A Secret Surrender - Darcy Burke Page 0,52

thing here.” Harry glanced around. “I wonder where the thief got off to. I am not aware of other entrances besides the front gate, and a wall surrounds the entire garden.”

“Excuse me. I wonder if I may be of assistance?”

Harry pivoted to see a rather tall gentleman. He was impeccably dressed, a Society gentleman to be sure, but Harry didn’t know him.

The man offered his hand. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Raphael Bowles, the owner of these gardens.”

Taking his hand, Harry inclined his head. “Then, yes, you can help.”

The owner turned his head to look at Selina. Harry opened his mouth to introduce her, but she spoke before he could. “Mr. Sheffield, allow me to present my brother.”

Surprise sparked through Harry as he looked from her back to Bowles and then back again. He saw a slight resemblance, and it wasn’t just their height—both were unusually tall. There was something in the angle of their cheekbones and the shape of their eyes, though it was difficult to see Bowles’s very well given the brim of his hat.

A firework flashed overhead, and then Harry could see the man’s vivid blue eyes, which were very similar in color to Selina’s. He recalled her mentioning that her brother had taught her to shoot, but she’d never said another word about him, certainly not that he lived here in London. Harry was annoyed with himself for not asking. He realized there were many things he didn’t know about her.

He wanted to know her better, but perhaps she didn’t feel the same about him. Would she accept his proposal?

“Come, let us repair to my supper box to discuss the situation,” Bowles suggested. “Give me a moment to speak with the woman.” He moved to the victim and her husband.

“Your brother lives in London?” Harry worked to keep any hint of hurt from his tone.

Selina nodded serenely. “Yes.”

Harry found her one-word answer frustrating, but then he knew her to be enigmatic, particularly about her family and her past. “You didn’t mention that, or the fact that he owns these gardens.”

“I didn’t know about Spring Hollow. We aren’t particularly close.” Regret flashed across her features, and Harry felt contrite. She didn’t talk about her family or her past because there seemed to be pain.

“That’s too bad.”

She looked him in the eye. “It is indeed.”

Chapter 11

Selina’s mind swirled as she watched Rafe talk to the woman whose bracelet Beatrix had stolen. There was no question that was what had happened. Beatrix and Rachel approached her as Harry joined the conversation between Rafe and the couple.

The fireworks continued overhead as if the theft and ensuing drama hadn’t happened. Most people had transferred their attention to the sky.

“I’m glad I’m wearing nothing of value,” Rachel said.

Beatrix’s gaze met Selina’s and revealed nothing. It didn’t matter because Selina knew, and they’d discuss it later. This was a risk Beatrix never should have taken, not while she was in the presence of Harry’s sister—and when Harry himself was just a short distance away!

Selina kept her face impassive so as not to expose her inner frustration. Beatrix knew her well enough to probably realize Selina was furious. But there were more important things to address at present.

“I introduced our brother to Mr. Sheffield,” she said to Beatrix, who again was careful to guard her expression.

She simply nodded.

“Apparently, he owns these gardens,” Selina continued.

“Does he?” Rachel asked, glancing around. “You didn’t know?”

Selina shook her head. “We aren’t particularly close.”

“And why is that?” Rachel looked between Selina and Beatrix.

“We haven’t seen each other much since we were children. Beatrix and I were sent to a ladies’ seminary.” That was all Selina intended to say. Thankfully, Rachel’s husband arrived and distracted her.

Beatrix moved closer to Selina and murmured, “Sorry.”

Selina looked toward her in displeasure but said nothing. Harry and Rafe came toward them. Taking a deep breath, Selina prepared herself for what would come next. There was always a part to play. She glanced at Beatrix and silently communicated that it was time to focus.

“Good evening, Rafe,” Beatrix said. “Selina just told me you own these gardens. How extraordinary.”

“I purchased them only last year.”

“The renovations are excellent,” Harry noted.

“How is the lady whose bracelet was stolen?” Rachel asked.

“Much better, particularly since Mr. Bowles said he would ensure the area was thoroughly searched tomorrow, and if the bracelet isn’t found, he offered to replace the value.” Harry looked at Rafe with a contemplative expression that made Selina a bit unsettled. “I must tell you, Bowles, while