Page 64 of An Arranged Betrothal with a Contrite Duke
“Sure,” he said. “If there is suddenly a day that doesn’t end in ‘y,’ then of course you haven’t.”
Lydia dissolved into laughter.
“Very well, my love,” she said. “I concede that I spend a great deal of time at the school. What shall we do today?”
Michael’s face transformed into an impish expression.
“Come with me,” he said. “You shall soon see.”
Lydia giggled once again and nodded.
“Very well,” she said. “Lead the way.”
Michael took her gently by the arm, leading her out onto the vast grounds of Strawbridge Manor and toward the gardens. Comfortably arm in arm, they ventured out into the beautiful spring day. They strolled along the path towards the lake, with Michael remaining mysteriously tight-lipped about his surprise. Lydia studied her husband’s face, trying to read what it was he had in mind. But he kept his gaze fixed forward, with no indication as to what he had planned in his expression. Lydia considered asking him to divulge his plans to her, but she could tell that Michael was intent on keeping his secret. So, she just followed along, imagining what he might have in store for them.
The day was a lovely one. The sun was shining very pleasantly, not too hot, but just enough to make the sweet-smelling breeze nice and cool on her cheeks. The baby in her belly rolled over gently, signaling that it approved of the situation before her. She patted her belly instinctively, making loving contact with the little human being there within.
Michael was a great one for the surprises, having gifted her with yet another teacher for the school as well as another small shed, which he had had secretly built himself, as an addition to the schoolrooms. And he was often surprising her with picnics on various parts of the grounds, including horseback riding before she learned she was pregnant. He had done much in the past year to show her that he loved her. And yet, she couldn’t figure out what he was up to right then.
As they rounded the bend, Lydia's eyes widened in astonishment. There, beside the lake, a lovely picnic was laid out on a chequered blanket, complete with all her favorite foods. The Dowager, Mary, and Bryony were present, along with all the children from the local school. She gasped, covering her mouth with her hands, and looking up at her husband with speechless amazement.
“Surprise, my dearest,” Michael beamed. “Do you like it?”
Lydia looked back at the smiling group of people who waited to greet them.
“I love it, darling,” she said. “Oh, you really do know just how to surprise me.”
Michael bowed, a little less than humbly at his wife’s praise.
“I knew you'd love to have everyone here with us on this special day,” he said.
As they approached, the children began to get restless. Mary leapt up first, rushing over to Lydia and laughing with great delight.
“Are you surprised?” she asked.
Lydia giggled, embracing her friend carefully around her swollen belly.
“To say the least,” she said. “How on earth did you all plan this?”
Bryony joined the women, beaming at Lydia just as Mary and Michael were.
“Michael wrote to us about a month ago,” she said. “He informed us that this was your anniversary, and that he wanted to do something very special for you. Of course, we were immediately on board with the idea. And the look on your face made it all worth it.”
Lydia laughed, not realizing that joyful tears were spilling down her cheeks until Mary reached up and brushed them away.
“This is certainly the best anniversary I could have ever hoped for,” she said.
Michael slipped up beside her, putting his arm around her waist and patting her belly softly.
“Are you happy, my love?” he asked.
Lydia smiled up at her husband, nodding eagerly.
“I couldn’t be happier, darling,” she said.
Bryony took Lydia’s free arm, and the four adults walked over to where the restless children were waiting. As Lydia reached them, they all rose, each wanting to take their turns embracing their school administrator.
The little girl, who Lydia remembered was called Sally, was beaming up at her. She held up a picture of Lydia, her, and Miss Carrick. It was very well done, and it was clear that the girl had a talent for art.
