And she did not know precisely how to react. Her heart ached for the insecurity that had led him to practice such a charade; but she could not help feeling offended—nay, hurt—that he had felt such a masquerade to be necessary for her sake. Did he think her so shallow? And whatever the reasons behind it, it had still been a long-practiced, carefully planned deception of the most cold-blooded kind. Had he ever planned to tell her the truth?
Perhaps it did not matter. He had Lihyaen to attend to now; she might never see him again. The manner of his farewell had certainly suggested as much to her own heart. But insecurity was something she could always forgive, for she was so intimately acquainted with it herself.
‘All’s well, Miss Sophy?’ Balligumph was saying, peering down into her face wi
