It would leave her alone without any dependencies. Selina could do precisely as she wished. Harry’s proposal, so present in her thoughts the past few days, rose in her mind. She needed to make a decision.
As if you haven’t already.
But did she have the courage to actually do it? Pushing the topic from her mind, as she’d done relentlessly since he’d asked, Selina quickened her pace. The dome of St. Paul’s came into view, which meant she was nearly to Ivy Lane.
Cutting through an alley, she made her way to the back entrance of the house they were using for the Home for Wayward Children and rapped on the back door. After several long moments, it finally opened to reveal Theresa. She glared at Selina, her eyes glassy. “Why are you ’ere?”
“You’re drunk,” Selina said, pushing past her to get inside. “Where’s Luther?”
“Upstairs. You’re lucky ’e’s still ’ere. Was about ta leave.”
“Be a dear and fetch him, please.” Selina forced a smile. “Remember who’s paying you to take a respite from your real occupation.”
Theresa wiped her hand over her nose, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Who says I’m takin’ a respite?”
Bloody hell. Selina glowered at her furiously. “You better not be servicing clients here.”
With a shrug, Theresa ambled toward the front of the house. Selina followed her, moving into the parlor as Theresa went up the stairs.
A few moments later, Luther came in. “Selina, love.” He grinned broadly as he came toward her, his nearly ebony eyes twinkling.
She smiled in return, releasing the tension Theresa had caused. “I hope you’re keeping a close eye on your ‘wife.’”
Luther waved his hand. “Bah, she’s harmless.”
“She’s drunk.”
“I let her have gin today. Only the second time since we came here.”
Selina doubted that. Theresa had seemed at least a bit muzzy when Selina had visited with Harry. “Well, don’t give her any more.” Selina took a deep breath and fixed him with a steady stare. “You have one more test to pass, I’m afraid.”
“Happy to do it for you,” he said, taking her hand. “Tell me.” He guided her to the settee and pulled her down to sit beside him.
Selina let go of his hand and angled herself toward him. He edged a bit closer, which she should have expected. He made no effort to disguise his interest in her, which he said hadn’t waned in eighteen years. She’d jokingly asked if that meant he’d remained celibate waiting for her. Blushing, he’d apologized because he hadn’t. She’d then assured him it wasn’t at all necessary, particularly since she’d married, giving him the lie she gave everyone. Except her brother, apparently. Perhaps she did trust Rafe a little.
Focusing on the purpose of her errand, Selina said, “On Friday afternoon, Madame Sybila will bring a group of society ladies to see the home. You and Theresa, if she’s sober, will need to show them the children and discuss your plans for expansion. I suspect one of them may suggest a subscription. We don’t want that, so divert the conversation as much as possible.”
He put his arm along the back of the settee so his hand was near her shoulder. “’Twill be no problem at all. I am pleased to do whatever I can to help you.”
“My hope is that the visit will garner enough donations to put an end to this scheme entirely. You should be back to your regular life within the week.” She studied him a moment. “What is your regular life, exactly?”
Luther moved closer, his lips parted in an expression of anticipation. “Why do you want to know? I’m doing well, Lina. Well enough to support a wife.” He winked at her.
Oh hell. She didn’t want to deal with this, not today. She never should have asked about his life. “Then you should take one. And consider leaving this life behind.”
He blinked, his long, dark lashes sweeping over his magnetic eyes. He’d always been handsome. All the girls Selina had known had fancied themselves in love with him. But he’d only ever paid special attention to Selina. She supposed she’d found him attractive, in the way an eleven-year-old girl would find a thirteen-year-old boy attractive. He made her laugh and brought her the occasional pastry he stole from a cart.
Now, however, he was as much a stranger to her as her brother. More so really, because she hadn’t spent much time thinking of him at all during the past eighteen years. Unlike her brother, whom she’d missed and hoped to find.
“Like you have left your past behind?” he teased softly.
For years, she’d told herself she’d done exactly that. But how was that really possible when she was still engaged in criminal acts? Disgust rose within her, and she swallowed a sense of panic. She stiffened her spine in an effort to regain control of her emotions. “Forget I said anything.” She stood, eager to be on her way.
He also rose, standing close and towering over her. “I’m glad to know you care.” He lifted his hand and caressed her cheek.
A vision of a normal life flashed in Selina’s mind. It didn’t include Luther, but Harry. He worked as a constable while she kept their house and did charity work, helping women and children better themselves through honest means. Not like what she had done. What she continued to do. How much longer could she go on like this? More and more, it seemed there would be a reckoning—and soon.
“Selina?” Luther’s brows drew together as he stroked her face.
She wanted to tell him there would be no future between them, but Luther could be volatile, and she needed him through Friday, at least. How she couldn’t wait for this entire scheme to be over.
She summoned an appreciative smile. “Thank you for helping me. Truly.”
Pivoting, she hurried from the parlor as quickly as she dared, then went out through the front door onto Ivy Lane. Too late, she realized her foolishness. She rarely made mistakes, but when she did, they were often quite large.
This was certainly no exception, for standing across the street staring at her was Harry Sheffield.
Chapter 13
Harry blinked, wondering if he was seeing correctly. But of course he was. He wouldn’t confuse Selina for any other woman. Her face and form were too familiar to him. He saw them even when she wasn’t standing across the street from him.
What the hell was she doing there?
He crossed Ivy Lane, and she met him with a smile.
“What a coincidence to meet you here,” she said. “I just came to deliver another donation. I’m afraid I couldn’t wait until you paid another visit. I was quite moved by their endeavors.” She tipped her head to the side. “What are you doing here? I can’t believe you’re making a donation. I’m still not sure you believe they are a legitimate charity.”
“I’m not making a donation. I came to keep an eye on things because I was not yet convinced of their legitimacy.”
“What do you expect to find?” she asked. “That they’ve left? I assure you, Mr. Winter is just inside. Would you like to speak with him?”
Harry shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. I think you may have changed my mind.”