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Chapter 7
Edward had just been dealt the best card of all. Anything at Sage Brook could be his? Although stately, Sage Brook was antiquated, and there was nothing that he could think of that was inanimate. It was a living creature that he desired. Would his brother judge him for demanding the thing that he wanted? Edward wasn’t inclined to care anymore.
It was obvious that there was no getting through to Norman. No meaningful change had been made. Edward would take what he wanted and perhaps never return. He was done with his brother. There was no amending the situation.
“I’ll take Laura.”
Norman’s eyes widened with shock, and then he knit his brow in confusion. “Who?”
“The servant girl that we were talking of just moments before.”
“Laura?”
“Laura Hawkins. I’ll take her to my estate.”
Norman broke out into laughter, and Edward assumed that it was from the alcohol. Why should he laugh at such a thing? Edward was serious. “You’re more the ladies’ man than I thought.”
“It has nothing to do with that. She looks miserable here. Pitiful. Her skin is pale, and she’s underweight.” There was no use in mentioning her beauty. Besides, what Edward was saying was the truth. The girl deserved better, and Edward was going to give her that.
Norman waved his hand in the air. “As you wish. I never see her, anyhow. I know nothing about her.”
Edward thought that that was Norman’s greatest mistake. If he could see the people around him and truly get to know them, maybe he wouldn’t be such a miserable cad.
“It’s settled then.”
“I’ll tell Percival to inform the girl at once. She can get her bags packed.”
“Brother, the sun is about to rise. Let her sleep.”
“Always thinking of others, Edward. That will get you into trouble someday.”
“How do you reason that?”
“People take advantage of such behaviour. If you ask me, this Laura Hawkins will take advantage of it, as well.”
Edward was mildly offended. It was unfair of his brother to say something like that about a girl he didn’t even know.
“When Percival does speak with her, inform him that this information is not a demand but a request. If Laura is not inclined to come to my estate, then she may remain.”
“So noble of you.”
“Good night.”
Edward left the room, unable to bear another moment of his brother’s company. Nothing had gone to plan. But if there was one benefit to his venturing to Sage Brook, it would be the acquisition of Laura. He tried not to think of her beauty. As Edward examined his own intentions, he realized that his reason for taking her on was sound. Laura was educated, dedicated, and meek. When Edward had his own children, perhaps she could teach them. Whatever it was that she would do for him, Edward was sure that it would be better than her remaining at Sage Brook.
As he walked down the hall, Edward saw the sun rising in the distant window. Was there even any point in going to bed? Entering the kitchen, Edward saw the servants already preparing for breakfast. There was the smell of fresh bread and eggs. Would anyone even be up early enough to enjoy the repast? He considered that perhaps it was breakfast for the servants.
Laura was nowhere in sight. The girl was probably exhausted from having to stay up so late the night before. Excitement filled him as Edward considered how, that very morning, she’d be approached by Percival. What if the girl turned him down? Edward would keep a stiff upper lip about it. He’d try to pretend that he wasn’t disappointed, but deep down, he would be.
“Your Grace.” Stanley bowed his head from where he stood over the stove.
“Good morning, Stanley. I see things coming along.”
“This is much more food than we normally prepare. It’s for the guests.”
“I see.”
“The duke usually dines upon sausage and tomatoes.”
