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Chapter 18
If there was anything that Edward could say by way of complimenting Anna Rutley, it was that she knew how to hold an audience. The ambassador and his wife seemed rather charmed by everything that she had to say. And although the topics of conversation weren’t entirely Edward’s cup of tea, he enjoyed not having to do the entertaining for a moment or two.
“And so, when attending the opera,” Anna explained. “Do be sure to sit as centrally as you can. I’ll never cast out of my mind that frightful time when I sat to the right and couldn’t hear all of the soprano’s highest tones.”
The ambassador said, “That is sound advice.”
“And how is opera in Denmark?” Anna took a dainty bite of her bread.
“We must travel for it.”
“Oh, that makes sense. The Danish people don’t seem to have large voices. They’re a soft-spoken country.”
The ambassador’s wife knitted her brow. Edward, as well, thought the statement rather odd. Still, he tossed it off and allowed Anna to continue with her rambling while he finished his fine breakfast. Scanning the dining hall with his peripheral vision, Laura was nowhere in sight. Anna’s chaperone sat in the corner with Leonard on her lap. Edward thought it impossibly rude that Anna told her chaperone not to come to the table, so Edward sent her a plate where she sat in the corner. Leonard was given a bowl of water.
“And here’s another reason why you must add baking powder to roses.” Anna’s tone was serious. “It will keep the water clear in the vase and prevent any odour.”
The ambassador’s wife chimed in, “Who would ever want to prevent the odor of roses?”
“I mean, when they decay.”
“I see.”
The breakfast was done. Plates were cleared, and the four guests remained at the table. A gentle rain began to fall outside, and they all turned to regard the window. Anna finally turned back and asked the ambassador, “And how long are you staying?”
“Just for the day. We must travel to town tonight.”
“It must be so marvellous to travel around as you do.”
“It is tiring at times, but I can’t complain.”
“I’ve always wanted to visit Copenhagen.” Anna threw back her head in ecstasy.
“You must travel there one day. The food, the culture, the fashion.”
“Heaven knows, I approve of all of those things.” With a large smile on her face, Anna turned to Edward. He was no mind reader, but if he could guess what Anna was thinking, it might be, ‘When are you taking me to Copenhagen?’
Edward spoke to the ambassador. “What kind of divertissements would you prefer for the day?”
“Seeing as it’s raining, perhaps a tour of the estate?”
Anna clasped her hands together. “That’s a marvellous idea! I have been very much looking forward to that, as well.”
Edward nodded his head. “If that’s what you’d like, then I’d be happy to give it.” Getting up from the table, Edward exited the dining hall as the ambassador, his wife, and Anna followed. There was still no sign of Laura. Edward could hear a little bark behind him, informing him that the chaperone and Leonard were along for the tour.
He had conducted tours of his estate plenty of times and said the words as though they were a script that a museum curator might recite. Harrison knew the script, as well, should Edward not want to give the tour. On this occasion, seeing that the Danish ambassador was a charming fellow, Edward thought it best to do the job himself. Anna Rutley remained close to him the entire time.
“As you’ll see up above, there are several biblical figures of note.” The little group tilted their heads upward, looking at the domed ceiling of the entry hall. It was Edward’s favourite part of the estate. “The angels are the most prominent characters in the tableau.”
The ambassador’s wife was in awe. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“It was commissioned over one hundred years ago,” Edward went on. “There are regular touchups every five years or so.”
The ambassador lifted his brow. “That must be a great deal of work.”
“It’s worth it to preserve history, in my opinion.”
Anna stepped in even closer. “How noble you are, Edward.”
