She had seen it too many times in the way his eyes lingered over account books, estates, and discussions of inheritance. He pretended concern beautifully, but there was always something faintly eager beneath it, as though he were forever waiting for the Anderson family to finally collapse completely into his hands.
Lady Sophia, blind as ever to the falseness beneath his charm, looked visibly relieved by his presence. "Simon," she breathed softly.
Francesca lowered her eyes respectfully, though Penelope remained still where she stood, fingers tightening faintly around the letter in her grasp.
His gaze found her then, and for the briefest second, Penelope saw that flicker behind his expression.
