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Pippy wished she felt so confident in her future. Neither she nor Weymouth had specifically told her father that the marriage saved them both. But neither had they claimed love. Likely, he didn’t care either way. He was rid of the responsibility for her.

She didn’t know how she felt about that. At least she wasn’t a burden any longer.

She watched Lord Weymouth from beneath her lashes. Was that how he thought of her? As a burden? What could she do to change his opinion?

“Congratulations, Lady Phoebe—” Mrs. Yardley laughed lightly. “Oh, I suppose it’s Lady Weymouth now.” She grinned widely. “We are sisters-in-law. Isn’t that glorious?” She leaned in closer. “I had always wanted a sister. I have Elle—she’s married to my brother, Phillip. And then there are Evie and Ari. And now you.” She clasped her hands together in front of her chest. “Four sisters!”

Pippy blinked.

Mr. Yardley, Lord Weymouth’s brother and one of the witnesses, finished signing his name and came over. “Congratulations, my lady.” He bowed over her hand, but his gaze stayed trained on his brother.

“Thank you both,” Pippy said to the couple. Was that proper? She hadn’t been trained in the protocols of hastily arranged marriages—which in hindsight seemed shortsighted.

Mrs. Yardley took Pippy by the hand and pulled her over to a nearby couch. She immediately started up a conversation, but Pippy’s attention was still on Lord Weymouth and his brother.

“Are you certain you do not wish to send word to father?” Mr. Yardley said.

Pippy did not hear him speak so much as read his lips.

Lord Weymouth shook his head firmly. “No. And you promised not to say a word. Father will discover it when he arrives in Yorkshire.”

Mr. Yardley shook his head. “I don’t understand why you’re being so determined. The marriage is done. There’s nothing he can do about it now.”

“It’s father. I’d not put anything past him. Besides, he’ll have to be civil if we are in the close confines of a house party,” her husband said.

“I’ve never known him to be anything but civil. I believe you are mistaken in your⁠—”

“Your father and my father are not the same man.” Lord Weymouth interrupted his brother.

“I realize my relationship with father is different. I’m not the heir. But I still believe you’re being too stubborn by half.”

Lord Weymouth lifted a shoulder, his mouth set in a hard line. “I did as he demanded.”

“I hardly think this is what he had in mind,” Lord Finsbury said as he came up from behind. “Does this mean you do not require my presence in Yorkshire?”

Lord Weymouth shook his head. “You are in jest, surely. I’ll need you now more than ever.”

“Do you not agree?” Mrs. Yardley said. She looked expectantly at Pippy.

Pippy’s lips parted slightly. What was she to say? She’d not listened to a single word the lady had spoken. She picked at her little finger, wanting desperately to lift it to her lips. “I must beg your forgiveness, Mrs. Yardley. I didn’t hear what you said. I’m afraid I’m rather distracted.”

Mrs. Yardley did not look in the least perturbed. “Do not apologize. I remember my wedding day. It was all very overwhelming.” She patted Pippy’s hand. “And now that we are sisters, I think it’s perfectly acceptable for you to call me Grace.”

Pippy’s throat thickened. Perhaps she need not have so many regrets. She’d never had a sister, and now it seemed she had three. Two of them were not there—likely did not even know of the marriage—but Grace seemed a lovely person.

“Thank you, Grace.” She should allow Grace the same informality, but what name did she give her leave to use? Only her family—Lias, mostly—called her Pippy. Most of her intimate friends called her Phoebe. But was not Grace family? “I’d be delighted if you called me Pippy.”

Grace rewarded her with a wide smile.

“Would you mind repeating your question?”

Grace nodded. “I wondered when you and Freddie would set out for Yorkshire. I wish Mr. Yardley and I could attend, but he has a cause he must plead before the Chancery on Monday next.” She took a breath. “And then he must wait for the ruling. It does not leave enough time to travel all the way to Yorkshire. We’ll travel to Somerset instead.” She took a breath and frowned. “But I hope we shall spend time together once the Season starts.”

The Season. She’d not thought of that. Pippy smiled. “I’d like that very much, Grace.”

“As would I,” Grace said.

Lord Weymouth approached. “My lady. My cook has prepared a small wedding breakfast for our guests. Shall we?” He held out his arm for her.