“Hmmm. She seems to think it was someone else who thought I would run from the truth.”
“I didn’t think that.”
She raised a questioning brow.
“I merely thought you would need some time,” he amended.
Caillen sat down next to him and poured the tea. She handed him a cup. “We have always been frank with one another.”
“Yes, we have.”
“Then, may I ask why you are sitting in your room with no stockings on your feet?”
“Pouty baby,” Charlotte interjected.
He glared at the bird. “I was going over the conversation I must have with Sir Williamson and hadn’t gotten around to putting them on.” He quickly changed the subject. “What made you have the servants turn the tearoom into a bathing roomand this drawing room into a bedroom for me?” He had long suspected she had instructed his staff to move his bedchamber to the first floor.
“I saw how much pain you were in when they carried you downstairs.”
“I wasn’t in pain. I was scared half to death that I was going to watch you go up in flames.”
Her expression softened. “I understand that fear. I was experiencing a similar emotion concerning you and the children.”
“Then you’ll understand why I must ask you to leave Astley House. It’s not safe.”
“If that is the case, I think we should all leave. You are in no shape to ward off an attack.”
Simon scrubbed his face in frustration. “I am the one with a target on his back. If I go with you, danger will follow me and put you in danger.”
“Because you’re investigating my father’s death?”
“Because I work for the Crown.”
She sighed and leaned forward. “What can you tell me about my father’s death?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing?”
“It is regarding our national security, Caillen. I cannot disclose anything.”
“National security? Are you telling me the French had my father killed?”
“I’m saying, I won’t say another word.” He clamped his lips sealed.
She lifted a stubborn chin. “That’s fine, I will ask Sir Williamson when he arrives.”
“You will not show your face when Sir Williamson arrives.”
“I most certainly will.”
“You will not.”
“I will.”
“Good Lord, not every one of our conversations needs to be a bloody battle. You could pretend to be demure.”
“I could ask the same of you.”
