Poppy tried to politely ignore the antics going on behind the boy, but a small smile slipped across her lips anyway. Whoever the young girl and boy were, they were obviously fond of this one here and she couldn’t help but be amused. Perhaps they were siblings? They both seemed a touch younger than him, from first glance. And just as dirty.

The boy sat then, nervous obviously, and again Poppy smiled, this time encouragingly at him. She watched as he took the tiniest sip possible out of her cup before pushing it back over and a small tinkly, little laugh escaped her vocals. “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” she replied, gently. “You can have more, if you like.” She was quite finished anyhow. Mama would absolutely have a fit if she dared take another sip, and even if Mrs. Dashwood had no way of knowing, Poppy didn’t want to spoil the moment by being grubby.

The boy introduced himself then and Poppy nodded in acknowledgment. Clifford Hillicker. It was a funny name, and it made her smile to hear it. She couldn’t help but bow her head a little shyly then as he said her own. ‘Ms. Dashwood.’ It sounded so lovely in his unusual accent. “The pleasure is mine,” she replied, cheeks twinging a soft pink.

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