Caleb nodded his agreement. “Furthermore, we found proof that Lord Hungerton tried to cheat Simone out of her inheritance.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. The more I am learning about the baron, the less I like him,” Kendrick said. “Now off with you. I have work that I need to see to.”
Caleb walked over to the door and stepped into the main hall. As he exited the building, a feeling of dread settled over him. He was not looking forward to the upcoming conversation with Simone. He would have to tell her some hard truths and he hoped she was in the right frame of mind to hear them.
Once he was situated in the coach, it started making its way down the street and he knew it would only be a short drive until he arrived at Simone’s townhouse.
He leaned his head against the back of the coach and closed his eyes. Simone would no doubt be angry and hurt by her father’s actions, but that might be the least of their concerns. He might be aiding the French, an offense that is punishable by death.
Caleb knew that Simone was strong, but even she had her limits. Could she handle what needed to be done?
It wasn’t long before the coach came to a stop in front of Simone’s townhouse and Caleb stepped down onto the pavement. He approached the main door and knocked. It was promptly opened by the butler and he stood to the side to grant him entry.
After he was in the entry hall, the butler ordered, “Wait here, sir. I will inform Miss Delacourt of your arrival.”
The butler walked away and disappeared into the drawing room. A moment later he stepped out and gestured towards the door. “Miss Delacourt will see you now.”
Caleb didn’t need to be told twice. He headed into the drawing room and saw Simone seated on the settee, adorned in a pale green gown. Her hair was styled in a loose chignon at the nape of her neck. To say she looked beautiful would have been an understatement.
Rising, Simone took one look at him and asked, “Whatever is the matter?”
“I need to speak to you.”
“We are speaking.”
With a glance at the maid in the corner, Caleb responded, “Privately, if you don’t mind.”
Simone’s eyes held understanding. “Would you like to take a tour of the gardens?” she asked. “We have the most magnificent roses this time of year.”
“That would be wonderful.” Caleb stepped forward and offered his arm. “Shall we?”
She placed her hand on his sleeve and allowed him to escort her to the rear of the gardens. Once they started walking down the path, Simone removed her hand and asked, “Now what has you so bothered?”
Caleb knew there was a time and a place to be lighthearted and this was not one of those times. He would just tell her the truth and be done with it.
“I just came from Kendrick’s office,” he revealed.
A line between her brow appeared. “Is it about my father?” she asked, her words hesitant.
“Yes, in a way, but something came up, something much more pressing, that I need to discuss with you,” Caleb said.
Not appearing convinced, Simone asked, “More pressing than my father possibly being a traitor?”
Caleb stopped and turned to face her, his boots grinding on the gravel. He met her gaze and replied, “It is about your mother.”
Simone gave him a bemused look. “What about my mother?”
He took a deep breath, knowing what he was about to reveal would change everything. In a voice that betrayed his emotions, he said, “We have reason to believe she might be alive.”
Chapter Sixteen
Simone stared at Caleb, unable- or unwilling- to comprehend what he was saying. The only sound she could hear was the pounding of her heart in her chest. Why would he say something so awful? Her mother was dead and it was painful to think otherwise.
Caleb took a step closer to her, concern etched on his features. “Did you hear what I said?”
“I did, but you are surely mistaken,” Simone replied. “My mother drowned, and it is rather cruel of you?—”
He spoke over her. “That is what your father wanted everyone to believe but we suspect she is at Bedlam.”
