So much for a quiet place, she thought as she continued to skulk in the corner with a heavy book in her arms. The young miss looked around, taking note of all of these young ladies and their mamas and papas, vying for the attention of a particular man it seemed. Curiosity got the best of her.

She craned her neck to get a look at the man who was causing such hubbub in a library. Surprise filled her at the sight of a rather handsome gentleman who seemed to be… not quite interested in all the young ladies who were eagerly trying to get his attention. She shook her head. The American girl curled her lip a little in disgust when she overheard one comment in particular about the man’s heritage. Just because he was a Scot, did not mean he was a barbarian!

At least… he didn’t look like a barbarian to her.

Pippa found herself backing away from the crowd and then turning her back on them, hugging the book to her chest.

The young American woman was a beauty, but she seemed to lack the sophisticated clothing of those around her now. Her gown had once been the envy of her classmates, it was now dingy with age, and her shoes were starting to feel particularly breezy. Pippa had been something before, but with the death of her family and the remainder of her funds being frozen in the bank, she was left with whatever she had on her back and a carpet bag filled with few personal things.

These young ladies had everything and she no longer did. It was a bitter medicine to swallow. The girl bowed her head forward and was intent on backing away, so much so that she stepped on the hem of one young lady’s gown and caused a scene.

“Look at what you did to my gown, you little wretch!” cried the lass whose gown just got dirtied.

“S-sorry!” she said.