A Secret Surrender - Darcy Burke Page 0,6
already risky enough.
She’d prefer to avoid Mr. Sheffield completely, but it didn’t seem that would be possible given his attention toward Madame Sybila. Which meant she’d have to return the favor and keep a close watch on him.
“You truly believe that?” she asked. “That no child is a criminal?”
“They must be taught, and that isn’t their fault. They can also be taught to be law-abiding citizens.”
“You see to that personally, Mister…?”
His gaze snapped to hers, and Selina realized—too late—that she’d said something very similar to him yesterday as Madame Sybila. Damn, she was usually far more careful. Hopefully he wouldn’t notice the similarity since she used an accent when she was in disguise.
She held her breath until he blinked. “Sheffield.” He bowed. “At your service, Miss? Missus?”
“Lady Gresham.”
Surprise flashed in his eyes. “Lady Gresham. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.” He glanced around. “No groom?”
She shook her head. “I don’t see a need.” She also didn’t have the budget for one. Her “retainers” were few and had been recommended by Mrs. Kinnon. Only two lived in the small house Selina had rented on Queen Anne Street: the housekeeper—who also served as a cook—and her daughter, who performed the duties of maid. The housekeeper’s nephew occasionally filled the role of groom or coachman when they rented a coach.
Sheffield cocked his head slightly. “How interesting. What does your husband think of that?”
She gave him a mild smile. “My poor deceased husband would have approved. He saw no need for things that aren’t absolutely necessary.”
“I see.” Did he? Since meeting Harry Sheffield the day before, Selina had made inquiries about him. She’d been surprised to learn he was the son of an earl, and as such, he was likely used to a bevy of footmen. The fact that he was a Bow Street Runner only added to his enigmatic aura—another reason she couldn’t afford to lower her guard around him. Especially since he was also the son of one of her clients.
That made Selina wonder if she’d somehow upset Lady Aylesbury so that she’d asked her son to investigate. Selina found that surprising since the countess was one of her most charming clients and always seemed quite happy after their meetings.
“I probably should have brought a groom.” She wanted to see what he would say. It was imperative she carry on like a respectable lady, and if she had to employ a groom to needlessly follow her around in order to sell the lie, she would. She’d do whatever it took to ensure Beatrix accomplished her goal of conquering London.
He shrugged. “If you don’t need one, I see no reason. But then, I am not particularly adept at Society’s rules.” His tone was cool, and she recalled what she knew of him from Lady Aylesbury. When she mentioned her second son, which was often, it was to ponder how different he was from the rest of the family, how he shunned Society and sought an occupation dealing with criminals and degenerates. Selina wondered what had prompted him to take that path.
“Well, that makes two of us,” Selina said with a light laugh. “I’m fairly new to town, and I’m afraid my country manners aren’t enough to launch my sister in Society.”
“That is no easy feat, even if you aren’t new to town,” he said with more of the warmth he’d demonstrated after she’d fallen into his arms.
“I’m glad to hear it isn’t just me.” Selina put her foot more firmly on the ground. “I think my ankle will be fine. I should be on my way.”
“Shall I call you a hack? Or are you on a local errand?” He glanced about. “Perhaps you’re going to see the fortune-teller.”
“The what?” Selina was eager to hear what he might say about Madame Sybila.
He waved his hand dismissively. “It was my pleasure to save you from certain disaster. Perhaps we’ll meet again.”
“I can’t imagine how, but that would be nice.” Selina could well imagine how. In fact, she was already formulating plans to do so. Sheffield bore watching. “Actually, I will take that hack, if you don’t mind.” She didn’t really want to spend the funds, but it would look odd if she didn’t, given that she was supposed to be a lady and she’d just injured herself.
“Of course.”
While Sheffield went to the street to hail a vehicle, Selina glanced toward the perfumery. Mrs. Kinnon stood watching them in the window. She inclined her head slightly, then turned.
“Here you are, my lady,” Sheffield said, gesturing to