Page 68 of The Wallflower Takes All

“Then I almost pity any charlatans in the room,” Mr. Ashby said.

Poppy smiled despite herself.

Mr. Ashby’s expression softened by the smallest degree. “And you, Miss Montfort?”

“I am being displayed to eligible gentlemen with ruthless efficiency.”

“So I gathered.”

“You disapprove?”

“Of efficiency? Never.”

A dry answer, certainly. Yet it warmed her more than it had any right to do.

Bea touched her elbow. “There he is.”

“Who?”

“Lord Ketterham.”

Poppy’s stomach tightened.

Mr. Ashby turned his head at the name. His gaze found the gentleman across the room and sharpened, moving over him with the cool, assessing precision Poppy had seen him use on ledgers, creditors, and questionable legal documents.

Apparently, Lord Ketterham had just become a matter requiring examination.

Georgie smiled encouragingly. “Jason agrees he is the next most promising.”

“Does he have all his teeth?” Poppy asked.

“Nicholas did not mention teeth,” Bea said. “But he is thorough.”

Poppy winced. “Comforting.”

“His estate is well managed, according to Jason, and he’s quite kind,” Georgie added.

“I do believe he’s looking for a new mother for his children,” Bea added.

Mr. Ashby’s gaze remained on Lord Ketterham. “Does he want a wife or a governess?”

Georgie’s brows lifted. Her gaze moved from Mr. Ashby to Poppy, then back again, and her mouth softened with the faintest suggestion of understanding.

Heat rose in Poppy’s cheeks.

“Possibly both,” Georgie said, though she was still watching Mr. Ashby with far too much interest.

“At least he is honest about it. I appreciate that,” Poppy said.

Mr. Ashby bowed. “Then I shall leave you to Lord Ketterham’s many virtues. I believe I can be of more use standing nearer Lady Montague.” Then he moved away, taking up a position within sight of Lady Viva, though Poppy could not help noticing his gaze returned once—briefly, severely, and not at all indifferently—to Lord Ketterham.

Apparently, Mr. Ashby had completed his first inspection and found the candidate wanting.

Bea followed the direction of his stare, then cleared her throat.

“Ketterham is sensible,” Bea said. “You are sensible. There are worse foundations for a marriage.”

Poppy drew in a deep breath and pressed her palm to her middle.