Lily picked up her pace, tugging her kerchief off her head as she went. It was easy for Ivy to run into an impromptu meeting, as she was dressed in a pretty white day dress, her hair arranged in waves that led to a stylish chignon. Then there was Lily, in a dowdy VAD uniform, hair pinned back for purely utilitarian purposes.

Not that she really cared about impressing the Russian. He may be intriguing, but that didn’t mean she wanted a romance. Certainly not one that was mere happenstance, as his new friend called on her sister.

And why was she even thinking this way? It was ridiculous. She’d only met the man once. Besides, far more likely was that both of the men outside would be taken with Ivy. It was the usual way—and Lily could hardly blame them. She herself might not be bad to look at, but beside her sister’s vivacious charm, Lily might as well be one of their mother’s paintings. Flat, two-dimensional. Interesting for a moment’s glance, but not much beyond it.

Oh, she had no doubt that in a different world, where the men weren’t so outnumbered, she may have been able to find one who preferred a quiet wife. She just wasn’t sure that world still existed. And wasn’t all that upset at the notion.

So she really didn’t mind that Ivy would unquestionably steal the hearts of both their guests. She could think of no more deserving a recipient of affection, and it was only fitting that Ivy have her choice. Her little sister’s happiness was crucial to Lily’s own.

And the beaming smile Ivy gave her over her shoulder as she stepped outside said that she was anticipating plenty of happiness. Lily, camera still in hand, spun the knurled screw and lifted it to snap another quick photo. It probably wouldn’t turn out, given that she had only guessed at the focus, but sometimes those unplanned ones surprised her.

Ivy laughed. “Put that away and come along. They’re leaving the park.”

They were. And they were coming in their direction—no doubt the quickest route to their flats or a tube station—so they’d have to pass them. Lily folded her camera and slid it into her pocket even as she hurried to Ivy’s side and linked their arms together, as much to restrain as to proclaim solidarity. “Remember what Mama always says, Ivy. Don’t appear overeager.”

Ivy’s smile was the perfect complement to her rosy cheeks. “And remember what Daddy says—be yourself and any young man worth his salt will take notice.”

A laugh tickled Lily’s throat. “Well, in your case at least, I can’t argue.”