Page 84 of The Wallflower Takes All

Something tightened beneath his ribs.

“Miss Montfort,” he said, though she was already Poppy to him.

“Mr. Ashby.”

Lady Viva appeared behind her in a wrapper the color of apricots and a quantity of lace that might have clothed a smaller woman entirely.

“Darling,” she said to Gabriel, “you came back. How reliable of you. I confess I was not certain. Men often say promising things in morning rooms and then leave, only to be afflicted by reason.”

Gabriel frowned. “I said I would return within the hour.”

“Yes, sweetie, and now you have. Delightful. Do take Freddie.”

Poppy turned. “Mama.”

“He requires air.”

“He requires discipline,” Poppy said.

“Then take him twice around the park and explain discipline to him as you go. Perhaps one of you will find the subject improving.”

Freddie barked from Gabriel’s arms.

Lady Viva pointed at the puppy. “You see? He agrees.”

“I do not think that was agreement,” Poppy said.

“Dogs are mysterious,” Lady Viva said, waving a hand in the air.

“Much like men, but with better tempers,” Lady Stone offered from the sofa in the drawing room.

Gabriel lowered Freddie to the ground and retained a grip on his ribbon. “If Freddie wishes to come, I see no objection.”

Poppy looked at him. “The ducks?—”

Gabriel bit his lip to hide his smile. “I have been warned.”

“That is not the same as being prepared.”

“Miss Montfort, I have spent the better part of three days acquainting myself with your household. I no longer expect preparation to be possible.”

Her mouth curved, and right then he decided her smile was worth the entire ill-judged expedition. That recognition should have troubled him more than it did.

Lady Viva waved her hand again. “Go, darling. Take the air. Smile at people. Allow the gossips to infer something agreeable. If you encounter Lord Crampton, tell him I am considering Hampshire with cautious enthusiasm.”

“You are not considering Hampshire,” Poppy said, scowling.

“I am considering the idea of considering Hampshire.”

“That is not the same thing.”

“No, sweetie. It is much less tiring.”

Gabriel offered Poppy his hand. She looked at it for the briefest moment before placing her gloved fingers in his.

The contact was perfectly proper. A gentleman might offer such assistance a dozen times without consequence. Yet the slight weight of her hand in his sent heat through him all the same, quiet and immediate, his body ignoring every sensible command from his mind.

He assisted her into the curricle, handed Freddie up after her, and took his place beside her. His groom climbed onto the small seat at the rear. Gabriel gathered the reins, directed the horse into the street, and reminded himself that the entire arrangement was public and harmless.