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“I remember you talking about Julian. Is he also married?” she asked. “When will we next see him?”

“No.” Freddie frowned. “We won’t be seeing him. Jules was killed fighting Napoleon on the Peninsula.”

Pippy’s hand shot up to her mouth. “Oh, Freddie. I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

He put his hand on her shoulder. “You need not apologize. You said nothing out of turn. And in any case, it’s been nearly five years.” His brow furrowed. “Lud, I can hardly believe it’s been so long. How does time go on when such a tragedy occurs?”

They stood in silence for a moment, Freddie deep in his thoughts, and Pippy uncertain how to offer him comfort.

“How may I assist you?” an older man with spectacles and gray hair asked.

Freddie sucked in a breath and smiled broadly. “My wife is in need of gold leaf. Might you have any?”

The man nodded and motioned them toward the far corner of the store. “Indeed, I have several booklets left.”

Pippy picked one up and carefully ran her thumb across the edges.

“Is there anything else you require?” he asked.

Freddie looked to her. “Well?”

She shook her head. “This is what I came for.”

Freddie watched her for a moment. “Are you certain there’s no book you wish to purchase?”

She shook her head. “The library at Bellthorne is extensive. I’m certain I can find something to read there.” But even as she spoke, her gaze drifted to the rows of books.

Freddie chuckled. “I believe this will be all—for today.”

“Very good, sir.” The man took the gold leaf and wrapped it in brown paper, tying it off with twine. Freddie paid for the purchase, and the shopkeeper handed Pippy the package.

“Good afternoon, sir,” the man called as Freddie held the door open for Pippy.

“And to you,” Freddie called before it closed behind them.

“To the milliner’s?” he asked.

“I suppose we should,” she said. She didn’t particularly wish to meet up with Lord Kentwood. She and Freddie had been enjoying a lovely time. But there was little choice in that matter. She could only hope he did not insist on helping with the gilding. Her eyes widened at the thought. Lawks, that would make for a long evening.

Pippy stood back to look at all they had gathered. They’d worked all evening to gild the walnuts and acorn tops. A small pot of old white paint had been found, and they’d brushed it on the tips of the pinecones.

The deep-red velvet ribbon added the perfect touch to tie everything together.

She smiled. They had everything they needed to decorate their rooms. And to win the competition. No one would have anything so lovely. She was certain of that.

Freddie came to stand beside her. “You’ve done well.” He stared down at their piles. “I believe we have a good chance of winning. And it’s all because of you.”

She shook her head, even as she warmed at his praise. “No, it was a joint effort. Your sisters gilded just as much as I did.” She looked around. “And the white paint was Evie’s idea.” She picked up a pinecone. “They look very snowy, do they not?”

Freddie took it from her hand. “Indeed, they do.” He placed it back on the pile and straightened. “Where is my father? He should be here to help, should he not?”

Pippy had been rather relieved by his absence.

“Ari, where is Father?” he asked.

His sister shrugged. “He said he had a meeting in the village and we should begin without him.”

Freddie frowned. “A meeting in the village? With whom?”