The Last Waltz

Chapter 25

It was Friday, and there was another tour of the castle. Poppy had learned to stay out of the way on tour days, so she packed a lunch and headed to the folly early. She would spend the day there and try to put the finishing touches on her story.

As Poppy took the path to her destination, she remembered her time a few weeks earlier in Kent. Isaac had indeed saved the day and rescued Katherine and Alistair. Now, he was Stevens' favorite family member. At least he would be until Aggie's baby came along, which should be any day. As soon as Alistair and Katherine were safe, her mother and Aunt Cassie rushed off to an SOS from Mave in Savannah. Mave and Sam were to be married and they were needed to plan the engagement party. Poppy thought there was more behind their required presence because a party could be planned from almost anywhere.

As it stood now, Poppy would have a busy few weeks. The Halloween party was in a week, and Mave and Sam's Engagement party was in two weeks. She would have to check with Isaac and see if he wanted to go with her to Savannah.

Thanksgiving was still up in the air, but she would have to decide if she wanted to attend the family gathering this year. She wanted to introduce Mary and Peter to the holiday. 

Poppy settled into her spot, enjoying the brisk air as she bundled herself into her coat and lap blanket. Her fingerless gloves kept her hands warm and still allowed her to draw.

She didn't know the details, but Isaac had assured her that Uncle Bryce, Alistair, and Wyatt had helped organize everything he needed, and the threat of the Glenns taking the children was minimized if not completely gone.

Now, all Poppy had to do was settle into married life, but she didn't think it would be that simple.

A few hours into her work, she heard leaves crunching behind her. She turned, expecting to see Isaac, but it wasn't Isaac, it was Siobhan.

"So, this is where you get to?" she asked, looking at the decrepit building in front of her.

Poppy didn't say anything. Siobhan knew she didn't like her, so why should she pretend?

"Fine, we won't do the small talk then," she sighed and sat on the log that Poppy was leaning against. "I'll be blunt, shall I?"

Poppy continued her silence.

"I want Isaac," Siobhan cut to the chase.

"But I have him," Poppy reminded her.

"Yes, I know. I was hoping I wouldn't have to play dirty, but with what I'm sure was your intervention, he has made my parents less eager to get custody of the children." Siobhan frowned.

"And that was your major bargaining chip." Poppy nodded as she turned the page in her sketchbook and started to draw an image of Siobhan as a witch. She wasn't even thinking about it because she was trying to figure out Siobhan's new bargaining chip.

"I'm not sure how forthright Isaac has been with you regarding his past, but something has come to light that, if shared with the community, could hurt his good standing."  Siobahn's voice was soft, and Poppy grew suddenly cold as a big gust of wind rushed up around them.

"I'm sure Isaac told you that he was in the Army, but did he tell you why he joined? It wasn't by choice." Siobhan lips pursed as if the thought of why brought her distaste.

"Why?" Poppy rounded on her. "Why do you want him so bad? He obviously doesn't want you, and why would you want him if you have to force his hand?"

Siobhan turned red at her sudden outburst.

"I don't think it's the children, and I don't think it's the money, so why?" Poppy shook her head as she watched Siobhan surge to her feet.

"I want him! I love him, and I want him, and I know in time he could grow to love me. He probably would have married me if you hadn't come onto the scene when you did."