Page 54

Elias was seated in the parlor and he rose when she appeared, a hesitant smile appearing on his face.

Lydia lifted her chin, despite the slight trembling of her hands at the sight of him.

"Sit," he encouraged gruffly, his eyes remaining on her as she slowly took a seat across from him. Elias sighed deeply and ran a hand through his hair - disheveling it ever so slightly.

"I was just wondering," he said now, though she was rather certain that he was avoiding her gaze, "if you were ready for tonight's dinner with your parents."

"No." The word left her mouth before she could think more about it and she slammed her hand over it, an attempt to take the word back.

"I apologize," she said quickly. "I just… I merely… I… I suppose, I will be ready," she finished lamely and he leaned forward slightly, a smile playing around his lips.

"Lydia," he spoke in that deep voice that sent shivers down her spine. "I understand that your relationship with your family iscomplicated. That is why I asked - not out of politeness, but because it matters."

Lydia laned back slightly in her chair at this. "I am not quite used to having my feelings matter," she admitted, almost in a whisper and Elias looked at her sympathetically.

"I want you to try to stand up to them tonight," he counseled gently. "You need not fight. But at least… own your voice."

"I suppose I can try," she muttered - though in truth she knew it would not happen. The conversation came to a sudden halt and she looked at her teacup intently.

"Well, I have work to do," Elias said now, rising to his feet. "I shall see you this evening. Wear… wear midnight blue."

A smile played around his lips. "It suits you," he said before walking out calmly and Lydia huffed.

She was quite certain that he gained some type of satisfaction out of being maddeningly frustrating. With pursed lips, she put her teacup down before making her way up to her bedchamber again.

It was mere hours later when Sarah entered her chamber and soon, Lydia found herself dressed in a plain gown - a deep blue one, though not exactly midnight blue - and her hair pinned up in a simple style.

"My parents should be arriving soon," she muttered as Sarah pinned the last curl. She sighed, and closed her eyes.

"You look lovely, Your Grace," Sarah said now and with a soft smile, Lydia rose to her feet. "Thank you, Sarah," she muttered. "And now we wait."

Sarah curtsied quickly before rushing out and Lydia turned to the window - watching as the carriage drew nearer, nerves tightening into a taut ball in her stomach.

She made her way downstairs slowly - even from the hallway she could hear the door opening and her mother's voice traveling through the townhouse.

"Hmm. It seems somewhat dreary. Unadorned, even . There is nothing personal, I see."

"Father," Lydia greeted, attempting to keep her voice light. "Mother. Welcome."

"Hmm," her mother answered, peering past her. "And where exactly is our son-in-law?"

Lydia searched for an answer desperately. Elias must have gotten distractedly busy with work, she knew - but there was no way her parents would easily accept that answer.

"I am right here," her husband's deep voice boomed through the foyer just as she opened her mouth. "Forgive me, my lord. My lady. I was quite busy with work."

Within seconds, her mother's hardened look cracked and she nodded quickly at Elias.

"Oh, it is not a problem, Your Grace," she swooned. "We are simply delighted to have dinner with you."

Elias kept quiet, simply putting a hand beneath her elbow and leading her to the dining room.

Soon, plates were laid down in front of the four and Elias turned his gaze to Lydia.

"The appetiser looks lovely."

At this, Prudence lifted a not-so-subtle brow. "Oh, Lydia dear… did you plan this?"

Lydia glanced at her husband before nodding at her mother. "I did, mother," she said simply.