“My father does. Just across the street back there, in fact.”
She looked over her shoulder. “These are rather grand houses.”
“My father is the Earl of Aylesbury.” He winced as he said it, almost as if he were embarrassed.
“My goodness, how prestigious. And how curious that you work for Bow Street.”
He chuckled softly. “If I had a shilling for every time someone reacted in precisely that way, I’d be able to buy my father’s house. Not that I want it.”
“Why wouldn’t you want it?”
“Too extravagant. I’m quite content in my small terrace on Rupert Street.”
Compared to his father’s house, it was very small. And simple, as far as she’d been able to tell. But it was still nice and in a good neighborhood. Did someone like him even understand what it meant to live in poverty? Of course not. Why would she think he would? Furthermore, it didn’t matter. He didn’t have to understand her.
“So you don’t aspire to have wealth and luxury?”
“Do they bring happiness? Not to me.”
Though she didn’t want to be, Selina found herself fascinated. “Being a constable brings you happiness?”
“It does. More than being a barrister did.”
“You were a barrister?” Selina hadn’t known that, but then she hadn’t asked for information on what Sheffield had done in the past, and Lady Aylesbury had never mentioned it.
He nodded as they made their way into Berkeley Square toward Gunter’s on the east side. “I found it a trifle boring. So I became a constable instead. I quite enjoy what I do.”
Another strike against him. Not because he loved the law, but because he was probably very good at it, and that was a problem for Selina. “What do you like most about it?”
He opened the door to Gunter’s for her, and she preceded him inside. “Helping people.”
“Not arresting them?” she asked wryly as they approached the counter.
He smiled briefly. “No. I must admit, I’m intrigued by what draws people to crime. As I told you the other day, no one is born a criminal.”
“Perhaps not, but some are certainly more inclined, don’t you think? If only because of their circumstance?”
He turned toward her, his tawny gaze lighting with appreciation. “Precisely. Circumstances make us, or at least contribute to, who we are, and if someone is born into a disadvantaged situation, is that really their fault?”
She didn’t have a chance to answer as it was their turn to order ices. He requested elderflower, while Selina asked for lavender. When Sheffield paid for both, she looked at him in surprise. As they awaited their ices, she thanked him. “That wasn’t necessary,” she said.
“Perhaps not, but I insist.” He flashed her a smile that rooted itself in her chest with a persistent and welcome heat.
They took their ices and sat at a table near the window but not directly beside it. After they each took a few bites, Sheffield addressed her. “You are a widow. Do you have children?”
“I do not. Just my younger sister, but she is far from a child. Still, I am responsible for her. We came to London so she could have a Season.” Beatrix was twenty-six, far past the age for a Season as far as Selina could tell, but she looked younger, so they simply pretended that she was.
“That’s right. You mentioned that the other day. Is she enjoying herself?”
“Somewhat. I’m afraid there’s more to engaging in a Season than I’d anticipated.” She glanced down at her ice. “We don’t know many people here.”
“That would make it difficult. Probably. I admit I don’t rightly know.”
She studied him a moment. “How can that be when your father is an earl?”
“I pay little attention to the Season or any Society nonsense. I’m far too busy anyway.” He pressed his lips together. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to imply that your errand here is nonsense. Of course your sister should have a Season. It’s wonderful that you could bring her here for that.”
Selina laughed softly, deeply appreciating his opinion. “I can’t disagree that it’s nonsense. Even so, it’s Beatrix’s best chance for securing a husband. We came from a rather rural village, and there were no prospects for her there.”
“Will you return there after your sister is settled?” He spooned some ice into his mouth, and she caught a brief glimpse of his tongue.
Readjusting her seat, Selina took a bite of her ice before she answered. “Probably,” she lied. There was no village, just as there was no husband. “Unless I find a charity to support here in London. Like you, I am committed to helping others, and I’m keen to provide assistance to women in particular. If I find myself dedicated to such an endeavor, I may stay.”
“How fortunate for that endeavor,” he said warmly.
“First, however, I must see my sister wed.”
“Yes, to that end, I wonder if I may be of assistance.” He set his spoon down. “My parents are hosting a soiree on Saturday. If you don’t have another engagement, I’d be delighted to ensure you’re invited.”
A rush of anticipation swept over Selina. This was precisely what Beatrix needed. “My goodness, Mr. Sheffield. That’s incredibly kind of you. It isn’t too much trouble?”
“I wouldn’t have offered if it was.”
“Then, yes, thank you. That would be wonderful. You’ll be there?”
“Normally, I wouldn’t. However, since I’m inviting you, I probably should be.” He shook his head in a self-deprecating manner. “I’ll be there.”
She tried not to smile and failed. “Since I now know that isn’t your favorite activity, I shall take it as a compliment that you would attend on our behalf. Thank you.”
Satisfaction curled around Selina. Now for the next objective. “Tell me, what are you investigating now?”
“A variety of things.” His brow furrowed, and his gaze drifted past her.
Selina turned her head to follow his line of sight. “Is there something amiss?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I was just thinking about an old investigation. I wasn’t able to bring the perpetrator to justice.”
She could see that it burdened him from the creases furrowing his forehead and around the edges of his mouth and eyes. “It still troubles you?”
His gaze met hers. “Yes. Recent developments have brought it back to the forefront of my mind. It was a tragedy, and the man behind it is out there committing crimes even now.”
“How can that be?” Selina asked, truly curious.
His gaze turned hard, his lip curling slightly. “I wasn’t able to catch him four years ago—that was just after I became a constable. He started a fire in Saffron Hill, burning down a house owned by an infamous criminal just so he could take over the man’s organization.”
Selina’s blood went cold. Four years ago… A fire… Saffron Hill…
“More than a dozen people died, including children.” Sheffield’s jaw clenched. “He disappeared, and the investigation was closed as arson wasn’t proven.”