As he’d entered the room with his cart earlier, he’d promptly began setting out a full-course dinner at the small table in front of the window. A table large enough for two, but it would be a table for just one tonight, as Mr. Finnegan had only brought dinner for me apparently. I had wine and everything. This was like room service at the Ritz—probably even nicer than what the Ritz could do.

“Yes indeed, Miss Hargreave, cooking is my enjoyment and I’m always looking to try out new recipes. If you have any particular requests or dietary requirements, please send them along and I’ll have a go. Until very recently, there’s not been many to cook for at Donadea for the last few years. It’s good to be back at work in my kitchen.” He smiled at me bigger than I’d ever seen him do thus far, and said, “Might I say that it’s a true pleasure having you as a guest here, my dear.” He was so sweet. I wanted to give him a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek, but I didn’t dare ruin this lovely moment by embarrassing him. I even got an upgrade to “my dear” and everything. I love Mr. Finnegan.

“Well, you are a kitchen wizard and I appreciate everything you’ve prepared since I’ve been here. It’s all been so delicious. Other than a soy allergy I don’t have any special dietary requirements. I feel like I’m having a spa weekend or something—and I mean that separate from all the gorgeous art I get to admire as I work.”

“Thank you for letting me know about the soy, I’ll make a note of it.”

I’d be back to my pre-illness weight plus more if I kept eating like this three times a day. “Have you heard from Ivan—I mean, Lord Rothvale? Has he returned to Donadea?”

“Lord Rothvale did check in via his mobile earlier. He sends his apologies, but he had to stay in Belfast longer than anticipated. He did want you to have the documents to read over and sign, however, so I’ll be bringing those to you when I return to clear the table. The contracts are printing out now and should be ready for you shortly,” he said with a tilt of his head, his hands behind his back.

Well, that answered my question about Ivan. I was on my own here until he returned. “Ah… okay, thank you for the message and also for taking care of me so well, Mr. Finnegan.”

He cleared his throat. “Just Finnegan is sufficient whenever you address me, miss.”

“Oh… I didn’t realize. Will you use Gaby when addressing me?”

He grinned before lowering his eyes to look down at the carpet. “Not a chance, Miss Hargreave.”

I smiled back at him. “I didn’t think so, Mr. Finnegan.”

I really wished I had my reading glasses right now.

Inspecting important contracts without them wasn’t impossible, but it had to be done under a good reading lamp, and slowly, to make sure I was seeing the words as they were written. But if I was reading this CONSULTING AGREEMENT right… a finder’s fee of one percent of the sale price of any Donadea-Rothvale artworks sold within the next ten years was due to “Consultant Gabrielle Hargreave of The University of London.” In addition to a generous monthly stipend for the next year with an extension clause to be negotiated if more time was needed to complete the work after a period of one year had elapsed.