Page 33 of Snowed In with the Jilted Duke

Pippa nearly stumbled, but quickly righted herself, using the Bath chair for support. “I do?”

“Yes, very much so.” The older woman remained silent for a moment, the only sound that of the wheels moving across the hall carpet.

“I thought you too much of a harum-scarum girl to be happy as a duchess. I told my son more than once that Philippa would be more suitable. But he was determined to have Kendal marry the older sister even if it was only by a few minutes.”

“You did?” Pippa’s head was spinning, and she quickly straightened the course of the chair, which was beginning to veer towards the wall.

“Philippa’s personality seemed to fit better with Oliver’s. You always seemed a bit of a hoyden, my dear. But I suppose your illness has helped you mature.”

“I suppose.” Pippa had no idea what she was to do at this moment. Reveal herself? Continue the masquerade? Run shrieking down the hallway to hide in her room until morning?

“I was quite concerned, especially since you and Oliver seemed so indifferent to each other until now. But I suppose you have found your way to each other after all.”

“Of course.” Pippa wanted to weep. She wanted to scream. She was trapped in this moment, trapped in this hallway, forced to nod and smile as the dowager reached into her chest and dug out her heart with a rusty teaspoon with what could have been.

They reached the bottom of the stairs, where one footman stood poised to carry the dowager to her room and two more stood by to carry the Bath chair.

“Good night, my dear girl.” The dowager proffered her cheek, and Pippa stooped to kiss her.

“Good night … Grandmama.”

10

Pippa found her resolve to stay away from Oliver thwarted once again the following day.

"Miss Penelope shall, of course, assist with the distribution of the St. Stephen's Day charity in my stead," the dowager announced. As was Pippa’s abysmal luck, the drawing room was crowded with family, giving her no opportunity to refuse.

Pippa turned to glare at Oliver, who said, "Splendid! It will be a good opportunity for her to meet the tenants and get to know them."

Forcing a smile, Pippa said, "Why, yes, I shall be happy to help." Even as she spoke, she dug her nails into Oliver's arm in retaliation and was gratified to see him suppress a wince.

"Be sure to dress warmly," the dowager said. "I know the cold and damp still affect you."

"Er, yes, thank you," Pippa murmured, feeling guilty once again for her masquerade. "I shall change into something warmer and meet Oliver downstairs, yes?"

"I look forward to it," Oliver said, with a look that made her blush. Really, she needed to speak to him about those looks. It would only make it that much more difficult for Penny to break the engagement upon her return if the whole household thought Oliver was in love with her.

She pondered the problem through the process of allowing Sally to add a woolen petticoat under a high-necked wool dress. She would speak to Oliver as they drove and make him understand he must stop all of the small courtesies and burning glances he was sending her way while they were in the company of others. It was... confusing.

For everyone else, of course. Not for her. She knew better than to take his actions as anything more than a performance for the benefit of his family. Mother had made that very clear.

Sally finished arranging a woolen scarf over Pippa's hair and topped it with a felt bonnet that matched Penny's fur-lined cloak. "There you are, miss. You do look lovely."

Pippa regarded herself in the mirror. Thoughts of Oliver had lent a becoming flush to her cheek and a sparkle to her eyes. She almost looked... pretty. Like Penny.

Instead, she scowled, but smoothed the expression from her face when she saw Sally's startled reaction in the mirror. "Thank you, Sally. It's no reflection on your work. I... had something else on my mind."

"Of course, miss," Sally murmured, and settled the cloak around her shoulders.

As she descended the stairs to the front door, Pippa was aware of Oliver's admiring eyes on her, and she felt her face warm under his regard. Really, she needed to tell him to not do that.

Later. She would tell him later.

As she reached the last few stairs, Oliver stepped forward and grasped the gloved hand she held out to him, bowing over it as he assisted her down the last few steps. "You look beautiful, pigeon."

"Thank you," she said, dropping her eyes to the floor, but leaving her hand in his.

Teasdale stepped forward, Penny's fur muff in his hand, and bowed before handing it to her. "Miss Penelope.”