Page 27 of A Royal Mistake

“Neither.” Philip shrugged. “I’m allergic.”

Well, she could hardly fault him for that one.

“Anything else you’d like to share before we make our decision?” she asked, uncrossing and recrossing her legs.

Just a few more minutes. Then she could escape the gardens—which were starting to feel like the third circle of hell—and go take a cold shower.

“I need more time.” Philip’s gaze flicked from Pippa to Henry and back again. “You hardly know anything about me.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Henry drawled. “The last few minutes have been quite illuminating.”

“You chose those questions on purpose.” Philip sneered. “To make me look bad.”

As if he’d needed help in that area.

“Word of advice?” Henry leaned back in his chair, relaxed as you please. “Next time you want to impress a woman, take the time to look her in the eye. Maybe skip all those fancy titles and try asking about her interests.”

“This is bollocks.” Philip climbed to his feet, stabbing a finger at Henry. “I will not sit here and be insulted by some untitled prat.”

“Insult?” Henry arched a brow. “I was just offering you some friendly advice. When I insult you, you’ll know it.”

Pippa’s jaw dropped. Who was this man and what had he done with Henry?

“I will not let this insult go unanswered,” Philip declared, puffing out his bony chest. “I challenge you to a duel.”

A duel? He couldn’t be serious.

Someone’s been watching too much Bridgerton.

She rolled her eyes. “Duels were outlawed in eighteen twelve.”

“Fine. Then we’ll…” Philip cast around for something to save face, his gaze raking over the lawn and the cluster of suitors who were now watching them with renewed interest. “We’ll arm wrestle.”

Pippa snorted. It was far from dignified, but honestly, this was too much. He wanted to arm wrestle for his honor? It was absurd.

Henry gave the other man a slow once-over. “I really don’t think—”

“Scared?” Philip challenged, raising his voice for the benefit of their audience. “Worried I’ll humiliate you in front of the princess?”

Henry turned to her. “Pippa?”

She considered, quickly weighing her options. “I’ll allow it. On one condition.”

* * *

Henry rolled his shoulders.Whatever Pippa’s condition, he’d see the challenge through. It didn’t matter that it was ridiculous or that he had nothing to prove, though he’d be lying if he said the idea of putting Philip in his place held no appeal.

Like so many of the men they’d interviewed, he was arrogant and self-involved. Interested in marrying Pippa for all the wrong reasons.

What the hell had her parents been thinking when they invited a snot-nosed teenager to vie for their daughter’s hand in marriage? The kid was in no way mature enough to be considering a lifelong partnership.

Hell, he was barely out of nappies.

Pippa stood and leveled Philip with her gaze. “I will be your challenger, not Herr von der Recke.”

“What?” Henry’s chest tightened, and he gaped openly at the princess. She couldn’t be serious. This entire afternoon was getting out of hand. First the bee and now this?

Surely Sarah would not let this stand.