Caleb looked displeased by her remark. “Have you been able to search Juliette’s bedchamber?”
“I have, multiple times, but I found nothing of interest,” Simone replied. “Not that I was expecting anything. Juliette is much too clever to leave things out in the open.”
“Kendrick is only giving us two more days before he arrests them, including your father,” Caleb revealed.
Simone kept the emotion off her expression. “I want to say that I am surprised, but I am not. I have no idea what myfather is involved in. Quite frankly, I don’t know what my father is capable of anymore. He is a stranger to me.”
“We both know if your father is arrested, he won’t live much longer.”
She had a thought. “If my mother is at Bedlam, I do hope that is the case,” she said. “For she would never be free as long as my father is alive.”
“Kendrick has offered the use of his cottage to house your mother until we sort out the details,” Caleb said.
“That was kind of him.”
“I do believe that Kendrick has a fondness for you,” Caleb teased.
With a disbelieving huff, Simone said, “I doubt that. Frankly, I don’t think he has a fondness for anyone.”
“No, it is true,” Caleb stated. “He threatened me if I hurt you in any way.”
As Simone went to reply, Juliette’s voice came from down the path. “There you two are,” she said. “I have been looking for you.”
Caleb visibly stiffened. “What do you want, Juliette?”
Juliette came to a stop in front of them and smiled. “Nothing but the pleasure of your company, Mr. Bolingbroke.” Her voice was cordial, too cordial. It was evident that she knew the effect that she had on Caleb.
While Caleb narrowed his eyes at Juliette, Simone spoke up. “Unfortunately, Mr. Bolingbroke was just leaving. Weren’t you?”
“I was, but now I think my presence is required,” he replied, his eyes not straying from Juliette.
Simone gestured towards the gate. “That won’t be necessary,” she assured him. “Why don’t you leave by the gate rather than the main entrance?”
When Caleb didn’t make a motion to move, Simone placed her hand on his sleeve. “Mr. Bolingbroke, I will be all right. Juliette will play nicely.”
“I will,” Juliette said.
Simone’s words seemed to appease Caleb. He turned towards her, and his eyes softened. “If you are sure…” His words trailed off.
She offered him an encouraging smile. “I am. You don’t need to worry about me.”
“Very well, but send word if something goes awry,” Caleb said before his gaze returned to Juliette. “I will kill you if you hurt Simone.”
Juliette tsked. “Threats are uncalled for, Mr. Bolingbroke.”
Caleb’s jaw tensed and Simone was worried that he might reach for the pistol that was in the waistband of his trousers. She needed to do something to contain the situation, and quickly. “It is time for you to go, Caleb.” Her voice was firm.
“I will go, but only because you asked it of me,” Caleb said before he proceeded to the back gate.
Juliette’s eyes followed his retreating figure. “I don’t think Mr. Bolingbroke likes me very much.”
“I don’t like you very much,” Simone muttered.
Feigning innocence, Juliette asked, “Should we go enjoy a cup of tea together?”
“You can drop the act,” Simone replied. “We both know that this will end when I figure out what it is that you are up to.”
Juliette offered her a condescending smile. “That won’t happen. You may be clever, but you can’t stop what is coming.”
