Page 24

She lifted her little finger to her mouth, and Freddie could see her mind turning. What was she thinking?

It was chocolate. In his experience, that took very little consideration.

Finally, she nodded. “I would like that very much. Allow me to change my gown, and I’ll meet you—” She trailed off.

“In the library,” he finished. “I’ll await your arrival.”

She nodded as she headed for the staircase.

Freddie watched her go.

She turned slightly and glanced back down at him. Her face pinked when she saw him watching her. His own cheeks felt warm. He did not recall such a thing ever happening before. What was it about her that made him feel that way?

She shook her head and disappeared down the corridor.

He opened his mouth to call to her, but then shut it. He had no idea what he intended to say. But an urgency to see her again swelled inside him—which was ridiculous.

He shook his head and was about to turn toward the corridor when the front doors opened. Felix Hawthorne stepped into the entry hall.

Freddie grinned. “Felix.” He walked over and patted the man on the shoulder. “I didn’t know you were to be a guest at this party.”

Felix shrugged. “One does not decline an invitation from Lady Dalmeer.”

Freddie scoffed. “I should have liked to give it a go. But alas, my father decided for me.”

“Please follow me, sir. I’ll show you to your room.” A footman waited at Felix’s arm.

Felix turned to Freddie. “It’s been years since last we spoke. We have much to discuss once I’m settled. ”

“Indeed. Perhaps we could play some billiards.” Freddie smiled. Perhaps this party would not be a complete drudgery.

Felix nodded as he moved toward the stairs. “I’ll look forward to it.”

Freddie turned toward the library corridor. That had been a pleasant distraction while he waited for Pippy to join him.

He stepped inside the library and moved directly to the bellpull. His valet had already delivered several tablets to the kitchen, along with the pot and molinet. One could never be certain if a household—even his aunt’s—had the proper supplies to make chocolate.

A maid entered the room and dipped into a curtsy. “Yes, my lord?”

“My valet delivered chocolate tablets and my pot to the kitchens when we arrived yesterday. Please send up a pot with two cups, some sugar, and cream.”

“Yes, my lord.” She curtsied again.

“Oh,” Freddie stopped her before she left the room. “And some biscuits also, please.”

“Yes, my lord,” the maid said and hurried from the room—likely before he could add anything else to the tray.

He went to the shelves and clasped his hands behind his back as he perused each shelf. Poetry. That was not right. A history of Yorkshire? It was a possibility if he could not find anything else. But then he saw it.

He grinned as he pulled the volume free. It was not King Arthur, but if his memory served, it was one of her other favorites. Greek myths.

Freddie settled on the sofa and opened the book. He’d not read that sort of book in years. Not because he didn’t enjoy them, but because—he frowned. Why had he stopped reading such books? It had been so long, he could not even remember.

The door opened, and the feeling in the room shifted. He needn’t look to know it was Pippy.

He turned and looked over his shoulder. A smile curved his lips without him realizing it. “Good afternoon, my dear,” he said. She really was a lovely creature. His lips pushed out. Gah! That was something his father would say.

She was lovely. He left it at that.