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“You’re very smart, Laura. Smarter than the rest.”
“I don’t know if I agree.”
“Why is that?”
“I read silly books, that’s all.”
“No, I’m referring to a different kind of intelligence. I knew it the moment I first laid eyes on you.”
Laura squirmed in her seat uncomfortably, and Edward cleared his throat. Perhaps he went too far yet again. “I thank you for your kind words, Your Grace.”
Edward and Laura held each other’s gazes. He could see in her beautiful eyes the very character traits that he’d referred to. Intelligence, strength, warmth, and even a touch of fire. This time, it was Edward that had to look away first.
“I’ll send you back on your way.”
“My assistance is needed in the garden.” Laura got up from her chair too quickly for Edward’s liking. Was she eager to leave? Edward wasn’t eager to see her go.
“Cutting flowers?”
“Yes, Frederick does the cutting, and I hold the basket. You’ll have a lovely arrangement of roses for your luncheon.”
Edward found Laura’s statement dizzying. There was something about the way she said it. It was rather domestic. As though Laura was the lady of the house. Edward blinked his eyes in wonder at how good that made him feel.
“I’m sure it will be the most beautiful arrangement I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
Laura curtsied and smiled. “I shall do my best, Your Grace.” She walked to the door and abruptly turned. “I’d like to thank you, Your Grace.”
Edward smiled. “You always thank me.”
“For bringing me here. I’m quite happy.”
“That makes me very happy to hear, Laura.”
With that, she quietly left the room.
Laura’s absence from the room was keenly felt. Edward scratched his head. What was coming over him? Why did the maid have this effect on him? Perhaps it was a passing fancy. To clear his mind, Edward looked back down at his ledger and shook his head. He was done with financial issues for the day.
Harrison entered the study. “There’s a letter for you, Your Grace.”
“Bring it here.”
It was from Anna. Edward had scarcely thought about the interaction that they shared over a week before. Edward hoped she wasn’t offended that he didn’t send the correspondence he promised.
Your Grace,
It was such a delight encountering you on the road so many days ago. You have been in my thoughts since. I’m delighted to attend your tea tomorrow and most grateful for the invitation. There is much to talk about.
Anna Rutley
Invitation to tea? Edward scratched his head once more. Did he invite Anna to tea and forget about it? Did someone else invite her? Edward looked to his ledger and noted a tea scheduled for tomorrow, but he didn’t know how the devil Anna was invited. Brushing it off, Edward decided that, if someone else had invited her, he was grateful for it because he felt shame for having forgotten about her.
Making his way to the dining hall, Edward watched as the luncheon guests gathered and chatted. He made polite conversation with as many as he could. Just as he was mid-sentence with a wealthy earl, Edward spotted the remarkable arrangement of flowers on the table. He was right all along. It was the most beautiful arrangement of flowers he’d ever seen. Edward smiled warmly to himself and then searched the room to locate Laura.
She was standing at attention with Diana by her side. Edward bowed his head to her, far more deeply than a lord should ever bow to one of his staff. Edward didn’t care if anyone else saw. He wished to give Laura the respect that she deserved. Seating himself at the table, the food was served, and conversation continued, but the only person in the room he was aware of was Laura. He wouldn’t watch her directly but from the corner of his eye. He watched as she served soup, wine, dessert. He knew where she was located in the room at all times.
Was he losing his mind? Edward felt like a schoolboy in love. Yes, his mind was playing tricks on him. It was improper for him to have such feelings, and he’d never been in that position with someone on his staff. After lunch, he took a stroll in the garden to clear his thoughts.
