A Secret Surrender Page 14

  Gaslights illuminated the entire area, but a handful of pathways led away from the main space into the gardens. Nathaniel instantly saw someone he knew and struck up a conversation. After exchanging pleasantries and introducing everyone, Rachel turned her attention to Miss Whitford. “Shall we investigate the refreshment area?” She tossed a glance toward Harry and then to Selina, making her intention clear. She had one goal this evening: to further the connection between Harry and Selina.

  For once, Harry couldn’t fault her. He wanted the same thing, though not the same end result Rachel probably hoped for.

  Miss Whitford’s face lit with enthusiasm. “Yes, let’s.” She linked arms with Rachel, and they left.

  Harry turned his head to Selina. “Shall we promenade?”

  “That seems to be what everyone wants.” She flashed him a smile. “More importantly, however, where are you to meet your informer?”

  “I’m not entirely sure. He said to meet him at the bridge at nine o’clock.” Harry checked his pocket watch. “Let us find that.”

  He asked a footman for directions, and they took the indicated path past ponds fed by the spring. The lighting was less here, providing a darker, seductive atmosphere.

  “I apologize for my sister’s managing behavior,” he said. “As you know by now, it is my family’s fondest wish that I wed.”

  “It’s quite nice that you have a family who wants the best for you.”

  “Is marriage really the best, however? I thought our opinions on the matter were aligned.”

  “They are, but I can still understand why they are trying to see you wed. They think it will bring you happiness because it has for them.” She gave him a sympathetic look. “I can also understand how frustrating it must be for you sometimes.”

  “You said it seemed to be what everyone wants. Does that include your sister?” Because Harry had the distinct impression that unlike his family, Miss Whitford actually supported her sister’s wishes.

  “My sister is very supportive of what I want. She is also supportive of indulgence.” She cast him a sidelong glance, her lids dipping seductively. When she looked at him like that, he nearly forgot his name and his purpose.

  Harry’s pulse picked up speed as they reached the bridge. “I think perhaps our families see something between us.”

  “What is that?” she asked when they crossed to the other side.

  He steered her toward the edge of the path. “An attraction. That is what I feel. What do you feel?”

  So far, the path was empty. Her hand moved on his arm, a caress. “The same.”

  Clasping her hand, he faced her. He could make out her features in the dim light filtering from the main area—the lush bow shape of her lips, the dramatic sweep of her brows, the gentle, alluring slope of her nose. All of it had become so familiar to him. She had become familiar to him. He liked that more than he could say. “Yes, our intentions are aligned—neither of us is looking for marriage. But I wonder if we may be even more aligned in our desires.” He edged closer until they almost touched, his lips hovering a few inches from hers. “Would you consider having an affair with me?”

  Her lips parted, but the only sound he heard was a loud shriek coming from the main area. She whipped her head around toward the noise, and he looked past her, hesitating only a moment before he gripped her hand more securely and dashed back over the bridge, back the way they’d come.

  She went along with him wordlessly, and a few moments later, they arrived in the well-lit central square. A small crowd was gathered, indicating where the trouble had originated.

  Harry let go of Selina’s hand and gave her a quick look. She nodded, and he broke through the crowd. “I work for Bow Street. What’s happened?”

  People parted to make way for him until he reached a woman sobbing. “It’s gone.”

  “What’s gone?” Harry asked gently.

  A man stood at her side, his brow furrowed. “Her bracelet. I told her not to wear it.”

  Harry frowned at the man. While the advice was good, now was not the time to remind the woman of a poor decision. Turning to the woman, Harry spoke in a soothing tone. “Perhaps it fell off while you were dancing?”

  She shook her head. “I wasn’t dancing. I was just standing here talking with people while we waited for the fireworks to begin.” She indicated another couple standing near the man, who was probably her husband.

  “What does it look like?” Harry asked.

  “It’s gold with rubies. My husband just gave it to me to celebrate the fifth year of our marriage.” She looked at the man beside her. “I’m so sorry.”

  He patted her on the back. “It’s all right, dear.”

  Harry addressed the crowd, speaking loudly. “Everyone back up. We’re looking for a bracelet. Please step out of the way.”

  Selina came up behind him. “What are we looking for?”

  He gave her the description, and they began to scour the cobblestones. While they looked, the fireworks started, flashing overhead and providing added illumination for their search. It didn’t matter, however, because after several fruitless minutes, he and Selina—and others who’d joined to help, including Nathaniel—had found nothing.

  Harry went back to the woman and took her name and where she lived. “I will file a report about the theft. I’ll speak to the management here and will conduct a full search of the area in the daylight tomorrow morning.”

  “Thank you,” her husband responded. “I doubt you’ll find it, but I appreciate you trying.”

  The woman began to cry again in earnest, and Harry left her husband to comfort her. He turned to Selina.

  “What do you think happened?” Selina asked.

  “I suspect she was the victim of a very accomplished pickpocket. Places like this are rife with them. Her husband is unfortunately correct in that she should not have worn such a 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 parti
cularly 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 noble, that’s a terrible idea. What if the woman is lying and there never was a bracelet?”

  “What a cynical suggestion,” Rafe said, cocking his head to the side.

  “It’s my line of work, I’m afraid.”

  “That would be an awfully elaborate plan,” Rafe went on. “One that relies entirely on my offering to replace a nonexistent bracelet, which I have never done.”

  “Is this the first theft to happen here?” Harry asked.

  “To my knowledge,” Rafe replied. “Though I have to think it isn’t, despite the fact that I’ve gone to great lengths to ensure the gardens are very secure.”

  Harry nodded. “The wall and the single entrance.”

  “It seems to be working.”

  “Until tonight.” Harry straightened his coat. “I would still recommend you not reimburse the woman. If that gets out, you will certainly be targeted as softhearted.”

  “I somehow doubt that will become a problem,” Rafe said with the dazzling smile Selina remembered from their youth. She had to stop herself from laughing. Softhearted was not a description anyone would have used for him. Except for her. With her, his heart had actually existed. She had the sense, however, that it had long since broken and disintegrated.

  Like hers.

  She suddenly thought of Harry’s proposal. Not that her heart—or lack of one—had to have anything to do with it. He’d suggested an affair. There’d been no mention of love. It was the best Selina could hope for. She was incredibly tempted.

  Rafe looked around the group with a bright expression. “Shall we adjourn to my box for refreshments?”

  “Yes, please,” Selina said.

  “Allow me to present my sister and her husband,” Harry said before conducting the introductions.

  Rafe looked toward Selina as if he were going to offer to escort her to the box, but Harry beat him to it. Instead, Rafe offered his arm to Beatrix. Selina looked at them and could maybe believe they were related. They both had blond hair, anyway.

  “How shocking to learn your brother owns these gardens,” Harry observed as they followed Rafe to his box.

  “Yes. I’ve only seen him once since arriving in London a couple of months ago,” Selina said, sticking as close to the truth as possible, as she preferred to do.

  “Aside from that, I take it you haven’t seen him in some while.”

  “Eighteen years.” Again, she adhered to honesty.

  Harry turned his head, his eyes widening briefly. “That’s quite a long time.”

  “Beatrix and I were sent to a ladies’ seminary.”

  “And after, you didn’t return to your family? Or had your brother left by then?”

  Selina’s mind stalled. She’d left the school at seventeen to take a position as a governess. It had seemed like such a good opportunity for someone like her—the best she could have hoped for. How wrong she’d been. A familiar tremor shot through her, and she cursed inwardly.

  “My apologies,” Harry said softly. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  He’d felt her quiver, dammit. “You didn’t. I did not return to my family.” Thankfully, she didn’t have to say anything more, because they’d arrived at the box, but she knew he’d ask. If not tonight, then some other time. She couldn’t continue to evade him. He worked too hard to unpeel the layers of her protection. He saw too much.

  And she was too drawn to him.

  She couldn’t afford such vulnerability. Which meant she had to decline his proposal. Even though she wanted to accept more than anything.

  They arrived at Rafe’s box, a larger one situated at one end of the ground floor. A rectangular table was surrounded on three sides by chairs, leaving the side closest to the main square open to provide an unimpeded view of the dancing and, perhaps more importantly, the people milling about for all at the table. Rafe went to speak with one of the footmen.

  Rachel’s husband pulled out a chair for his wife, saying, “What an exciting evening so far!”

  Smiling, Rachel glanced up at her husband as she sat. “Yes, and I’m so looking forward to hearing about how Mr. Bowles acquired the gardens.” She looked toward Selina and Beatrix, who were still standing. “As well as how it is we didn’t know you had a brother, Lady Gresham and Miss Whitford.”

  Beatrix lifted her hand to her temple. “Actually, I think the fireworks have given me a headache.” She looked to Selina. “Would you mind if we went home?”

  Good girl, Selina thought. “Not at all.” She looked to Harry. “I don’t want to disturb your evening. We can get a hack.”

  “Nonsense.” Rafe had returned, drawing everyone’s attention. “I’ll see you both home.” He turned to a footman and spoke in low tones. The liveried man departed, and Rafe addressed everyone once more. “My coach is being brought round.”

  “Thank you,” Beatrix said with a faint smile.

  Rafe inclined his head toward Rachel, Nathaniel, and Harry. “Please enjoy the rest of your evening. You’ll be well taken care of.”

  Selina let go of Harry’s arm. “I’ll see you soon,” she murmured.

  He regarded her with a mix of disappointment and regret. “Yes, soon, I hope.”

  After everyone said good night, Rafe gestured for Selina and Bea
trix to precede him from the box. They walked in silence from the gardens.

  When they were outside awaiting the coach, Selina finally relaxed. She turned to Beatrix. “Thank you.”

  “It seemed as though we should organize our story before we had to share it. Sheffield’s sister is as curious as they come.” Beatrix rolled her eyes.

  “You’re quite adept at diverting the conversation, however,” Selina said with a measure of pride. Beatrix was a master of changing topics and delighting people with witty observations instead of answering intrusive questions. It was both a skill and a defense employed to keep people from getting too close.

  “Thank you,” Beatrix said as a coach stopped in front of them.

  Large and obviously new, with cobalt lacquer and a pair of gorgeously matched bays, the vehicle had clearly cost a great sum. Rafe told the coachman where they were going.

  “You own these gardens and this coach?” Beatrix asked without a hint of subtlety. “Selina, your brother’s bloody rich.”

  “So it would seem,” Selina murmured.

  Rafe helped them both up into the coach. “Take the forward-facing seat.” He then climbed in after them and situated himself on the rear-facing seat, taking his hat off and setting it down beside him.

  The coach began to move, and Selina settled herself back against the soft leather of the squab. Rafe’s wealth enveloped her, but she felt no bitterness. She couldn’t imagine what he’d had to do to earn this much. Considering the path he’d been on when he’d sent her from London, it couldn’t have been good.

  Rafe fixed on Beatrix. “Why did you steal the bracelet?”

  “You saw that?” Beatrix asked, a smile teasing her lips. “I must be losing my touch.”

  “You aren’t,” Selina said. “Rafe just never misses anything. And he’s probably the only person who can pick a pocket better than you.”