“Speaking of which, I understand you are to be married, as well,” Emilia said. “I hope you don’t mind but Fredrick told me.”
“No, I do not mind. It is only a matter of time before thetoncatches wind of it,” Simone remarked.
Emilia gave her a curious look. “Are you not excited about the prospect of marrying Mr. Bolingbroke?”
Simone brought a smile to her lips, and hoped it was convincing enough. She was still conflicted about how she felt about marrying Caleb. But she didn’t dare reveal that to Emilia so she decided to tell a half-truth. “I am excited, but I have a lot of things going on right now that take precedence.”
“What could be more important than getting married?” Emilia hesitated before adding, “I suppose you are busy keeping England safe.”
“I am, among other things.”
Emilia walked over to the target and removed the dagger. “I do not know Mr. Bolingbroke very well. Is he anything like his sister?”
“No, they are quite different, but in a good way,” Simone replied. “Caleb is much more serious than Anette. Although, he does spend a great deal of time teasing me.”
“Does that bother you?”
“At first, it did, but now I know it is his way of showing he cares,” Simone shared. “Bantering with him is one of my favorite things to do.”
Emilia approached her and extended the dagger. “Not everyone is lucky enough to marry for love. We are both so fortunate to do so.”
Simone blinked. “You are mistaken. I do not love Caleb.”
“Don’t you?” Emilia asked.
“No, it is a marriage of practicality. We both thought we would benefit from being married to one another,” Simone explained.
Emilia furrowed her brow. “Then why do you smile when you say his name?”
“Do I?”
“You do, which is why I worry that you are setting yourself up for heartbreak,” Emilia replied.
Simone slipped the dagger into the folds of her gown. “That won’t happen,” she rushed to assure her. “By marrying Caleb, I will be able to maintain my cover as a spy, and my heart won’t even come into play.”
Emilia didn’t look convinced. “If you say so…,” her words trailing off.
“I do,” Simone said. “I thank you for your concern, but it is unfounded.”
“And Mr. Bolingbroke feels the same as you?” Emilia questioned.
As they started down the path, Simone replied, “He does, considering it was his idea.”
Emilia looked as if she had much more that she wanted tosay on the subject, but thankfully she changed topics. “It is a fine day we are having.”
“It is,” Simone agreed.
“Fredrick is taking me on a carriage ride to Hyde Park during the fashionable hour,” Emilia shared. “You are more than welcome to join us.”
Simone made a face. “I could not think of anything worse to do with my time.”
Emilia laughed. “It is not that bad.”
“Hyde Park is terribly crowded during the fashionable hour and there are far too many busybodies that are milling about,” Simone said.
“You aren’t wrong about that, but it is the time to be seen,” Emilia responded.
A footman opened the back door and they stepped inside. While they were making their way towards the entry hall, Simone said, “I prefer to be in the shadows of Society.”
