All throughdinner she had watched Stephen, and how he studiously avoided hergaze. She’d barely heard the conversation of those around her, herbrow creased as she contemplated how best to get him to look ather. The dinner had ended without her determining a way to do so,and he’d disappeared with the other gentlemen before she could atthe very least speak with him again.
After theirinteraction at the frozen lake, she’d had to re-examine herstrategy. It appeared the closeness they’d shared prior to...well,priorhad dissipated. He would not look at her then, either,and he’d made his way from her as swiftly as he could. She’d spentthe rest of the afternoon plotting a new course of action, but thattoo had failed. She squared her shoulders. No matter. This houseparty was to last at least another six days. She had ampleopportunity.
Alexandra stood,her smile brilliant as she spoke. From here, Sera could not hearwhat she said, but Lydia broke out in a similar grin, laughing asher sister departed.
Sera stared atLydia. She’d known the girl for so long, and had been at odds withher for almost all that time. She’d thought she’d been right, topropose to Stephen they use what she’d seen to blackmail hisbrother. She’d thought she’d been right, to prove to Lydia herhopes regarding the earl were ridiculous.
Perhaps she hadnot been right. Perhaps, as Charuni had said, she could have been alittle kinder.
Abruptly, shemade a decision.
Lydia’shappiness faded as she noted Sera’s approach. It wouldn’t fadeSera’s determination, however. “May I speak with you?”
“Isuppose,” Lydia said.
Ignoring theunenthusiastic response, Sera seated herself. “You did what yousaid you would.”
“Andwhat is that?”
“Youwill marry the earl.”
Lydiastiffened.
“Iam in awe of your perseverance. Well done.”
“Ido not enjoy your snide comments,” Lydia said flatly.
Sera blinked.She did not mean— “I am not being snide.”
Lydia laughedshortly. “I do not know why you have come to Waithe Hall. You weresurely aware I sent the invitation in jest. You were never intendedto be in attendance.”
Sera toldherself she imagined the hurt Lydia’s words caused. She lifted herchin. “But you did send an invitation and I accepted. I now wish tooffer my congratulations and felicitations on a happymarriage.”
Lydia stared ather. “Every word out of your mouth sounds a curse.”
Frustration madeher words short. “I mean it true.”
“Yes. For you are well known for your warmth andamiability.”
This was notproceeding as she’d intended. She did not wish for Lydia’s smile tohave disappeared. She did not wish her words to have been taken notas she had intended. Is this the reaction she had sown? Is thiswhat years of protecting herself with a sharp tongue and unkindwords had produced? She wanted to be different. Her sister had beenright. She needed to be kind.
A torrent ofemotion swelled inside her. “I am sorry,” she burst out. “I amsorry for every cruel thing I said, every cruel thing I did. I amsorry.”
Lydia remainedstone-faced. “Are you sorry for every cruel deed and word to justto me? Or to everyone?”
She closed hereyes. “I am sorry.” For everything. For every comment made. Forevery tear she caused. For every moment where she needed to feelbetter than everyone, and for every moment when it didn’t work. Shewas sorry for it all.
Lydia was silenta moment. “You mean it, don’t you?”
Lips pressedtogether, Sera nodded sharply.
“Iaccept your apology.”
Jerking her headaround, she stared at Lydia in shock. Just like that? With nofurther comment or recrimination? “I didn’t think it would matterif I told everyone I saw you and Lord Roxwaithe. In the orangery,”she blurted.
Lydia blinked.“I beg your pardon?”
“When I saw you at that ball. When you and the earl were—” hercheeks burned— “embracing. It was clear you would soon wed, and ifI threatened a little scandal, everyone would forget as soon as thevows were said. It wouldn’t have mattered.”
