Chapter 8

Simone stood to the side as Anette brought her hand back and released the dagger, causing it to embed itself at the edge of the target.

"Well done," Simone praised.

Anette gave her a look of disbelief. "You are kind, but we both know that I am awful at throwing daggers."

"You hit the target this time," Simone pointed out.

"This time," Anette said. "But what about the thirty attempts before? No. I think I will stick to shooting a pistol."

Simone walked over to the target and retrieved the dagger. "You just need more practice," she encouraged.

"I don't think that is it," Anette said.

"My mother and I used to practice throwing daggers until the sun went down," Simone shared. "It was so dark that we could hardly see the target, but we kept practicing. It was one of the many things that we did together."

Anette grinned. "Whereas my mother was relentless that I practice my needlework."

"We did that, too, but it wasn't nearly as much fun as throwing daggers," Simone said. "My father was adamant that I grow up civilized."

"What an odd thing to say," Anette remarked.

Simone slipped the dagger into the folds of her gown. "My mother was Scottish and sometimes I wonder if my father was embarrassed by her heritage."

"There is nothing wrong with being Scottish."

"I agree, but my father was furious when my mother gave me a dagger for my eighth birthday," Simone shared. "He didn't think it was an appropriate gift for a genteel young woman."

Anette gave her a knowing look. "He wasn't wrong. It is not commonplace for a lady to know how to throw daggers."

"Perhaps, but it is a skill that has come in rather handy," Simone admitted. "Besides, I like knowing that I can protect myself."

Anette nodded in agreement. "That is precisely why I carry a muff pistol in my reticule."

Simone felt the warmth of the sun's rays as it hung high in the sky, prompting her to adjust the bonnet on her head. "Shall we adjourn to the drawing room for a cup of tea?" she asked.

"That sounds delightful, but I do not wish to overstay my welcome," Anette replied.

"I daresay that is impossible," Simone said as they started down the path. "It has been nice getting to know you a little better."

Anette glanced over at her. "May I ask you a question?"

"It depends."

"On what?" Anette asked.

Simone smirked. "You are not going to ask about Caleb."

Anette gave her a sheepish smile. "Was it so obvious?"

"Only to me," Simone replied.

"Since we are speaking of Caleb…" Anette started.

"We weren't."

"….I was just curious if you two had an understanding."

Simone resisted the urge to laugh at such a ridiculous notion. A marriage between them would be a disaster, she thought. And she couldn't very well tell Anette that. Instead, she chose to share a partial truth.

"No, we do not have an understanding. Quite frankly, I have no wish to marry," she said.

Anette gave her a thoughtful nod. "I used to think as you did, but it changed when Roswell realized he couldn't live without me."

"I want more out of this life than just being a wife," Simone admitted. "I have an inheritance from my grandmother that I can live on for the remainder of my days, assuming I live somewhat frugally."

"Then why go through the effort- and expense- of having Seasons if you are so determined not to marry?"

Simone pressed her lips together, knowing she couldn't very well tell Anette the truth. Her cover as a wallflower was extremely useful since it allowed her to overhear conversations that she was never supposed to hear.

They arrived at the rear of the townhouse and a footman opened the door. As they stepped inside, Simone knew that Anette was still waiting for her response. "My father is hopeful that I will settle down and be a good, obedient wife," Simone said. That much was true.

"You might change your mind when you fall in love," Anette remarked.

"Love is not in the cards for me," Simone said. "That would require me to be looking for such a thing, which I am not."

Anette's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Love can be found in the most unexpected places, even when you are not looking for it."

Simone lifted her brow. "Are you a love expert?"

"I am not, but I am a firm believer in it," Anette said. "I didn't always feel this way, especially when I thought there would never be a future between me and Roswell. I was going to be just fine on my own, but can I tell you a secret?"

"Please do."

"Life is hard, but having a companion, a helpmate, by your side makes your burdens seem a little lighter," Anette said. "And isn't that all we can hope for?"

Simone stopped outside of the drawing room and turned to face Anette. "I appreciate what you are trying to do, but I prefer to be alone. It is familiar. Comfortable."

"You don't have to be alone."

"True, but I choose to be alone," Simone said. "There is a difference."

Anette opened her mouth to no doubt argue with her when a knock came at the main door. Her butler crossed the entry hall and opened the door, revealing Caleb.

Turning towards her brother, Anette asked, "What are you doing here?"

Caleb stepped into the entry hall. "I would think it is fairly obvious," he replied with a teasing lilt in his voice. "I am here to call upon Miss Delacourt."

Simone smiled at Caleb. "We were just about to have a cup of tea. Would you care to join us?"

"Tea would be lovely," Caleb responded.

Anette brought a hand up to her forehead. "Oh, I just forgot. I have errands that I need to see to before Roswell returns home. I should run along before the day gets away from me."

"Are you sure?" Simone asked.

With a bob of her head, Anette started backing up towards the door. "I enjoyed our time immensely and I will call upon you later."

After Anette had departed from the townhouse, Simone turned her questioning gaze towards Caleb.

Caleb chuckled. "My sister is not so subtle, I'm afraid. She wanted to leave us alone so we would no doubt fall in love and have a bushel of children."

"I assumed as much."

He approached her and lowered his voice. "We need to speak privately." There was an urgency to his words.

"Shall we take a tour of the gardens, then?" Simone asked.

Caleb offered his arm. "Allow me to escort you."

Simone placed her hand on his sleeve and he led her towards the rear of the townhouse. Once they started down a path, she removed her hand and clasped them in front of her.

Caleb's gaze remained straight ahead as he revealed, "I believe the French spies intend to assassinate General Merrell."

Her brow shot up. "Why would you assume such a thing?"

"General Merrell will be at Lord Pendley's ball as an honored guest," Caleb said. "His guards will be distracted and it would be a perfect opportunity to get close to Wellington's right-hand man."

Simone considered Caleb's words before saying, "Then we must tell him at once."

"I agree." Caleb came to a stop on the path and turned to face her. "We need to report our findings to Kendrick first."

With a glance at the back gate, Simone said, "Very well. I will meet you there."

"We could always go together under the ruse of a carriage ride," Caleb suggested.

Simone shook her head. "I would prefer not to be seen with you, at least until the ton loses interest in our association."

"That might be some time."

"I know, but it is safer that way," Simone said. "By associating with you, it is drawing unwanted attention towards us."

"Us?" He smirked. "Is there an ‘us'?"

Simone pursed her lips. "You are maddening."

"You make it entirely too easy to tease you," Caleb said. He took a step closer to her, but still maintained a proper distance. "I have noticed that a line between your brow appears when you get frustrated with me."

"It must happen all the time, then," Simone bantered.

Caleb eyed her curiously. "Do you want to know what I think?"

"No, I don't."

His lips curled into a smile. "I think you secretly like me."

"You would be wrong in that assumption."

"Would I?" he asked, his words low, intimate.

Simone locked eyes with him and detected a playful glint in his gaze. Once again, he was teasing her- a delicate interplay of emotions that stirred both excitement and irritation within her. She was uncertain of which emotion to focus on. Annoyance. It felt like the safer option.

Caleb's smile transformed into a devilish grin, drawing her attention to his lips. "You do like me. Just admit it."

"I would never admit such a thing," Simone responded with a stubborn tilt of her chin. "Are you ever serious?"

"I think I have proven I can be serious when the situation warrants it."

"And this situation does not warrant it?"

Caleb took a step closer to her. "I don't think it does," he replied. "It is all right for us to enjoy one another's company."

"How can I enjoy a thorn in my boot?"

He brought a hand to his chest, feigning disappointment. "You wound me," he said. "I shall have to work harder to earn your approval."

"If this ridiculous conversation is over, I need to plan my escape so I can meet you at headquarters."

"I shall count every moment that passes until we see each other again," Caleb said, his hand still over his heart.

Simone made a showing of rolling her eyes. "You should be in the theatre," she joked. "Although, there is such a thing as overacting."

"I save my theatric performances just for you," Caleb responded with a wink.

"Lucky me," Simone muttered.

Simone wanted to continue being annoyed, but with each passing moment, her resolve was softening. She was rather enjoying this playful side of Caleb. But she didn't dare admit that, especially to him. He was already entirely too cocky for his own good, and she had no desire to encourage him. They needed to remain serious.

Taking a step back, Simone said, "I'll be at headquarters as quickly as I am able."

Caleb tipped his head. "I wish you luck but do be careful. It wouldn't be farfetched to assume that you are being followed."

"I shall take extra precautions," Simone declared. "Now if you will excuse me, I need to go tell my companion I am going to my bedchamber to rest and then sneak out the servants' entrance."

"Do you want me to escort you back inside?" Caleb asked, offering his arm.

Simone looked at his arm as she debated what she should do. One part of her wanted to keep him close, while the other urged her to push him away. His ability to break through her defenses unsettled her deeply.

But she had a decision to make.

Propriety won out. With a feigned indifference, she placed her hand on his sleeve, pretending that his nearness wasn't affecting her. "Thank you," she murmured.

As Caleb led Simone down the path, she knew she was in trouble. She couldn't deny it any longer. She liked Caleb, perhaps more than she should.

Caleb sat in the entry hall of the agency's headquarters. He was waiting for Simone to arrive so they could go in together to see Kendrick.

He had pushed her today, knowing she was capable of so much more. He could see it in her eyes. She wasn't completely indifferent towards him. She cared for him. He was sure of that. But he didn't know to what extent. Simone fiercely guarded her emotions, and it was going to take more than his persistent teasing to topple those barriers.

And he did love to tease her.

The door opened, revealing Simone as she entered the entry hall. She was wearing a faded pink gown that bore the marks of time. Atop her head rested a matching bonnet, and her brown shoes, worn and dulled by countless steps, completed the look.

Caleb rose from his seat as she approached him. "Did you walk here?"

"Of course not, I took a hackney. It was much too far to walk, but I did ensure I wasn't followed," she replied.

"You could have ridden with me."

"I could have, but then I would have had to endure your company," Simone said, a teasing lilt gracing her tone.

Caleb offered his arm. "We shouldn't keep Kendrick waiting for much longer."

He was pleased when Simone took his arm without complaint. Perhaps he was making more progress than he thought.

As they walked through the main hall, the other agents didn't pay them much heed as they reviewed documents at their desks.

They arrived at Kendrick's door and he knocked.

"Enter," came the spymaster's gruff reply.

Caleb opened the door and indicated that Simone should go first. He followed her into the room and was mindful to close the door behind him.

Sitting behind his desk, the spymaster, a tall figure with silver hair, studied them with a solemn expression. His eyes, while sharp and alert, also carried a weariness that hinted at the burdens he bore. Kendrick skipped the pleasantries, just as he usually did, by asking, "What have you discovered?"

Simone cast a glance at Caleb, finding encouragement in his nod to speak up. In a resolute voice, she reported, "We made contact with the French spies that we were searching for and we do believe their mission is to assassinate General Merrell."

"You believe?" Kendrick questioned with a furrowed brow. "But you aren't certain? Am I missing something, Agent? Do we not deal in facts here?"

Simone pressed forward, her voice not wavering. "They asked us to secure invitations to Lord Pendley's ball, where General Merrell is to be the guest of honor."

Kendrick leaned back in his seat and let out a sigh. "There could be many reasons why they want to attend that ball. It will be well attended by dignitaries, lords, and all members of high Society. Why do you suppose General Merrell is the target?"

"We just thought—" Simone started.

Kendrick spoke over her. "You are wasting my time here," he declared. "Come back when you know what they are planning."

"Should we not at least warn General Merrell?" Simone asked.

"What would we even say to him?" Kendrick demanded. "We think there might be an attack on your life, but we have no proof?"

Caleb was used to Kendrick's abrupt demeanor, but he didn't like it when it was directed at Simone. Before he thought through the repercussions of his actions, he said, "I do not think you are being fair to Simone."

Kendrick's brow shot up. "I beg your pardon?"

Now he had done it. He had stoked Kendrick's anger, and there was no coming back from that. "We located the French spies and we at least know their next move," Caleb attempted.

Kendrick started clapping his hands together. "Do you want me to congratulate you on a job well done when you are missing key components?"

Simone shot Caleb a look of annoyance. No doubt she had figured out that he was trying to defend her and it failed spectacularly.

With a steely look, Kendrick waved his hand over his desk. "These two French spies you have been tracking are not the only ones on English soil. We can't seem to go a moment without a new threat to the Crown popping up. So please excuse me if I don't pat your backs for you doing your job."

Caleb bobbed his head in understanding. "We will report back once we have more proof on what the French spies are planning, but until then, can you assign agents to watch over them?"

"I think that is the first intelligent thing you have said in here. I shall see to it," Kendrick said. "Now off with you two."

Simone barely spared Caleb a glance as she departed from the office. As he went to follow her, Kendrick's voice stopped him.

"Simone doesn't need a caretaker. She needs a partner," Kendrick advised. "She can fight her own battles."

"Yes, sir," Caleb replied.

"She wouldn't be an agent if I didn't think she could handle it," Kendrick said.

Caleb tipped his head in acknowledgement before he went to catch up with Simone. He found her in the entry hall, and noticed the firm set of her jaw. She was angry. At him. And he knew precisely why that was.

"Simone," he started, "I'm sorry."

Keeping her gaze straight ahead, she said, "You had no right to speak up for me."

"I was trying to do the honorable thing."

She arched an eyebrow. "You mean belittle me."

"That was not my intention." He placed his hand on her arm and gently turned her to face him. "I was angry that Kendrick was speaking to you in such a harsh manner and I just reacted."

"He treats me no different than other agents, but apparently, you do," Simone said. "You think I need to be coddled."

Caleb knew that she wasn't entirely wrong. He had a strong desire to keep her safe, but he realized the unfairness of that sentiment. Simone was more than capable of taking care of herself and he needed to trust her to do so.

"I'm sorry," he replied. "I was not acting like a good partner in there, and I hope you can forgive me for my error in judgment."

Simone considered him for a long moment before responding, "I will, but only because I have more pressing matters at the moment."

"Which are?"

"It is not about our case," Simone replied. "I have something I need to see to. A personal matter."

Caleb lifted his brow. "You have piqued my curiosity."

"Good, but it is none of your business," Simone said as she brushed past him.

He followed her out of the building and matched her stride as she hurried down the pavement. "Where are we going?"

"‘We' are going nowhere," Simone remarked.

"It appears that we both are going in the same direction," Caleb said. "How fortunate."

Simone emitted a sigh of frustration. "Will you not leave me be?"

"I could, but then I would just follow you and then you would catch me. It would be this whole thing," he said. "I think it is best if you just told me where you are going."

With an exasperated look on her face, she revealed, "Fine. I am going to look for Lucy."

"I can help with that," Caleb asserted.

"No, you are going to go home," Simone said.

Caleb tsked. "It would be much more fun to spend time with my partner. Besides, I might be useful to you."

Simone stopped on the pavement and turned to face him. "How can you be helpful to me?" she questioned.

"I am a spy. I will find a way." He smiled.

Annoyance flashed in her eyes. "Do you not have anywhere else to be?" she asked.

"No. I am free as a bird at the moment," he replied. "Lucky you. Now you don't have to go about this alone."

Emotions played across her face as she pursed her lips. After a long moment, she finally relented. "All right. Don't make me regret this."

"I won't," he replied.

Spinning on her heel, Simone continued down the pavement, not bothering to wait for him to catch up.

As he came to walk beside her, he asked, "What is the plan?"

Barely sparing him a glance, Simone replied, "We return to the vendors where I saw Lucy last and hope we find her again."

"What if she isn't there?"

"Then I will try again tomorrow, and the day after that."

He eyed her curiously. "What will you say when you find her?"

A trace of uncertainty lingered in her eyes as she met his gaze. "I will ask her why she quit so suddenly after my mother died and abandoned me in the process." Her words were spoken plainly enough, yet beneath the surface, a tinge of sadness shone in them.

"I'm sorry," Caleb murmured.

"For what?"

Caleb gave her a look that he hoped conveyed his compassion. "I can hear how much Lucy meant to you."

"Well, I thought she cared about me, as well. But I was wrong," Simone said. "I suppose it was just a job for her. Nothing more."

"You don't know that."

Simone's eyes roamed over the pavement where the vendors were hawking their goods. "It is not what we think or feel but it is what our actions are that define us," she said.

"Then why find her?"

Simone brought her gaze back to meet his. "I need to know the reasons behind her decision to leave. It gnaws at me."

"Perhaps she was dealing with her own grief, and had nothing left to give you," he proposed.

"It can't be as simple as that," Simone argued.

Caleb took a step closer to her. "What do your ‘spy senses' tell you?"

"‘Spy senses'?"

With a smile, he replied, "That is what Octavia and Anette have been calling it. But I would think it is more instinct."

Simone bit her lower lip as she pondered his words. "I think there is more to the story with Lucy's departure."

"Then we need to find her."

"You believe me?"

Caleb chuckled. "I do not know why you look so surprised. I trust you, and that means I trust your ‘spy senses.'"

A smile came to Simone's lips. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet," Caleb said. "We haven't found Lucy. She could be anywhere."

Simone turned her head and her eyes went wide. "Not anywhere," she said. "Right over there in front of the cart."

Caleb followed her gaze and saw Lucy as she accepted a loaf of bread from a vendor. "Follow me," he ordered.

He headed over to Lucy and stopped in front of her. "Lucy?" he asked in a hushed voice.

Lucy gave him a baffled look. "Do I know you?"

"No, but you know my friend, Miss Delacourt," he replied.

Lucy's face grew pale. "Do not try to contact me again," she declared as she went to brush past him. "I must go."

Simone stepped out from behind him and blocked her path. "Where are you going?" she asked.

Lucy's mouth dropped open. "Simone," she whispered. "You don't know the danger you are putting us both in. You mustn't be here."

"What danger?" Simone pressed.

Taking a step back, Lucy said, "I swore I would never speak to you again. It had to be this way, for your sake and mine."

"You aren't making any sense," Simone stated. "Who did you promise?"

Lucy brought her hand up to her mouth. "I have said too much."

"But you haven't said anything at all," Simone argued.

Lucy's eyes swiftly scanned the crowd before she lowered her voice. "Whatever you do, don't make the same mistake I did. Don't trust your father."

"My father?" Simone repeated. "Why shouldn't I trust him?"

Regret shadowed Lucy's face as she replied, "Goodbye, Simone. This is for the best. You must trust me on this."

Without waiting for their response, Lucy darted into the crowd, vanishing from view.

Simone's eyes remained on the crowd as she said, "I don't understand. What is she trying to protect me from?"

"It was evident that she is afraid of something, or someone," Caleb stated. "And I think that someone is your father."

"Why would she be afraid of my father?" Simone asked. "He is not the warmest person, but he isn't awful."

Caleb put his hand on her sleeve. "We should get you home before anyone notices your absence," he encouraged.

"You are right," Simone said. "There is no reason to tarry."

He could hear the dejection in her voice, and he wished there was a way that he could fix it. He didn't know how, or when, but he would find a way to help Simone.