“Neither do I. Nice is for namby-pambies.” Hugh’s charismatic personality and looks came from their papa. Crossing his muscular arms, he said, “If this Timothy Cullen wants to get on my good side, he will have to earn it. Maybe I’ll test him out in Papa’s boxing ring. See if he can keep up.”
Pippa rolled her eyes. “There will be no sparring at Mama’s birthday party.”
Even though Garrett and Hugh were in their twenties, they still acted like boys. Everything was a match to prove one’s manhood. Neither had met a competition that they didn’t like.
“You cannot blame us, Pippa,” Garrett said. “As your brothers, it is our job to make sure the fellow is good enough for you this time.”
This time.Her chest tightened as she sensed the seriousness behind her brothers’ joking. Like Papa, her brothers thought they’d somehow failed to protect her from the mistake of her marriage. When it had never been their responsibility. For all their neck-or-nothing ways, Garrett and Hugh were good boys…good men.
“We just want you to be happy,” Hugh added.
“I promise you that, this time, I truly am.” On impulse, she got on tiptoe and kissed each of them on the cheek. “Thank you for your concern.”
“Have a care, Pippa. It took my valet hours to perfect my cravat,” Garrett groused.
But his cheeks were ruddy. As were Hugh’s. The boys would take any comers, Pippa thought with amusement, but at the mere hint of sentiment, they wanted to bolt.
Taking pity on them, she changed the subject. “Where are Mama and Papa? Shouldn’t they be down by now? The guests will be here soon.”
“Mama was down here earlier. She had on a new dress,” Hugh muttered, “and you know how Papa gets. Garrett walked in on them…”
“For the love of God,” Garrett burst out. “I already had to wash my eyes out with soap. Must I be forced to relive that scene in my head which, I might add, cannot be scrubbed clean?”
Pippa felt her lips quiver. Their parents had a habit of being affectionate with one another, and Garrett, for some reason, had a propensity for walking in on them during inopportune times. He liked to joke that he was scarred for life.
Yet Pippa’s experience had taught her that passion and love were naught to be ashamed of.
“True happiness is rare. We should be glad for Mama and Papa,” she said softly.
“I am glad, in theory,” Garrett retorted. “I just don’t want to see their happinessin action.”
Hugh burst into laughter, and Pippa joined in.
“What has our lovely children so amused, I wonder?”
Mama floated into the room, a vision in a gown of azure silk. Diamonds sparkled at her neck and ears, but what made her truly shine was the glowing love in her eyes as she gazed at Papa. He had an arm around her waist and a look of satisfaction on his face that…well, Garrett was right. It was best not to think too keenly on the cause of it.
“We’re just happy to be together,” Pippa said sincerely. “And to celebrate your birthday with you, Mama.”
Mama came over, hugging them each in turn while the boys groaned.
“You are the best presents any mama could wish for,” she told them.
“Papa, will you save us from these sentimental women?” Hugh groaned.
“The stronger a man, the gentler he can afford to be.” Papa cuffed Hugh on the shoulder. “But, as it happens, I want a private word with your sister. Would you accompany me to the study, Pippa?”
Pippa felt the flutter of nerves. For months, she’d avoided private talks with her father because she already knew how he felt about her life choices. And she’d been angry enough at herself that she didn’t need him to add fuel to the fire. Yet her talks with Cull had helped her to make peace with the past. What remained was mending the relationships with the people she loved.
She took her father’s offered arm. “Of course, Papa.”
As they headed out, Mama gave her an encouraging smile.
Entering the study, Pippa was assailed by memories of her childhood. Of the hours she and her brothers had spent playing here. While Papa had a larger-than-life presence, with his family he’d always shown a gentler side. For her, the scent of leather, cigars, and her papa’s sandalwood cologne were associated with security and happiness. Both of which she had willfully abandoned.
“I’m sorry.” The words rushed from her.
Papa quirked a brow. “I thought that was my line.”
