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Chapter 12
Edward sat in his study, anticipating Laura’s arrival. He’d watched her much in the past two weeks, and Edward was delighted with what he saw. That first day, he knew that she was struggling, and it amused him. He liked to see that glittering expectation in her eyes as she experienced the newness of his estate. In fact, he liked everything that her eyes conveyed.
Edward had to watch her surreptitiously. He didn’t want the servants to get the wrong idea. She was the new maid and nothing more. Could never be more. Though when Edward went to sleep each night, he felt a deep satisfaction that Laura Hawkins was under his roof and not that of his brother’s.
Checking his accounts while he waited, Edward noted that Norman had lost even more money since leaving Sage Brook. He shook his head in disbelief. Edward would have to accept the fact that his brother was never going to change. In fact, things could even get worse. To maintain his composure, Edward would focus on his own affairs and not let his brother frustrate him. Everything in Edward’s life was about focusing and overcoming difficulty. This was his key to success.
There was a gentle knock on the door before it was slowly pushed open, and Laura walked in. There was dread and fear on her face, and Edward knitted his brow. What was she scared of? Did she think she was being punished? Far from it.
Edward had nothing but admiration for her. Getting up from his seat, Edward walked around the desk and towards the door. Laura’s gaze was to the ground, and Edward wished so much to place a gentle finger under her chin to tilt her beautiful face up towards his, but to do so would be improper.
“Please.” Edward lifted his arm and extended it towards the chair on the opposite side of his desk. Laura finally looked up, and their gazes met. She must have seen something welcoming in his eyes because Laura softened. The dread seemed to disappear into thin air.
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
Edward stood in place and watched as Laura walked to the chair. He had to avert his gaze when he caught himself staring in a manner that was not respectful to the girl. Old habits still clung to him. He made his way back to his chair, pushed back his tails, and seated himself, bringing the chair in closer to the desk.
“Thank you for coming.”
Laura spoke quickly, “Thank you for having me.”
Edward smiled when he saw the blush on her cheek. He was used to women blushing in his presence, but it pleased him to see it happen to Laura. “Do you know why I sent for you?”
“I hope that I’ve done nothing wrong.”
Edward shook his head. “No, no. Quite the contrary. You’ve integrated yourself splendidly.”
“That’s a tremendous relief.”
Edward watched as her dainty shoulders relaxed down. “I’ve quite forgotten the situation with the bread rolls.” Edward smiled, and Laura laughed to herself.
“I learned that rather quickly.”
“You’ll find that there’s much more to learn, as well. But putting your performance aside, there’s something else I’m much more concerned about.”
“What is that?”
Edward leaned into the desk. “Are you happy here?”
Laura paused, and in the silence, Edward felt his breath constrict in his chest. “Naturally.”
“You can be honest with me. I’m your employer, but I choose to speak with my staff as though they’re friends.”
“To be perfectly honest.” Laura swallowed hard. “I’m tremendously happy here.”
“It’s very different from Sage Brook.”
“There’s so much more to do. I find that I am excited in the morning to see what the day brings!”
Edward sighed to himself. Laura’s words pleased him immensely. “There should always be activity in this home. I think that’s the meaning of life.”
“I agree. I never know what to do when I’m not busy.”
“You have no hobbies?” Edward became concerned that Laura’s life was entirely about work. But why should he be concerned? The girl was his maid.
“Well, I … I enjoy reading. Being out in the garden.”
“And do you have sufficient time to enjoy these things?”
