Lord Valorous(32)

"Do what often?"

"Kiss people like that in gratitude."

"That's the most ridiculous statement you have uttered so far."

He wasn't looking harried now, he was looking angry. Black brows lowered as he scowled at her. Poppy had the feeling he was angry with himself as well as her. Although what she had done, she could not fathom, and in fact she thought her question justified considering what had just transpired between them.

"Well, what did you mean by wanting to assure me you did not believe Lord Revel then? Surely kissing me achieved the opposite?"

His eyes narrowed as he glared at her.

"You are an incredibly annoying woman, Miss March, and we shall discuss this matter no further. I will merely add that I was wrong to kiss you-"

"Again," she added.

"And we shall blame it on temporary insanity that has now passed. Please return to work."

"But what is to happen now with Lady Revel?" If he could push that kiss aside, then so could she, even if her body still hummed with anticipation.

"If my man on the inside cannot come up with any information, then we are going to find a way into that house to check on Lady Revel."

"Oh, what an excellent idea. I shall come too, to ensure she is not in need of my aid."

"No you will not!" Color filled his face.

"But I must, surely you see that. She may be in some distress, and I should be the one to care for her."

"No, and that is my final word."

Poppy snapped her teeth together as Lord Hatherton closed the distance between them once more. This time he simply lifted her arm and fitted it in the sling, before leaving the small room.

"Well" was all she could find to say.





On her way home from work, Poppy had met with an old friend of her mother's who had come to London to visit with her daughter. Two weeks had passed since she started work at Night Street. Her body was starting to heal, and she was enjoying assisting Mr. Perkins. She had not seen a great deal of the Lords of Night Street, or more importantly, Lord Hatherton. He acknowledged her when he arrived and left, but did no more. Poppy was grateful for this, because after the last kiss they shared she had wondered if she could work there. But he now treated her no different from Perkins, and for that she was grateful, even if her heart still raced when she saw him. She had no doubt that this …  infatuation, or whatever it was she felt for him, would ease in time. 

"Surely you will not walk at this hour, my dear?"

Poppy was preparing to leave, and Mrs. Rodgers looked concerned. They had spent a wonderful evening talking about her family and news from home, and she had to admit to feeling homesick now.

"Oh, no indeed. I shall summon a hackney, Mrs. Rodgers, there will be plenty about at this time of evening."

The elderly woman's features relaxed. "Of course you will know how to get about this city, Poppy, having lived here for so long now. I shall pass on to your family how well you are doing. But make sure you find time to visit them in the near future."

"I will."

Poppy huddled into her coat as she walked along the street minutes later, mulling over the news she had heard. It seemed her siblings were growing up. Turning right instead of left, she hurried toward Lady Revel's house. It was dark, so she could pass by without detection. Perhaps she would see something... anything that would alleviate her worry for her dear elderly friend.

She knew the Lords of Night Street were doing what they could to get information about Lady Revel, but it was extremely hard and delicate to get. They could hardly storm the house; that would cause a scandal and no one wished that on the elderly woman.

Reaching the house, Poppy continued on down the path and around the back. No one would see her in the dark, and she just wanted to check. Of course, what she was checking for she had no idea. Poppy saw light coming from the lower level, where the servants were probably still working. Lord Revel was no doubt out somewhere socializing.

"Dear Lady Revel," she whispered. Before she could draw another breath, a gloved hand closed over her mouth.

"One word, Poppy, and I shall gag you. Do you understand?"

Poppy nodded quickly, and the hand was removed. She turned to look at Lord Hatherton. Dressed entirely in black, he looked menacing as did Lord Vereton, who stood beside him.

"What the hell are you doing here?" The words were a furious whisper.

"Ah... I was passing on my way home."

"From where?"

"Visiting a friend."

"Your route home took you around the back of Lord Revel's house?"

Luckily it was dark and he could not see the color in Poppy's cheeks.

"Of course not. I was simply checking... ah-"