A Secret Surrender - Darcy Burke Page 0,23
well.”
“How wonderful to hear.” He laughed. “If you believe that. Do you?” He turned his head to look at her as they made their way along the pavement.
“No, but I’d like to. For that reason, I will pretend Madame Sybila is actually capable of seeing the future.”
“Pretending is fine, I suppose, but I can’t see why anyone would pay money to do that.”
Selina could. “People spend money on all manner of things that give them comfort. I imagine, for some, hearing about a future they want is incredibly reassuring.”
“How insightful of you, Lady Gresham.”
“Thank you. I didn’t say I was one of those people, however.”
He chuckled again. “No, you did not. Does that mean you didn’t ask her about your future, just your sister’s?”
“That’s correct.” Turning over the cards relative to her and the man whose arm she was currently clutching was as close as she ever meant to get. And that had been far too unnerving.
“Did she sell you any tonic?”
“No, but I mentioned that I’d heard she had some. She didn’t offer any information.” Selina preferred to avoid placing any of it directly in his hands. She sold them as sleeping aids or mood enhancements, but they were little more than flavored water with a dash of herbs that might help one sleep or calm one’s nerves.
“A pity. What of the charities? Were you able to learn anything about them?”
“Yes, she was quite pleased to discuss the good works of the Magdalen Hospital in particular, in addition to a home for wayward children, which is apparently run by friends of hers.”
He snorted. “I’m sure it is.”
“She certainly had a great deal of information about it. A Mr. and Mrs. Winter opened their home to wayward children after not being blessed with any of their own,” she explained. “They feed, clothe, and even teach the children. Like the Lambeth Asylum for Orphan Girls, they hope to train the children for domestic service. It’s a far better place for them to be than on the streets or in a flash house.”
He glanced at her in surprise. “You know what that is?”
“I am not ignorant of the world, Mr. Sheffield.” She tried not to sound as indignant as she felt. Of course she knew what a flash house was, and she might have ended up in the Lambeth Asylum if not for her brother.
“No, you are not,” he murmured. There was a hint of admiration in his tone. Selina didn’t quite know what to make of that. So she made nothing of it.
“Honestly, it sounds like a wonderful endeavor,” she said. In truth, she wished she could help children in that way. Maybe someday. If she married a duke perhaps. The thought nearly made her laugh.
“Oh no, has she fooled you too?”
“No,” Selina said calmly. “I’m merely repeating what she said, but yes, if it’s real, it does sound wonderful. Surely you can agree with that.”
“Of course, but it’s not real.”
“Shall we go and look? She said the house is over near St. Paul’s.”
Sheffield stopped abruptly then blinked at her. “You know where it is? Then yes, let us investigate.” He looked about. “As it happens, we are on our way in that direction.” He smiled faintly. “I’m afraid I wasn’t even paying attention to our direction. I was too distracted by your lovely company.” His gaze met hers, and there was a rush of that same sensation as the kiss or the feel of his arm.
Selina didn’t understand what was happening. No man had ever affected her in this manner. She didn’t like it one bit.
Except that she rather did.
He’d clearly said “us” in reference to investigating, but Selina wanted to know for sure he meant that. “You wish for me to accompany you?”
“Yes, if you want to.”
Of course she wanted to. This gave her the opportunity to ensure Luther and whomever he’d recruited to portray his wife behaved convincingly. She also couldn’t deny that she was enjoying Mr. Sheffield’s company too, but that wasn’t the reason she wanted to go.
Of course it wasn’t.
“I’d find it ever so fascinating. If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. This is not a dangerous excursion.” He gestured east. “Shall we?”
She nodded, and they started along the pavement once more. “Is your work usually dangerous?”
“I wouldn’t say usually, but sometimes. This will be a straightforward discussion. If we even find this Mr. Winter. I suspect he doesn’t actually exist.” He cast her a glance. “I don’t suppose Madame Sybila mentioned where near St. Paul’s?”
“Just off