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She took in a calming breath. This sister sounded nice enough. Surely they would not have the same feelings toward her as their father.

She stepped out from behind Freddie and stood next to him.

His sister’s eyes widened as they flicked between the two of them.

“Lady Evangeline, may I introduce my wife, Lady Weymouth.”

Lady Evangeline blinked several times.

It was not proving to be the introduction Pippy had hoped for.

Pippy stepped forward and smiled, dipping into a curtsy. She knew not what else to do to hurry the introduction along. “Lady Evangeline, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your brother speaks of you often and with great fondness.”

A smile slowly spread across the young lady’s face. She clapped her hands together and let out a quiet sort of squeak. “Oh, the pleasure is all mine, my lady.” She opened the door wider and her eyes sparkled with…mirth? Or excitement? Was it possible it was happiness? “Please, come in. My sister, Lady Arabella, will want to meet you.”

Freddie stepped to the side and motioned Pippy through the door, then followed behind her into a lovely pale-green sitting room.

Pippy glanced around the room, hoping not to see the earl lurking in the corner. When she did not see his hulking form, she sagged with relief. Having not seen him, she did not know what he looked like. It was only his tone she knew was hulking.

“Ari, come here,” Lady Evangeline called toward a closed door of what was surely their bedchamber.

A younger girl, with the same dark brown hair as Freddie’s, came out of the room. Her brown eyes widened when she saw her brother. She hurried over and launched herself into his arms. “Freddie!” She squealed with delight. “You’re come at last.”

Pippy could not help but smile. It was refreshing to see siblings who cared for one another.

Freddie swung his sister around in a circle before setting her feet firmly on the carpet. “It’s you who’s come at last. We’ve been here for two days already. I began to think you’d changed your mind and decided to stay in Somerset.”

She shook her head. “Of course not. You know I would not miss—” She paused. “We?” It was then she seemed to realize Pippy was standing beside him. Perhaps a little behind—again—but still close. One side of the girl’s lips lifted. “Freddie, where are your manners? Are you not to introduce us?”

She looked to be several years younger than Lady Evangeline—not older than twelve? Perhaps thirteen? Her manners were commendable for one so young.

Freddie grinned and lifted his hand toward her. “Arabella, I would like you to meet my wife, Lady Weymouth.”

Lady Arabella dipped into a practiced curtsy. Her governess had done very well with the girl.

Pippy stiffened. Did the formality mean she would have the same opinion as her father? “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady,” the girl said.

Pippy curtsied back. “The pleasure is all mine, Lady Arabella.”

His sister looked her up and down. “You’re very handsome. That is not surprising. My brother is also very handsome. I cannot think he would choose an ugly wife.”

“Arabella!” Both Freddie and Lady Evangeline said at the same time.

Pippy could not help but smile. Maybe there was hope for a friendship after all. Lady Arabella seemed to have exhausted all her fine manners with the introduction.

Pippy nodded. “He is handsome, indeed.” Her face heated as she flicked a glance over to her husband.

His brows flicked up as he clasped his hands behind his back and rocked onto his heels several times. He looked altogether too pleased with himself.

Lady Evangeline took hold of Pippy’s hand and led her to the sofa. “We should like to get to know our new sister-in-law.” She glanced at her brother. “Leave her to us, and you may go find Lord Finsbury and Lord Stanhope. I believe they arrived just behind us.”

Freddie looked slightly alarmed…which made Pippy feel slightly alarmed. Was he concerned to leave her with them? What was he afraid they might do?

“Do not worry, brother dear. We shall not tell her too many of your secrets,” Lady Arabella said with a gleam in her eye.

Freddie’s alarm seemed to grow. “Perhaps it’s best if I stay. I don’t wish you to overwhelm her on your first meeting.”

Lady Arabella took his hand and dragged him toward the door. “Off with you. The ladies wish to talk.”