Dukes to the Left of Me, Princes to the Right

CHAPTER 37

Poppy felt the oddest butterflies in her stomach. Neither the prince nor princess gave Papa a cordial social greeting in response to his own gracious welcome. Sergei’s apology for bothering them at the late hour was terse at best, and he made no effort to kiss her hand.

Instead, he inclined his head. “I’ve a matter of grave import to discuss with you, Lord Derby and Lady Poppy.”

“Please come in.” Lord Derby gestured toward the drawing room.

Once their guests were seated, she offered brandy for Sergei and ratafia for Natasha.

“Nothing for me,” Natasha said shortly, her rudeness coming as no surprise.

“Thank you, no,” Sergei responded, his eyes giving nothing away. But he was more formal than she’d ever seen him.

Poppy tried to remain calm. But something was terribly wrong, and it had to be about the portrait. Did they know the painting was of her mother? Was that a complication that somehow interfered with their plans for it?

She looked at her father, whose expression was rather concerned, as well.

Sergei drew in a deep breath. “I must involve you in a conversation that you might find distasteful.”

Natasha’s eyes glinted. “I will tell her.”

“No.” Sergei was curt. “I’ll tell her.”

“May I remind you there are two of us here,” Lord Derby said. “You shall have to tell us both.”

While the twins glared at each other, there came another urgent knock on the front door.

“Open up!” a masculine voice cried.

Poppy sat up straighter. It sounded vaguely like Nicholas. But not like the Nicholas she’d come to know. This voice sounded rude. Obnoxious.

There was a small ruckus in the hall—Kettle’s voice could be heard murmuring a hasty greeting—and a few seconds later, Nicholas pushed past the butler before he could announce him and strode into the room.

He looked wilder than she’d ever seen him.

“Why, it’s Lady Poppy Smith-Barnes and her noble father,” he said, his thumbs in the top of his breeches. “As well as her very good Russian friends.”

He bowed and sent a defiant smirk around the company. Then he pulled a flask out of his pocket and took a long draught.

Poppy was mortified. And confused. Very confused.

Lord Derby put up his quizzing glass. “Is that you, Drummond? In your cups?”

Sergei stood. “Perhaps you should come back another time, Drummond,” he said testily.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Nicholas arched a rude brow at him. “I suggest you sit and be quiet. Or leave. Both you and your sister. We’ve had enough of your ridiculous spats, haven’t we?”

Poppy jumped up. “What is wrong with you, Drummond?”

She threw him a desperate look. Don’t you remember you’re supposed to keep our Russian friends happy?

They could leave the country with their uncle’s painting.

He must remember.

But Nicholas didn’t seem to comprehend her meaning. He merely stared at her beneath lowered brows, his gray eyes stormier than she’d ever seen them.

“Yes, Drummond.” Lord Derby stood in a huff. “You don’t speak that way in my house to my guests. Now behave yourself, or leave.”

Natasha put her nose in the air. “I completely agree with Lord Derby. That’s no way to speak to—”

Sergei put a hand on her arm in a signal that she be quiet. Natasha scowled, but she did, thankfully, shut her mouth.

“We will stay.” Sergei’s whole manner was stiff when he sat back down. “But you must not forget—I am a Russian prince.”

“And I am a princess,” said Natasha, her chin in the air.

For goodness’ sake, Poppy thought. How many times were they going to remind everyone?

“I am master of this household,” Lord Derby said, “and I expect decorum on all sides.” He tossed a quelling glance at all their visitors, none of whom seemed intimidated in the least, especially Drummond, who leaned arrogantly against the pianoforte without permission.

Sergei began again. “I was about to inform Lady Poppy and her esteemed father that—”

“I’ll tell them,” Nicholas interrupted, and scratched his jaw rudely in front of the company. “Brace yourselves. You and all of London, actually. The princess and I are to marry.”