Chapter 19

Simone stepped into her townhouse and let out a sigh. She couldn't quite believe how brazen she had been by kissing Caleb on the cheek, but she had to express her gratitude for what he had done for her mother.

Her mother.

She was alive, and safe. Simone had no doubt that Caleb would ensure she arrived safely at Kendrick's cottage, where she would be protected from her father.

Her father.

How could her father have done such a thing to his own wife? What kind of man was he who would force his wife to live in such horrific conditions, all while carrying on as a grieving widower? He would get his comeuppance. She was sure of that. Once Kendrick arrested him for being a spy, he would disappear. She was aware of what his fate would be, but she didn't seem to care at the moment. Perhaps she would feel some sorrow for him, but it wouldn't be anytime soon.

As she walked up the stairs, she heard her father's booming voice echoing throughout the main level. "How could the contract have just disappeared?"

Simone suspected that her father was referring to the contract for her grandmother's estate. She spun on her heel and headed towards his study.

When she arrived at the open door, she peered inside and saw Mr. Frickle standing in front of the desk as her father leaned forward in his chair.

Mr. Frickle's face was red and splotchy. She watched as he wiped the sweat off his brow with a handkerchief. "I don't know how it happened?—"

Her father jumped up from his seat and slammed his fist on the desk. "I can't believe you are this incompetent. Now we will have to start this process all over again."

"Yes, but the buyers are still interested," Mr. Frickle assured him. "It will just take some additional time."

"I won't pay you for your mistake," her father grumbled. "You will fix this and don't come back until the deal is done. I need those funds, and I need them now!"

Mr. Frickle bobbed his head. "I understand."

Her father swiped his hand in front of him. "Get out of my sight. I can hardly look at you right now."

A visible sign of relief came to Mr. Frickle's face as he ducked his head and hurried from the room. Not wanting to be caught eavesdropping, Simone hurried into the parlor, ducking out of view from the corridor. She waited for the solicitor to pass by the door before she came out of her hiding spot. She should go up to her bedchamber and prepare for the upcoming ball. But she couldn't seem to leave well enough alone and decided to go speak to her father.

She approached the open door of the study and knocked. "Father?"

Her father had returned to his seat and was reviewing the ledger. Not bothering to look up, he asked, "What is it?" His voice was curt, and not at all engaging. He clearly was not pleased by the interruption.

"Is everything all right?" Simone asked, innocently. "I heard shouting."

"You do not need to concern yourself with that," he said.

Simone walked further into the room, unwilling to be dismissed so easily. "May I ask what contract went missing?"

"It doesn't matter, at least not to you," her father said, his eyes still reviewing the ledger. He couldn't even give her the courtesy of looking up at her.

She wanted to confront him with what she knew, but she was well aware this was not the time or the place to do so. But as she gazed upon her father, she didn't feel hatred for him, like she thought she would. No. It was most definitely not hatred. She felt a profound sadness, knowing the choices he had made had brought him to this point. Now that they knew that he was a French spy, there was no saving him. And she doubted she would have done so, regardless.

Her father glanced up at her with annoyance on his features. "What is it?" he demanded.

Simone forced a weak smile to her lips. "I was just thinking about how different our lives used to be before Mother died."

"Times were different, yes," he agreed, showing no slip in his mask. "I have work that I need to see to. You may go."

As she turned to leave, she was grateful that her father dismissed her so readily since she didn't think she could have played the innocent act for much longer. How could her father just lie to her face, and not feel the slightest bit guilty?

It wasn't long before she arrived at her bedchamber and she was pleased to see Felicity organizing her dressing table.

"You will never believe what happened," Simone said after she closed the door.

Felicity gave her an expectant look. "You found your mother?" she asked.

Simone smiled. "We did, and she is safe."

"That is wonderful news," Felicity acknowledged. "I have been staying in your bedchamber for hours now, just waiting for you to return." She took a step back. "I think I have moved around your bottles at least ten times now."

Coming to sit on the settee, Simone said, "My poor mother looks terrible and is in desperate need of a few good meals."

"I would imagine so after residing in Bedlam for two years," Felicity remarked as she sat down next to Simone.

"And it gets worse," Simone said.

Felicity looked doubtful. "How could it get worse?"

"My father is a French spy, right alongside Juliette and Victor," Simone revealed. "He confessed as much to my mother when he was transporting her to Bedlam nearly two years ago."

With wide eyes, Felicity asked, "How could Lord Hungerton betray his country, or his wife for that matter?"

"He will be arrested soon, along with Juliette and Victor," Simone said. "But due to his position in the House of Lords, he will just disappear until the newssheets no doubt report his untimely death. Most likely, he will die from an infectious fever."

Felicity reached for her hand. "How are you being so brave about this?"

"How could I not be?" she asked. "Look at what he did to my mother, what he tried to do to me. I just feel sadness for what could have been. We could have been a happy family, but his choices forever altered that."

"With his death, at least your mother will be free," Felicity remarked.

"True, but she wants to live out her days quietly in the countryside," Simone shared. "She doesn't want to return to Society so there won't be any scandal associated with my name."

Felicity offered her a sad smile. "That sounds like Lady Hungerton." She withdrew her hand. "I am so relieved that she is safe."

"Yes, Caleb is ensuring that," Simone said. "She will reside in a cottage on the outskirts of Town until we figure out what the next step will be."

"Will you reside with your mother or do you still intend to marry Mr. Bolingbroke?"

Simone pretended to consider Felicity's words, but she already knew the answer in her heart. She didn't want to question that still small voice that was telling her what path she should take. She couldn't believe she had been so afraid of what a marriage to Caleb would bring but she was different now. She was braver than she was just a few days ago.

Knowing her lady's maid was still waiting for a response, Simone replied, "I will marry Caleb, as planned."

A bright smile came to Felicity's lips. "I am pleased to hear that."

Simone bit her lower lip before admitting, "I kissed him on the cheek today, right on the pavement, in front of our townhouse."

Felicity's mouth dropped open. "You kissed him?" she asked. "That doesn't sound at all like you."

"I wanted to find a way to express my gratitude for what he did for my mother, and me," Simone said. "I did it before I thought it through."

"And now?"

Simone grinned. "I do not regret my actions."

"Good, because I wouldn't have let you feel guilty," Felicity declared. "It is about time that you acknowledge your feelings for Mr. Bolingbroke."

"I never said—" Simone started.

Felicity put her hand up, stilling her words. "I have known you for many years, and I can tell when you are keeping something from me. It was rather obvious to know what it was."

Simone started fidgeting with her hands. "It is rather foolish that I have fallen for him, is it not?"

"I think it is a good thing that you have genuine affection for your fiancé," Felicity replied. "You can work as a spy and be happily married."

"But what if Caleb doesn't return the depths of my affection?" Simone asked.

Felicity looked amused. "Then threaten him with a dagger until he does so."

Simone made a face. "Do be serious."

Her lady's maid laughed. "It is much more fun to tease you, considering everyone with eyes can tell that he is enamored with you." She paused. "Well, except for you."

"I do not wish to presume," Simone said.

The wall clock chimed, alerting them of the time. Felicity jumped up from her seat and announced, "I have something for you." She walked over to the bed and reached under the mattress. "It is the key to Victor's room."

"How did you get this?" Simone asked.

"Would you believe me if I told you that I asked Mrs. Stanley nicely?" Felicity asked.

Simone shook her head. "No, I wouldn't, because the housekeeper is not one to hand out her keys freely."

"Regardless, Victor left this morning and he has yet to return," Felicity said. "It would be a good time for you to search his room."

Simone accepted the key and acknowledged, "Thank you."

Felicity waved off her praise. "Just go before you get caught."

With quick steps, Simone exited her bedchamber and walked down the corridor to Victor's room. She glanced over her shoulder, ensuring no one was privy to what she was about to do.

Finding herself alone, she slipped the key into the lock and opened the door. She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. Her eyes roamed over the room and they stopped at the blackish powder on the desk.

Gunpowder.

Simone approached the desk and ran her finger along the powder. What was he using gunpowder for, she wondered.

Other than the powder on the desk, nothing seemed out of place or suspicious. She started opening drawers but found them all empty; not even his clothes hung in the wardrobe. Approaching the bed, she slipped her hand under the mattress but found nothing.

There was still one place she hadn't looked. She crouched down and looked under the bed, finding a cast iron sphere with a fuse intact.

Her heart dropped.

It was a grenade. What was Victor doing with a grenade in his bedchamber? More importantly, were there more that were unaccounted for?

Simone rose and hurried out of Victor's bedchamber. She needed to send word to Caleb. He must know about what she discovered.

As she entered her bedchamber, Felicity glanced down at her hand and asked, "What is that?"

"It is a grenade," she revealed.

With confusion written on her face, Felicity asked, "Why would Victor be making grenades in his bedchamber?"

"I have a fairly good idea since the ball is tonight and General Merrell will be present," Simone said. "Each grenade is equivalent to a four-pound cannonball. If Victor releases more than one of these grenades into the ballroom, it could cause a tremendous amount of damage and could kill hundreds of people, including a vast majority of the members of the House of Lords. It would be a devastating blow to England if Victor succeeded."

Felicity took a step back as she looked warily at the grenade. "I hadn't realized that it was so dangerous."

"That is why only a specific type of soldier is tasked with throwing grenades during combat. They were known as grenadiers," Simone explained. "They stand in the forefront of the fight to light the fuse and know when the precise moment is to throw them. Furthermore, they have to be skilled enough to throw the grenades far enough away so as not to harm themselves or their comrades."

"How do you know so much about grenadiers?" Felicity asked.

"I have always found weapons of war to be interesting and hand grenades were only introduced a decade ago," Simone said.

Felicity furrowed her brow. "I think we should get rid of the grenade. We don't want to accidentally blow a hole in the townhouse."

Simone nodded. "I agree, although this one appears damaged. Do you see the small hole on the side?"

Felicity put her hand up. "I would prefer to remain where I am."

"I think that is why it was discarded and forgotten," Simone asserted. "I need to send word to Caleb. Can you ensure it is delivered at once?"

"I will deliver it personally."

Walking over to the vanity desk, Simone pulled out a drawer and removed a piece of paper. She gently placed the grenade down onto the table next to her. Now that they had an idea of what Victor was planning, they had to stop him before he released the grenades on a room full of innocent people.

The time had come to end this game.

Caleb had just returned to his townhouse after ensuring Lady Hungerton was safe at Kendrick's cottage. No one would be able to find her there. But as a precaution, Kendrick had placed two agents to guard the place.

As he stepped inside, his butler approached with a tray in his hand. "An urgent message was delivered for you, sir."

Caleb reached for the paper and unfolded it. He read the contents and crumpled the piece of paper in his hand. The letter had been from Simone, warning him of a pending attack at the ball this evening. An attack that would wreak havoc in England.

His mother stepped into the entry hall. "There you are," she greeted. "Why is it that I haven't seen you very much these past few days?"

"I have been busy, Mother," he responded.

"Doing what, may I ask?"

Caleb didn't have time for this, but he didn't dare be rude to his mother. "I have been spending my time with Simone." At least that much was true. The partial truth, but the truth none the less.

His mother nodded approvingly. "That is good. Did you have a chance to ask her what her favorite flower is?"

Drats. How had he forgotten to ask such a simple question? "I haven't gotten around to asking that," he admitted.

"Dare I ask what you two speak about?" his mother inquired.

Caleb worked hard to keep his face expressionless. His mother had no idea what kind of things he was involved in with Simone. "The weather, and whatnot," he replied vaguely.

His mother looked displeased by his response. "Fine. Do not tell me, but we do need to plan this luncheon."

"The luncheon can wait," Caleb said. "There are a few things I need to tend to first that are far more important."

"You and Simone are to be married in less than three weeks' time. It sounds like it is far off, but it will be here before you know it."

Caleb forced a smile to his lips. "As much as I enjoy this conversation, I need to go speak to Roswell at once."

"Why didn't you just say so?" his mother asked. "He is in the parlor with Anette and your father."

"Roswell is here?" Caleb asked.

His mother gave him a concerned look. "Isn't that what I just said?" she asked. "Are you even listening to me, dear?"

Caleb approached his mother and kissed her cheek. "We can start planning the luncheon tomorrow. I promise. I just have to get through tonight."

"I shall hold you to that promise," his mother responded.

"Now I must go speak to Roswell," Caleb said before he started walking towards the parlor. Once he arrived, he saw Roswell, Anette and his father sitting around a table, playing a card game. "Roswell."

His friend brought his gaze up. "Caleb," he greeted. "Come join us."

Caleb shook his head. "I need to speak to you. Privately, if you don't mind."

Roswell must have heard the seriousness in his tone because he promptly put his cards down. "I shall be right back."

Anette followed suit and rose. "I shall join you."

"That won't be necessary," Caleb said. "I just need to speak to Roswell."

With a mischievous smile, Anette responded, "You don't need to beg, Caleb. I would be happy to hear what you wish to say."

Knowing the urgency of the situation and aware he was in a losing battle with his sister, Caleb relented, "All right. You may join us."

"How gracious of you, Brother," Anette said.

Caleb stepped back into the hall and waited for Roswell and Anette to do the same. Once they were alone, he spoke in a hushed tone, "Simone believes that Victor is going to use grenades at the ball this evening to assassinate General Merrell and the attending members of the House of Lords."

Anette gasped. "Why would he do such a thing? That could kill hundreds of people, along with the general and members of the peerage."

"I know, which is why we have to stop him," Caleb said before addressing his next comment to Roswell. "I need you to go find Fredrick and inform him that we need his help to convince General Merrell to abandon the ball, along with the members of the House of Lords."

Roswell nodded. "Fredrick is familiar with General Merrell. He mentioned working with him on multiple occasions while serving under Wellington."

"Good, that association will come in handy," Caleb said.

"Why do you suspect they are targeting General Merrell, as well?" Roswell asked. "Not that I am questioning it, but I am merely curious."

With a slight shrug, Caleb replied, "The general is Wellington's right-hand man and has won many key battles against the French. If he died, it would leave a leadership void in the war efforts."

Anette spoke up. "What will you have me do?"

Caleb turned to his sister. "You have a very important task of ensuring Mother goes nowhere near that ball this evening."

"Why not tell her the truth?" Anette asked.

With a lifted brow, Caleb questioned, "Do you want to explain to Mother how we know that there is a pending attack?"

Anette looked thoughtful. "Good point," she replied. "I will think of something."

"I need to go speak to Kendrick about this. He must know what is going on," Caleb stated. "Oh, and Lord Hungerton is a French spy. Do not trust a word out of his mouth."

Roswell didn't seem fazed by his words. "I understand. Also, I will go round up Greydon so he can help look for Victor."

"Good idea. We need all the help we can get," Caleb said.

With a solemn look, Roswell encouraged, "Be careful. I have seen the destruction that can be caused by a single grenade. If what you are saying is true, I can't imagine the devastation that could be caused by multiple grenades in a ballroom."

Caleb tipped his head. "If you will excuse me, I will see you at the ball this evening. Ensure that you bring your pistol with you."

"I always do," Roswell said.

Knowing time was of the essence, Caleb hurried out of the townhouse and was about to step into the waiting carriage when he noticed a shadowed figure already inside.

"Do come in," a familiar voice said.

Caleb recognized Kendrick's voice and went to sit across from him. "I see that you got my message."

"I did, but it was rather vague," Kendrick said. "Although, I am glad that you were able to rescue Lady Hungerton and she is safe from her husband's clutches. For now."

"We have a problem," Caleb announced.

Kendrick lifted his brow. "What is it?"

Caleb took a deep breath before sharing, "Lord Hungerton is a French spy and I do believe that they intend to blow up Lord Pendley's ballroom with makeshift grenades."

"Do you have any proof of this?"

"Simone informed me that Victor left behind a grenade in his bedchamber, but he hasn't returned since this morning," Caleb said.

Kendrick held his gaze. "And how is it that you confirmed Lord Hungerton is a French spy?"

"Lady Hungerton informed us of this," Caleb replied. "She told us that he admitted to it when he was transporting her to Bedlam."

"It is a good thing that I have sent agents to arrest them. Your time was up, anyways," Kendrick said.

Caleb bobbed his head in approval. "With any luck, they haven't left for the ball yet. That could complicate matters."

"That it could. However, more importantly, we need to find Victor, and quickly," Kendrick said. "I will send agents to scour the grounds of Lord Pendley's townhouse and see if they can locate him."

"Simone and I will go to the ball, as planned, and we will look for him as well," Caleb stated. "Furthermore, I intend to tell General Merrell and members of the House of Lords of the impending threat on their lives and encourage them to leave at once."

"If all those people did leave the ball, it would be a great insult to Lord Pendley," Kendrick remarked.

"But by removing them, it could save hundreds of lives."

Kendrick nodded in agreement. "I never said it was the wrong move, but it will be more difficult than you perceive."

"That is why I am recruiting Fredrick and Roswell to help me round them all up," Caleb said.

Kendrick grew silent. "I want you to be extra vigilant tonight," he encouraged. "I keep asking myself why Juliette hasn't told Lord Hungerton that his own daughter is a spy. It just seems unlikely, considering she is his mistress."

"I have thought something similar."

The spymaster reached up and hit the top of the coach. In response, it started to slow down. "I will be much happier when those three are locked away and we can interrogate them more fully."

"I will be, too," Caleb said.

After Kendrick departed from the coach, Caleb leaned back, lost in his thoughts. Doubts crept in- what if they were wrong? And even if they weren't, one misstep could result in numerous casualties.

They had to stop Victor before he released the grenades. But where was he?

Caleb looked out the window and noticed that the coach was just about to pass Simone's townhouse. He pounded on the roof and the coach gradually halted by the pavement.

Stepping out, Caleb walked to the main door and rapped on it. The butler opened the door, awaiting his arrival.

"Good evening, Mr. Bolingbroke," the butler said, opening the door wide. "Do come in."

"Would you inform Miss Delacourt that I need to speak to her?" he asked. "The matter is most urgent."

Simone's voice came from the top of the stairs. "Now you have me intrigued," she said in a teasing voice.

Caleb watched as she descended the stairs and he knew, without a doubt, that Simone was his future. He would fight for her love, to the ends of the earth, if necessary. He had no choice. If he ignored his heart, it would be a betrayal that he could never live with.

Simone came to a stop in front of him and said, "Let us speak in the drawing room." She lowered her voice. "We will only have a short time until my companion is sent in."

"Then we best not waste a moment of our time together."

"That is what I was thinking, as well," Simone said before she waved him towards the drawing room.

Once they were in the center of the room, Simone turned back around to face him. "My father and Juliette are gone, but that isn't the worst part." She paused. "The guards that were assigned to guard the townhouse are dead. Someone slashed their throats. I found their bodies in the alleyway, hidden behind some debris."

"They must know that we are on to them," Caleb stated.

Simone's face was expressionless, but her eyes gave away her inner turmoil. She was hurting; he was sure of that. "What is my father thinking?" she asked. "Surely he must know that this will not end well for him."

"He must have some sort of plan," Caleb said.

"No matter what he does, he can't come back from this," Simone remarked. "Once he is caught, Kendrick will show him no leniency."

Caleb reached out and touched her arm. "I'm sorry that it had to end this way."

Simone's voice betrayed her emotion. "When we started this assignment, I never thought this is where we would end up. I never thought my own father was a traitor to the Crown."

"You have handled this rather bravely."

She let out a disbelieving huff. "I don't feel brave," she admitted. "I am just mad at myself that I didn't see it sooner."

Caleb took a step closer to her. "Don't look in the past for the answers. You won't find them there. Not anymore. You must look towards the future."

Simone held his gaze, her eyes seeming to implore his. "How do you always know the right thing to say?"

"Years of practice," Caleb said with a smile. "Once this is all over with, I want to sit down and have a frank conversation about us and our future."

"I would like that, very much."

"Good. We are in agreement, then, because you deserve to be happy. Not tired, not hurt, not deceived, just happy," he responded.

Caleb had just uttered his words when Mrs. Fernsby stepped into the room, causing him to drop his arm and take a step back.

Mrs. Fernsby walked closer to them and squinted her eyes. "Mr. Bolingbroke?" she asked. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see Miss Delacourt," he replied.

Mrs. Fernsby adjusted the round spectacles on her nose. "Very well, I suppose that is best since Theodore asked for us not to attend the ball this evening," she said.

"I am going to the ball, whether my father wants me there or not," Simone asserted.

The aged companion looked displeased. "You will risk your father's wrath if you go," she said. "I think it would be prudent if we remained home and worked on our needlework."

Simone kept her voice calm as she replied, "You may stay, but I am going to go." She turned towards Caleb. "Will you escort me?"

With a scoff, Mrs. Fernsby declared, "That is highly inappropriate, even for you. If you are so insistent on going, I shall take you."

Caleb bowed. "I shall take my leave and see you both at the ball," he said.

Simone smiled, and Caleb realized that he couldn't stop loving her even if he tried.