“It’s not just you. I’m tired of everyone making decisions for me. I’ve had a lifetime of it.” Philippa’s shoulders deflated. “I suppose you expect me to sit around quietly whilst you gad about stealing more manuscripts.”

“Er,” said Tommy. That was exactly the plan. Or had been.

“I’m grateful,” Philippa said. “Even if I’m disappointed. I might’ve thought if the wild Wynchesters can do impossible things, surely you could have devised a method to communicate with me. A reverse homing kitten. A messenger falcon.”

“There might be a messenger falcon,” Tommy mumbled. “I didn’t think—”

Philippa’s eyes were glassy. “I don’t want to be the fair maiden to your knight. If you can be your own heroine, why shouldn’t I want it, too? I thought you of all people would understand.”

The dining room door swung open and Mrs. York burst inside.

“What is the meaning of this impudence?” she demanded. “I will inform you when I am ready to preside over formal tea.”

“No tea necessary, Mother,” Philippa said. “Perhaps you can show Great-Aunt Wynchester to the door. She was just leaving. And I must return to my friends.”

21

21

From the moment Philippa was announced at the Oglethorpe ball, her senses were alert for any sign of Tommy. Would she come? Or would she stay away because of their row? Once Philippa had calmed, she regretted sending Tommy off like that, and had wished she could call her back.Tonight would be their first chance to make up. Presuming Tommy wanted to do so.

Philippa lifted herself onto her toes, then returned to her heels before her mother caught her behaving inappropriately. The entire reason she had accepted her mother’s tall stack of invitations was out of hope Tommy would be at the same events. And now…

Philippa was supposed to be hunting Captain Northrup.

He was laughably simple to locate, holding court with a bevy of sycophants eager to claim they had long been particular friends of the new viscount, even before he was awarded his title.

Baron Vanderbean should have been just as easy to spot, if for different reasons. Rather than positioning herself in the center of an adoring crowd, Tommy tended to swagger right past them with little more than a word and wink, because her eyes were only for Philippa.

At least, they had been.

“I hope you’re not looking for that upstart Vanderbean,” said Mother. “You’re not to dance with anyone until after you’ve had your set with Captain Northrup.”

“Technically,” said Philippa, “Northrup is the upstart. Baron Vanderbean was always his father’s heir. Northrup is the newcomer to rank and consequence. Or will be. He doesn’t yet have his title. I suppose that makes him a not-even-started.”