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And hated herself for doing so.
“But what does this have to do with my betrothal?”
He lifted his chin, as if telling her to look behind her. Idalia knew what she’d see before she turned around. In truth, she should have known earlier, only she’d long since stopped hoping she’d see him again.
Hope could be a double-edged sword, after all, when the thing one hoped for never came to pass. And yet, she turned in her chair, and there he was—his frame filling the doorway as it had done at the forge.
“How long have you been standing there?” she managed.
“Long enough.”
She was taking in his appearance, his freshly washed hair that was still damp. The surcoat that made him look more like a knight than a blacksmith.
And then her father’s meaning finally registered.
She whipped back around to face him.
“The man you would have me betrothed to?”
“Stands behind you even now.”
He was serious.
Suddenly, Idalia realized her mother had not betrayed her confidence after all. Lance himself had told her father everything.
“He has asked to marry me?” she clarified, as if Lance were not in the room.
“He has.”
Her eyes widened. “And you have given your permission.”
“Aye.”
She had so many questions. But Why? did not seem appropriate, nor did blurting out, But he is a blacksmith.
Unless . . .
“Did you consult with Mother about his request?”
Her father stood, giving her that strange and disarming half smile again. “I did,” he admitted. “I will leave you to a discussion.”
Idalia stood when he did.
“Mind you, you’re only to have a discussion,” he told Lance as he left. “Do you understand?”
Lance bowed his head as the earl passed him. “Indeed, my lord.”
“Before you give your answer, daughter, you may want to look at that bracelet you’re wearing a bit closer.” With that strange remark, he stepped out of the room, giving Lance a final “Good eve, sir,” before he closed the door behind him.
Sir.
He had been Sir Lance Wayland all along. So many lies.
So very much to discuss.
And then she reached for the bracelet.
Chapter 27
