Page 169 of The Wallflower Takes All

“I shall accept reasonable limitations upon fraudulent counts, dying poets, and men with troubling quantities of velvet and mentions of Vienna.”

“That is an excellent beginning,” Gabriel said.

For the first time in days, the house felt less like a place being emptied than one beginning again.

The knocker sounded.

Conversation stopped. Poppy felt Gabriel’s hand close more securely around hers before Jenkins crossed the foyer with his usual grave efficiency.

A moment later, he admitted Lord Caldermere.

Caldermere entered perfectly dressed, perfectly composed, and only slightly wary when his gaze moved from Poppy’s face to Gabriel’s hand in hers.

“Miss Montfort,” he said, his brows furrowing.

“My lord.” Poppy released Gabriel’s hand. “May I speak with you?”

“Certainly.”

She glanced at Gabriel. He remained where he was, giving her a comforting nod. She led Caldermere into the morning room and left the door half-open.

Gabriel did not move closer. He had promised her choice, and he would honor it.

Still, Caldermere’s voice carried in restrained fragments. “I see.”

Then Poppy’s, clear and steady. “I am grateful for your offer.”

A pause.

Caldermere again. “You understand what you surrender.”

“I do.”

“I hope sentiment proves sufficient compensation for the security you decline.”

Gabriel’s hands tightened at his sides.

Poppy’s answer came without hesitation. “I would surrender far more by accepting it.”

Silence followed.

Then Caldermere’s voice again. “I wish you happiness, Miss Montfort.”

“Thank you, my lord. I wish you the same.”

When they returned to the foyer, Caldermere bowed to Lady Viva, to Gabriel’s father, and finally to Gabriel himself. “Mr. Ashby.”

“My lord.”

For a moment, something cool and assessing passed between them. Then Caldermere inclined his head and departed.

The front door closed behind him.

For a moment, no one spoke. Then, Lady Viva exhaled. “Handsome man. But with a manner rather like a dining room one is afraid to sit in.”

Gabriel looked at Poppy. Had just heard her hand back a fortune, a title, and a perfectly respectable future, all because she refused to mistake comfort for happiness. Awe moved through him so swiftly he had no defense against it. He would spend the rest of his life trying to deserve the courage of that choice.

Lady Viva clapped her hands. “Now. About the wedding.”