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“I’m not sure Percival would care. I don’t know that he cares about anything anymore.”
Laura looked out the window dubiously. The moon was just peeking out of the clouds in the night sky. The light from it beamed gently into the room. “Maybe it’s all happening for a reason. Maybe I should leave here.”
“Why would you say such a thing?”
“I must admit that seeing the gambling for the first time, I was in shock.”
“I’m sorry that you didn’t know. It’s been going on for some time.”
“That doesn’t make the duke a criminal. I just thought … differently of him.”
“Things are not always what they seem, Laura. Especially in high society. There are all kinds of things hidden below the surface.”
Laura thought that Diana’s perspective was sound. Because of her station in life, there were so many things that Laura wouldn’t be privy to. Maybe that was for the best. Although thetonglittered and shined in their finery, Laura never wished always to keep up appearances and be a certain way. If she could get by in life quietly, comfortably, and meekly, that was enough for her.
Or was it?
“Do you suppose they’ll be gambling all night?” Laura asked.
“They go well into the morning. In fact, it’s already morning.”
“Did Edward know of it?”
Diana leaned in and whispered. “If you ask me, that’s why he’s here.”
Laura stopped to consider that. Was the younger brother here to school the older brother? It seemed impossibly backward. Norman had one of the richest estates in all of Britain. Surely, he should take better care of it.
Just then, Diana pulled her hand through Laura’s hair. “You’re so beautiful, Laura. I’m sure that’s why Edward wished to speak with you.”
“He didn’t wish to speak to me. He could barely escape me!”
“Nonsense. I’m sure that’s not true.”
“What does it matter anyhow? Flattery is all it is.”
“Do you see yourself marrying one day?”
Laura got a dreamy look in her eye. She tried not to think of that question. Put much effort into it. She feared that she’d turn into a spinster, but maybe that was her lot in life. If she were a governess, having a husband would be the last thing on her mind. She’d be engaged in her studies all day long, busy with the children. But why was she even thinking this way? Perhaps there was no chance she’d ever become a governess at all.
“I suppose if I do, it will be a stableboy.”
“Surely, not a stableboy from Sage Brook.” Diana laughed to herself. “They’re all rather geriatric.”
Laura couldn’t help laughing as well. Diana was right. All the men that worked in the stables were old. But she wouldn’t even be surprised if she was married off to an older man, merely for convenience. It did offer her much more security. If Laura needed to leave her job, the covenant of marriage would protect her. But there was no chance she’d ever marry for love.
“What about Fritz?”
“Stanley’s apprentice?”
“I’m sure that you’ve thought of that, as well.” Laura continued to laugh. It was fun talking of such things, if only for the humor of it all.
“Fritz, with those bug eyes?” Diana did an impression of his eyes as she said it.
“I suppose they do bug out a bit.”
Both girls laughed together and enjoyed the good fun of it. Fritz seemed like a nice boy, albeit a little nervous. But working under Stanley could pique anyone’s nerves.
Diana continued to speak. “I fancy Harold.”
“The apprentice butler?” Laura considered how funny it was that everyone at Sage Brook had an apprentice.
“Do you not think him handsome with that blond hair? I caught a glimpse of his bare arm once. He’s rather strong.”
"Being a butler will take the strength out of him.”
As the two girls continued to have fun, Laura felt incredibly grateful for Diana. What would it be like if she had no one to talk to? It would be dreadful. Still, Laura was always one that managed to keep to herself.
They parted ways, saying their ‘sweet dreams,’ and Laura was left to think about Edward once more. Perhaps she’d even dream of him.
