The atmosphere at the table had changed completely. Instead of wariness, Theo's parents were now showing sympathy for Lynn, which made him grit his teeth. This plan was going from bad to worse. She had no manners but that didn't seem to bother Theo's parents.
As the dinner progressed, his mother didn't stop asking Lynn questions, showing more and more interest in her life.
"You are an excellent young lady, Miss Lynn. And I really think your presence here will do Theo good. He's always so... serious. I think he needs a woman like you by his side!"
"Mother..." Theo tried to say.
"No, Theodore! Listen to me!" said Lady Elvira with unprecedented determination. "Miss Lynn is kind, hardworking, and independent! All the characteristics of a good duchess!"
Theo opened his mouth to protest, but his father, who had so far remained skeptical, spoke up.
"I will agree," Lord Raphael said, leaning back in his chair, "The more I listen to her, the more I understand why you chose her. She is strong, and this house needs a strong duchess."
Lynn smiled awkwardly, while Theo struggled to hide his frustration.
"Therefore," Lord Raphael continued, "I believe there is no need to delay any longer. We will begin preparations for your wedding."
"WHAT?" cried Lynn spontaneously.
Theo pursed his lips. Neither he, nor Lynn, had expected such a development. Marriage so soon?
"Father, I think you're rushing..."
"Rushing?" His mother laughed. "Theodore, you have no idea how long I've waited for this moment! We're going to have the grandest wedding the empire has ever seen!"
Lynn felt Theo's hand tighten next to hers. Apparently, their mission had failed miserably.
"Do you agree, Miss Lynn?" asked Lady Elvira.
"Well... I don't think there's any need to rush so much," Lynn said, trying to keep her smile.
"Exactly. We're not saying no to marriage, we just think an engagement stage would make more sense first," Theo immediately jumped at the chance.
Theo's mother blinked, clearly disappointed.
"An engagement?"
"Yes," Theo said firmly, "We want to have some time to get to know each other better and prepare. There's no need to rush."
Lady Elvira looked at her husband, who remained silent for a few moments, his fingers clasped together in front of his face.
"If that is what you both wish," he said at last, "we will not press you. Engagement is an acceptable solution."
Lynn breathed a sigh of relief, while Theo's mother sighed in disappointment.
"Too bad, I already wanted to pick out flowers for the wedding!"
"Mother, you'll have all the time in the world to do it when the time comes," Theo said, keeping his voice calm.
Dinner continued in a more relaxed atmosphere, with Lady Elvira continuing to ask Lynn questions and Theo trying to keep his annoyance under control. When they were finally finished, Lin and Theo retired to their rooms.
Lady Elvira had instructed them to prepare the best room near Theo's. Lynn found it luxurious, but not overly stuffed. However, as she surveyed the room, she noticed a heavy wooden door in the corner. She opened it reluctantly and found herself in a small, elegant living room with luxurious chairs and a large bookcase.
Before she could explore further, another door on the opposite side opened, and Theo stepped inside, holding a book. His eyes met hers and they both froze for a moment.
"What... is this?" asked Lynn, pointing to the door Theo had entered through.
Theo sighed.
"It's my private living room. And, apparently, now yours as well. Our rooms are connected."
Lynn blinked.
"Great..." she muttered ironically.
Theo watched her for a moment as she walked further into the room.
"Anyway, you can go and rest now. Your role for the day is over," he told her and returned to his book.
But she, as if she hadn't heard him, walked over to him and sat in the armchair opposite him.
"Don't you think we should talk?"
"Talk about what?" asked Theo, his annoyance starting to show.
Lynn raised her eyebrows, unperturbed.
"Oh, I don't know... Maybe about how the plan failed miserably?" he said with a wry smile. "Or how your mother liked me so much, she wanted us to get married on the spot?"
Theo abruptly closed the book and set it down on the coffee table with a thud.
"Yes, but that wasn't the plan. I still can't believe they ended up liking you."
"Hey, sorry for being so likeable!" she replied, holding out her hands. "I didn't know I had to be worse to make this work! The thing is how we go on from here."
He turned his head thoughtfully but his eyes immediately brightened.
"I've got it! I thought of something that will probably work," he finally said.
I hope at least it's better than the last plan, Lynn thought and sighed.
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