March 25, 1892 — The Painted Lady tea room, Hogsmeade
After yesterday’s success in conversing with Ms. Mountbatton, Poppy had very high hopes for the candidate she was set to meet today. Her Lonely Hearts informative was proving just the success Poppy had hoped it might. At this rate, she was very pleased to think that she might have a few introductions to make for her cousin, and that one of them might one day become his wife. She had entertained the thought of inviting those that she got on with and deemed acceptable to her debut ball and making the introduction there. Many of these ladies were already undoubtedly on her mama’s list of invitees, but how lovely would it be to have been the catalyst of her cousin’s future happiness! Miss “E. M.” - as she’d signed her letters - was by far the most intriguing of those she had corresponded with, and Poppy was not be ashamed to admit she hoped this candidate was the one her cousin settled upon. Well, after the two of them met and decided to get along famously, of course. Miss E.M. had every qualification Poppy could have asked for, and she seemed upstandingly excellent in every way. Poppy also particularly liked that, similar to Ms. Mountbatton, she had written of her own accord and not had a mama inquire for her prospects. It showed a certain determination that Poppy admired; she knew her cousin needed someone beautiful, intelligent, and keener than keen to keep him in line.
Settling herself at a cozy table by the window, Poppy placed a bouquet of white daffodils (symbolizing new beginnings) and Austrian roses (thou art all that’s lovely), on the place setting across from her. This was her first test for Ms. E.M. — identification. Neither of them had shared their respective names over the correspondence, perhaps an oversight in some regard, but Poppy was ready to see if this young lady had the deductive reasoning and knowledge of florals any candidate for Mrs. Foxwood would require. Her Aunt Viola was a truly elegant woman to compare to; beautiful, kind, and generous while still showing the finest breeding of her class. Yes, it would be a true test to see how Ms. E.M. compared once they reached that stage. For now, Poppy was content to sit and wait patiently, eager at the prospect of meeting her favorite cousin’s potential new bride.
© Fox