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Norman asked, “Are you in, brother?”
Edward wished to say no. He was never one for gambling. Edward believed in husbandry and economy, managing money thoughtfully, and taking the time to make sure one’s house was in order. Gambling did not fit into his philosophy. Yet still, he didn’t wish to appear rude in front of the other gentlemen and decided to comply.
Norman was getting drunk. It was a side of his brother that Edward had never seen before and never wished to see again. How could he be so duplicitous? Had this behaviour only manifested in the last year or so? Or had it been there all along? Once Norman was focused on the game, his gaze was unwavering.
More bland conversation ensued, and Edward watched as Norman lost hand after hand after hand. He looked to the grandfather clock in the corner. The hours had worn on, the men were slurring their words, and Edward and Norman had still not shared a serious conversation.
Losing yet again, Edward saw that his brother was out of funds. Norman finally spoke to him. “Do you have anything to lend, dear brother? In the Pembroke family name?”
Edward couldn’t believe his ears. Surely, Norman had to have more funds. He knit his jaw and passed over some coins. Norman continued to play, Edward kept his funds steady, and when it was well past midnight, Edward was ready for bed. Just then, Laura came walking through the door. Edward’s spirits were again revived. She carried a pitcher of water, and Edward pitied the girl for having to stay up so late.
As she poured him a glass of water, he could see the fatigue in her eyes. But despite the fatigue, her eyes were still shining. “You must be exhausted,” Edward said.
Laura’s face went wide with shock. It was against custom to speak to her so plainly, but Edward couldn’t help himself. Laura looked nervously around the table, unsure whether or not she should reply. Finally, she nervously cleared her throat and walked away.
Edward regretted that she did not speak to him, but considering present company, he could see why she chose not to. As he looked around the table, he could see written on the men’s faces their own confusion. Edward felt no shame. He’d converse with anyone he chose to converse with, and sadly, that night, he’d had to converse with a team of pathetic gamblers.
Norman spoke. “I’m down and out but not done yet.”
Edward couldn’t hold his tongue any longer. “Is this why a large sum of money is missing, brother?”
The men turned towards Norman in anticipation and began to laugh.
Even Norman cracked a smile. “I admit to not always being the best at cards, but I’m still determined to win it all back tonight!”
“You mean, this morning.”
Norman turned and stared at him blankly. Then he soberly looked up to the clock and realized his error. Edward was disgusted with all of it. The card playing continued, and Edward was too angry to sleep. Instead, he got up from the table to take a quick walk to clear his mind. Heading down the hall, Edward encountered a few of the remaining servants but not the one in particular that he wished to see. The back of the manor had several windows looking out towards the garden. Edward could see that the rain had passed. It was all peace and quiet outside, but this did nothing to calm the torment of his mind.
The truth about his brother’s behaviour had finally been revealed. He wasn’t spending his days in the library with his nose in a book, disregarding his own affairs, for the sake of education. Norman was most likely hungover from the night before and was trying to pass the day in silence. How could the situation have gone so far without Edward’s knowing it?
Was this why Norman had pulled away in the first place? Was there no turning back? Edward had the mind to tell Norman to put all the family funds in his name so that he could tend to all of it and bypass any calamity in the future.
Percival’s voice cut through the silence. “Your room is ready for you, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, but I shan’t be sleeping yet.”
“I did wish to warn you.”
Edward turned to Percival. “Warn me of what? The gambling?”
“The same.”
“I suppose that I needed to witness it with my own eyes.” Edward massaged his weary eyes with his hand.
“It has got worse.”
“When did it start?”
“It’s been going on for some time.”
“I am sorry to keep the servants up so late.” Edward turned to Percival and saw the fatigue in his eyes, as well.
“It is their job. Many are used to it, but there are also those that do not know.”
Edward had to wonder if the pretty maid knew. She seemed just as shocked as he was. He hoped for her sake that she did not know. No woman needed to have her mind corrupted by the misconduct of men. Especially beautiful women.
“I shall return to the salon shortly.”
“Is there anything I can get for you?”
“No, Percival. You might as well go to bed.”
“I cannot. I sleep once the evening is done.”
“Very well. Give me some privacy for a moment before I return.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Percival bowed and then fled.
Edward turned back towards the garden, trying to figure out what to do next. Then he heard footsteps behind him once more.
