My One and Only Earl (Forever Yours #12) - Stacy Reid Page 0,38

were already present and consuming a glass of sherry and some fancy cakes, which had been arranged on a small table.

“Come in, Poppy. James and I have been discussing which of these invitations we should accept. I think that Lady Sanders’s musicale might be the right event for us to attend first,” Daphne said, smiling widely.

“I don’t know any of these people, my lady,” Poppy said, glancing at the pile of invitations. “I will be happy to attend anything you think might be suitable, Lady Daphne.”

Surprised eyes met hers. “Why so formal, Poppy? We are not in company. Would you like a glass of sherry and some of these cakes? Our cook has some fancy notions which mama and I tolerate, but his confectionary skills are superior.”

Daphne poured her a glass and handed her a plate with a selection of cakes. Poppy’s mouth watered with anticipation. It looked like this particular cook would be someone she could happily emulate. The pastel-colored macaroons were delicious, and the confections made with coconut and flavored with rum were the best she had ever tasted.

“Daphne, I received many invitations while you and Poppy were in the country. I have only accepted the Childers’ ball so far, but I thought you might be able to select which ones would be best for Miss Poppy to attend,” James said, handing over another sheaf of invitations. “We want the ones where respectable and notable gentlemen who are considering marriage will attend.”

Poppy smiled at his encouraging wink, but there was a heavy ache inside her belly. It was also an entirely unpleasant sensation, only the sweet flutters when he smiled at her. She had developed such complex feelings for James, Poppy did not feel there was room inside her heart for someone else at the moment. However, all of this he was doing was for her to find a suitor, marry, and live a happy life.

How could she disappoint all of his expectations and Daphne’s effort? More urgently, how did she stop herself from falling hopelessly in love with James?

Chapter 11

Over the next few days, Poppy was kept busy. There was shopping, and more shopping, visits to the museums, something she had always hoped to be allowed, but her stepmother had despised such activities. Then there was a trip to the theatre where she saw the melodrama Old Heads and Young Hearts, written and starring the famed Irish actor and playwright Dion Boucicault.

Daphne informed her that his real given name was Dionysius Lardner "Dion" Boucicault which Poppy thought amusing and could understand why he had shortened his first name. Many callers visited and amiably conversed with her and Daphne, and so far, Poppy had managed to avoid catching sight of her stepmother or her sisters. That was a relief to Poppy as the many people to whom she had been introduced had all welcomed her and issued further invitations in the hopes that she would appear at their events.

Tonight was to be the night of Lady Sanders’ musicale. Poppy was nervous, but at least she knew her skills on the pianoforte were more than adequate. It was not performing that she was concerned about. Daphne had told Poppy that her stepmother and sisters had also been invited and had indicated they would attend.

Poppy anticipated the cutting remarks her family might make, especially if James attended and paid her any attention. Which according to his plan to make her appear eligible, his attention was a necessity. If her stepmother had her cap still set for James as her son-in-law, the entire night might get ugly. With a silent groan, Poppy dismissed such worries.

Amy had laid out a new gown in bronze crepe, which was decorated with tiny cream silk roses. A spray of cream roses had been specially created to pin into Poppy’s luxuriant black hair. A beautiful cream silk shawl embroidered in bronze and gold had been purchased to compliment the gown.

She took a deep breath in and straightened her back. Poppy examined her appearance in the mirror. It was amazing the difference fine clothes, and a frivolous coiffure could make. She looked rather pretty and elegant. Poppy thanked Amy for her assistance and descended to the entrance hall. Aunt Marielle was already waiting, but Daphne was not yet down. They waited a few minutes as Aunt Marielle reassured her that she would be the best pianist there and inquiring about what she intended to play.

“I was thinking of playing one of Chopin’s études and something from Mendelssohn,