Simone closed the door and asked, “What are you doing here?” Her voice was low, accusatory as she debated about reaching for her dagger.
Juliette smiled. “Isn’t it obvious?” she asked. “I am moving into my new bedchamber. Although, I will have to redecorate at once.”
“No, what are you truly doing here?” Simone repeated.
Juliette’s smile grew as she approached Simone. “I can see that you have lots of questions for me, but I have no desire to answer any of them.”
Simone remained vigilant as Juliette came to a stop in front of her. “Does my father know you are a spy?” she demanded.
Juliette tsked. “Does your father know howyouoccupy your time?” she asked. “I do not think he would approve of your clandestine outings, as well. When I saw you at the pub, I couldn’t quite believe my eyes. You may not have known about me, but I have known about you for quite some time.”
“Where is your brother?” Simone asked.
“He is unpacking in one of the guest bedchambers,” Juliette replied. “Your father is being most generous in allowing my brother to live here.”
Simone narrowed her eyes. “You will leave at once.”
“Or what?” Juliette asked. “You will tell your father aboutmy secret? Go ahead. He won’t believe you. But if you did something so foolish, I would be forced to share your little secret, and Mr. Bolingbroke’s.”
Simone stiffened. “Leave Mr. Bolingbroke out of this.”
“How can I?” Juliette asked. “Mr. Barnard warned us about Mr. Bolingbroke being a spy, which is why it wasn’t hard to conclude you were one as well.”
“I am not a spy.”
Juliette gave her a disapproving look. “Do not insult me. I have been doing this for a long time, and I can spot a spy from a distance.”
Simone crossed her arms over her chest. “Why are you doing this?”
“Because I love your father,” Juliette replied in a lackluster response.
“I don’t think you do.”
Juliette turned towards her trunks that were opened on the ground. “Regardless, your father has invited me to live with you for the time being.”
“Did you even need us to secure you an invitation to Lord Pendley’s ball?”
“No, our plans have changed,” Juliette replied. “Although, I will admit that it was a brilliant way to distract you and your handsome Mr. Bolingbroke.”
“Mr. Bolingbroke is not mine,” Simone argued.
Juliette shifted her gaze to meet hers. “He should be,” she said. “He is quite handsome, don’t you agree?”
“I do not have an opinion on the matter.”
“Pity,” Juliette said. “Perhaps I should make a go at him.”
Simone gave her a look of disbelief. “I thought you were my father’s mistress?”
“There is nothing wrong with a little indiscretion here and there,” Juliette replied. “It keeps things interesting.”
“You are unbelievable.”
Juliette removed a gown from one of the trunks. “You are upset, I see,” she said. “That will not do.”
“I want you to leave.”
“That isn’t going to happen,” Juliette responded, walking the gown over to the bed. “We are going to be one happy family soon.”
