earldom. You…they are calling plain, boring you mysterious!”
Poppy’s chest tightened at the united front of her mother and sister in condemning her for accepting a dance with James. God, if they should know that he had kissed her. The apoplexy from that news would probably send her stepmother to the grave.
“You are spoilt and indulged to the point you are outrageous,” Poppy said quietly. “You have no agreement with the earl to be so angry should he ask me or anyone else in society to dance. Your conduct is objectionable and ill-judged, and you need serious correction.”
Rebecca’s eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed a violet red. “You dare censure me! I—”
“I dare!”
Rebecca flounced over and lifted a hand to deliver a slap to Poppy’s cheek. With a jolt of shock and alarm, Poppy gripped her hand before the blow landed. “I am your older sister, and despite your overindulged and petulant manners, I love you and hope to see you contented. If you are outrageous enough to slap me, I shall return that slap to you, trice.”
She dropped Rebecca’s hand and stepped back. There was an ugly look in her stepmother’s eyes Poppy had never seen before, and a tight band of unknown emotion wrapped its arms around her. “Mother,” Poppy began, “I—”
“You will not dance or speak with Lord Kingsley again,” her stepmother said. “You will make your excuses whenever—”
A knock interrupted her, and the butler entered upon being bid entrance by the uncomfortable-looking baron. A swell of shame rushed through Poppy that he should witness the discord between their family and the wild ambition of her sisters and stepmother that seemed to know no propriety.
“Lord Kingsley and Lady Daphne have called.”
Lavinia gasped, and Rebecca started to pat her hair and smooth down her dress.
“Please admit the earl and Lady Daphne, Mr. Cadbury, and have Mrs. Andrews prepare the finest tea and cakes right away.”
The butler bowed and hurried to do his mistress’s bidding.
“Poppy, I believe you should retire to your room for the duration of the earl’s visit,” her stepmother said with a tight smile.
“I believe the entire family should be present,” the baron said. “Miss Poppy, please be seated.”
Lavinia whirled toward her husband, staring at him as if he were a rotten creature. “Milton, darling—”
“Miss Poppy will stay to meet the earl,” the baron said firmly.
Poppy had never heard him speak to his wife in such a firm manner. He clearly adored her, and Lavinia used that knowledge always to the best of her advantage. Now she flushed, lifted her chin, pasted a smile on her mouth and turned to face Lord Kingsley and Lady Daphne, who had just entered.
Immediately Poppy perceived Lady Daphne to be James’ sister. Their resemblance was astonishing, and the lady was remarkable in her beauty with her dark hair and indigo eyes, a perfect replica of her brother’s.
His gaze casually swept the room, and when it landed on her, a small smile touched his mouth. Poppy’s heart raced too fast. She tried her best to hide the reaction she had to the man. Her lips tingled and the spot on her hips he had touched last night burned. Her entire body felt alive and as if it belonged to someone else.
Her reaction was simply dreadful and intolerable.
“Lord and Lady Hayes,” James greeted. “Mrs. Ashford, Miss Ashford, and Miss Rebecca, it is a pleasure.”
A beautiful smile bloomed on Rebecca’s mouth, and she dropped into a deep and most elegant curtsy. “Lord Kingsley, it is a pleasure.”
Greetings and pleasantries aside, James sat in an armchair that was conveniently situated closest to Rebecca. Shrewdness glinted in his dark indigo eyes, and Poppy realized he had detected the tension in the room. The housekeeper arrived with the tea trolley, and during the next few minutes, little conversation passed as tea was served. The entire time Poppy could feel the intensity of his stare as it skipped over her face. She dared not look at him, or she would blush like a debutante and not a lady with mature sensibilities. Poppy was sure of it.
“It is so wonderful for you to call, my lord,” Lavinia said, curling her hands around her cup. “I was just mentioning to my dear Rebecca that today seems perfect for a stroll in the park. This spring promises to be less dreary than last season.”
He flicked a glance to the window and presumably the bright sun outside. “Indeed it is,” James said, ignoring the polite nudge that normally would have prompted a