Page 31 of An Arranged Betrothal with a Contrite Duke
Upon entering, Michael looked up from his desk. He looked quite surprised to see his wife, fumbling with the papers in front of him as he rose, nearly knocking over an empty glass on his desk.
“Lydia,” he said. “How… that is, what are you doing here?”
Lydia swallowed. Of course, he didn’t want her intruding on him right then. He was likely trying to figure out how to discuss his disapproval with her. She knew she should have waited for him to come to her. But she was there now, and she might as well make an effort to make things right with him.
“Michael,” she began, her voice shaking slightly. “I understand that you are probably quite angry with me. And I completely understand.”
Michael blinked, tilting his head as though he didn’t understand what she was saying.
“Angry?” he asked.
Lydia nodded. She didn’t know if he was just surprised that she had chosen to come to him, rather than to wait for him to come to her, or if he was trying to hide his disappointment in her. She plunged ahead, trying to say everything she intended before she lost the nerve to do so.
“Yes,” she said. “I know last night was our wedding night. And I owe you an apology for falling asleep. I feel absolutely dreadful about it. I only hope that you can forgive me. I am truly sorry, Michael.”
Her husband stared at her for a long moment, and she wished she could guess what he was thinking. But his expression soon gave her an idea. He looked astonished at her apology, and for a moment, she thought she had insulted him by offering a weak apology for such a transgression. But after another moment, his expression softened.
“Lydia, you must not blame yourself,” he said. “It was a long and tiring day for both of us. I understand.”
Lydia’s heart skipped. She searched his eyes for any deception or hidden resentment. But all she saw was a lingering surprise and awe.
“Truly?” she asked timidly. “You are not angry with me?”
Michael gave her a small smile and shook his head.
“Not at all,” he said. “Really, it’s all right. You needn’t worry about it.”
Lydia sighed, relief flooding her. She wanted to embrace her husband. But he still appeared to be a bit nervous around her. She decided that a simply curtsey and a warm smile would suffice.
“Thank you, Michael,” she said. “Will you be working in here all day?”
Michael blinked, processing her question. Then, his eyes widened, and he nodded vigorously.
“Oh, yes, I’m afraid I will,” he said. “I have a great deal of paperwork I must finish cataloging, and some letters to some business partners to write.”
Lydia smiled sweetly at her husband.
“I would be happy to help you with some of those secretarial things,” she said. “Really, I used to help my father all the time. And it’s no trouble at all…”
“No,” he said, a bit too quickly. Lydia recoiled from her husband’s quick refusal of her offer. Michael seemed to notice, and he chuckled nervously. “No, thank you, Lydia. I have a long-standing relationship with these men, and I know all the ins and outs of our dealings together. It would take longer to explain it to you than to write the letter myself. And I am not sure where to begin with the cataloging. I have to do it a certain way until things are more organized. Thank you again, though.”
Lydia nodded, but she felt far from reassured. Michael was speaking quickly, as though he was being cagey. He had said that he wasn’t angry with her for the previous night. But now, he was acting like he didn’t want to be around her.
Unsure of what to make of his refusal, she changed the subject to something close to her heart.
“Michael, I've been thinking about the school I mentioned to you,” she said. “I'm eager to start working on it, and I was wondering if I could have your permission to proceed?”
Michael's face changed at once, almost as if relieved.
“Of course, Lydia,” he said, rather enthusiastically. “I believe that is a wonderful endeavour, and I support it wholeheartedly.”
Lydia’s head was spinning. Michael seemed to be going through the entire spectrum of emotions right before her very eyes. He was acting strange, to be sure. But he seemed to be genuinely supportive of her dream.
“Truly?” she said again, feeling foolish for such a sedated response. “I mean, thank you. But are you sure you don’t need more time to consider it? I understand that I am bringing it to you very suddenly after our wedding. If I must, I could wait a few months.”
Michael was shaking his head before Lydia had finished speaking.
“It’s no trouble, really,” he said. “In fact, I think the disused hall on the estate would be perfect for the school. I'll arrange to have it converted for you, so that you can begin as soon as you are ready.”
