“You have never mentioned this…”
“You know how Papa gets even now when someone asks me to dance.” Mama rolled her eyes. “Trust me, he does not like to be reminded that anyone once held my affections. Not that this other fellow did. It was a silly infatuation, pure and simple. When I met your papa, I realized the difference between that and true love. One day, my dearest girl, you will find the right man as well: someone who makes you realize that you are perfect as you are.”
Her mother’s words resonated with her experience. Meeting Cull had helped her to recognize all that had been wrong in her marriage. Even if Cull wasn’t the “right man” forever—for the future that neither of them was ready to commit to—he was undoubtedly the right lover for now. No matter how long their affair lasted, she would never forget the gift he’d given her.
“Thank you, Mama.” Pippa reached for her mother’s hands. “I am so glad you came by.”
Mama returned her squeeze. “Now, there is another reason for my visit. Papa is throwing a small party in honor of my birthday in a fortnight. The only gift I want is your presence. As it will be an intimate gathering of family and a few close friends, you don’t have to worry about being there while you’re in mourning.”
How could she say no to her mama’s request? “I look forward to celebrating with you.”
Mama beamed. “It will be splendid for all of us to be together again.”
She did miss her family. “How are Garrett and Hugh?”
“Same as always.” Although Mama’s sigh was long-suffering, affection laced her words. “Besides your papa, they’re the most stubborn, hell-raising, and lovable rogues I’ve ever met.”
“Lucky for you one of your children has an easy-going temperament.”
To Pippa’s surprise, Mama laughed. “Oh, darling, you don’t meanyou, do you?”
“Well, yes. I’m the patient peacemaker of the family, aren’t I?”
“And the proudest, most determined one of the bunch.” In a conspiratorial tone, Mama said, “I hate to disabuse you of your notions, Pippa dear, but you’re even more of a Hunt than your brothers.Combined.”
21
Given the discovery at Purdey’s, Charlie placed a priority on investigating Sir Forsythe-Legg. Pippa and Fiona, with the assistance of the mudlarks, were assigned that task the following evening. Although Cull could not take part due to other commitments, he’d invited Pippa to the Nest after the mission for a late supper.
Suzette was helping Pippa to prepare for the night ahead. For her job, Pippa had donned a male disguise, but she wanted something pretty to wear afterward for her first meal with Cull. Looking through her wardrobe, she’d decided to forgo her widow’s weeds in favor of a simple mauve taffeta gown. She would keep up appearances in public; in private, she felt hypocritical expressing on the outside what she no longer felt within.
As Suzette packed up the evening dress and accessories, a note arrived from Fiona.
Dearest Pippa,
Papa is being an absolute tyrant and insisting that I go to the Brambleton ball. I suspect he wants me to make a match with the Earl of Brambleton’s heir—as if I need help securing a husband.
Pippa could imagine the beautiful redhead rolling her eyes.
But Papa is adamant, and I’m afraid you’ll have to undertake tonight’s mission without me.
Regretfully yours,
Fi
Pippa felt a stab of empathy for Fi’s plight. Both their fathers were powerful, self-made men who had risen from London’s underclass. Given the brutality of their pasts, Gavin Hunt and Adam Garrity were ruthless when it came to their enemies…and ruthlessly protective when it came to the ones they loved.
A part of Pippa yearned for the days when she’d been the apple of her papa’s eye. When his gaze had held nothing but proud approval. Perhaps Mama was right, and Papa’s anger was at himself…but Pippa still felt responsible. In his presence, the shame she felt for her stupid choices made avoiding him seem like the better option.
Silently wishing Fiona better luck with Mr. Garrity, Pippa set off to meet with the mudlarks. The location was a shady-looking tavern in Covent Garden called “The Golden Buck.” Her carriage had barely drawn to a halt when the door opened, and Fair Molly clambered in. The mudlark was dressed in her usual male attire, a scruffy cap jammed over her cloud of curls.
Before Pippa could utter a greeting, the adolescent said peremptorily, “You’re late.”
Pippa consulted her watch. “By two minutes.”
“The success o’ a mission depends upon timing.”
The girl’s brusque manner led Pippa to ask, “Have I done something to cause offense?”
