“You seem surprised to see me,” she said, not acknowledging his arrival.
“I was not expecting you to be home. You did not even tell us that you would be absent this morning.”
“I do not need to ask your permission to leave the household. I can do as I please, and I can go wherever I wish.”
George fought the urge to roll his eyes at her, for he was simply pleased that she had come to her senses. They had to display a united front, and it would only be taken seriously if they were all there together.
“You are right,” he replied. “My apologies. Are you both ready to go?”
They both nodded, and within minutes they were in the carriage. George wondered what had made her change her mind, but he did not want to pry. He had to be careful with her, and that meant not pushing her too far.
And yet, he could not help but think that she was hiding something from him. She was unhappy to say the least, and there was no reason that he could think of as to why she would so suddenly change her mind. The carriage lurched forward, wheels striking the stones with steady insistence.
“All of this is unnecessary,” his grandmother said after a short while. “I see no reason why I must attend to begin with. Your sister would be with you.”
George did not look at her. He knew that she understood why it was vital, and this was her way of punishing him for wanting her to go.
“Your presence suggests approval.”
“Which I do not give.”
“That has never stopped you from doing what is expected of you before. Besides, you have always told us both that it does not matter how we feel. We must do what is right and what will please theton. This is what will please them.”
“Placate them, you mean.”
He looked at her then, and saw that her lips were pressed into a thin line.
“You may choose whichever word you please. You know perfectly well that you need to be present to witness the reading of the banns.”
“You are asking me to witness a mistake.”
“I am asking you to witness a formality.”
There was an uncomfortable silence, for George knew that he was pushing her but he could not allow her to have such a terrible attitude while they were out. Philippa leaned forward, eyes bright, and he hoped that she would say something to help.
“I think it will be nice,” she said. “I am yet to meet her, and I think she will be a good friend to me.”
Her grandmother turned toward her sharply. It was Philippa’s turn to receive her anger.
“You do not know what you are talking about.”
“I know she plays the violin,” Philippa said, undeterred. “And that she stood up to Lord Lashton. That alone makes her interesting.”
George glanced at his sister. He had told her to avoid reading the gossip columns, but he knew such a request was futile.
“Have you been listening to gossip?”
“I have eyes,” Philippa replied. “And ears. Everyone says she is… well…”
She hesitated, then smiled. George felt the same, for he never would have expected Lady Cassandra to be who she was had he only heard what thetonthought of her.
“She is not at all what I expected,” she said finally.
“That is precisely the problem,” the dowager said. “When you think of a duchess, you think of propriety. You do not think of her.”
Philippa ignored her.
“Do you think she will like me, George?”
