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It was not from watching his parents. While theirs had not started as a love match, it had become one over their years together. Love and respect—that was what Freddie had observed throughout his youth and early adulthood. So why had he waited so long? Why had he dug in his heels and refused until his hand was forced?

He glanced sidelong at Pippy. It was her, was it not? She was the difference. Never had he found a woman he could fathom being leg-shackled to for the rest of his life. And yet, when the idea had come those few weeks ago, he’d never really looked back. There had been moments of uncertainty. But that was only when others voiced opposition. Since coming to Bellthorne he could not imagine being married to anyone else. And he was even beginning to forget what it had been like not to be married at all. How could that be possible?

Freddie still wished Miles and Grace had come to the party. He had questions to ask. Fin and Stan had proven they were beyond useless.

“At last, we’ve arrived,” Evie groaned.

“This was no farther than the pond at Briarcliff. And you do not complain about that walk,” their father pointed out.

“But it’s not so cold at home.” She rubbed her nose. “I cannot even feel the tip of my nose.”

“But the snow is delightful,” Ari said, her eyes bright, even as a tear escaped and ran down her cheek.

“I would be delighted to return to the house if you should like to go, my dear,” Lord Kentwood said.

Just then, Fin and Stan came to stand beside them. Both men had skates thrown over their shoulders.

Evie cleared her throat. “I do not wish to return to the house, Papa. But if you are so inclined, I’m certain Freddie and Pippy will watch over me.”

Lord Kentwood looked at them. “I’ll stay.”

Pippy shook her head. “It’s no bother at all. We’ll have a delightful time, will we not?” She smiled at his sisters, who both nodded.

Fin clapped him on the back. “Go. Enjoy a nice, quiet afternoon, my lord. We’ll see to your daughters’ entertainment.”

Freddie thought Fin’s declaration might have the opposite effect. His father looked nearly ready to stay where he was.

Evie patted his arm. “You look chilled through, Papa. Please, return to the house before you catch a cold.”

Lord Kentwood studied her, but then shrugged. “Very well. I’ll see you at dinner.” He nodded, handing Ari and Evie each a pair of skates. Then he turned back the way they had come.

Evie sidled in between Stan and Fin. “My lords, I did not know you were planning to come. We should have waited had we known.”

Freddie stared at her. “What is that all about?” he whispered to Pippy.

She shrugged. “I’m uncertain.”

Stan squinted out at those already on the ice. “Only the old or infirm stayed behind. Not quite the company we wished to keep.”

“You flatter us by implying we are more interesting than the old and infirm.” Freddie raised a brow. “Lud, Stan. You’re ridiculous.” He held out his hand for Pippy to take. “May I help you with your skates, my dear?” He mentally kept himself from calling her “my love”—she had not seemed to like that term.

She smiled at him and took his hand. “Thank you.” She lowered herself onto a log situated next to the lake. Smaller pieces supported each end, lifting it off the ground and raising it to the height of a bench.

Pippy arranged her skirts around her.

Evie and Ari sat down next to her.

Freddie kneeled on the ground and pulled her skates off his shoulder. One by one, he fastened the metal blades onto the bottom of her boots.

“How long has it been since you wore these?” he asked.

“It’s been some time. We’ve been in London the last few winters.” Her smile fell, almost as if it brought back undesirable memories.

He fastened the last latch and looked up at her, patting her feet. “You’re ready for the ice.”

She’d been happy to find the blades in her trunks, which had arrived from Wraithmoore Park just before the storm started.

Freddie and his sisters were not so fortunate. They’d had to use skates provided by Lady Dalmeer.