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His sisters had moved up beside Pippy. “This will be ever so delightful. Do you not agree, Pippy?” Ari asked. She said Pippy’s name as though she knew it vexed Freddie.

Pippy looked over and grinned. “It holds great potential.” But her smile slipped when she glanced over and saw his father skulking toward them.

Freddie released a sigh. Why had his aunt put him in their grouping? What was to be gained by it? Could the good earl not have been with Lord and Lady Potsworth? They were all of a similar age and temperament. And his father likely would not scowl overly much with them—at least not at Lord Potsworth. Freddie could not promise the same with Lady Potsworth.

His brows rose. Unless she was punishing him for his marriage—which seemed the more likely scenario.

He grinned when he saw his aunt trying to put Archie in a group with Miss Caldwell, even though his cousin seemed intent on making a match with Miss Prescott. Freddie had no idea what his cousin was about. And Lady Dalmeer seemed determined to undermine the match. It was rather a spectacle to watch.

“Lord Finsbury and Lord Stanhope,” his aunt said. “You shall decorate with Miss Nesbitt, Miss Cantrel, and Lady Marguerite.”

“Zounds,” Stan said. “Do you think we could sneak off with you before they find us?”

Freddie would not have minded if she’d assigned the men to their group. But he shrugged it off. “It seems doubtful.” He nodded toward Lady Marguerite. “She’s already found you and does not seem ready to let you out of her sight.”

Fin slapped Stan on the shoulder. “I believe there’s some trickery at play.”

Pippy kept her hand over her mouth. “I think you may be correct, my lord.”

The two men slunk off, walking slowly so as to spend as little time with the ladies as possible.

The rest of the groups were paired, and people moved toward their various rooms to collect the proper attire for an outdoor adventure.

Freddie wondered if people realized how much time his aunt had spent curating the groups. Did they all know how much she plotted to match them up? She wore the distinction like a badge of honor.

Freddie glanced over at Pippy. Warmth filled his chest again, spreading out to his limbs. He was pleased he didn’t have to worry over it. He was a married man now, and far beyond his aunt’s scheming.

Freddie moved to the hall and waited while the footman fetched his greatcoat, gloves, and beaver.

“Good afternoon, son.” His father stopped beside him and pulled on his gloves, interlacing his fingers and pushing them on farther.

Freddie waited for his father to say more, but nothing came. He wasn’t sure if that pleased him or not.

“I’m surprised my aunt didn’t put you with the Potsworths,” Freddie said without looking up from his gloves.

“She did,” his father said. “But I asked her to add me to your group.”

Freddie squinted up at him then. “Why would you do that?”

His father lifted a brow. “Let’s call it curiosity.”

“About?”

His father shook his head. “Never you mind.”

Freddie’s hands clenched at his sides. Why must his father be so blasted vexing?

Pippy and his sisters came down the stairs in woolen walking gowns.

She flicked up the corners of her lips when she saw him, but it disappeared as soon as she saw his father.

The footman brought the ladies’ pelisses and bonnets. Except for the few bursts of voices as other groups came and went, silence permeated the entry hall.

A servant, wearing a heavy coat and carrying a swath of sackcloth, appeared and dipped his head, indicating he was to help them on their outing.

Freddie put his hand on the small of Pippy’s back. She hardly flinched at all. Did that mean she was growing accustomed to his touch? He couldn’t say why that thought delighted him. “Shall we be on our way?” He motioned toward the door as he lifted his arm to her.

“Where shall we go to look for the greenery?” Evie asked, hurrying to walk beside them.