Page 121 of The Wallflower Takes All

He had survived the death of his father, an engagement to Lady Cecily Lane ended by what Society politely called mutual consent, a flurry of rumors afterward, and nearly a decade of determined attempts to marry him off since.

He was thirty-eight. Wealthy. Titled. Unimpeachable.

In short, exactly the kind of man Poppy needed.

Gabriel hated him at once.

Caldermere did not look around the hall in alarm. He did not stare at the snuff cabinet. He did not appear to notice Freddie attempting to chew the corner of Mr. Pritchard’s instruction list.

He looked first at Poppy.

“Miss Montfort,” Bea said, a little too brightly. “Forgive the intrusion.”

Poppy’s gaze flicked once to Gabriel. It was a small look. Brief. Almost nothing. But it spoke volumes. Is this what you meant? Continue the search. Complete the marriage contract. Choose security.

Gabriel’s hands curled at his sides before he forced them still.

Bea continued, “May I present Edmund Caldwell, Marquess of Caldermere?”

Caldermere bowed. “Miss Montfort.”

Poppy curtsied. “My lord.”

“I hope you will forgive Lady Vanover for bringing me without warning,” he said. His voice was deep, calm, and mildly amused. “She assured me that if I waited for a formal invitation, the moment might be lost.”

Bea’s chin lifted. “It might.”

“And Lady Vanover is rarely wrong,” Caldermere added.

“Rarely?” Bea repeated.

“Never in my company,” he amended.

Despite herself, Poppy smiled.

Gabriel disliked that too.

Caldermere saw the smile and looked pleased by it, though not in the predatory manner of a fool flattered by his own charm. He seemed, damn him, genuinely interested.

“Lady Vanover has told me a great deal about you,” Caldermere continued. “Specifically that you are looking to marry…with some haste.”

Gabriel kept his face carefully blank. So Caldermere was here plainly looking for a wife? Lady Vanover had chosen well.

Poppy’s eyes widened briefly. “It is true,” she allowed.

“I am as well,” Caldermere said frankly. “And Lady Vanover speaks quite highly of you.”

“I am glad to hear it,” Poppy replied with a small laugh.

“She described your wit, loyalty, competence, and courage. She also said you are not dull, which I value highly,” Caldermere said.

Poppy glanced toward Bea. “Did she say anything unflattering?”

“No,” Bea said.

Just then, Lady Viva’s voice floated from the drawing room. “Someone tell Mr. Loxley that death does not require a third slice of cake!”

Mr. Loxley answered weakly, “Then death and I disagree.”