Ruin Me Please by Nichole Matthews Page B

Berkshire .  B ut it does seem perplexing that you and Parker are such good friends and we have lived so close , yet we have never met before , ” Poppy said.  “ From my understanding, Berkshire is definitely not very far away.   Parker stated that it is only a few hours ride. ”
    “P rior to a few years ago, I mainly resided in my family’s London townh ome .  That is where Ash and I generally met.  A few times on break he stayed with my family at Allingham Park.”
    “Oh .   Well I suppose that is as good of an explanation as any .  Parker did tell me that you often got into scrapes in London . ” She grinned up at him .  “Would you care to elaborate?  Pa r ker r e fuses to release any details of your escapades.”
    “I will defer to Parker’s wisdom and remain silent.”  He placed his hand over hers .  The intimacy of the act caused Poppy to shiver .
    She pouted prettily.  “I love London, the excitement and the pace, h owever , nothing compares to being in the country for me.” 
    Poppy’s eyes closed in pleasure as she took a deep breath .   “Smell the air .  Y ou will ne v er have this in London.  The sweetness of honeysuckle calls to me when the warm winds blow.  One of my favorite smells . ”  She tugged his arm turning him slightly to the right.  “ Do you see the clusters of yellow flowers flushed with purple and red?  We have allowed it to grow wild and free at Rosebriar.  The fragrance soothes me immensely on a summer evening.  I love to sit at my wi n dow at night looking at the stars and smelling the sweetness of summer . ” 
    “Your enthusiasm pai nts such a delightful picture, L ady Poppy.”
     
    Piper walked silently watching their interaction with a hidden smile.   She recognized the look in Poppy’s eyes.  S he was attracted to the duke, so much for her matchmaking plans for Chloe and Freya .
    Poppy opened her eyes and blushed .  “Forgive me.” S he grinned . “ I forget myself som e times.  I am told quite often by our companion, Miss Harris, th at I talk entirely too much.”  S he shrugged charmingly and u n concerned. 
    “No apologies necessary.”  Declan looked deep into her eyes.  “It is quite refreshing to come across an honest response instead of well-rehearsed replies , ” h e stated a genuine smile spreading across his face .
    The door opened as if on command by one of the ever-efficient footman.  Dobbins bowed, greeting the twins and their new arrival.  “Good morning Lady Poppy , Lady Piper .  I trust you had a pleasant walk this morning?”  Dobbin s g estured , another footman came forward scooping up Georgie and removing him to Poppy’s chamber. 
    “As always , Dobbins , it was very inspiring .”  She gestured towards their guest . “ May I present His Grace , the Duke of Hawksley.  He must have gotten lost for he found himself in my ga r den . ” Piper fluttered her hands busily.  “ The d uke’s carriage and valet should arrive soon ,” she said w ith a cheerful smile on her face . “Is my brother in the breakfast room at pr e sent?” 
    “Yes, my l ady ,” Dobbins inclined his head. 
    “Spendid , thank you, Dobbins .”
    “Thank you, my l ady.” 
    Declan glanced at Dobbins with an inquisitive brow , the casual exchange not the norm between most members of the ton . 
    Dobbins shrugged with a slight grin, bowing . “ Your G race .” 
    Declan took a moment to glance around the foyer, admiring the opulence of his friend ’s home.  Black and white checked marble tiles covered the entrance.  Grand pillars stan d ing as if holding up the heavy ceiling.  A large marble fireplace stood off to one side to help ward off the chill when the weather was cooler.  Mahogany paneled walls followed down the hall , d ark and masculine.  Fo l lowing Poppy, he observed as she pointed out the rooms as they passed.
    Poppy pointed gracefully. “On the left is the drawing room.  Across the hall is the l i