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He felt a moment of guilt for his uncharitable thoughts. But surely the Lord understood, even if the vicar would not.

He sighed. They’d simply need to return quickly after the service ended, else he and Pippy would not have time for all the clues he’d created.

His mouth ticked up. Perhaps he’d be lucky and Pippy would fall asleep on him again.

The carriages stopped in a line on the drive leading to the village church. It was larger than Freddie’s parish church in Somerset—as befitted a village the size of Applebury.

He stepped out onto the pavement and held out his hand. Once Pippy was out of the carriage, they moved aside, and he allowed his father to hand out his sisters.

As a family, they moved to the door of the church, where the vicar, Mr. Tomlinson, stood greeting his parishioners. “A lovely morning, is it not, Lady Dalmeer?” Mr. Tomlinson patted Freddie’s aunt’s hand as they talked. “A perfect Christmas morning, I do believe. Mrs. Tomlinson would have especially enjoyed it.” A shadow passed over the man’s face, and he patted Lady Dalmeer’s hand harder. But then he seemed to come to himself and smiled, releasing her at last.

“Indeed it is,” Lady Dalmeer purred up at him.

Freddie lifted a brow and leaned toward Pippy’s ear. “Is my aunt flirting with the vicar?”

Pippy glanced over at him. “I don’t believe I know her well enough to say.”

“I know her well enough,” he muttered. It was highly inappropriate. The man was only six months widowed, and his aunt was at least fifteen years his senior. It was beyond the pale.

Evie tipped her head to the side. “He’s a very handsome gentleman. I understand her interest.”

Freddie frowned. “He’s far too old for you to consider him handsome.” Where had that come from? Lud, is that what he had to look forward to when she came out? Maybe Miles and Grace could oversee that.

Lady Dalmeer concluded her flirting, and they all filed into the church, offering quick nods to the vicar as they passed. Strains of organ music greeted them, and they continued down the aisle to the family box.

“I always sit on the aisle. It gives me a better view.” Lady Dalmeer declared, motioning his father and sisters into the pew.

“What does she need to see?” Ari asked as she followed their father.

As Freddie led Pippy in behind Evie, his aunt reached out and put a hand on his wrist. “I have assigned you to sit in the next pew. I’m saving a place for Archie.” Her lips turned up, but Freddie couldn’t say it was a smile. “And you’ve already found your match, dear.”

Freddie studied his aunt before motioning his wife into the pew behind. Was she angry he’d denied her the chance to make a match for him? He grinned to himself. He rather congratulated himself on foiling her plans.

He allowed Pippy to sit at the far end and settled next to her, folding his arms over his chest. Hopefully, Mr. Tomlinson would be brief. Freddie was in no mood for a lengthy sermon. He had plans and wanted them to begin as soon as possible.

The doors finally closed, and Mr. Tomlinson entered from the vestry. He looked properly contrite and pious as he walked to the reading desk. The congregation stood.

Freddie could not help but notice Archie had not yet arrived. Apparently, he had no qualms about missing the Christmas service. Freddie gave a small shake of his head. His cousin was in rare form this Christmastide.

“Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Mr. Tomlinson spoke loud and clear. Freddie settled into his seat.

As the congregation kneeled for confession, Freddie took the opportunity to look around him and see where everyone was situated. He found Stan and Fin on the other side of the nave, seated next to Miss Cantrel and Miss Nesbitt. The ladies seemed thrilled at their luck. But the gentlemen, perhaps, didn’t share the same feelings. Fin looked bored with the whole situation.

Freddie pulled out his pocket watch and gasped. Thirty-five minutes, and they had yet to hear a word of the sermon. He released a frustrated breath.

Pippy glanced over at him, her brow puckered.

He flicked up his lips.

Finally, Mr. Tomlinson climbed the stairs and stood at the pulpit.

The door opened in the back, and Archie strolled down the aisle. Strolled!

Freddie rolled his eyes. His cousin could be entertaining under the right circumstances, but at times his devil-may-care attitude was vexing. Or perhaps it was simply jealousy. Freddie could never behave as Archie did. His father wouldn’t permit it.

Archie slid into the family pew, but not before crossing over in front of his mother and settling between two young ladies.

Mr. Tomlinson cleared his throat and grasped the sides of the lectern.