The gentleman introduced himself and Poppy bobbed up and down courteously as was expected. She couldn’t remember if she’d ever heard anything about a Mr. Timoleon Maxime, from Atticus or her mama, and Poppy certainly didn’t like not having his reputation at the tip of her thumb. There was something rubbing at the familiarity of the name in her mind however. She knew something about him, but couldn’t quite place what. Making a mental note to ask Atticus about him another evening, when her beloved cousin was not quite so drunk, Poppy offered the gentleman a small, knowing smile. “Ah, so you are well acquainted with Atticus then?” She hummed at him, amusement alight in her features. Well that certainly settled whatever hesitation was roiling around in her gut. If he was good enough for Atticus to trust as both friend and to bring around his family, then Poppy found herself inclined to trust him. Letting her guard down a touch, the diminutive brunette watched as Mr. Maxime replaced his neck trappings. She offered another delicate laugh, hidden behind a gloved hand, and blinked at him with big, bright eyes. A badge of honor, he said. For surviving the endeavor that is Ms. Twiglett, her mind supplied rather rudely. “And such it is, Mr. Maxime,” she replied, still uncharacteristically keen on the petty thought. As to his other offer… “I’m quite alright, thank you sir.” Poppy replied with a gentle tip of her head. She wasn’t so keen on the lemonade what with how sweet it was, and she was already a touch anxious about having to ingest any more food than she already had tonight. Better to save room. “Your offer is very gallant, however, and I’m flattered.” She added.
Poppy could feel herself keeping Mr. Maxime at arms length, moreso than she did with most gentlemen, and a small part of her wondered if it could possibly be because of those smoldering blue eyes. He was handsome enough, in his rather attractive moth-to-flame manner, but Poppy couldn’t help remembering what happened the last time she’d encountered someone like this whom had captured her interest so fully. (If she was disappointed that he hadn’t come today, she tried not to think about it much.) Mr. Maxime was proving himself a lot less temptingly forward however, and so Poppy was sure she felt safe enough to engage him.
“Have you enjoyed the day’s activities?” She asked, hoping to transition them to something more robust upon which to actually have a discussion. Curiosity about him remained, but Poppy supposed she could titter politely for the time being.
© Fox