Page 160 of The Wallflower Takes All

Algernon’s mouth tightened.

Poppy kept her shoulders straight, though warmth moved through her.

In the morning room, Algernon objected to the rose chintz, the placement of a small table, and a vase of daisies he claimed interfered with thought. Mama suggested he attempt thoughts in another room. Mr. Pritchard pretended not to hear. Gabriel corrected Algernon twice more when he implied certain pieces belonged to the estate without proof, and each time his voice remained so calm Poppy wanted to kiss him and strike Algernon with a curtain pole.

Eventually, Algernon returned to the foyer to give instructions to his servants about trunks, carpet, and the newest snuff cabinet.

Poppy found herself, for one brief moment, beside Gabriel who stood near Papa’s wrapped portrait. Freddie had escaped Jenkins and now sat on one corner of the cloth like a loyal sentry.

Gabriel lowered his voice. “I have arranged for the wagon to leave within the hour. The larger pieces may go to storage until you decide whether to take the cottage.”

“You do not approve of the cottage.”

He looked at her. “You know I don’t.”

She wanted to ask what came next for them, beyond the trunks, beyond the cottage, beyond the crisis that had carried them to dawn. He had held her until the light crept into the room. He had asked her to marry him with such tortured honor that her heart still ached from refusing the question rather than the man.

Yet morning had brought crates, hired men, and Algernon’s invasion. Practical necessity had swallowed every question before either of them could speak it aloud.

Had he spent the morning regretting the offer? Improving it? Persuading himself that Poppy had been right to ask for more than his duty?

She did not know.

A knock sounded before she could gather the courage to ask.

Jenkins returned to the door. A servant stood outside holding a silver salver.

“For Miss Montfort,” Jenkins said.

Poppy recognized the seal.

Caldermere.

Her stomach tightened.

Jenkins accepted the note and brought it to her.

Gabriel’s expression did not alter, but his stillness told her he knew precisely who had sent it.

Poppy broke the seal.

The message was brief.

Miss Montfort,

I hope you will forgive the directness of this note. I understand Lord Montague has arrived sooner than expected and that your circumstances require immediate clarity.

I remain prepared to offer the arrangement we discussed. My name, my protection, and my household are at your disposal. Lady Montague will be provided for with every comfort. I ask only that we proceed with the understanding already established between us.

I will call this afternoon to receive your answer.

Caldermere

Poppy read it twice.

She had expected the whole day to consider what came next. Instead, every decision seemed to demand another before she had finished making the first.

Lord Caldermere offered certainty. His name, his fortune, his protection. Mama would never want for comfort, and no one would ever dare look down upon them again.