Page 122 of The Wallflower Takes All

Caldermere turned his head toward the noise.

Gabriel waited for the calculation. The polite recoil. The careful assessment of what marrying Poppy would require.

But Caldermere merely smiled. “What a lively household,” he said.

Lady Viva appeared at the drawing room door. “Darling, whoever you are, that is the kindest description anyone has given us all week.”

Poppy’s cheeks went pink.

Gabriel’s jaw tightened.

Caldermere bowed to Lady Viva. “Then I am glad to have been of service, my lady.”

“Handsome and polite,” Lady Viva said. “Poppy, do take notice.”

“Mama,” Poppy murmured.

Caldermere did not retreat. He did not look to Bea for rescue. He looked amused, composed, and entirely equal to the scene. He introduced himself to Lady Viva while she appeared to remain utterly charmed.

Gabriel narrowed his eyes. A serious threat then.

He had hoped for weakness. Vanity. Alarm. Some small sign that Caldermere’s excellent coat and ancient title concealed a delicate constitution easily unsettled by Montfort nonsense.

Instead, interest sharpened his expression, giving the impression that he had expected dullness, and something far more promising had opened before him.

Bea’s gaze slid briefly to Gabriel.

She had noticed his reaction. Of course she had.

Caldermere returned his attention to Poppy. “If you are not otherwise engaged, Miss Montfort, might I impose upon you for a few minutes of conversation?”

Poppy hesitated.

Gabriel knew the hesitation was only a moment, but it felt much longer.

Then she curtsied. “I should be pleased to converse with you, my lord.”

Caldermere offered his arm.

Poppy accepted.

Lady Viva beamed. Bea watched with undeniable satisfaction. Freddie dropped the corner of the instruction list and trotted after them, having clearly assumed responsibility for the courtship.

Caldermere looked down at the dog. “And this is?”

“Freddie,” Poppy said. “He is a stern judge of character.”

“I shall endeavor to earn his tolerance.”

“Begin by not carrying ducks.”

Caldermere laughed.

Poppy did too.

They moved toward the drawing room together.

Gabriel remained in the room beside the snuff cabinet, the beetle-colored fabric, Lord Montague’s instructions, and the cottage list still waiting upon the desk.