Poppy was glad for the change in Mr. Lestrange’s countenance at her suggestion. They had been on perilous ground there, on the precipice of a quarrel, and she was not keen on the idea at all. She liked him too much to want to be cross, even given the circumstances. (Besides, it seemed like he might have gotten the idea for next time to act sooner and she was glad neither of them had a need to mention it again.) The look that did cross the blonde’s face however made her heart skip a small beat and Poppy felt it soar. She could see through this version of his blasé exterior and to the truth behind it, sitting just in the depths of those remarkably enchanting blue eyes. Her answering smile was absolutely, unabashedly delighted and Poppy couldn’t even be bothered to hide it. She heard those three little words ringing in her mind and she knew in that moment that they would not be soon forgotten. Lead the way.
Turning to do just that, Poppy bowed her head demurely. She hoped to appear as disinterested in the end of this conversation as possible, in case anyone did happen to observe her slipping from the ballroom. She was going to change her shoes after all, nobody could begrudge the girl that, but as Mr. Lestrange made his little teasing comment, she couldn’t help but break into another telling smile. She turned to look over her shoulder and scrunch her nose at him, tongue peeking out just marginally as she huffed. He’d soon see. Poppy Dashwood did not step on gentleman’s toes!
Reaching the edge of the ballroom, Poppy caught her mother’s eye who - like a hawk - had spotted her attempting to leave. She made a pointed grimace and lifted her dress just enough to wiggle her foot out from under it as if to indicate, I’m changing. Georgiana Dashwood did not look impressed in the slightest, but Poppy ignored her answering look and slipped out into the hall. At least now she had someone to vouch if anyone where to ask where she might have gone. In the large hall adjacent, to which the balcony was attached, Poppy made quick work of crossing the distance and turning the latch. Once outside she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
It was rather brazen of her to attempt such a scheme on an evening like this where quite literally everyone in attendance was there on her behalf… If ever there was a night to be spotted sneaking about unchaperoned with a gentleman, this would be it, but Poppy was grateful for the moment to breath too. She’d been sparking and chittering all evening; a short respite was more than warranted. And, if she was accompanied, well that was her own business. The both of them knew better than to misbehave tonight. (Or at least she hoped.)
When Mr. Lestrange emerged from the hall adjacent to the balcony, Poppy turned a shy little smile on him, fully aware of her schemes and the consequences of them now. (In the ballroom everything had seemed so simple, so easy. Out here, the reality was stark.) She gestured vaguely to break the silence with a tease. “Now you may ask me to dance properly, and I shall consider your request.”
© Fox