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Chapter 5
Laura was beginning to wonder how she could be such a fool. Here she was, running into Edward yet again and once more by accident. Were the fates conspiring against her? There was no time to admire his fine form standing in front of the window, gazing at the night sky. She’d come down the hall to make her way up to her room, and the man was merely standing there.
Laura quickly put her head down and cleared her throat. Should she speak? She’d already said too much. “I apologize.” Her words were barely audible.
Edward seemed just as surprised as she was. He clasped his hand behind his back and knit his brow. “Perhaps you’re following me.”
She looked up, mortification written on her face. There were his stunning eyes again. Once more boring into hers. It was all too much to bear. It wasn’t until Edward cracked a smile that she realized he had been teasing her just then. A flush came to her cheek, and she couldn’t help smiling.
“That would be most improper.”
“It’s okay to be improper now and again. I fear that I might positively descend into the earth if I’m not improper from time to time.”
Laura averted her eyes. “That is because of your station.” Laura was still smiling until it dawned on her just how scandalous it was that she was standing alone with a lord, enjoying open conversation. “I’m sorry.” She quickly scurried away, but Edward stopped her.
He stepped in. “Wait.”
Laura did as she was told. She stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned to face him. To stand with her back to him would have been another scandal. “Yes, Your Grace.”
“You can look at me.”
Laura’s heart pounded mercilessly in her chest. Again, she did as she was told. How was it that every time she looked into his eyes, it was as though her heart was on fire? No one had ever made her feel that way before.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Do you enjoy your employment at Sage Brook?”
“Very much, Your Grace.”
Edward cocked his head as though surprised by her answer. “Do you have aspirations?”
“Aspirations, Your Grace?”
“Aspirations for a different station?”
It was like he was reading her mind. Did Edward know that she was fantasizing about being a governess all that day? It seemed as though he did know. Her cheeks burned bright again.
Laura cleared her throat. She thought it impossible to be so familiar with him and tell the truth. “No, Your Grace.”
“I somehow don’t believe that.”
Laura looked from side to side to make sure that no one was overhearing the conversation. Down the hall, there was the laughter and chatter from the salon as men continued with their game of cards.
“Why would you say that?”
“Because there’s something about you that I can’t describe.”
“Your Grace?”
“Something in your eyes. Some kind of spark.”
Laura could say the same for him. His eyes glittered. There was a mischievousness to them, as well as an impossible warmth. They were dazzling. Laura didn’t know how or why she did what she did next, but she stepped forward, drawing herself closer. She watched as Edward breathed deeply. His chest heaved up and down.
“I thank you for your kindness. But I don’t wish to step above my station. I am happy with my work. My mother did the same.”
“She was a maid?”
“Indeed.”
