Caleb had tremendous respect for Lady Hungerton and how freely she was putting her daughter’s needs before her own. But he refused to let her throw away her life. She deserved far better than hiding out in the countryside. After all, she had done nothing wrong to deserve such ill-treatment.
“I think for the time being it would be wise for you to remain out of sight, but you will always have a place in our home,” Caleb said.
“Thank you,” Lady Hungerton acknowledged. “That means a lot to me.”
The coach came to a stop in front of Simone’s townhouse and Caleb stepped out in such a fashion that kept Lady Hungerton hidden from view. He assisted Simone onto the pavement and closed the door behind him.
Simone sighed. “Is it sad that I do not want to go home?”
“Soon you won’t have to,” Caleb replied. “You will come home with me.”
In a hushed voice, she said, “We need to tell Kendrick what we know about my father and Juliette. He will want to arrest them as soon as possible.”
“I will send word right away,” Caleb assured her. “Until then, do not confront your father with what you know. It might end very badly for you since he is surrounded by Juliette and Victor.”
With a glance at the townhouse, Simone said, “It will be hard, considering my father is not the man I thought he was. He is a traitor, a cheat, and a liar.”
“And that is on a good day,” Caleb joked.
She laughed, just as he intended. “You are awful.”
Caleb took a step closer to her. “This will all be over soon,” he said. “We just have to stay the course for a little while longer.”
“And if Juliette makes good on her promise to reveal that we are spies to the newssheets?” Simone asked.
Caleb curled the corners of his lips upward, knowing he was about to make Simone very happy. “With everything that went on, I forgot to mention that I received word from Kendrick this morning. Apparently, he contacted all the newssheets and asked the editors nicely to not take any spying allegations seriously.”
“He asked nicely?” Simone asked.
“’Threatened’ might be a better word, but not even Juliette can control what the newssheets write,” Caleb said.
Simone smiled, but this time it was different. It was as if her soul were smiling. “I am just happy to hear that Juliette will not win.”
“As am I.” Caleb turned his attention towards the carriage. “I should go and get your mother situated at the cottage before dark.”
“Thank you,” Simone said as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
He watched as Simone turned on her heel and hurried into the townhouse, not quite believing what had just happened. Perhaps he was making more progress than he realized with her.
Stepping back into the carriage, a genuine smile adorned Caleb’s face. He was happy, and it was all because of Simone.
Lady Hungerton’s voice interrupted his musings. “You love my daughter, don’t you?” she inquired, her tone carrying a shrewd understanding.
“I do,” he replied, seeing no reason to deny it. Frankly, he didn’t want to anymore.
“I can tell,” she said.
Caleb kept his gaze straight ahead as he assured her, “You need not fear. We will keep you safe.”
“Do you think you could get me a few daggers?” she asked. “If so, I can protect myself.”
A slight chuckle escaped his lips. “You sound so much like your daughter.”
Lady Hungerton gave him a knowing look. “Who do you think taught her to think that way?” she asked.
“You raised an amazing daughter,” Caleb said. “My entire world is so beautiful because Simone is in it.”
Lady Hungerton’s face softened. “Have you told her this?”
