Simone glanced at the tall buildings that stood shoulder to shoulder in an impenetrable line. “We are far from home, Mother,” she said. “It might be far more comfortable on the bench than on the floor.”
“I do not wish to risk it,” Lady Hungerton remarked. “I would rather stay hidden since my horrifying appearance would cause unnecessary attention in this elegant carriage.”
Simone winced. “It is not ‘horrifying,’” she attempted.
“You are a terrible liar,” Lady Hungerton said.
Caleb grinned. “That is what I have told her as well.”
“I am an excellent liar, when the situation warrants it,” Simone defended.
Her mother tucked her tangled dark hair behind her ear. “I can’t believe that I am out of that horrible place. In every direction were shadows and darkness. Even the rats reeked of despair.” A small sigh came to her lips. “I named each and every one of the rats that came into my cell.”
Simone looked at Caleb with sorrow in her eyes and he knew what she was thinking. She was blaming herself for not finding her mother sooner.
“You are wrong,” Caleb said.
She didn’t even attempt to deny what she was thinking. “How could I have not known that my own mother was still alive? I gave up on her when I should have been fighting for her all along.”
Caleb wished that they were alone so he could reach for her and hold her in his arms. He needed her touch just as much as he suspected she needed his. “It is no one’s fault but your father’s. He did this to your mother.”
“And Juliette,” Simone said. “Do not forget her involvement in all of this.”
Lady Hungerton stared up at her daughter, her gaze not straying. “This was not your fault, and I will not have you think like that.”
Tears came into Simone’s eyes. “What you have experienced these past two years…” Her words trailed off.
“I would not trade it for the world, knowing it kept you safe from your father,” she said.
Simone swiped at the tears that were streaming down her face. “Father tried to sell off Grandmother’s estate and deprive me of my inheritance.”
Lady Hungerton’s eyes grew wide. “What a ninnyhammer! How could he do such a thing- and to his own daughter?” she asked.
“Why did Grandmother leave me the estate and not you?” Simone inquired.
“Because my mother never did like Theodore, and she refused to leave one farthing of her money to him,” Lady Hungerton admitted. “Theodore convinced me not to tell you about the inheritance until you reached your majority. Was he furious when you confronted him on it?”
Caleb reached into his jacket pocket and removed a handkerchief. As he extended it towards Simone, he revealed, “We have kept it from him until we deem the time is right.”
Simone offered him a weak smile in response as she accepted the handkerchief. “I suspect that Father will disown me when he learns of the truth.”
“Most likely, or worse, I’m afraid,” Lady Hungerton said. “I never thought he would harm me but he had no qualms about locking me in Bedlam.”
Caleb’s eyes roamed over the pavement as the vendors attempted to hawk their goods. “This cottage will keep you safe for the time being,” he said. “At least until we decide what we are going to do about this situation.”
“There is nothing to decide,” Lady Hungerton said. “I will remain in seclusion for the remainder of my days.”
“No, that is a terrible idea,” Simone admonished.
Lady Hungerton gave her an understanding look. “I am married to your father and he has control over where I go and what I do. I won’t give him that power back,” she stated. “I would rather live a quiet life in the countryside than return from the dead, so to speak.”
“You can live with us once we are wed,” Simone attempted.
“No, Child, I can’t, and you know why,” Lady Hungerton said. “The servants will talk and word will get out. I can’t risk it.”
Simone pursed her lips before saying, “So Father wins?” she asked.
“No, I never said that, but I must think of you as well,” Lady Hungerton said. “You will be married soon and cannot have scandal surrounding you. That wouldn’t be fair of me, especially since I have lived my life. It is time for you to live yours.”
