A/N--- A special thanks to skyflyer81310, my only reviewer. I'm updating for sky's benefit. Any of you want more than review or I won't update any more.
On with the chapter!
Chapter FourThat night at supper, Elizabeth and Matthew apologized. The atmosphere in the room was quite tense at first. I spoke now and again to fill the silence. It was not long before the two were able to strike up a conversation of their own which I contributed to willingly.
We finished our meal as the clock struck half past eight. The valets came and collected our dishes. Moving to the parlor, we continued our conversation. Matthew sat on a chair. Elizabeth and I on a love seat.
As the clock struck the hour of nine Elizabeth stood.
'I think shall retire early. I do need help finding a room to sleep in though.' She looked very unsure of herself. That was not like Elizabeth. Not wanting to push her, I decided it was due to her unfamiliar surroundings.
'You are not going to stay in my rooms?' I asked slightly confused. I thought she would stay with me so we could talk.
'No, I just want to rest; hopefully sleep. I have not been sleeping well lately.' She looked uneasy. It was very unusual to see her like this.
'Of course.' I said, standing up as she did. Matthew started to stand as well. A wave of my hand seated him. 'I'll only be a moment.'
Out in the corridor I said, 'Elizabeth, what is the matter? You seem very uneasy.'
Elizabeth contemplated for a moment before answering. 'Not a thing. I am just tired.' She tried to look convincing. She failed miserably. I did not push her though. She would confide in my in due time.
'All right then, Lizzy. I shall see you in the morn'.' I spoke gently to reassure her that she would not be pushed.
'I shall see you in the morning. Good night.' She then hugged me as I whispered, 'Good night' in her ear.
I walked back into the parlor still thinking of Elizabeth's peculiar behavior. Sitting in my place on the love seat, I still had not acknowledged Matthew. Why was Elizabeth acting so out of character? Had I done anything wrong? Did Matthew have anything to do with it? I was so deep in thought that I jumped when I felt a hand on my arm.
'Are you all right, Arieda?' concern was written all over his face.
'I am fine. I was just thinking. Is everything all right?' I asked turning my attention to him.
'Yes. I was just asking after you.' He came over to sit next to me. 'How are you doing? A lot has been thrown at you. First your family passes on, and then you find that you are being forced to marry me. Next, your friend arrives unexpectedly. Now she is acting, as you say, strangely out of character. You have had a very trying day.' He seemed very concerned.
'You failed to mention that we had our first actual disagreement to day.' I said. He looked slightly amused at this. 'Yes, I suppose we did.'
'I am fine though. I appreciate your concern. Honestly, I do. I am fine though. You do not have to worry.' I said, attempting to ease his mind.
'I do though. How do you think I would feel if my wife-to-be were distraught? I could not have that, now could I?' His voice was light, but his eyes betrayed what he truly felt.
I decided to change the subject. 'When do I get to meet your parents?' I was particularly worried about this. After all, I very well could not have them dislike me. Even if it was an arranged marriage, I did not want them thinking that they had made a mistake.
''Excuse me?' He seemed genuinely surprised. He obviously had not expected me to ask that question.
'I asked when I would get to meet your parents. If I am to marry you, I should meet your parents before the wedding. Besides, would not your mother wish to help? My mother said that my father's mother did. Father had said that they were a giggling, panicking wreck.' I realized I was, as my mother used to say, babbling. I could, however, not stop. I was nervous (why I could not say). I tended to rattle on and on when I was nervous, which was exactly what I was doing.
'Arieda, Arieda darling, slow down. One thing at a time, please.' Matthew's eyes held a mixture of emotions: mirth, shock, and nervousness. 'Your tale of your parents wedding and engagement is amusing, if not slightly alarming. I do hope that you will keep your head, for the most part at least. I do not want you to stressed. I am sure my mother and father would love to meet you. I have to return home to take care of a few things anyway. You could travel with me. On another note, you look absolutely adorable when you are nervous.' He finished his short speech with a smile.
I smiled in return. Then, a thought struck me. 'Do you think that your parents will approve of me?' I was quite worried about this.
He chuckled. 'They were the ones who arranged the marriage. If they are unhappy with it then that is their problem. I, on the other hand, am quite content with the arrangements.' He did seem content. His features were relaxed.
I smiled as well. Then I spoke exactly what I was thinking, an impulsive action that was not like me.
'I smile more in an hour with you then I have in the past year. It astounds me completely, but I enjoy it immensely.'
He was smiling as well. 'I am glad. At least I know that I make my fiancé happy.'
'You do. I am glad of that.' I was still smiling. We just sat there in each other's company.
Just as the clock struck the hour of ten, I stood up yawning. 'I think it is time that I turned in.' I said.
'I agree you are tired, as am I.' He stood up as he said this.
We walked out of the room together. At the top of the grand staircase, we said our goodnights and parted ways.
