Simone pressed her lips together before she reluctantly conceded. “Very well,” she muttered.
As he led her inside, Caleb said, “I shall return tomorrow morning for our carriage ride.” He kept his words intentionally vague since there were prying ears around.
“I shall look forward to it.”
Once they were in the entry hall, Simone removed her hand off his sleeve and gave him an expectant look. “Is there anything else, sir?”
“No,” he replied, seeing no reason to tarry. It was evident that Simone didn’t want him there. He bowed. “Good day, Miss Delacourt.”
Simone dropped into a curtsy. “Good day, Mr. Bolingbroke.”
Caleb exited the townhouse and entered the carriage. It was a short drive back to his townhouse and he knew he had a lot of work ahead of him. Not just as an agent, but as his father’s heir. He was to review the accounts and meet withtheir man of business. He didn’t mind working on the accounts since one day it would all belong to him. But he hoped that day didn’t come for many years. He loved his father and didn’t want to imagine life without him.
Once he stepped into the entry hall, he was met by his mother and his sister. Both wore solemn expressions, and he grew concerned. “What has happened?”
“Something terrible has happened, Brother,” Anette replied.
He rushed closer to them. “What?” he asked, his voice rushed. “Is it Father? Did something happen to him?”
“No, it has nothing to do with Father, but everything to do with being deceived by you,” Anette replied.
Caleb furrowed his brow. “Pardon?”
Anette gave him a pointed look, her gaze unyielding. “I was driving by Miss Delacourt’s townhouse this morning and I saw you escorting her into the carriage,” she said. “In my opinion, it was the ultimate betrayal.”
“I hadn’t realized you took issue with Miss Delacourt,” Caleb said.
“You misunderstand me. I have no issue with Miss Delacourt, but I do take issue with you not telling us that you are courting her,” Anette clarified.
Caleb frowned, the realization dawning on him. So that is what this was about, he thought. “I am not courting Miss Delacourt,” he asserted, his voice carrying a hint of frustration.
“It certainly appeared that way,” Anette responded. “You two appeared to be a rather lovely couple.”
“Looks can be deceiving,” Caleb said.
His mother spoke up. “Why have you been keeping this a secret?” she asked. “I was acquainted with Lady Hungerton, and I could not be more delighted you are pursuing her daughter.”
Caleb put his hands up in front of him. “I am not pursuing anyone, much less Miss Delacourt. We just embarked on a pleasant carriage ride this morning.”
“What is wrong with Miss Delacourt?” his mother asked.
“Nothing is wrong with her, but I am not interested in getting married at this time,” Caleb replied.
His mother tossed her hands in the air. “You are impossible, Son. You need to marry, and I need grandchildren.”
“Anette will give you a bushel of grandchildren,” Caleb attempted. “Just pretend that I am not here.”
“You know I can’t do that. It is my job… no, my duty, to ensure you are properly wed and are blissfully happy,” his mother said.
Anette interjected, “You must know that the gossips will catch wind of this and Miss Delacourt’s name will be tied to yours.”
“I am hoping that won’t happen,” Caleb said.
“If I saw you two together, other people did as well,” Anette expressed. “I must admit that Miss Delacourt is an interesting choice. I am not acquainted with her.”
Caleb didn’t want to have this conversation. Not with his sister or his mother. He didn’t dare break Miss Delacourt’s confidence by sharing that she was a spy. So, for now, he would have to skirt the truth.
“It was one carriage ride. Can we leave it at that?” Caleb asked, attempting to quell further discussion.
