A soft glow radiated from Poppy as Ms. Malfoy acquiesced to friendship. How splendid! Despite any and every impression her cousin might make, Poppy was pleased to think that she might have found not one, but two new friends in Ms. Mountbatton and Ms. Malfoy. They were both excellent specimens, meeting her requirements and more, such that the diminutive brunette actually considered her little scheme a complete success already. If Atticus failed to find a wife this season it would not be at lack of her own attempts to aid him, or in fact society’s lacking eligible young ladies. (And if that ended up being the case, Poppy was determined to have words with him.)

She smiled at Ms. Malfoy’s soft pat and tilted her head demurely, not wanting to make a thing of it. Even still, the gesture made her swell with content and pride. “Oh yes,” she replied with a nod. “I shall keep you appraised of all my schemes,” Poppy’s eye glittered with mischief. “None the least how to ensure Atticus falls deeply, and dramatically in love with you.” Of course, she was kidding. Poppy would never dream of getting involved in their actual relationship more than just an introduction.

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