If Baron Vanderbean wasn’t a good enough catch, common Tommy Wynchester was an even more laughable match. To Philippa, it was all a grand jest.

“I feel as though most people would mind,” Tommy said. “If a baron turned out to be a chimneysweep.”

“Then I am honored not to be most people,” Philippa answered. “You are certainly unique. Might I inquire why you’re pretending to be a baron?”

“It’s complicated,” Tommy hedged.

Philippa nodded. “I figured as much. My life has never been complicated. This is the most exciting turn it has ever taken.”

Well, if that was all she wanted, then Tommy was an endless store of surprising twists. She could confess her true sex. She could take Philippa’s hands in hers and lift them to her lips to kiss them. She could take Philippa into her lap and kiss her. She could…

Not do any of those things. Not here in Hyde Park.

Not ever.

A carriage pulled alongside the Wynchester phaeton, revealing the Earl and Countess of Southwell. They made twin expectant expressions at Philippa.

“How do you do, Lady Southwell, Lord Southwell?” she greeted them obediently.

“How do you do, Miss York?” said the countess. “Who is your gentleman?”

“Er,” said Tommy.

“Oh, he’s not my gentleman,” Philippa said. “This is Baron Vanderbean.”

Tommy coughed into her gloved hand.

“I’ve already begun,” Philippa whispered. “Why stop now?”

“Baron Vanderbean!” The countess sent a look of shock to her husband and drew herself up taller. “I suppose you’ve informed him of our little soirée tomorrow night?”

“Oh no, Lady Southwell,” said Philippa. “I would never be so presumptuous.”

“I suppose you wouldn’t,” said the countess. “I can scarcely credit my eyes at the sight of you with— But none of that is important. Baron Vanderbean, it would be our honor if you were to avail yourself of our hospitality. I’ll have a proper invitation sent round this evening.”

Before Tommy could reply, the wheels of the Southwell carriage sped up and whisked them forward to the next encounter.

Tommy snorted. “Why would it be her honor? Not one person has sent Baron Vanderbean an invitation or dropped off a calling card.”

Philippa’s eyes sparkled. “It would be her honor because you’re here with me. By accepting your escort this afternoon, I’ve inadvertently bested the most celebrated society hostesses. Reclusive Baron Vanderbean! Out in public with a wallflower! They will fight like cockerels to be the first to host you at a private gathering.”

“But I’m not Baron Vanderbean,” Tommy pointed out.

Philippa arched her brows. “You weren’t too concerned about that before you told me the truth.”

“I’m never concerned about temporary costumes,” Tommy admitted. “I’ll pretend to be Queen of Balcovia for the afternoon if it amuses me. I just hadn’t meant to make you complicit in my schemes.”