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 waitingfor 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.
