Page 79 of All is Fair in Love
“I promise I shall take you to see some plays and musical performances. You strike me as someone who would enjoy them. If not, I am sure we will be able to find other things to delight you,” offered Francis.
Poppy glanced down at her simple gown. All this talk of going out in society only served to reinforce her concerns over her insufficient attire. “Do you think your sister-in-law might be able to recommend me to a modiste? I would like to have some new gowns made up. Being unaccustomed to the city, I don’t know any good dressmakers,” said Poppy.
Francis gave her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. “Anything you need, you just have to ask. If I don’t know where to find something in London, I can guarantee you I know someone who does.”
The carriage turned off the main thoroughfare and Francis gave her an encouraging smile. “This is Newport Street; we are almost there.”
To Poppy’s relief, instead of Sir William and Lady Harriet Saunders’s home being a grand, imposing residence, it was a simple brown townhouse hidden from the street by a high brick wall. Inside the downstairs foyer, they were greeted by Will and his heavily pregnant wife, Hattie.
“It’s lovely to meet you,” said Hattie.
Poppy caught the hint of an unfinished sentence. What had Francis told these people about her? Or was it more that they were shocked he was actually bringing a woman to dine with his family?
She had a sneaking suspicion that she was the first female Francis had introduced to his family. The air was thick with the scent of familial expectation.
“Will Saunders. Welcome to our home,” said Will.
Poppy licked her dry lips. “How should I address you? Is it my lord, or just Sir William?”
Her experience with titles and the gentle folk of London was nonexistent, but she was keen to make a good impression. The last thing she wanted was to embarrass Francis.
Will chuckled. “I was knighted very recently, so I am still coming to terms with the whole ‘Sir William’ thing. To my family and friends, I am and shall always be just Will.”
Francis leaned in to Poppy. “He means you can call him Will.”
Poppy pretended not to catch the look which passed between the two brothers. Will’s raised eyebrow echoed her same thoughts.
What does Francis, think is between us? And how soon is he planning to declare himself?
Her mouth went dry simply thinking about what she would do if Francis spoke his heart.
Will offered his wife his arm, and they headed for the main staircase. Francis did the same, and he and Poppy followed their hosts.
They were ushered into an elegant dining room on the next floor of the house. A fine table with stunning chairs had been set for supper. Poppy bit her bottom lip. The house might be of a simple construct, but the furniture spoke of expensive elegance.
“Will collects antiques,” said Francis, pulling out a chair for her.
The plush cushion of the dining chair had Poppy wishing she, too, had the money to collect such comfortable pieces.
Hattie lowered herself into the chair next to hers. “Oh, it is so good to sit down. My poor feet. I am exhausted.”
“I did say you should have taken a nap before our guests arrived,” said Will. His words might have been a gentle rebuke, but the love which shone in Will Saunders’s eyes spoke of a man deeply enamored with his wife.
While the attending footman filled glasses with wine, the men set to talking about business. Poppy was tempted to join the conversation. There was safety in familiar topics. But even with her limited social experience, she knew not to exclude the other lady present.
She turned to Hattie. “I promise we won’t keep you from your bed too late this evening. I wasn’t aware of your delicate condition.”
Hattie sipped at her wine. “Don’t worry. If I become fatigued, I shall say goodnight. In anticipation of the arrival of this baby, I have learned to protect my sleep. But enough about me—I understand you are a ship’s captain. That must be interesting. And a lot of hard work.”
Poppy had been anticipating this sort of question. When people asked about her life on the sea, they were always fascinated by her response. Having been in Francis’s company, she had gained an appreciation as to how she could be seen as a bit of an interesting oddity by London society.
“Yes, I own several ships, and I captained the Empress Catherine on the voyage from Ceylon to England. It can be tough at times being the only woman on board, but it’s been my life for such a long time. It’s all I know,” she replied.
When the first course of their supper arrived, and was placed in front of her, Poppy was relieved to see that it was a simple vegetable broth. It came accompanied by freshly baked bread and salted butter.
She had heard rumors of extravagant meals where it was expected that diners would know how to manage all manner of spoons, knifes, and specialty forks. To see soup served with only a standard spoon on the table next to her bowl took the sharp edge off her nerves.
Hattie leaned forward as best as her pregnant belly allowed. “Are you looking forward to celebrating Christmas in London? We will be attending the mass at St. Paul’s on Christmas Eve; you are most welcome to join us. That is, if Francis is happy to bring you.”
