Pippa takes the opportunity to swiftly look around herself to see if they are drawing any attention to themselves and decides that even if there are curious eyes on them, they belong to people who probably won't go running to the duke's men anyway. She hoists herself up onto Rooster's back behind Agata, nimble as can be, snatches up the lead rope that will now have to serve as reins, and coaxes the mule into a gambolling trot.

"If anyone asks," she hisses, "you're my infirm mother, you have the pox, and I'm taking you home to die peacefully in your bed."