Chapter 12

Simone was all too aware that Caleb was following her, but she had no desire to confront him. A part of her was annoyed that he didn't think she could manage on her own, but another part of her, a much larger part, found a certain charm in his concern.

It had been a long time since someone had shown such kindness towards her. She had learned to do things on her own, but Caleb was making it increasingly difficult to do so. He wanted to help her, despite her insistence that she didn't need it. But maybe she did, she thought.

As she approached the servants' entrance of her townhouse, she removed her top hat and mustache, holding them in her hand. She opened the door and stepped inside, only to find her father waiting for her. His nostrils flared at the sight of her.

"So it is true?" he demanded. "You dress up as a man and leave the house."

"Yes, but I can explain—" she started, her eyes darting around the empty kitchen. Her father must have sent the servants away so they wouldn't witness this conversation.

He cut her off. "No! I have had enough of your lies!" he exclaimed. "You have dishonored me by your total lack of regard for propriety."

"Father—"

He put his hand up, stilling her words. "When Juliette told me about what you were doing, I didn't believe her. But now I see it plainly with my own eyes."

Simone should have known that Juliette was behind this, but that was the least of her concerns right now. She needed to find a way out of this mess that she found herself in. Her father's temper was stoked, and she had to come up with a believable lie.

What if she just told him a half-truth, she thought. That could work. In a soft voice, she said, "I dress up so I can attend lectures at university."

"University is for gentlemen. It is not for ladies playing dress up," her father growled.

"Yes, I know, but I want to better myself, just as Mother always encouraged me to do," Simone said, lowering her gaze.

Her father crossed his arms across his chest. "Your mother knew better than to ever dress up as a man. She may have been progressive, but she still operated within the realm of propriety."

"I'm sorry, Father," Simone said.

Some of her father's anger dissipated at her words, but it wasn't entirely gone. "I want you to go upstairs and change. Then bring me all the men's clothing that you have so I can burn them."

Simone's eyes went wide. "You can't be serious," she said.

"I am, and it is time that I take a more active part in your life, at least until you find a husband to watch over you," her father responded.

Now it was her anger that was stoked. Squaring her shoulders, she declared, "I do not need a husband to watch over me."

"I think you do, more than you realize," he said. "I can't tend to you and accomplish all my other tasks. Which is why I am going to find you a husband."

"I won't marry a stranger," Simone declared.

"Then you may pack your trunks and leave the townhouse," her father responded.

Simone reared back, not quite believing her father's words. "You are disowning me?"

Her father uncrossed his arms. "What choice do I have?" he asked. "You act the part of a wallflower, but you are truly a hoyden."

Before she could respond, Juliette appeared at the bottom of the stairs and said, "I apologize for interrupting but perhaps we should continue this conversation in the privacy of your study. The servants are anxious to return to their tasks."

Her father bobbed his head. "I think that is a fine idea. There is much more that needs to be discussed," he said. "Follow me, Simone."

Keeping her head low, she followed her father up the servants' stairs to the main level and into the study.

Once they arrived, Juliette entered the room and closed the door behind her. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," she admitted. "But I do not think disowning Simone is the right thing to do."

Her father's face softened, just slightly, as he turned his attention towards Juliette. "And why is that?"

"What would she do?" Juliette asked.

"She has an inheritance from her grandmother that she could live on," her father said. "It is not as if she would be left destitute."

Juliette shifted her gaze towards Simone. "I think the best option is for you to marry, and quickly."

"No, I won't do it," Simone said.

"Think of your future," Juliette urged.

"I am, and that is why I refuse to be tied down to a man that I don't love," Simone pressed.

Her father huffed. "Not this again," he declared. "Love has no place in a marriage. It is a pure fantasy on your part."

Juliette's eyes feigned compassion. "Listen to your father," she said. "He knows what is best for you."

"Does he?" Simone asked. Why was Juliette even here, attempting to help her? She didn't need or want her help.

Her father's eyes narrowed. "Watch your tone, Child," he stated.

"I am not a child anymore," Simone retorted.

"You are acting like one," her father said. "Everything I have done has been for you. Yet you are too ungrateful to see that."

Simone knew that she should bite her tongue, and to consider her next words carefully, but she was angry. "What have you done for me?" she demanded. "You ignore me for days on end, and when we speak, it is usually in passing."

Juliette interjected, "You are not being fair to your father. He is an important man and he has work that he needs to see to."

"Precisely," her father said. "You do not understand the pressures that I am up against."

Simone resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Juliette was good. She would give her that. If she wasn't a spy, she could have had a career in the theatre.

Her father walked over to the drink cart and poured himself a drink. "So we are decided, then?" he asked. "You will marry a man of my choosing or you will leave this townhouse at once."

Juliette walked over to her father and placed a hand on his sleeve. "It might be best to give Simone some time to think on such an important decision. You don't want to do anything that you might come to regret later."

Her father took a sip of his drink before lowering it to his side. "Fine. I will give her three days to allow her to carefully consider her options."

"That is very generous of you," Juliette said. "Isn't it, Simone?"

Simone frowned. "It is," she replied. Why was Juliette trying so hard to help her, when it was her fault that she was in this situation? What game was she playing?

Her father walked over to his desk and sat down on the chair. "Bring me your men's clothing so I can burn them, and I do not want you to leave this townhouse without my approval. Do we understand one another?"

Simone took a step closer to the desk as she tried to plead her case. "But I use the trousers on occasion to ride my horse."

"Not anymore. Those days are behind you," her father said. "I tire of this conversation. You are dismissed."

Simone held her father's gaze for a moment before she spun on her heel and departed from the study. As she walked down the corridor, she heard Juliette call out after her. What now, she thought.

She stopped and turned around to face her nemesis. "What do you want?"

Juliette smirked. "What? No thank you for helping you?"

Simone's brow shot up. "Help me?" she asked. "You were the one who ratted me out to my father in the first place."

"It had to be done," Juliette said.

"Did it?"

Juliette took a step closer to her. "You may try to dabble in the spy world, but you are no match for me," she replied. "I can take everything from you by just a few choice words to your father. You would be wise to remember that."

Simone wasn't about to be cowed by Juliette. "You don't know me or what I am capable of."

Juliette patted her arm. "You are sweet, and under different circumstances, we might have been friends. But there can only be one victor here, and it will be me."

"I will not go away quietly. I can promise you that," Simone assured her.

"I am counting on that," Juliette said.

Simone knew that there was nothing else that needed to be said between them, and she was tired of looking upon Juliette's smug expression.

Without saying a word, Simone turned and hurried up the stairs to her bedchamber on the second level. She stepped inside and saw Felicity fluffing her pillows.

She slammed the door closed and leaned back against it.

Felicity put the pillow down. "What is wrong?"

"It is Juliette," Simone revealed. "She told my father that I dress up as a man to leave the house and he caught me coming back in through the servants' entrance."

Felicity gasped. "What did he say?"

"I am to marry a man of his choosing, or I can pack my trunks and leave, forever," Simone replied. "He has given me three days to decide."

Her lady's maid came to stand next to her. "What are you going to do?"

"Well, I refuse to marry a stranger so the only option is for me to leave," Simone said.

"Where will you go?"

Simone shrugged. "I could rent out a room at a boarding house until I decide what to do next," she said. "I am not sure if I would be able to continue working as a spy. I might just have to retire to the countryside and live a quiet life."

Felicity gave her a curious look. "You are just going to give up, then?"

"Give up?" Simone asked. "That is not what I am doing. I am just trying to be practical."

With a laugh, Felicity inquired, "Since when have you been practical? Your entire life you have defied the rules of polite Society. Why start now?"

Simone bit her lower lip, not sure what to say. She agreed with Felicity, but she was at a loss for what she should do.

Felicity continued. "Furthermore, are you going to let Juliette win?" she asked.

"She outplayed me," Simone admitted, dejectedly.

"This time," Felicity said. "What about next time?"

Simone met her lady's maid's gaze, and she knew that she spoke true. This was just a hiccup in her plan. She would find a way to beat Juliette. She had to.

She straightened up from the wall, and with determination in her voice, she said, "You are right. Everyone has a weakness, and I just have to find hers and exploit it."

"That is what any good spy would do," Felicity stated.

Simone glanced down at her clothing. "The first thing I must do is change into a gown and bring my men's clothing down to my father. He intends to burn them."

"All of them?"

A small smile came to her lips. "It might be best if I keep a pair of trousers for when something unexpected arises."

"I can easily hide the trousers in a place that no one will find them," Felicity said.

Simone removed the jacket and dropped it to the floor. "I can always ask the dressmaker to make me more clothing in the future."

While she changed out of her clothing, Simone felt in her gut that this game with Juliette was far from over. She may have the upper hand now, but that would change. It had to.

Caleb sat at the desk in the study as he worked on the accounts. He was biding his time until he left to join Simone for dinner. He was rather anxious to see how she was handling Juliette and her brother moving into her townhouse.

A knock came at the window, drawing his attention. He turned his head and saw Kendrick on the other side of the window.

Caleb rose and went to open the window. "You do realize that we have a main door," he joked.

Kendrick extended him a file. "The fewer people that know I am here, the better," he said. "This is everything I could find on Lady Hungerton's death. It isn't much, though."

Opening the file, he saw newssheet clippings and a report from the coroner. He perused the report and saw that the coroner determined the drowning was accidental and no foul play was suspected.

Glancing up, Caleb said, "It seems odd that Lady Hungerton's body was never found."

"It is, but the lake near her country estate was deep," Kendrick remarked. "The body could have sunk to the bottom, never to return."

"I think I need to speak to Lady Hungerton's lady's maid again and see if she can shed any light on this," Caleb said.

Kendrick tipped his head. "Very good," he said as he turned to leave.

Caleb called out to him. "Before you go, you should know that Juliette and Victor are now residing with Lord Hungerton in his townhouse."

The spymaster's brow shot up. "Whatever are they doing there?"

"Supposedly, Juliette is the baron's mistress," Caleb replied.

"You have your doubts?"

Caleb shrugged. "I am not quite sure what to believe, but I suspect Lord Hungerton knows more than he is letting on. I will investigate him on my end, but would you delve into his finances?"

"I will, but what do you think we might find?"

"I'm not sure, but my gut is telling me that Lord Hungerton is not who he claims to be," Caleb said. "I think it would be best if we stationed two guards outside of Simone's townhouse, just as a precaution."

Kendrick gave him a knowing look. "Have you spoken to Simone about this?"

"Not yet, but I worry that she might be too close to the situation."

"I would proceed cautiously, then. You two are supposed to be working together, not against one another."

Caleb bobbed his head. "I understand, but I assure you that I am only thinking of Simone's best interests."

His mother's voice came from the doorway of the study. "Who are you talking to?" she asked as she stepped further into the room.

Turning towards her, Caleb replied, "No one." He closed the file in his hand. "I was just talking to myself."

"That is a habit that you should rid yourself of."

"I would agree," Caleb said, placing the file down onto the desk. He glanced at the window and saw Kendrick was gone. "Is there something that you need, Mother?"

His mother smiled, and he knew he was in trouble. "I just heard that you will not be joining us for dinner this evening."

"That is true," he replied. "I am dining with Miss Delacourt this evening."

"For someone that is adamant that he will never wed, you are spending an enormous amount of time with Miss Delacourt."

"We are just friends, Mother," Caleb said. "Do not read anything more into this."

His mother's smile grew broader. "How can I not?" she asked.

Caleb sighed. "I just fear that you will be left disappointed once Miss Delacourt and I go our separate ways."

"But I thought you were friends."

"We are?—"

She spoke over him. "So why wouldn't you just continue down the path you are both on?" she asked. "It seems to be working well for both of you."

His mother was good at manipulating his words, but he had no desire to debate this point with her. "I should be going."

"Yes, you should," his mother agreed. "You wouldn't want to be late."

Caleb walked over to his mother and kissed her cheek. "Good evening, Mother," he said. "Do not wait up for me."

"I hardly do anymore," his mother responded. "Please tell Miss Delacourt that I said hello."

"I will."

His mother gave him a thoughtful look. "You don't get to choose who you fall in love with. It just happens on its own."

Caleb lifted his brow. "I never said anything about love."

"I know, but love is confusing. It is not something that we understand or know. We are just meant to follow our hearts."

"Are you implying that I love Miss Delacourt?"

His mother's eyes went wide, looking entirely too innocent. "I would never dare to presume you had such strong emotions for Miss Delacourt," she said. "I was just merely offering some advice."

"Unsolicited advice," Caleb muttered.

"That is what any good mother would do," his mother declared with a wave of her hand. "I just want you to be happy."

Caleb frowned. He questioned why everyone was so concerned with his happiness. He was doing just fine on his own. "I am happy," he said.

"Are you?" his mother asked. "Because I can't help but notice that your smile grows whenever you are around Miss Delacourt."

"Why can't you just be happy that Anette is married?"

His mother grew somber. "You are sad. I can see it in your eyes."

Caleb mustered up a smile to his lips. "I am perfectly happy." He wondered who he was trying to convince. His mother or himself?

"If you want Miss Delacourt in your life, you must let her know with words and actions, and all those little things will make her want to stay," his mother advised.

"Are you even listening to me?" he asked. "I have no intention of taking a wife, now or ever. That is not the path that I am on."

"Then get off that path."

"It isn't that simple, Mother," Caleb argued. "My life is not conducive to having a wife."

"Everyone needs a companion, a helpmate, to make the journey bearable," his mother remarked. "You just need to trust the direction that your heart is telling you to go."

Caleb placed a hand on his mother's shoulder. "I love you, but my mind is made up. I do not see a future that includes a wife for me."

His mother opened her mouth to respond, so he continued. "I need to go. I do not wish to be late."

"Very well," his mother sighed. "I will just remain in this large townhouse without any grandchildren to keep me company."

"I do think you will survive," he teased.

"Just barely," his mother said.

As he departed from the study, Caleb had to admit that he was lonely. But that didn't mean he would take a wife to entertain him. That would be terribly unfair to her, and to him. He wasn't entirely unhappy at the moment. He had plenty of things to occupy his time, including this blasted assignment that was getting more and more complicated with each passing day.

He exited the townhouse and stepped into the waiting coach. It merged into traffic and Caleb closed his eyes for a moment. An image of Simone came to his mind, and he smiled. He was glad that they were friends, but he didn't dare to hope for anything more. Once this assignment was over, they would go their separate ways.

That thought did not sit well with him.

His feelings for her had deepened over time, and now he found he wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to her. He wanted her in his life. No, he needed her in his life. She challenged him, making him want to be a better spy and a better person.

The coach came to a stop in front of Simone's townhouse and he stepped down on the pavement, not bothering to wait for the footman to step off his perch.

He approached the main door and knocked.

The door was promptly opened and the butler stood to the side. "Welcome, Mr. Bolingbroke," he greeted. "Do come in."

Caleb stepped into the entry hall and his breath caught when he saw Simone descending the stairs. She was dressed in a pale pink gown and her hair was piled atop of her head, with two long curls framing her face.

It wasn't her comely figure or hairstyle that was drawing his attention. It was the smile that played on her lips. Her perfectly formed lips, filling him with such longing to kiss her that it was only a lifetime of good manners that kept him from doing so.

Simone came to a stop in front of him. "Good evening," she greeted.

"You look…" His words trailed off as he tried to find the right word. "Tolerable."

Her smile grew. "Tolerable?" she repeated. "I suppose that will do."

Caleb offered his arm. "May I escort you into the drawing room?" he asked.

"You may," she replied as she placed her hand on his sleeve.

As they walked the short distance to the drawing room, Caleb leaned in and asked, "How are Juliette and Victor?"

Simone let out a puff of air. "Juliette has managed to make a nuisance out of herself, and I don't think Victor has even left his bedchamber," she revealed. "My father caught me when I came home from White's. Juliette tipped him off."

"Why would she do that?"

"She wants me to know that she has all the power," Simone said. "It is all about control with her, and I need to rise up and beat her at this game."

Caleb glanced over at her. "This isn't a game."

"I fear that Juliette has made it into one."

"Yes, but one small misstep and it could be your last," Caleb said. "I would be cautious."

Simone nodded her head. "I have every intention of being diligent."

"Good," he said.

A line between Simone's brow appeared before saying, "We do have a problem, though."

"Another one?"

His attempt at humor fell flat as she held his gaze. "My father was irate when he saw me dressed as a man. He has given me three days to agree to an arranged marriage or else he will disown me."

Caleb's brow shot up. "Three days?"

"Yes, and I refuse to marry a stranger, or anyone, for that matter," Simone said. "I wouldn't be able to work as a spy if I was wed."

An idea struck him. One that would benefit both of them. "What if we wed, in name only?" he asked.

Simone slipped her hand off his sleeve and said, "That is a terrible idea."

"Why?" he asked, turning to face her. "We both get along, for the most part, and you need a husband."

"But you don't need a wife," she countered.

Caleb bobbed his head. "True, but I am willing to make an exception."

Simone's brow furrowed. "You don't want to marry me," she asserted.

"I think I do."

Reaching up, she tucked one of her curls behind her ears. "I know you mean well, but I do not want to get married."

"That is why this would be a perfect arrangement for us," Caleb said. "You go your way, and I'll go mine, but you will have the protection of my name."

Simone grew quiet. "Your offer is quite generous, but I must say no."

Caleb felt a stab of disappointment at her words, but he wasn't about to grovel. Not yet, at least. He thought it was a brilliant idea, but he needed to give her time to realize that it was her best option. "What will you do, then?" he asked.

"I'm not quite sure, but I will figure it out," Simone replied.

Feeling a need to tease her, he asked, "Am I not handsome enough to tempt you?"

"No, sir, you are more than handsome," Simone rushed out as a blush formed on her cheeks. "I mean… you are tolerable, I suppose."

Caleb chuckled. "It is all right if you think I am handsome," he said. "There is no shame in admitting it."

"I do not wish for you to become more cocky than you already are," Simone remarked, tilting her chin.

"Marry me, Simone," he said. "It is the perfect solution to your problems and you will never have to be lonely again."

Simone pressed her lips together before admitting, "Loneliness is familiar. It is what I am comfortable with. More importantly, I do not need you to come in and save me. I can save myself."

"I have no doubt, but I can't very well have my partner living on the streets," Caleb said. "Now can I?"

"I wouldn't live on the streets. I would find a respectable boarding house where I could rent a room until I figure out my next step."

Caleb decided to try a different tactic, one that he knew Simone couldn't refute so easily. "Do you want to continue working as a spy?"

"I do, more than anything," Simone admitted.

"By marrying me, you would have the freedom to do so," Caleb said. He could see the doubts in her eyes, but he also saw vulnerability. She wasn't completely turned off by the idea.

He took a step closer to her and continued to press his suit. "Taking chances can be scary, but I do believe that there is something that should scare you far worse than anything."

"What is that?" she asked.

Leaning closer, he responded, "Missing out on something truly wonderful because you were scared."

Simone searched his eyes, and he hoped she found what she was seeking. He was laying himself bare for her. It was something he had never done before with a young woman. Despite his previous resolve against marriage, being with Simone in this moment made him certain that offering for her was the right decision. He desired to marry Simone not as a means of protection but because of the genuine care he felt for her.

Someone cleared their throat and Caleb turned his head to see Juliette and Victor standing in the doorway.

"My, my, what do we have here?" Juliette asked, a smirk playing on her lips. "It seems that you two are alone, completely unchaperoned. That is entirely inappropriate, is it not?"

Foregoing the pleasantries, Caleb narrowed his eyes and asked, "Juliette, what is your plan here?"

"Dinner first," Juliette replied. "Then we shall talk."