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Chapter 17
Edward looked down at the book and smiled.The Tempesthad always been one of his favourite plays. He knelt over to pick it up and stared at it in his hands. Laura’s jaw dropped open.
“I promise … I was saving that for later.”
“This is one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays.”
“I agree.”
“Storms and magic. I wish that I could see it performed.”
“As do I.”
Laura looked down at her feet bashfully, and Edward heaved a sigh. It was pure coincidence that they ran into one another in the hall. As Edward said, he was making his way to the kitchen when Laura stumbled into him, and what a happy surprise it was.
There was no one in the world that he wished to stumble into more. He had held her waist, even clutched it with his hand. It was wildly inappropriate to do so, but Edward felt as though he couldn’t help it. There was no other waist in the world that he wanted to grasp. Edward had to admit that he wished to hold every part of Laura, both intimate and mundane.
“I was saving it for after breakfast,” Laura explained. “I’ve found that there is a bit of time while enjoying tea and my scone. I can read a few lines then, and throughout the day.”
“Please understand that if I ever catch you reading, I will not be upset.”
“No, I absolutely promise that you won’t.” Laura shook her head. “I intend to do my job to the best of my abilities.”
“You already are.” Edward smiled.
They shared another silence. Laura seemed different than when she first arrived at his estate. Or was that because his feelings for her had intensified? She seemed lovelier, less afraid, more womanly. All qualities that Edward found positively intoxicating. He narrowed his gaze as he looked at her, wondering what to do next. There was so much that he wanted to do that their difference in class would not allow. Yet, still. Edward decided to be bold.
“Would you do me a favour?”
“Of course.” Laura’s eyes widened.
“Will you walk with me in the garden and read me some of these lines?”
Laura froze, as though the request were too much. Edward knew that it was too much, as well. But he wasn’t backing down. “If you like, Your Grace.”
“I would very much like it.”
Edward handed her the book, and in doing so, his fingers brushed against hers. There was that softness again. That warmth. He had briefly held her hand as he pulled her out of the dark hall, but this was different. It was gentler, more intimate. His fingers lingered next to hers, and Laura did not pull away. She seemed to delight in the touch as much as him. That was a good sign.
Once Laura had the book returned to her hands, Edward led the way out to the garden. It was a grey morning, but Edward did not feel deterred. If the servants saw them, then so be it. Edward would delight in Laura’s ability to read Shakespeare aloud.
Laura cleared her throat. “O wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new worldthat has such people in’t!”
As Edward continued to listen, he noted how animated and full of life Laura could be. All this while, she came off as meek and subdued, but once she was reading the words of the greatest poet that ever lived, Laura was full of life and good cheer. Edward couldn’t help the delighted smile that came to his lips. Every so often, he’d laugh at one of the witty or charming lines that she read. All in all, Edward thought that Laura was a fine actress, indeed. If only due to the enthusiasm.
From behind a hedge, Edward saw Frederic pretending he didn’t notice Edward walking along with Laura. Edward’s bearing was straight. Shoulders back and chest out. There was no reason for the servants to gossip. Edward intended to walk with Laura every opportunity he could. It was perfectly justifiable for a lord to command one of his maids to read for him. Especially if she was as beautiful as Laura.
“Do you want to read some?” Laura lifted up the play.
Edward waved it away. “No, no. You’re far better than I.”
“How do you know for certain? You haven’t tried.”
“Trust me.”
The two continued to walk and smile. Edward felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. Walking along with a beautiful woman, on the grounds of his own estate, breakfast to be served shortly. At that moment, Edward was entirely content with his life. The moment didn’t last long before Edward saw Anna Rutley’s carriage approaching.
“What the devil?”
