He was the last to turn and see who had arrived. When he did, he shot up out of his chair. It was proper for a gentleman to stand when meeting a lady, but such speed was unusual. His expression was at first astonished, but by the time Poppy reached him, it had grown into a smile.
“If I am not mistaken, it is Miss St George,” he said.
“You are not mistaken, Mr. de la Guerra,” she returned, in a far cooler tone. “I do wish I’d known you were here. I would not have come.”
Chapter 2
Adrian —
She’s here.
—Carlos
Holy hell. What was she doing here?
Carlos de la Guerra had first met Poppy St George in the course of a rather delicate situation the previous year. His close friend—the wealthy, rakish Adrian Marsh, better known as Viscount Norbury—had done the impossible and fallen in love. And not with just anyone. Rosalind Blake: a blind woman who was as respectable and innocent as Adrian was dissolute.
Naturally, Carlos did what he could to help his friend win the girl…which led him into the path of Poppy, who served as Rosalind’s companion and protector, with an emphasis on protector. He discovered that she was defiant and fierce, even to the point of offense. She once threatened Carlos with bodily harm.
Carlos was entranced by her.
To say she was unusual was an understatement. He liked her more the next time he saw her, and still more the third—and last—time. Unfortunately, he was forced to leave London almost immediately afterward to return to his home in Santo Domingo, and he was kept away far longer than expected. The complications of his own family’s business, his desire to help his island win independence, and the various commitments he owed to friends and associates meant that he was either at sea or embroiled in work constantly for the last year. The few times he managed to get to London or correspond with Adrian, he learned nothing more about Poppy.
He knew he’d missed his chance.
So yes, Carlos nearly jumped out of his chair when he saw Poppy step into the sunlight. True, he hadn’t seen her in more than a year, and at that distance, she could have been any young lady. Nevertheless, her face was etched into his brain, and her voice sounded sweetly familiar…right up until he saw her iron hard gaze, and fully realized how she felt about him.
She had every right to be annoyed. He hadn’t been as forthcoming with her about his intentions as he could have been. He doubted that Miss St George would still be interested in listening to his excuses.
But she was here, wasn’t she? Perhaps fate was offering him another chance.
“Miss St George,” he said, keeping his true feelings inside. “You’re looking well.”
“I am thriving,” she returned, eyes narrow. “Not that you would have had the opportunity to notice during your prolonged absence from London.”
A young woman seated nearby had twisted around, watching this exchange with avid curiosity. She was dressed in an ensemble that looked distinctly military in style, with a host of buttons and gold braid down the front of her green velvet jacket.
“So you two already know each other?” she guessed, tipping her head.
“We are only slightly acquainted, through mutual friends,” Poppy corrected, keeping her voice even.
“Oh, how wonderful!” Mrs. Towers chimed in, hastily smoothing over the awkward moment. “You have saved me one introduction.”
That didn’t stop Mrs. Towers from introducing Poppy to the rest of the people sitting nearby. First, there were the Ainsworths, who were both tall and narrow. Then the Hobbsons, who were as round as the Ainsworths were lean.
The young lady in green was the last to be introduced. “And finally, Miss St George, this is Miss Blanche Ainsworth. So many young folk about! This will be a lovely summer, won’t it?”
“I foresee much diversion on the horizon,” said Blanche. Her soft voice somehow had the opposite force of the words themselves. Carlos was taken aback by it, and he wasn’t even the recipient. Blanche’s tone seemed threatening.
Poppy looked at her as well, a frown crossing her face. Carlos realized the threat was actually aimed at Poppy, though he didn’t know why. The ladies had just met, for Christ’s sake.
“Diversion! That is the very word, Miss Ainsworth,” Mrs. Towers agreed, though in a much warmer tone. “And speaking of diversions, Poppy, I am so glad you can be added to my little showcase tonight. I was rather hoping for someone to play pianoforte.”
“Oh, no. You are doubtless thinking of my cousin, who is most accomplished.”
Mrs. Towers nodded. “I believe you’re right—it was little Rose I remembered playing so well. Is it true that she is married now?”
“Indeed,” Poppy smiled as she spoke, and Carlos got a little pain in his chest when he saw the emotion there. “She married Viscount Norbury last fall. And since then, she’s hosted several events featuring the finest musicians in London.”
