While Fredrick and Roswell led Lord Hungerton away, Caleb watched Simone as her eyes remained on her father’s retreating figure, her expression giving nothing away.
Chapter Twenty-One
Simone watched as her father was being led away, knowing this would be the last time she would ever see him. She needed to stop holding on to him since he had already let go of her long ago. She was free of him, and more importantly, so was her mother.
Caleb’s voice came from behind her. “Are you all right?”
“I will be.”
He gently touched her arm and turned her to face him. “He is gone,” he said. “He will never be able to hurt you again.”
“I know, and all I feel is relief. Is that wrong of me?” she asked.
Caleb shook his head. “I do not think so, especially after what he put you through.”
With a glance at Juliette’s lifeless body, she asked, “What will happen to her?”
“The agents will be by to collect her body so there is no trace of what happened here this evening,” he replied. “Would you like me to collect your dagger?”
“No, I want nothing to remind me of this night,” Simonereplied. She hadn’t meant to kill Juliette, but she was left with little choice when Caleb’s life had been threatened.
Caleb gave her an understanding look. “You saved my life… again. Although, I would have preferred if you hadn’t put yourself in harm’s way.”
“A simple ‘thank you’ would suffice, considering I correctly assumed I would need more than one dagger this evening,” Simone teased.
He smiled. “Thank you,” he said. “Although, I would like to point out that I saved your life as well.”
“That is true. Thank you.”
Caleb’s smile faded as his eyes dropped to Juliette’s body. “We should return to the ball before anyone comes looking for us.”
“I think that is a fine idea,” she responded, accepting his arm.
As they stepped back onto the path, Caleb asked, “Where do we go from here?”
“I suppose anywhere we want to.”
Caleb kept his gaze straight-ahead as he said, “I think it would be a shame if we didn’t keep working as a team.”
Simone pretended to consider his words, but she already knew the answer. “I would agree. Do you think Kendrick would have any objections?”
“No, he has said as much, especially since we are to be married soon,” Caleb said.
They arrived at the empty veranda and Simone felt no urgency to return to the ball. She would prefer to remain with Caleb outside rather than return to a stuffy, crowded ballroom. Fortunately, he seemed to feel the same way because he came to a stop near the iron railing.
Caleb dropped his arm and leaned against the railing. “It is a beautiful night, is it not?”
“It is,” she rushed to agree. Drats. Now they were talking about the weather. Could anything be more of a bore?
He grew solemn. “I was hoping you would be willing to have that discussion now about us,” he said, appearing to hold his breath.
“I am not opposed to it.”
“Good,” he replied. “Because I have much to say on the subject.”
Simone gave him an expectant look, choosing to remain silent. If she was brave, she would admit that she loved him. But she wasn’t that brave. What if he didn’t return her affection? She knew he cared for her, but that was not the same as being desperately in love with someone.
Caleb appeared nervous, which was in stark contrast to how he usually was. “I was hoping that we could change the terms of our agreement.”
