Matilda had always been guarded in their marriage, if only because it was not one of her choosing, but she liked to think that she was honest with her husband. She did not make a habit of lying to his face, nor did she go out of her way to avoid telling the truth.

Except where her feelings were concerned. She did not regularly allow him to see those.

Her gaze snapped up, brown eyes meeting brown, and she softened her brow hoping it would make her look less tense.

"Not upset," she disagreed, her voice even, "simply... unsurprised."

---