Anette let out a sigh. “Let’s hope that won’t be for a long time. I am just enjoying being married to Roswell.”
The clock in the corner chimed, signaling the time for Caleb to depart. “If you will excuse me, I have an errand that I must see to before I call upon Simone.”
Rising, Anette said, “Make sure you ask her what her favorite flower is. If not, Mother is likely to show up on her doorstep and ask her herself.”
“Most likely.” Caleb walked over to his sister and kissed her on the cheek. “You are lucky that I like you, Sister, or else I would be furious you told Mother and Father about my engagement.”
“I am sorry.”
Caleb took a step back. “It was a conversation that had to happen. I suppose I should be happy that it is over now.”
“So I did you a favor, then?” Anette asked, perking up.
Caleb chuckled. “I think not.” He walked over to the door and stopped. “If I had my way, I would acquire a special license and marry Simone today.”
Anette’s eyes grew wide. “You wouldn’t dare,” she said. “Mother would never forgive you if you did such a thing.”
“I care more for what Simone thinks,” he responded.
As Caleb headed towards the main door, he realized that he had meant his words. He would marry Simone today, tomorrow, or any day that she was willing to do so. It didn’t matter to him when they were wed, as long as theywerewed.
Chapter Fifteen
Simone wasn’t quite sure what to feel. Her father had tried to steal her rightful inheritance and she was residing with two French spies. She felt conflicted about so many things. The only thing that she knew for certain was that she felt something for Caleb, something she didn’t quite understand. And those feelings only seemed to intensify with each passing day.
She had so many questions, but very few answers.
Emilia’s voice pierced through her thoughts, bringing her back into the present. “Was that better?” she asked.
Simone glanced at the target and saw that Emilia’s dagger was embedded in it, albeit slightly off center. “Yes, that is much better than your last attempt.”
Emilia studied her for a moment before asking, “Are you all right? You just seem rather preoccupied at the moment.”
“I suppose I am,” Simone admitted.
Lowering her voice, Emilia inquired, “Is it spy related?”
“It is,” Simone confirmed.
“Can I help?”
Simone shook her head. “I don’t think you can, but I do thank you for the offer,” she said. “I just have to work through a few things on my own.”
Emilia glanced at the townhouse before saying, “I read in the Society page that your father’s mistress now resides with you.”
With a slight wince, Simone said, “I had assumed it wouldn’t take long before word got out.”
“How are you coping with that change?”
Simone decided to be honest with Emilia, at least, somewhat. “It has been quite the adjustment, to say the least.”
“I can only imagine.”
She decided to change subjects and she knew one topic that would bring a smile to Emilia’s face. “How are the wedding preparations going?”
Just as she’d predicted, a bright smile came to her friend’s face. “They are going well,” she gushed. “I can scarcely wait until I marry Fredrick. Every day seems to move excruciatingly slow.”
Simone laughed. “Your wedding day will come before you know it.”
