Chapter 13

Simone didn't know what was more awkward: dining with two French spies or sitting next to Caleb, who had just offered for her.

She was listening to the polite conversation that was going on around her, but she noticed Caleb had yet to say a word. He was staring intensely at Juliette and Victor. His body was tense, indicating a readiness to act, though Simone couldn't decipher his intentions.

As she moved the food around her plate with her fork, Simone couldn't quite believe that Caleb had proposed the idea of a marriage between them. The worst part was that she wasn't turned off by it. The idea had seemed ludicrous at first, yet she couldn't dismiss it entirely.

Caleb wanted to marry her, in name only. Such an arrangement would allow her to maintain her role as a spy, coming and going as she pleased. And they got along, at least for the most part. They would just have to pretend to hold some affection for one another when they entered the world of high Society.

Truth be told, she held Caleb in high regard, but she didn't want to dwell upon that too much. If she did, she would have to face the fact that her feelings for Caleb were much deeper than she wanted them to be. Which was absurd. A spy did not have the luxury of falling for one's partner. It was too dangerous to ever blur that line.

Her father spoke up from the head of the table, drawing her attention. "Are you in agreement, Simone?"

Simone brought her head up and saw that her father was staring at her. "I do apologize, but I'm afraid I was woolgathering."

With a disapproving look, her father said, "You have been awfully quiet this evening and you have been neglecting your duties as hostess to Mr. Bolingbroke."

"That was not my intention," Simone said, her eyes shifting towards Juliette and Victor.

Juliette flashed her a smile. "You are looking lovely this evening, Simone," she praised.

"Thank you," Simone responded, her words holding no warmth to them. She was not going to make this easy on them.

Not appearing concerned by her lackluster response, Juliette announced, "I have unpacked all my belongings."

Her father reached for Juliette's hand and brought it up to his lips. "I am glad that you are here."

"As am I," Juliette said. "And thank you for allowing my brother to reside with us."

Victor tipped his head in response. "It was a most generous offer on your part, my lord."

Her father acknowledged Victor's words with a smile. "It was the least I could do, considering you both do not have a home to return to."

Juliette turned her attention towards Simone and explained, "We lost our country estate in the war."

"Did you now?" Caleb asked, his words curt.

"Yes, Napoleon's forces set our estate on fire and we were lucky to escape with our lives," Juliette replied.

Caleb leaned back in his seat. "I was under the assumption you just returned from France."

"That is correct," Juliette replied. "We were able to visit the few family members that we had to leave behind. Bless their souls, they are enduring the terrible effects of war. I'm afraid God only knows what they have been through."

"How were you able to get past the blockade of English warships?" Caleb inquired.

Her father interjected, "They were fortunate enough to find a merchant that was willing to make the journey in the cover of darkness."

"How fortunate," Caleb muttered.

"It was," Victor agreed. "We were nervous about making the trip, but we are grateful for the sacrifices of the brave merchant." He reached for his glass and held it up. "And for your father who encouraged us to go and funded our trip."

Simone glanced at her father and wondered if he truly believed this utter nonsense. Juliette and Victor were playing the victims, but they were anything but. They were calculating and would toss her father aside the moment he was of no use to them. Or was her father more involved than she realized? She wasn't sure what his role was in all of this, so until then, she needed to be cautious around him. Around all of them.

Her father released Juliette's hand and reached for his fork. "It was the least I could do for Juliette."

Juliette smiled at her father, and it looked genuine. But Simone was not so easily fooled. Juliette didn't care for him. She couldn't. She was just using him. But for what purpose?

Victor took a sip of his drink and returned the glass to the table. "How are you enjoying the Season, Simone…" He hesitated. "May I call you Simone? I feel as if we are already family."

"We are not family, nor will we ever be," Simone responded.

Her father cleared his throat. "That was uncalled for, and I am disappointed in you for speaking so harshly to our guest."

"But he isn't a guest, is he, Father?" Simone asked. "He is the brother of your mistress, who now resides in Mother's bedchamber."

Her father's face went slack. "We discussed this?—"

Simone spoke over him. "No, we did not. There was no discussion. You just told me how it was going to be from now on."

"Regardless, Juliette and Victor will be living with us for the foreseeable future, and it would be in your best interest to get on board with that," her father said firmly. "At least until you are wed."

The way that her father spoke his words grated on Simone's nerves. And she was tired of her father having any control over her life. She wanted to be in charge of her own destiny. To do so, she would need to marry Caleb.

"About that," Simone started, "I think you are right. It is time for me to wed."

Her father's brow shot up. "It is?"

"Yes, and I have decided that I will be marrying Mr. Bolingbroke," Simone announced.

Caleb turned in his seat to face her. "You have?" he asked with astonishment on his features.

"Yes, assuming the offer is still on the table," Simone said.

"It is," Caleb confirmed.

Simone bobbed her head. "Good. We shall post the banns and be married in three weeks' time." She shifted her gaze back towards her father. "Then you won't need to worry about ‘taking care of me' any longer."

Her father studied Caleb for a long moment before saying, "I think this will be an advantageous marriage for both of you."

"Yes, that is precisely why we are doing this," Simone said.

A broad smile came to her father's face as he shoved back his chair. "This calls for a celebration. I will go get my finest port to celebrate. If you will excuse me," he said before he walked out of the dining room.

In a hushed voice, Caleb directed his comments towards Juliette and Victor. "Why are you doing this?"

Juliette gave him an innocent look. "Whatever do you mean?"

"Cut the act, Juliette," Caleb replied. "We don't have time for that. Lord Hungerton will be returning shortly. I am just wondering why I haven't arrested you yet."

"You wouldn't do anything so foolish or else everything you have worked for will be gone," Juliette said. "I know all about you. You and Lord Roswell." A smirk came to her face. "I even know about Lord Chatsworth, the great war hero, turned spy by Wellington."

Juliette kept her voice low as she continued, "If anything happens to me or Victor, all the newssheets will be informed of your nefarious actions. You and your friends will be ostracized. After all, spying is rather dishonorable, especially for a man of your station."

Caleb narrowed his eyes. "Being ousted is not the worst thing that could happen to me. I knew the risks going into this profession."

"What about your parents?" Juliette asked. "They would be forced to leave London, never to return. What a sad existence for such distinguished families."

Caleb's expression gave nothing away, but Simone knew that he was considering Juliette's words. How could he not? If Juliette made good on her threat, many lives would be ruined. Innocent lives.

Simone met Juliette's eyes. "What is your plan?"

Juliette let out a laugh. "You expect me to tell you?" she asked. "No. That is not how it works. You two will just stay out of my way, and your secret will be safe."

"And if we don't stay out of your way?" Caleb asked.

All humor left Juliette's face. "Threatening to ruin you is not the only way to ensure you stay quiet. I can think of a more permanent solution for you and your fiancée."

"And there is the rub," Caleb remarked.

"Just remember who holds the power," Juliette responded with a smug smile on her lips.

Before anything else could be said between them, her father stepped back into the room with a decanter in his hand. "Shall we celebrate?" he asked.

Caleb shoved back his chair and rose. "I'm afraid I don't feel much like celebrating this evening," he announced. "Perhaps another time."

Rising, Simone said, "Allow me to walk you to the door."

"Thank you," Caleb responded, offering his arm.

After they departed from the dining room, Simone asked, "What are we to do? We can't let Juliette make good on her promise and ruin us all."

"That won't happen," Caleb assured her. "We will find a way to stop her and Victor."

"We don't even know what they are planning," Simone sighed.

Caleb stopped by the main door and turned to face her. "Don't give up hope. Hopefully, our search of Mr. Frickle's office will yield us some clues."

"I hope so."

Caleb's eyes held questions as he held her gaze. "Do you truly want to marry me or were you just saying so to goad your father?"

"A little of both," Simone admitted.

"I will take that, for now," Caleb said. "But before I post the banns, I need you to be sure because I am."

Simone stared up at him, the doubt creeping in. "How can you be sure of anything?"

Caleb took a step closer to her. "Whatever life throws at us, whatever obstacles we have to overcome, I know that we will be stronger together."

"But we will fight incessantly."

"There is no one else that I would rather fight with," Caleb responded with a smile.

Simone found herself returning his smile. "I do think I would like to be married to you, assuming you honor your word that it is in name only."

"You need not fear. I keep my promises," Caleb said.

"Then, yes, I am sure," Simone responded. "You should post the banns at once."

Caleb reached down and tucked her hair behind her ear, his fingers grazing her skin. "You won't have any regrets."

"I hope not," she said, pleased that she found her voice.

He moved closer and whispered, "I do not want to leave you here with Juliette and her brother. I do not trust them."

"I can handle them," Simone assured him.

"I know you can, but be sure to lock your door at night," Caleb said. "I think they would just as easily kill you as continue this ruse."

Simone nodded. "I agree. I will be vigilant."

Caleb looked as if he had more to say, but instead, he took a step back, albeit reluctantly. "I shall see you tonight."

"I will be waiting."

With indecisiveness in his eyes, he said, "Promise me that you will be safe."

"I promise," Simone said. "You need not worry about me."

"But that is where you are wrong," he started. "I will always worry about you, Simone. That is the job of any dutiful husband."

Simone didn't dare admit that she found his concern about her to be endearing. Before, it would have irritated her to no end, but now she was different. Because of him.

Caleb leaned closer and kissed her cheek. "Until later, my dear," he said before he departed the townhouse.

Simone brought her hand up to her cheek and closed her eyes. That one simple, quick kiss shouldn't have changed anything, but it did. It changed everything.

Caleb held a drink in his hand as he watched the fire in the hearth. He was biding his time until he could retrieve Simone and search Mr. Frickle's office. He felt rather anxious at leaving Simone alone with Juliette and Victor. He knew that she could take care of herself, but that didn't mean it stopped him from worrying, especially if she was to be his wife.

He still couldn't quite believe that he had managed to convince her to marry him. Although, he was in disbelief that he had even offered for her in the first place. Not that he didn't want to marry her. He did. It was the perfect cover, for both of them. At least that is what he kept telling himself. This marriage was practical, and in name only. Nothing more.

So why had he kissed her on the cheek, he wondered. And why had it felt so right to do so?

Botheration.

The feelings that he felt for Simone were discombobulated, but one thing was for certain, he did care for her. Greatly. He had never felt this way about a young woman before, and that is what scared him the most.

He was a spy, and falling in love was the last thing he could afford to do. Feelings were weaknesses.

A knock came at the door, breaking him out of his musings. He turned his head and saw Fredrick standing in the doorway.

"What brings you by at this late hour?" Caleb asked.

Fredrick walked further into the room. "Kendrick sent me," he replied.

"You are Kendrick's messenger now?"

As Fredrick sat down on the settee, he replied, "I was meeting with him on another matter, and he asked me to relay a message to you."

"It must have been important if he had sent you."

"Not really," Fredrick said. "He just wanted to inform you that he has placed two agents to guard Miss Delacourt's townhouse, per your request."

Caleb took a sip of his drink before saying, "Not that it matters much. The real threat is inside of Simone's townhouse."

"Kendrick is aware, but he doesn't want to make a move until he knows what they are planning," Fredrick said.

"I figured as much," Caleb muttered. "I just do not like the thought of Simone being alone with them. I wish I was there to protect her."

"I daresay that Simone doesn't need- or want- your protection," Fredrick reasoned.

"That is what she keeps saying, as well."

A smile came to Fredrick's lips. "I hear that congratulations are in order."

Caleb gave him a bemused look. "Whatever for?"

"You are engaged to Miss Delacourt, are you not?" Fredrick asked. "At least that is what my housekeeper told me."

He furrowed his brow. "How in the blazes did your housekeeper know about my engagement already?"

"Apparently, one of your footmen fancies one of my scullery maids and couldn't wait to share the news with her," Fredrick explained.

"Yes, well, it is true. I am engaged to Simone," Caleb said. "I shall post the banns at once and we will be married in three weeks' time."

Fredrick eyed him curiously. "Pardon me for saying so, but you don't seem too excited about the prospect of marrying Miss Delacourt."

"The marriage will be in name only," Caleb explained.

"And Miss Delacourt agreed to this… willingly?"

Caleb nodded. "It will allow her to continue working as a spy, and my mother will finally leave me alone about getting married."

"Ah, so you both get what you want," Fredrick said. "It is practical."

"Exactly," Caleb responded.

Fredrick frowned. "But is that what you truly want- a marriage of convenience?"

Caleb tightened his hold on his glass. "Yes, that is why I proposed the idea."

"Interesting," Fredrick muttered.

"There is nothing ‘interesting' about this arrangement," Caleb stated. "Simone's father was pressing her to get married and I came up with a solution that would benefit both of us. That is all it was."

Fredrick leaned back in his chair. "But you care for Miss Delacourt." His words weren't phrased as a question, but more of a statement.

"No more than I would care for a partner," Caleb lied.

His friend chuckled. "You are in denial, I see," he said. "Anyone with eyes can see that you have developed true affection for Miss Delacourt."

"They would be wrong."

"Would they?" Fredrick questioned.

Caleb took a sip of his drink, hoping to end this line of questioning. He didn't want to discuss his feelings for Simone. Not to Fredrick. Not to anyone.

But he was not so lucky.

"There is nothing wrong with admitting that you are happy to be marrying Miss Delacourt," Fredrick said.

"If I did admit it, would you leave me alone?" Caleb muttered.

"No, but it would be a start," Fredrick responded.

Caleb leaned forward and placed his glass onto the table. "I have made peace with the fact that I will never marry for love. My duty is to King and Country."

Fredrick sighed. "I used to feel as you did, but everything changed when I met Emilia. She showed me another way- a better way."

"For you, perhaps," Caleb said. "I do not have the luxury of falling in love. Someone has to keep England safe."

"And it has to be you?"

Caleb lifted his brow. "Why wouldn't it be me?" he asked. "I am not going to give up being a spy just because I developed pesky feelings for Simone."

"Those pesky feelings will have a way of revealing themselves, one way or another," Fredrick advised. "You shouldn't discount them so easily."

"Regardless, Simone and I will wed, and we will go on as we have always been."

Fredrick considered him for a moment before saying, "Marriage between you will change everything."

"It will change nothing."

"So say you," Fredrick started, "but how can it not? You will be responsible for Miss Delacourt, and you will have to play the part of devoted newlyweds."

Caleb shrugged. "That shouldn't be a problem. I have pretended to be someone that I am not for many years now."

"This is different. You will have to look upon Miss Delacourt as if you two are desperately in love," Fredrick counseled. "After all, you wouldn't want to give the ton anything to gossip about."

"I can do that."

Fredrick's eyes grew reflective as he shared, "I used to think as you did- King and Country were the only things that mattered. But it all changed when I killed a child on the battlefield."

"I'm sorry," Caleb said, unsure of what else to say.

"I didn't think I was worthy of anything, especially love," Fredrick stated. "I was determined to be alone, miserable, and make it on my own. I thought it was my penance for what I had done."

Fredrick continued. "Fortunately, Emilia helped me see past all of that and gave me something back that I had thought I had lost years ago."

"What was that?"

"Hope," Fredrick replied. "Life without hope is not a life worth living."

Caleb shook his head. "What do I need hope for?"

"A hope for a brighter future," Fredrick replied. "Isn't that what everyone wants? A future that doesn't look as bleak."

"I have a good life," Caleb said. It was a true statement, but even he knew that something was missing from it. Was it hope?

Fredrick nodded in agreement. "You do, but you deserve to be happy, as well. You just need to believe that."

"I don't have time to worry about whether or not I am happy."

"But what of Miss Delacourt's happiness?" Fredrick asked. "Do you have time to ensure that she is happy?"

Caleb shifted his focus to the flickering flames of the fire. Fredrick's words resonated with him. He might be indifferent to his own happiness, but Simone's well-being mattered deeply. He would do whatever it took for her to be happy.

Rising, Fredrick said, "I have done enough preaching for one evening. I will leave you to it, whatever it is that you are doing."

"I do appreciate what you are trying to do, but I know what I am getting myself into."

Fredrick looked amused. "You are marrying Miss Delacourt, a young woman who has managed to fool the ton into believing she is something she is not."

"Haven't we all done that?"

"Yes, but Miss Delacourt can throw daggers," Fredrick joked. "I would not want to get on her bad side."

"I can handle Simone."

Fredrick grinned. "I wish you luck with that." He walked over to the door and stopped. "Having the courage to reveal one's heart is one of the most daunting and rewarding experiences in life."

After his friend departed, Caleb leaned his head back and stared up at the ceiling. He knew his friend meant well, but his situation was different. He was marrying Simone, knowing it was not a love match.

They were helping one another. Nothing more, nothing less. So why couldn't he believe his own words? He knew he had fallen for Simone. She had been an unexpected surprise. He had never expected it to be her. But it was her. It was all her. And now there was no turning back.