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“The chocolate has not yet arrived. I thought perhaps we could spend a quiet afternoon reading.”

She settled in the chair across from him.

His stomach sank. Was she keeping her distance because of church? Or perhaps it was because they’d spent the night together? Whatever it was, there seemed to be a wariness that hadn’t been there before.

It was not to Freddie’s liking. He’d been so hopeful yesterday in the garden. For a moment, he considered taking her back to church. But he discarded that idea.

“Do you like chocolate, Phoebe?” He could not say he enjoyed calling her that, either. He supposed it was better than Lady Weymouth. But she’d allowed Grace to call her Pippy.

And in his estimation, she didn’t look like a Phoebe. She never had. Pippy, however, suited her very well. It boasted a playfulness and exuberance one rarely found in the ton. He’d seen it often when she was a girl. And while she hid it well, he’d seen it on a few occasions since they’d become reacquainted.

“I can’t say I’ve ever had it. I don’t believe there are any shops in Allonby that offer it. And I had not the funds when last I was in London.” She gave him an uncertain smile.

“You need not be embarrassed. It wasn’t your fault. Surely you understand that.”

“The ton does not share your generous assessment.” She sighed. “And while Lias is mostly at fault, I cannot be held guiltless. I required pin money from Father and was rather vexed when he did not provide it.”

“You can’t think that pittance brought your father’s pockets to let.” He shook his head. Maybe it wasn’t the church nap or their night together that bothered her.

She bit at her little finger. “What is that you’re reading?”

He looked at her for a moment, but then honored her wish to change the subject. “Greek mythology. If I remember correctly, it was one of your other passions.”

Her body relaxed. “I’ve not studied them in some time.” She dropped her hand to her lap and looked up at him from beneath her lashes. “You have a very good memory, Frederick.”

He scowled at the name, but pushed it aside. “You were very memorable, Phoebe.”

She smiled.

Ah, it had been some time since she graced him with one. He sat up straighter. Well done, Fred. It was something he vowed to do more often.

“I only wish it hadn’t been because I was so vexing.” She licked at her lips and he studied them.

When he realized he was staring, he closed the book, but kept his finger marking the place. “Looking back, I believe it had more to do with me than with you.”

Her brow furrowed, but she grinned. “Perhaps your memory is not as good as I thought.”

The door opened, and a maid came in—but not the one he’d sent to the kitchens.

“Your chocolate, my lord.” She looked him square in the eye as she set it on the table. That was unlike any servants he’d ever encountered. “Do you require anything else?” But when he didn’t immediately answer, she turned to leave.

Freddie blinked as he watched her go. What the devil? “Excuse me,” Freddie called after her. “I’d asked for some biscuits as well.”

She sighed. Sighed! “My apologies, my lord. I shall return to the kitchen and fetch them immediately.” Did he hear irritation in her voice? Surely not.

“Thank you?” Freddie said, uncertain whether to be annoyed or impressed by her spunk.

Should he speak to his aunt about her?

He pushed the thought aside and turned his attention back to something more enticing—his wife.

She held his gaze. “I remember you being well-versed in the myths also.”

Freddie shrugged. “It’s been years since I spent time in their pages.”

“It seems neither of us has kept up on them. Perhaps we can study them together.” She stood and came to sit next to him on the sofa—much closer than he’d dared hope.

He held back the huzza poised on the tip of his tongue. Indeed, he’d need to thank the Greeks, if ever he came upon one.