Kristoffer’s response to her little quip settled something in Poppy’s gut that had knotted itself into an anxious lump. She didn’t like the idea of upsetting him, and the sweet smile that graced his features made something thrill in the girl’s abdomen. Something was definitely different, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what. Poppy supposed in the end it didn’t matter. He looked happy, healthy, sane. Whatever was making the guests flutter had certainly seemed to have no ill-averse effects on Mr. Lestrange, a blessing she was infinitely pleased (and relieved) to realize. Grinning at him as he gave her hand a little return squeeze, Poppy followed easily as he led the way. They hedged off the lane around to a garden and, though disappointed they weren’t going somewhere more interesting, she was glad to be in the gentleman’s company. At his sidelong glance, Poppy couldn’t help but feel the urge to stand a little bit taller. “I’m always glad when you find me, too,” she hummed in response, an honest expression flitting across her face. He was her favorite companion to engage with at these events, be it a dance or simply conversation. In a way, Poppy felt like they were becoming closer even if she didn’t know too terribly much about the gentleman.
Tugging him forward towards a shallow little pond in the center of the garden, Poppy peered down at the koi fish. Their movements were relaxing and she fixed Kristoffer with an appraising look as a thought suddenly flickered forward in her mind. (Still holding the gentleman by the hand, Poppy had no intention of letting go.) “Do you like all these events?” she asked quietly then, thinking back to a comment he’d made once before. Tiresome gentlemen and portkey escapes. “Do you… enjoy society? Or do you find it all a bit circus-like as most gentleman seem to?”
© Fox