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Chapter 15
As she walked down the hall, Laura realized that something was different. There was a warm feeling inside of her that she couldn’t explain. She had caught Edward looking at her several times in the past, but the way that his gaze landed on her in the study was something new. As she walked into the kitchen and dodged the hustle and bustle of servants running about, she realized what this new sensation was. It was hunger. A tightening in her lower belly. For the life of her, Laura couldn’t understand what the feeling meant.
It seemed as though Edward had not requested the tea, so why did Graham Blackmore tell Laura that the master asked for it? He seemed like a strange fellow, that Graham Blackmore. There was something mischievous about him. Something cunning. Had he requested the tea on purpose?
No, Laura resolved herself to the fact that her mind wasn’t thinking clearly. Emotions were becoming too strong, and once again, she focused on the tasks at hand. There was more tea delivery, dusting, mopping, the usual tasks. But Laura was delighted when the head chef, Richard, asked Laura to begin the chopping of vegetables.
This task was ideal for many reasons. For one, the vegetables were from the garden, and Laura could smell the earthy freshness. Tomatoes, courgettes, cucumber, aubergine, cabbage. Vegetables in a variety of colours and all brimming with life. The other reason why Laura was thankful for this task was because there was something soothing and centring about chopping one vegetable after the next. That clenching in her stomach disappeared, and Laura temporarily forgot about the odd hunger that Edward had made her feel.
Richard said, “The stew will be served for supper. A simple meal. I’m told the chap from Denmark cancelled, and His Lordship will be dining alone.”
“That’s very out of character for him.” Laura couldn’t help smiling.
“If you ask me, he should do it more often. Not that I mind cooking for large groups. I live for it. But Edward seems a tad worn out.”
Laura was surprised that Richard referred to his employer by his given name, but she assumed that there was a kind of familiarity and kinship between a master and his chef. It was a special bond of trust and enjoyment. “What will be served with the stew?” Laura’s mouth was already watering thinking about it.
“Fresh rolls. A berry trifle.”
“Sounds wonderful.”
“It’s the master’s favourite dish.”
“Is it?” Although Laura knew Edward to have simple tastes, she never expected that a humble stew with rolls was preferred the most.
“I’ve been feeding him since he was a boy. There are many things that I know.”
Laura was very fond of Richard. He, as well, seemed like a humble and noble sort of fellow.
“Will he take supper in the dining room?” Laura didn’t even know the protocol for when the master dined alone.
“It’s what he prefers. The master quips that he’d take it in his study, but he doesn’t care for his study smelling of stew.”
Laura brought a hand over her mouth while she laughed. The image of Edward sitting alone in that vast dining room was humorous and endearing. But just as soon as she thought of him, that hunger and longing returned, and Laura quickly returned to chopping vegetables in order to forget.
Just then, there was the sound of thunder, and the rain began to fall. Richard looked up at the ceiling. “God must have intended me to make stew today.”
Laura looked up as well and listened to the rain. It reminded her of that fateful day when she met Edward for the first time and how it was raining outside. “Yes, he must have.”
Returning to her duties, Laura finished chopping the vegetables and then took the fresh rolls out of the oven. They smelt as delectable as ever. She felt a growl in her stomach.
Richard turned from the stove. “Take one while it’s hot.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I need to know if they’re good enough.”
“Of course, they’re good enough.” Laura took one roll and walked over to a stool that was positioned against a counter. She ripped the roll apart with her hands and felt how hot and crusty it was. Taking a piece in her mouth, she instantly knew that it was sourdough. “This is perfect.”
“Good to hear. I take pride in my rolls.”
“As you should.”
Laura continued to eat and listen to the rain. It occurred to her that perhaps the very thing that she needed to take her mind off Edward was to return to reading her books. She’d had no time for it because of the delightful conversations with Diana, but perhaps her romantic novels were just what she needed to transport her mind to a different world. On the other hand, reading the novels could also make things worse.
Once the roll was done, it was time to make the rest of the preparations for supper. There was one place setting for the master, the wine was chilled, and the stew was nearly ready. Laura didn’t know why Edward didn’t want his study smelling of stew, because to her, it was one of the most amazing aromas she’d ever encountered.
When the hour came, Laura stood at attention in the dining hall and watched as Edward entered. Again, that warmth in her body returned, and Laura cleared her throat. Edward was dressed far more casually than she’d ever seen him before. He did not wear a coat, giving Laura a better sense of his physical shape. Edward was a very large, physically fit man. Laura found herself biting her lip and turned from side to side to see if someone had spied her doing it.
