Chapter 4: Unexpected Expectations
Lydia arrived home with Galina and Daria just as the sun dipped behind the hills. The air was cooler now, the sky tinted with soft pink and gold. She was smiling faintly, distracted by thoughts of the gossip in the dress shop, and wondering if the lavender fabric would really suit her skin the way Daria claimed.
As she stepped into the entrance hall and placed her bag down, a servant bowed quickly and said, "My Lady... The Baron requests your presence in his study."
She paused with one foot on the staircase.
"Right now?"
"Yes, miss. He asked that you come at once."
Lydia exchanged a glance with Galina, whose smile faded. Daria gently touched Lydia’s arm, sensing the change in her mood.
Lydia nodded and walked down the hallway toward her uncle’s study. The doors were slightly open. She could hear his voice inside, low and firm, speaking to someone else.
When she entered, Alexander was seated behind his desk, signing a few documents. Another man stood before him, but the moment he saw Lydia, Alexander waved the man away without looking up.
"You may go."
The man nodded, bowed slightly to Lydia, and slipped out.
Lydia stepped in, her hands folded in front of her dress. "Uncle, you called for me?"