst staring down his nose at Cassiel that recognition dawned. This was not the man who followed Miss Kendall to the pawnbroker. Cassiel was not the man who attempted to steal the lady’s reticule. He was a few inches too tall. Even in this dim light, it was clear to see that his black hair was a few shades too dark. Yet he matched the description of the intruder who stole into Miss Kendall’s house.

“I would prefer to remain here, in this room,” Ava said, the evidence of her distress still apparent in her voice.

Juliet draped an arm around Ava’s shoulders. “Just thinking of her parents has brought on a bout of melancholy.”

Cassiel’s eyes flashed with a brief look of satisfaction, but then he bowed his head and said, “If that is your wish, my dear.”

“It is.”

“Then while we are all together, let us recite the prayer now. It will give your loved ones time to gather the strength needed to cross over to the physical plane. It will protect us from those malevolent spirits who may wish to cause harm.”

Drake met Valentine’s gaze and shook his head.

“Please stand and form a circle.” Cassiel ushered them into the centre of the room. He stood behind them, moving to touch each one on the shoulder in turn. “Heavenly Father. Protect us this night from evil forces intent on mischief and mayhem. Protect all those in this house, now and when they depart. Let the power of light surround us to bring forward those who wish to commune with honest intentions. In the name of goodness, we thank you. Amen.”