Page 127 of Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
The call ended with her mum somewhat mollified, although Nory fully expected her to begin a WhatsApp conversation later.
Nory was just passing by Le Gavroche, a very fancy restaurant that she could never in her wildest dreams afford to eat at, when a familiar figure walked out the door.
“Pippa? What are you doing here?”
“That’s a fine way to greet a friend,” said Pippa, who was dressed like a young Princess Anne taking the dogs out for a walk in Balmoral.
“Sorry. Obviously, I’m delighted to see you. I’m justsurprisedto see you.”
“I’ve got business.”
“On a Sunday night?”
Pippa licked her lips and one eye twitched.
“You’re lying!” Nory smiled with mischief. “I know when you’re being cagey.”
Pippa exhaled and pulled her shoulders back. “If you must know, I was having dinner with someone.”
“Duh, I would never have guessed. Who?” Nory asked. “Don’t make me drag it out of you.”
“I should like to see you try.”
“I know where your ticklish spot is, remember?”
“Lord Abercrombie. There, I’ve said it. Now you know. I’d appreciate your discretion in this matter.”
Nory clapped her hands to her mouth to squash the squeal that wanted to escape. “What, like, dinner, dinner?”
“Yes.”
“How old...?”
“He’s only fifty-two.”
“Oh yes, of course he is. I suppose he just seems older to me because he was already a proper adult when I was a child.”
“Don’t make it icky.”
“Sorry. It’s not icky at all. In fact, you two make perfectsense. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before. He is very handsome in that rugged landowner sort of way.”
“Yes, well, it’s early days.”
“But you like him.”
Pippa smiled. “I do.”
“Where is he?” Nory asked, exaggeratedly peering around Pippa’s shoulders as though Lord Abercrombie might be hiding behind her tall friend.
“He’s talking with the chef. He chats to everyone, he’s much friendlier than I am. I needed some air.”
“I think you’re friendly.” Nory grinned.
“You are one of the few.”
“So, did you go Dutch, or did you actually let a date pay for you?”
“I paid for dinner; Mitch is paying for the hotel.”
