The Last Waltz

Chapter 11

The week following her return had been a quiet one. The kids were out of school for summer break, so they weren't stopping by her cottage to visit in the afternoons, and Isaac hadn't invited her back to the castle for dinner. The only reason she could think for his continued absence was that he had changed his mind about marrying her.

She had hidden away in her little cottage for a week drawing and worrying about her cousin, but finally, it was time to reemerge into the world, so she strolled, with sketchbook in hand, down to the pub to have a drink and get some dinner.

She should have done it sooner because the greeting she received as soon as she entered made her feel human again. As soon as she sat at her favorite corner booth, Ayleen took her order and asked her where she had been.

"I had a family emergency and had to fly back to the U.S.," Poppy said as she smiled at Sally, who walked into the pub and immediately joined her. Someone must have told her she had arrived.

"We know Isaac was very vague about the emergency, but we also know you've been back for a week now," Ayleen chastised.

"I know, I need some downtime." Poppy shook her head.

"Isaac said as much when he informed us that you were back. He said that you were tired and needed to rest. He was very serious in his warning, so we didn't dare visit you," Sally said in a hushed voice.

Isaac had warned them away. Was it because he was trying to provide her with space, or was he trying to keep their breakup quiet for the time being?

"I thought you would be at the castle claiming your space since the children's grandparents are visiting again."

"They do like to visit a lot, don't they?" Poppy mused aloud.

"Yes, good luck with that when you marry. Speaking of which, congratulations, the news broke after you left, but we were all pleased to hear it. We're also pleased to hear about the party. It's about time someone blew the cobwebs out of that place, and you're just the person who can do it!" Ayleen said with a grin.

Poppy forced a grin back. She was so unsure about where things stood that she didn't know what to tell them, so she thought her best bet was to remain silent on the marriage and the potential canceled party.

"I was wondering if you would both be willing to help me plan this party, if I can pull it off?" Poppy looked at both women, who looked pleased to be asked.

"Yes! Of course!" they said at the same time and laughed.

"Thanks, I'm not sure what's going on. I don't think Isaac has told the Glenns yet about our engagement, so we had better see how that news goes down before we get set in on planning a party." There, Poppy had told them that there was a possibility that both the marriage and the party would be canceled.

"He hasn't told them yet?" Sally asked, surprised.

"I don't think so, and I'm worried what kind of fuss they'll make about me being in Mary and Peter's lives. I don't want to cause Isaac more trouble than he has already had with them." Poppy shook her head.

"He has had trouble with them?" Sally looked at Ayleen as Poppy realized she might have said too much in her haste to lay the groundwork of an excuse for them not getting married.

"I think I've said too much," Poppy muttered, mad at herself.

"Nope, you've said just enough," Ayleen said as she patted her hand where it lay on the table. "I'll go get your drink and put in your order. Sally, do you want anything?"

Sally placed her order, and Ayleen wandered off with a thoughtful look on her face.

"I really did want to come and see you, but Isaac was adamant that you be left alone. It is so romantic that you two fell in love," Sally sighed dreamily. "He's very rich and handsome."