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“I do not see why not.” Freddie sighed. “You gave me an ultimatum. I did as you ordered.” He folded his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing. He looked more like Sir Galahad than she’d ever seen him. “She’s the daughter of an earl—an older title, I believe. I see no reason for disapproval.”

“They are pockets to let,” Lord Kentwood emphasized each word. “I meant for you to marry someone from this party. Not some pauper you met on the streets of London.” He moved in front of Freddie.

“We are married,” Freddie said slowly. “And there’s nothing you can do about it.” He flicked up his lips. “Now, I shall go in search of my wife. If you’ll excuse me.” He dipped a shallow bow and stepped around his father.

Pippy looked wildly around. In seconds, he would catch her eavesdropping in the corridor. She would appear to be just what his father thought her to be—low-bred. Hurriedly, she ran to the next door and quietly pushed it open, sliding inside just as her husband stomped out of the morning room.

Pippy turned and put her back against the door. When she opened her eyes, she released a deep sigh.

At least she’d found herself in the music room. There was a pianoforte in the corner. It was not a violin—or fiddle as her mother called it—but it would do.

She moved over and began playing the music sitting on the stand. She did not know it, and was stumbling her way through it when the door opened and Freddie poked his head in. “Ah,” he said, pushing the door open wider. “Here you are.”

Pippy stopped playing and lifted her eyes to him. Could she hide that she’d heard the conversation? She schooled her features. “I’m sorry. Were you looking for me?”

He smiled. “Indeed, I was. There are some people I wish to introduce to you.”

Her heart seemed to stop inside her chest. Did she have to meet his father? She supposed it would have to happen sometime, but did it have to be then? How could she look at the man after he’d said such terrible things about her? About her father? Her hands gripped the side of the stool. About her mother?

He came over and stood next to the instrument. “My sisters have arrived from Somerset, and I’m eager for you to meet them.”

She relaxed slightly but only until she thought about what it meant. What if they didn’t like her? Would his father be there also? “Your sisters?” Her voice hitched. “I should love to meet them.” She stood and stepped around the stool.

“You’re very good.” He dipped his head toward the instrument.

She gave a nervous laugh. “You are being too kind.” She was not an embarrassment, but she was not a great proficient in any sense of the word.

He lifted a shoulder. “What I heard, I enjoyed very much.” He grinned. “My sister will be happy to have someone to accompany her.”

Pippy clasped her hands in front of her. “Does she sing?”

Freddie nodded. “Yes, but not publicly. She’ll need to practice performing before she comes out in a few years. The ton can be rather unforgiving in that regard.” He glanced over at her. “Perhaps you are just what she needs.”

“I’ll try my best,” Pippy said. And she meant it. While Freddie may not have given her a love match, he had saved her—at great expense. Assisting his sister in preparing for her debut into society was the least she could do to thank him.

The corridors echoed with the voices of new arrivals. Had Lady Dalmeer invited the whole of the ton?

Pippy lifted her finger to her lips and nibbled at the already throbbing fingertip. She tucked her hand into the folds of her skirt. If she didn’t stop, there would be no nail left. Surely that was something the earl wouldn’t find in her favor.

Freddie looked over at her as he led her up the staircase. “You need not worry about meeting them. They’ll be delighted.”

“You seem very certain of that,” she said as they walked down the corridor.

He shrugged. “That’s because I am certain.” He knocked at a door only two down and across the hall from their own. That did not seem very fortunate. Given the earl’s reaction, perhaps it would be better if they were farther apart. Perhaps in a different wing.

As they waited, she slowly moved behind her husband. Not all the way, but enough that she could disappear quickly.

The door opened, and it suddenly felt necessary. She sidestepped, hiding behind Freddie. It was chicken-livered, she knew. But what else was she to do? She’d heard what his father had said.

“Freddie,” a young woman’s voice squealed in delight.

Pippy peered over his shoulder to see a handsome young woman standing in the doorway. She had the same vibrant blue eyes as Freddie’s. But her hair was blond rather than brown.

The young lady threw her arms around Freddie’s neck—forcing Pippy to dodge her flying arms—and hugged him tightly. When she stepped back, she barely took a breath before she started speaking. “Oh, Freddie. Father’s in a state. When we arrived, Aunt Dalmeer told him you are married. Married! Is that not diverting? I told Ari it could not be true. Not you. You have always been so opposed to marriage. The notion that you would have married—and without telling any of us—is absurd. It’s⁠—”

Freddie lifted his hand and placed a single finger to her lips. “I’m pleased to see you as well, Evie. But there’s someone I wish for you to meet.” He reached behind him and grasped at Pippy’s wrist.

He could not see her, so if she’d been intent upon remaining there, she could have easily avoided him. But she knew she’d have to meet them eventually. They were her sisters-in-law, after all. How bad could they be? The image of Lady Mary and Miss Kensington popped into her head, and she shrank back slightly.