A Secret Surrender - Darcy Burke Page 0,21
Selina probably could have.
“I think that’s exactly right.” She smiled even though Lady Aylesbury couldn’t see her do so. “Would you like to ask another question?” Selina rather hoped she didn’t, but shuffled the cards anyway.
“Yes, please. I’ve lost my emerald necklace, which my husband just gave me for my birthday last month. I haven’t told him because he’ll be upset. Can you help me find it?”
Selina set the cards down on the table. “This is not something I usually do. It’s very difficult to see something so precise as to where an object may be. When did you lose it?”
“I’m not sure, but I couldn’t find it yesterday. I tore my entire dressing room apart.” She grimaced. “And I’m certain it was there Saturday, because I considered wearing it at our soiree but chose pearls instead.”
Suspicion curled through Selina. She might be wrong, but she was probably right, and if so, she knew precisely where Lady Aylesbury’s necklace was. Unless Beatrix had already fenced it.
“Perhaps you could just tell me if I’ll find it?” Lady Aylesbury asked hopefully.
“I can try. I’m going to lay down three cards at once.”
Three of Wands. The Sun. The Nine of Cups.
The first card—the Three of Wands—was reversed, which signified patience and a wish fulfilled. Since Selina planned to ensure the necklace was returned, this was another alarmingly accurate card. The Nine of Cups was also a wish fulfillment card, and it carried the added “bonus” of indicating the wish might include a man, since the image was of a wealthy gentleman. Selina was strongly considering retiring this deck of cards.
“All these cards point toward success.” She didn’t even have to lie. “You will find your necklace, but the Three of Wands urges patience.”
“Wonderful!” Lady Aylesbury leaned back in her chair in relief. Then she reached for her reticule and withdrew several notes.
Selina was surprised to see so much money. “That is too much,” she said, picking up the cards.
“I was hoping you would take the extra and donate it to your friend’s home for wayward children. Lady Balcombe and I agree it’s an excellent cause.”
Selina set the cards to the side of the table. She’d decided not to discuss her “charity” with Lady Aylesbury given that she was Mr. Sheffield’s mother. It was too risky. But since Lady Balcombe had told her and the countess was bringing it up, Selina couldn’t avoid telling her about it.
“Friends of mine started taking in wayward children—they haven’t been blessed with children of their own—and the number has grown more than they can support without assistance. They do their best to provide a safe place for the children, but it’s a very costly endeavor. I give what I can, and when my clients ask where they might help, I sometimes mention their home.”
“I would be honored to provide assistance. Please give them the money, will you?”
Selina inclined her head. “I will. They will be most grateful.”
Lady Aylesbury stood from the table. “Thank you so much for your insight and expertise. I look forward to our next meeting. May I return at the same time next week?”
Selina nodded. “Yes. Thank you, Lady Aylesbury.” She rose, clasping her gloved hands together as Lady Aylesbury turned and took her leave.
The money lay on the table like a nauseating plate of liver when Selina had been young. She didn’t want it, but was too hungry to decline it. Taking money from Sheffield’s mother felt wrong. Because Selina had met her socially, and she and her daughters had been unbearably kind to her and, more importantly, to Beatrix.
Yes, unbearably. Kindness was not something Selina was used to, and it never failed to make her feel unsettled. Still, money was money, and Selina had learned long ago that, like the liver, you took it when you could and harbored no regrets.
Finished with Madame Sybila’s appointments, Selina removed her veil and changed her clothing, carefully stowing her fortune-teller costume back in the closet. When she emerged from the small room, Mrs. Kinnon was just coming through the curtain from the shop.
“I presumed you were about to leave,” she said. “Mr. Sheffield has been across the street the past quarter hour or so.”
“Since before Lady Aylesbury left?”
“Yes, though watching him try to hide himself behind a street lamp as she departed was rather comical.”
Selina wished she could have seen it. “I suppose I must wait awhile longer before leaving, then.” She wanted him to think she’d been here waiting to see Madame Sybila after his