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“Ah,” she stammered.

“I agree with Freddie,” said Ari. She threw a defiant look at her father. “I think it entirely appropriate.”

“As do I,” Pippy said at last.

Lord Kentwood gave his daughter a bland look and crossed his arms over his ample chest. “I can only imagine what the vicar would say if he heard you speak in such a manner.”

Freddie turned his attention to Pippy and winked. She loved it when he did that.

“It is highly—” Lord Kentwood paused as a snowflake clung to his eyelashes.

“Ah.” Freddie jumped in, taking the break as a chance to change the subject. “The storm has arrived.” He motioned to Pippy and his sisters. “Let’s hurry inside before it starts in earnest.”

Pippy looked up at the sky, and several flakes fell into her eyes. “Do you think it will last long?” The wind picked up, and she shivered.

“Regardless, it’s too cold to stay out of doors any longer.” He put his hand on the small of her back and walked beside her. What did he mean it was too cold? She was nothing but warm.

But she conceded. “I suppose you’re right.”

He leaned in close. “Come, I’ll send for some chocolate, and we shall enjoy it in the privacy of our sitting room.”

Pippy smiled up at him. “That sounds lovely, Freddie. Thank you.”

They followed his sisters and father back to the house, their footprints marking their path in the fresh skiff of snow.

Sixteen

Freddie peered out their window as he slid on his tailcoat before breakfast. The snow continued to fall in earnest. It was a beautiful sight.

It must have snowed all night, but he did not mind. It would allow him more time in the sitting room with Pippy. Their conversation over chocolate the day before had been pleasant, but did not stray much from the weather. A rather vexing subject as it turned out. But perhaps today would be different?

She likely wouldn’t watch him so unabashedly as she had while flying their kite rather poorly. But perhaps she would keep glancing in his direction when she thought he was not looking. Catching her watching him was a game he’d grown rather fond of—even if she didn’t know she was playing.

He looked back out the window. Perhaps there was something else they could do together.

“Have you seen this?” he asked as he walked into their sitting room and hooked his thumb over his shoulder. “I suppose attending church is out of the question.”

Pippy looked up from her book.

He paused mid-stride.

She sat on the couch, her feet pulled up under her and a rug spread across her lap. She was dressed in a morning gown, but her hair still hung in a braid over her shoulder.

Freddie’s chest warmed. Lud, he loved seeing her like that. It took all his restraint not to pull her to him and kiss her each night before she climbed into their bed. He didn’t dislike her hair when it was pinned in a tidy knot, but there was something about that braid hanging over her shoulder that made him want to unplait it and run his fingers through the length of it. Was that normal behavior for a husband? Should he not know that answer?

She smiled. “Have I seen what?”

“The…the snow?” he stammered. “There must be at least six inches on the ground.” He continued walking to the couch and dropped onto the opposite end.

A sparkle appeared in her eyes. “I saw it. It’s quite the loveliest thing, is it not?”

Freddie looked at her, his brows quirking ever so slightly. “It’s likely the second loveliest thing I’ve seen even today.” He paused, wondering if she would catch his meaning. Likely not. He should just come out and tell her how handsome he thought her. But he did not wish to ruin their equanimity. “But I agree with you. It’s very pretty.” He ran his hands down his thighs.

Her face colored nicely. Perhaps she had understood his meaning.

“I should think most of the activities will be canceled. I’m afraid it will be too difficult to see to them.” He kicked his stockinged feet onto the low table in front of them. “But it does not follow that there should not be any activities outside. I can think of several games that could be quite entertaining.”

She put her book aside and turned toward him, her stockinged feet peeking out of the edge of the rug. “Oh? What do you have in mind?”