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“Then our intentions were mutual.”
As Graham leaned on the balustrade, Laura tried to keep a safe distance from him, so the other guests wouldn’t think they were conversing. It was not Laura’s fault. Graham was always the one making conversation with her. It would be rude to refuse.
“I have several questions for you.” Graham took out a cigar and lit it.
“Yes?”
“That friend of yours. Tell me about her.”
“Diana?”
“The same.”
“What do you wish to know?”
Graham smiled. “Everything.”
Laura laughed in astonishment. Was Graham implying what she thought he was implying? If so, the story that was unfolding was more tantalizing than fiction. “She’s one of the kindest friends I’ve ever known.”
“She seems kind and good.”
“That she is.”
“And what kind of men does she fancy?” Graham leaned one elbow on the balustrade.
“I can’t tell if you’re being humorous or not.”
“Partially humorous. Partially serious.”
“Diana is too busy to worry about men.” Laura tilted her nose up in the air. It wasn’t entirely true.
“What a pity. And you?”
Again, Laura wasn’t sure how much Edward’s best friend really knew. Her instincts told her that perhaps Graham knew all. “There’s someone that I fancy.”
“Mm-hm.”
“Someone who is also good.”
“I would agree with you.” Graham took a puff of his cigar.
They stood in silence for some time. It was a glorious night, and the evening air provided just the kind of respite Laura needed. Her mind was still reeling from what everyone was saying in the ballroom. Even if it wasn’t true, the words still stung.
“It seems the master of the house might be marrying soon.” Laura wrapped her arms around herself.
“He might.”
“Are you happy for him?”
“I’m happy if he’s happy. Edward is like a brother to me.”
“I wish him to be happy, as well.”
“Then, there’s another thing that we share in common.”
“Do you think Anna Rutley would make a good wife?” Laura knitted her brow. Even saying the words hurt her heart.
Graham began to laugh and took another puff of his cigar. “Would Medusa have made a good wife?”
Laura put a hand over her mouth in shock. She couldn’t believe that Graham would say such harsh words, but it was humorous. “That, sir, was unkind.”
“I’m not particularly sure that Anna is a kind person. Not like you or I, or … Diana.”
