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Stanley shook his head in dismay and walked away. “I can’t tolerate this tension.”
Laura stifled a laugh. She’d never seen everyone so up in arms. Although there was tension in the air, Laura enjoyed the liveliness of things. There was excitement afoot, and she couldn’t wait to get a glimpse of this Edward Pembroke.
Diana whispered again. “One hour’s time. We best get to work.”
“That is a rather good idea.”
Laura took her cue to part ways and sought to make herself look busy, as well. Heading to the broom closet, Laura dodged the various staff whizzing past her. As she felt the rush of things, Laura couldn’t help thinking of what Sage Brook would have been like if the duke had a family.
What if children were scurrying about, a fastidious wife demanding this and that, and guests invited to supper? What fun that would be. Decorating for the holidays, afternoon tea, hunting expeditions. If only Norman Pembroke took an interest in anything.
Procuring the broom, Laura made her way to the most inconspicuous place she could find to sweep. It just happened to be the hall right outside the duke’s library. The door to the library was ajar. As Laura swept past, she couldn’t help peering into the library by way of a side glance. Inside, Norman Pembroke had his nose in a book, as usual. Despite all the commotion, he was as calm and collected as any. Although he was a tad dull, Laura had to admire her master. He was clearly well-educated. And truth be told, the duke was a handsome man with his sandy blond hair and large stature.
Just as Laura became aware of her daydreaming, the duke turned to her, and their eyes met. Laura let out a gasp, embarrassed that she had been caught staring at him. Laura began to feverishly sweep, trying to forget about the mortifying moment. The duke said nothing in response and continued to read his book. He could have met eyes with a gorilla in that library, and still, he’d return to his book.
In hopes of escaping the awkward encounter, Laura entered the study, and yet again, she was thwarted. There, Percival stood in a heated conversation with Daniel, the head gardener. Laura envied his position. Since the grounds of Sage Brook were so vast, Daniel always had a great deal to do and appeared to be a cheerful man because of it. On this particular day, Daniel frowned as Percival spoke to him. Laura concealed herself from their view.
“I fear that this could be the end of us,” Percival said.
“Edward hasn’t come for some time. He’ll see it all too clearly.”
Percival bristled. “The staff is perhaps three times what it should be. Edward is no fool. Unlike his brother, he’s a very diligent man when it comes to the Pembroke money. I fear for our livelihoods.”
“Sod it. You’re the butler of the house. There’s no chance you’ll be furloughed.”
“It’s unclear to me. I have been here for some time. I see that too much expense has been paid. And what have I done about it? Not a blooming thing.”
“It’s not your position to say. Your job is to do what the master tells you to do.”
“I suppose you’re right. Still, it troubles me. We have a sound staff here. Most sound. But I fear many of them will have to go.”
Laura brought a hand up to the locket around her neck and clutched it.Many of the staff will have to go?Those were the most horrible words Laura had heard in some time. All that excitement in the air dissolved into fear. Laura didn’t wish to lose her position. She’d saved up some money. She was comfortable. It would be trying to have to seek out another position. But if she could say that she once worked at grand Sage Brook, perhaps it would improve her chances.
Maybe, if the dreaded event did occur, it would be fate telling Laura to finally obtain the position that she truly wanted: to be a governess. Perhaps from calamity would arise new beginnings. At least, that’s what Laura hoped for, and she wished always to maintain a positive outlook on things.
She continued to sweep down the hall before hearing the crash of thunder. It was most ominous, indeed. Laura walked to the window looking out over the garden, clutching the broom in her small hands. The rain poured down from the heavens, and Laura tilted her head to the side. Would Edward Pembroke bring with him a fresh liveliness or an inevitable downpour?
