Page 80

She stared at him, her brow creased as if trying to solve a charade.

He swallowed and nodded to the package. “Please, open it.”

She pulled the twine bow and pulled the paper aside. “Le Morte d’Arthur, by Sir Thomas Malory,” she said. She looked up at him. “I loved this book when I was young.”

“I’ve had my doubts that you’ve forsaken Arthur completely.”

She flopped open the book and her finger traced the words of a few paragraphs.

He’d never immersed himself in Arthur the way Pippy had. His tutor had insisted he learn enough to discuss it without looking daft, but not much beyond. Freddie had found more pleasure in the Greeks.

However, he could see the advantages of reading the book with Pippy curled up next to him on their sofa.

“Thank you,” she said, rubbing her hand over the cover.

He shrugged and lifted his arm to her. “Shall we go down?”

She set the book on the side table. Then, with a deep breath, she nodded.

“What’s the matter?” Freddie turned to look at her.

Pippy lifted her hand, but it only reached her waist before she dropped it back to her side. Instead, she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.

Blast it all, that was dangerous territory.

Her brow creased. “The last ball I attended did not go to plan. I realize I no longer have to worry over the likes of Mr. Rochester. But still⁠—”

Freddie nodded. He should have considered that. “Come now, Lord Murphy’s ball was not a complete disappointment, was it? Is that not when we made our plans to marry?” He thought rather fondly of that night. But perhaps she did not feel the same. He held his breath while he waited for her answer.

She smiled. “You’re right. There was much good that came from that ball. I shall try to have that memory take precedence over all the others.”

She had to try? It did not come naturally? He mentally stopped himself from fisting his hands. “Are you ready to go down?” he asked again.

“Yes,” she said, sounding more confident than before.

They made their way to the long gallery. It was already bustling with house party guests and many of the local residents.

From the balcony above, the musicians played a jaunty tune as the couples danced a reel down the center of the room.

“Ah, just as I prefer it. The ball is well under way.” Freddie couldn’t help but be pleased with his timing.

His aunt approached from the side, coming up to them before Freddie could pretend he’d not seen her and escape. “Good evening, Weymouth. I see you take after the ways of my son and are fashionably late.”

Freddie shrugged. “I had a devil of a time tying my cravat. It was having none of it.”

She eyed the perfectly tied Mathematical and sniffed. “It looks well enough to me.”

Freddie nodded. “As it should after taking so long to accomplish. But I believe it was worth being late, do you not agree?”

She raised a brow at him. “I do not.”

“Then I beg your forgiveness, my lady.” He bowed exaggeratedly.

“You are looking very fine this evening, Lady Weymouth.” Lady Dalmeer gave them a knowing smile. “I suppose you were on your way to thank me. But I thought to save you the time and came to you.” Her brows perched high on her head in expectation. “Whenever you’re ready.” She fluttered her fan and stood there.

Pippy looked at Freddie, as if he might know what his aunt was speaking of.

He gave her a confused look.