Okay, a short little update. Sorry for the wait, I was REALLY busy with work, so I apologize!
"Lydia." I smiled the best smile I could manage.
"This mansion is just wonderful." she told me and I nodded. That I knew.
"Thank you. Should I ask one of the maids to show you to your room, you must be exhausted." I offered, hoping to finish this awkward conversation. At least the next time I had to face them I wouldn't be alone. Lizzy would be there and more importantly Henry and Joana.
"That is not necessary. I am sure there is a lot to see around here and Kitty will show us everything. I see you later, I guess…" Lydia smiled and I nodded, excusing myself and hurrying towards the garden.
When I couldn't hear my sisters anymore I sighed deeply. One part of me, even though I felt ashamed for that, was happy when the wedding was finally over and my family would leave me alone.
It wasn't a nice thing though, to think something like that. They were my family after all. And I felt awful for thinking so low of them.
"You look flustered, are you alright?" I heard a familiar voice and smiled because his voice always had a soothing effect on me.
"My sister Lydia and her husband just arrived." I said and turned to look at Henry who sat in one of the comfortable armchairs on the terrace, obviously busy with some correspondence that was laying in front of him.
He lowered the letter he was holding and I felt bad for interrupting his work. So I hurried to say:
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb your work. I just wanted some fresh air, I will go for a walk in the park and you can return to your correspondence."
But before I could even move I heard him sigh.
"Mary…. Come here, please." His voice sounded strained and I felt insecure immediately. What had I done wrong? I really didn't want to interrupt him, or trouble him in any way.
Unsure I walked closer to him, chewing on my bottom lip. When I was close enough, he took hold of my hands and pulled me to the lounge, next to him.
"I am very sorry, I really didn't mean to disturb you…" I started, but stopped, when Henry placed one of his hands on my cheek while shaking his head.
"Why are you apologizing?" he asked, his bright blue eyes boring into mine.
"I just didn't want to trouble you…" I offered helplessly and shrugged.
"Did you know I was out here?"
"No…"
"Did you know I was working?"
"No." I answered, feeling more and more confused by the minute.
"Then what are apologizing for?"
"I … don't know." I finally said and he chuckled, obviously amused.
"You still need to learn that you don't have to apologize all the time. Especially for things you have no control over. Besides, I don't mind being interrupted by you." he told me with a smile that made my heart beat faster.
I didn't know what to say to his words, so I just stayed silent and looked into his clear, blue eyes.
"You said your sister arrived…" he reminded me and I nodded slowly.
"Yes. And her husband…Mr. Wickham." I spat. I resented that man, for all the pain he had brought upon the people I loved.
"Why do you dislike him so much?" Henry asked curious. He of course knew, like everyone else, about the fact that my sister had run off with him, but that was all.
"He almost prevented Lizzy and Mr. Darcy from finding one another, because he was telling her lies about him… and…. Well he did something horrible with a good friend of mine, but I cannot tell you. I am sorry. But it is very private and I promised never to tell anyone."
"That is quite alright." Henry reassured me with a small smile.
"I heard a few things about this man from Mr. Darcy. It seems he is not the most pleasant man."
"That is an understatement!" I told him with a roll of my eyes.
"You said something about a walk in the park, may I join you?" He changed the subject, flashing me a charming smile. Did he really think I would ever say no to him?
"Of course." I smiled back and watched him get up. He offered his arm to me and I took it with a little giggle.
I try to update as soon as possible.