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Dearest Pippa,
Her gaze lingered on ‘dearest Pippa’ for far too long. She lowered the letter, noting that her mother discreetly watched her. Her father was occupied with reading the newssheet and her brother had departed the townhouse almost an hour ago. Deciding it would appear more suspicious if she ran to her bedchamber to read the rest of the letter, she determinedly lifted her chin and continued reading.
A balloon ascent is going to take place at eleven thirty this morning from Hyde Park. It has been postponed for several weeks because of the spate of dreadful weather, but I have it on good authority that it will take place today as the weather is fine and the winds have dropped.
I was planning on taking my landau to view the take off and wondered if you would do me the honor of accompanying me. If you can be ready by ten thirty, then I will call to collect you.
Your humble servant,
William
Pippa felt a shock of thrill, followed by confusion. First the flowers and then an invitation to drive out. She quickly read the letter again, now aware that her father peeked at her from over his newssheet. Pippa suspected her mother had informed her of the marquess’s proposal in the country and that he had sent flowers.
There was no doubt in her mind they had stayed awake late last night plotting her wedding to the marquess.
Ridiculous.
Deciding to act airy and unconcerned, she glanced at the footman who had handed the letter to her. “Did the messenger wait for an answer?”
“Yes, my lady, he’s waiting in the hall,” the footman said.
“Please inform him I will be ready as requested and make sure he is compensated for his troubles.”
The footman bowed before departing to deliver her message.
“And where do you head to, Phillipa?” her father asked, lowering the newssheet. “Is it an outing with Harriet or Agatha?”
Pippa flushed and delicately cleared her throat. “Lord Trent has invited me to a ride in Hyde Park where we will then watch the balloon ascent. I cannot imagine why he invited me but I…”
Her mother and father shared a quick, delighted glance.
Pippa did not like their excitement, knowing it would result in heavy disappointment. “I acted in haste by consenting without asking you, mama. If you have need of—”
“Of course, you must go!” her mother said beaming. “Ensure you take Sally with you.”
“The marquess plans to drive in an open landau, mama. I daresay there should be no need for strict chaperonage.”
“Very well,” her mother said with another small smile, yet her eyes glinted with that matchmaking light. Pippa made a good breakfast, ate at her leisure, and then quickly went up to her bedchamber and changed for her outing, remembering to carry her parasol as it was proving to be a warm day. She chose her gown carefully, picking a sprigged muslin in pale lemon, and a straw bonnet with matching lemon ribbons. A little before half past ten she was downstairs waiting and fretfully resisting the desire to vulgarly stare out the window in anticipation of William’s arrival.
The door knocker sounded at exactly half past the hour. Pippa waited in the drawing room for the family butler to enter and inform her that Lord Trent was waiting to escort her.
“Thank you, Dobson, I will be right out. Could you please inform mother that I have departed with Lord Trent for the balloon ascent in Hyde Park?”
Pippa picked up her reticule and parasol and, holding them almost like a shield, Pippa made her way from the drawing room. William stood waiting in the hall, holding his hat in his hand, peering up at a painting. His handsome visage fairly stole Pippa’s breath and sent her heart into a swift beat. He was dressed in a beautiful, dark blue coat in Bath superfine which clung to his shoulders as if it desired to be close to him as much as Pippa did herself.
As if he sensed her, he looked toward her, something tender and possessive leaping into his gaze. Her steps faltered before she straightened her spine and continued onward.Why do you look at me so, William?She silently cried, aching to rush into his arms and just be held.
“My lord,” Pippa said in greeting.
She politely dipped into a curtsy and, though he arched a brow at her politeness, he bowed. “Lady Phillipa, thank you for honoring me with your presence.”
This civility between them after such wanton impropriety almost brought a smile to her lips. She felt as if they were on a stage of sorts, except she did not understand what audience they playacted for. Pippa took William’s arm as he led her to his landau, the roof already folded down, and helped her inside. It was a beautiful equipage pulled by a team of magnificent bays. Soon they were on the way. She sat facing him, aware of the few curious stares they received from people they drove past. Pippa cleared her throat and when his gaze landed on her, his intensity felt like a blow. “Thank you for the bouquet. They were beautiful flowers.”
“I am pleased you enjoyed them.”
Flustered with how he looked at her, she made a concentrated effort to look about as they rumbled toward the park, weaving their way through the city streets. Pippa noticed that there was a lot of traffic and that most of it seemed to be heading for Hyde Park. Reaching Hyde Park although it was before the hour of eleven, they found many carriages already parked and full of people eager to see the balloon ascend. The driver continued forward despite there being several rows of carriages already before them. However, a carriage pulled out of one space in the first row and William jumped down to carefully ease the carriage to the freed-up space.
“That was lucky that a space became available,” Pippa said, resting the flutter of nerves filling her belly.
