Caleb narrowed his eyes. “Being ousted is not the worst thing that could happen to me. I knew the risks going into this profession.”
“What about your parents?” Juliette asked. “They would be forced to leave London, never to return. What a sad existence for such distinguished families.”
Caleb’s expression gave nothing away, but Simone knew that he was considering Juliette’s words. How could he not? If Juliette made good on her threat, many lives would be ruined. Innocent lives.
Simone met Juliette’s eyes. “What is your plan?”
Juliette let out a laugh. “You expect me to tell you?” she asked. “No. That is not how it works. You two will just stay out of my way, and your secret will be safe.”
“And if we don’t stay out of your way?” Caleb asked.
All humor left Juliette’s face. “Threatening to ruin you is not the only way to ensure you stay quiet. I can think of a more permanent solution for you and your fiancée.”
“And there is the rub,” Caleb remarked.
“Just remember who holds the power,” Juliette responded with a smug smile on her lips.
Before anything else could be said between them, her father stepped back into the room with a decanter in his hand. “Shall we celebrate?” he asked.
Caleb shoved back his chair and rose. “I’m afraid I don’t feel much like celebrating this evening,” he announced. “Perhaps another time.”
Rising, Simone said, “Allow me to walk you to the door.”
“Thank you,” Caleb responded, offering his arm.
After they departed from the dining room, Simone asked, “What are we to do? We can’t let Juliette make good on her promise and ruin us all.”
“That won’t happen,” Caleb assured her. “We will find a way to stop her and Victor.”
“We don’t even know what they are planning,” Simone sighed.
Caleb stopped by the main door and turned to face her. “Don’t give up hope. Hopefully, our search of Mr. Frickle’s office will yield us some clues.”
“I hope so.”
Caleb’s eyes held questions as he held her gaze. “Do you truly want to marry me or were you just saying so to goad your father?”
“A little of both,” Simone admitted.
“I will take that, for now,” Caleb said. “But before I post the banns, I need you to be sure because I am.”
Simone stared up at him, the doubt creeping in. “How can you be sure of anything?”
Caleb took a step closer to her. “Whatever life throws atus, whatever obstacles we have to overcome, I know that we will be stronger together.”
“But we will fight incessantly.”
“There is no one else that I would rather fight with,” Caleb responded with a smile.
Simone found herself returning his smile. “I do think I would like to be married to you, assuming you honor your word that it is in name only.”
“You need not fear. I keep my promises,” Caleb said.
“Then, yes, I am sure,” Simone responded. “You should post the banns at once.”
Caleb reached down and tucked her hair behind her ear, his fingers grazing her skin. “You won’t have any regrets.”
“I hope not,” she said, pleased that she found her voice.
