Poppy couldn’t help the little smile that stole across her face at the gentleman’s response. Everything inside of her desperately wanted to ask: am I wasting my time on you? She refrained, only just. Instead, a sweet little sigh escaped and she hoped in vain that he wouldn’t notice.

It was becoming more and more apparent to Poppy that the more time she spent with Kristoffer, the harder it was going to be not to… daydream about him. It was silly, she knew. Foolish, on the worst of days. Mama would chide her for thinking someone so young was even worth her fondness. But Mama didn’t know how sweet, and charming, and charismatic Mr. Lestrange had always been to her. But for one exciting fault, he was the epitome of the most deserving gentleman. It was a shame he had no inclination to marry, yet.

Poppy hated to think of the idea that one day he might, and it could very well be to someone disagreeable and vain. Oh how she would hate that. The very thought made her ill. Shaking it from her mind, she laughed softly again a his offer. “One day I shall surely take you up on it,” she replied, easily. “And who knows?” Her eyes glimmered with mischief. “Perhaps we can go on an adventure, somewhere fun.”

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