“What about those tonics?” Father asked. “Didn’t you say she sold tonics that are likely fraudulent?”
Had Harry mentioned that to him? He couldn’t recall. He still hadn’t obtained one to see what it was.
“I’m still looking into the tonics. For now, I think you must accept that this is something Mother will continue to do. Think of it as a hobby.”
Father snorted before tossing back the rest of his brandy.
“Perhaps you should go to the Home for Wayward Children with Mother tomorrow.”
Scowling, Father waved his hand. “I am busy tomorrow. Besides, Rachel’s going with her and will report back. At least she still thinks this entire affair is deplorable.”
“What’s deplorable?” Jeremy walked in and went straight to the brandy, pouring himself a glass.
Father snorted. “This business with the fortune-teller.”
Jeremy turned, brandy in hand. “I thought Harry was taking care of that.”
Harry stood. “I am. However, so far, I haven’t found evidence of a crime. Just an annoying waste of money—according to Father.”
Sipping his brandy, Jeremy nodded. “When I heard Father mention an affair, I thought he was referring to something Harry was doing.” He arched a brow and quirked the barest smile at Harry.
What the hell? Harry stared at him. How could he possibly know about him and Selina? That had just happened the day before yesterday, and he’d been very careful taking her into his house and then seeing her home.
Father turned to look at Harry. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing.” Harry gritted his teeth, then sent a hot, brief glare at his brother. The last thing he needed was his family knowing about his affair with Selina. Their relentless matchmaking would reach an unbearable pitch.
“Ah, well, that’s unfortunate. You could probably use some sort of romantic liaison, according to your mother and sisters.” He stood from the chair and went to put his empty glass on the sideboard. “Let’s join them in the library.”
Father departed the study, and Jeremy came toward Harry. “I was only teasing, but clearly, I hit a nerve. Is there something you want to share, brother?”
Harry scowled at him. “No, and if you mention a goddamned thing to anyone else, I will tell everyone whom you’re shagging.”
Jeremy’s jaw twitched. “I would ask how you know, but you’re the best bloody constable in London, so I would do well to remember you know everything.”
No, not everything. He still didn’t know who was behind saying the Vicar had caused the fire and why they’d sought to pin the crime on him. He also didn’t know if Madame Sybila’s tonics were legitimate. He did, however, know how Selina felt and tasted, and the delightful sounds she made when she came apart in his embrace.
“I pay attention to what my brother is doing,” Harry said with a shrug. “We have to stand together against them.” He gestured toward the library.
“Yes, we do.” Jeremy clapped him on the shoulder, and they walked to the library together.
Mother greeted them with a sigh of relief. “I was afraid you’d both left.” She smiled. “I’m glad to see you didn’t.”
Harry and his brother went to either side of her and bussed her cheeks, causing her to smile even wider.
“Oh, how I love my boys,” she said. “Alas, we are still not quite complete, as Delia and Edward aren’t here. Delia isn’t feeling well. I do hope she’ll be able to join us tomorrow for our excursion to the Home for Wayward Children. Madame Sybila and I have put together quite a group.” Mother’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Harry looked to Rachel. “I understand you’re going too?”
“I am. Someone has to play the skeptic.”
Their mother sent her a sharp glare. “No, they don’t. If you’re just going to be critical, you don’t need to come.”
“I won’t criticize,” Rachel said. “I promise.” She sent a wink toward their father who hid a smile then looked at Harry as if to say, “See, your sister’s being helpful.”
“Everyone listen to me.” Mother’s voice rose above the room in the stern way that never failed to make her children stop whatever misbehavior they were about. “I enjoy Madame Sybila’s company very much, and if I choose to spend my pin money on visiting her, I will do so. She actually helped me find my emerald necklace, which I’d misplaced for a few days after our soiree. Furthermore, she is supporting an excellent cause, which, after I see it for myself, I am inclined to also support rather strenuously.” She looked around at everyone assembled, her gaze settling on her husband, daring him to speak.
His eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched, but he said nothing.
Imogen looked up at their mother from the settee where she sat with her husband. “Will Lady Gresham be joining us?” She darted a look toward Harry, which told him they’d continued their matchmaking efforts—at least among themselves.
“Unfortunately not. She is otherwise engaged.”
“Pity,” Rachel said. “We shall have to find another event to invite her to. We do like her, Harry.”
“Mrs. Mapleton-Lowther told Mother she saw you at a perfumery. Were you perchance buying something for a lady?” Imogen waggled her brows at him.
Harry looked from Imogen to Rachel to his mother and then at all three of them. “Please just stop. All of you, stop. Lady Gresham is a lovely woman, but neither of us is interested in a match. That’s the end of it. If you persist in trying to force us together, I’ll stop coming to dinner for the rest of the Season.”
“Promise?” Jeremy quipped.
“As if you’re here every week,” Rachel said sardonically. “Our apologies, Harry. We thought there might be something between you and Lady Gresham. Honestly, she seems the perfect match for you—she’s mature, intelligent, and she doesn’t shy away from us at all.”
Add that to all the other ways in which they fit together, and it did seem she was…perfect. Harry finished his brandy, and Tallent thankfully arrived to announce dinner.
As they moved toward the dining room, Harry and Jeremy lagged behind once more. Jeremy set his empty glass down and moved to Harry’s side. “Lady Gresham, eh?”
Harry glowered at him. “Don’t.”
“Your secret is as safe with me as mine is with you. Shall we go in to dinner?”
After dinner, Harry drank port with his father and brother, then took the opportunity of Jeremy’s departure to leave himself. He stole into the small garden behind Selina’s house and crouched behind a shrubbery as he peered into the sitting room.
Selina sat in a chair, while her sister reclined on the settee reading a book. He moved closer and saw that Selina also had a book open on her lap. She looked so lovely, her profile illuminated by a candle flickering on the table beside her chair.
Harry waited until Miss Whitford stood up from the settee and left the sitting room. Before he could toss a pebble, however, Selina rose and left the room. He frowned as he waited for her to return.
The sound of the exterior door opening startled him.
“I know you’re out there, Harry.”