Chapter 6: Behind The Mask
Lydia pretended the whole day like nothing was wrong. First, she came down for breakfast dressed neatly in a light cream dress, her hair tied back in a soft braid. Her face was calm, and not a single tear betrayed her sleepless night.
She sat at the table and ate quietly, even picking at her food now and then so no one would suspect anything. Elena kept glancing at her and eventually leaned closer.
"Are you... okay?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I’m fine," Lydia replied, smiling faintly, her tone so smooth it almost fooled herself.
To complete the act, she later approached her uncle in the study, where he was sipping tea and reading the day’s correspondence.
"You were right," she said, bowing slightly. "I’ve been immature. I apologize."
Her uncle looked at her with a smile full of pride, like he had just tamed a wild horse. "Ah, my dear! That’s the right attitude. I knew you’d understand. You’re a smart girl, just like your mother."
Lydia’s stomach twisted at the mention of her mother, but she forced a nod.
By noon, the Count arrived.
Lydia had dressed carefully in a sky-blue gown trimmed with lace, her hair brushed and curled by the maids. She looked like a doll on display, not a girl with a broken heart. She met him in the parlor, her hands locked together to keep from shaking.
He made conversation as if they were old friends.