She suddenly screwed up her face and twitched as though she were sneezing into a sandstorm.
“What are you doing?” Tommy whispered.
“She thinks she’s batting her eyes,” said Mrs. York. “Itoldher to practice in the looking glass.”
Tommy was thrilled. Being flirted with terribly was leagues better than not being flirted with at all.
“It’s charming,” she assured Philippa. “Probably only to me. Therefore, I cannot recommend deploying that particular expression again. But rest assured that with Baron Vanderbean, it indeed had its desired impact.”
Philippa’s face was skeptical. She dropped her voice to a whisper. “What might you know about my desires?”
Tommy made a lascivious expression and murmured, “Only that I would be happy to grant them.”
Philippa tilted her head. Was she thinking the offer over?
She might only be acting flirtatious to keep up appearances. Then again, if those disturbing facial contortions were her best attempt atacting…
Mayhap the rest was real.
“I believe I’ll take a stroll in the gardens.” Elizabeth leaned on her sword stick. “I’ve always wanted to explore the ‘Dark Walk.’”
“I’ll go with you,” Marjorie said loudly.
“Baron Vanderbean,” said Elizabeth. “Would you and Miss York like to join us?”
Mrs. York gasped. “On theDark Walk?”
“It’s not dark,” Philippa pointed out. “It’s midafternoon.”
“But—” Mrs. York flapped her hands. “The things the gossips say happen on those paths after nightfall—”
“Don’t worry,” said Elizabeth. “The real reason I carry a cane is to knock blackguards unconscious in one swoop.”
“And it’s sunny,” Marjorie added.
“It is a fine afternoon,” Mrs. York admitted. “I’ll go with you.”
“Oh dear,” said Chloe. “His Grace and I were hoping you would accompany us for a stroll down the Grand Walk to the Rotunda.”
Faircliffe looked as though he’d rather fly off in a balloon than spend another moment with Mrs. York.
Behind Chloe, a few society ladies looked on shamelessly.
“Of course I’m happy to accompany the Duke and Duchess of Faircliffe wherever they wish as their particular favored guest,” Mrs. York announced. “Philippa, meet me at the Rotunda in one hour, and not a second later.”
“You carry a pocket watch?” Tommy asked Philippa in surprise. “I never noticed.”
Philippa dropped her voice. “No. Neither does Mother. She just likes to appear in control in front of her friends.”
“I shan’t disappoint her.” Tommy made a show of consulting her own watch. “It is my honor. We shall deliver your daughter with ten minutes to spare.”
“Why did you give up ten of our minutes?” Philippa whispered.
“I didn’t,” Tommy whispered back. “You just told me she hasn’t a pocket watch. I’ll set mine to be half an hour late.”
As the groups divided in separate directions, a rush of joy filled her at the prospect of having more of Philippa’s company.
Courting Philippa was a dream come true, even if it was make-believe.
