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Harrison closed the door behind him, leaving Laura alone in the room. She seated herself on the bed and thought of her amazing good fortune. The room was much more inviting than her previous one. Laura would cherish it. Perhaps she’d be allowed to add little decorations. Maybe some flowers in a glass. Laura reached up to the locket around her neck and clutched it. Her mother would be proud of her if she were looking down from heaven this very moment.
How amazing was it that her new roommate was named Diana? Laura hoped that they could get along just as well. There was nothing like having a good friendship, especially when one found themselves in a whole new world.
Her thoughts returned to the carriage ride. It played upon her nerves that they were in such close proximity. Edward wanted to make conversation most of the time, and Laura wished to converse with him further, but protocol prevented it. He had such an easygoing air about him. Laura had never met anyone like Edward.
Every time she was in his presence, she forgot she was with a powerful lord. Was he like that with everyone? Laura noticed that he wasn’t as carefree when he was speaking with the lady in the carriage. He was cordial, but not as warm. Laura’s instincts told her that that woman was vying for Edward’s affections. And who could blame her?
Taking her new uniform out of the closet, Laura held it up to herself in front of the mirror. She’d never seen such a pristine white. The uniform would be worn with pride. Laura dressed herself, unpacked her beloved books, and placed her clothing in the closet. Having done so, she made her way up the stairs in anticipation, ready to get to work.
Her first task was to serve the lunch. Edward already had an audience for the day, and the dining room, flooded with light, was alive with chatter and the sounds of clanging dishes. The smell of stew filled the air. Although it was a beautiful day, there was still a chill outside, and so the stew was the perfect meal.
The guests around the table smiled and laughed, delighting in Edward Pembroke’s company. Wine was served, even though it was the afternoon. All in all, the scene brought Laura much joy. Never had there been a meal at Sage Brook that was so delightful.
She got to work clearing dishes and noticed that Edward was gazing at her. Laura quickly looked away, feeling a flush come to her cheek. When the meal was done, the guests made their way outside to stroll in the garden, brimming with colourful flowers and green bushes. Sitting down to enjoy lunch with the rest of the staff, Laura noticed the same upbeat atmosphere. The staff conversed with one another and told jokes, noting the special preparation that needed to be made for supper that night.
Looking around the room, Laura had to wonder which one was Diana. There were several girls her age, and Diana could have been any one of them. Instead of enquiring, Laura chose to focus on the meal and not draw too much attention to herself.
The staff was served the same stew that the guests enjoyed, and Laura delighted in the hearty flavours. There were various vegetables, which she assumed were from the garden. Then there were choice cuts of meat and large chunks of white potato. This meal was served with a side of crusty bread and butter.
Never could Stanley have undertaken such a delightful feast. Were all the meals going to be this delicious? If so, Laura reasoned that she might need a larger uniform. She couldn’t help relishing in all the flavours. Once her meal was done, Laura came under the head maid’s command, Ermengarde, who instructed Laura on which rooms to dust. She got to work, marvelling at each new dazzling room that she cleaned. There weren’t as many maids at the estate, which meant that Laura would always have more to do. Considering her boredom at Sage Brook, that was welcome news.
Passing the study, Laura could hear Edward talking inside. There was another fellow with him. She was aghast when the conversation turned to her.
“Who is that girl on your staff? The petite brunette?”
“That’s my newest acquisition. Laura.”
“Quite pretty.”
“Don’t get any ideas. She’s a well-mannered girl.”
“Come on, Edward. Don’t pretend that you’ve changed so much.”
“I have changed.”
Laura quickly scurried away after hearing this conversation. Was Edward something of a ladies’ man before? Every time that Laura thought of it, her cheeks flushed. It was difficult to think of him in that way. He was so well-mannered, so affable and kind.
Thoughts of Edward filled her mind for the better part of the afternoon, and Laura wished to change this by focusing on her future dreams. Would Edward ever take her on as a governess? The thought filled her with such happiness. Afternoon passed quickly into night, and Laura came downstairs after the evening meal, contented. Opening the door, she found that the adjoining door to her room was still open, and across the threshold stood Diana.
“Are you Laura?”
“Yes, you must be Diana.”
“It’s so good to meet your acquaintance.”
“You’ll never believe it, but my best friend at my former employment was named Diana. But you look nothing like her.”
“This room has been vacant for days. I thought I’d never have another friend!”
“You have one now.”
The girls got along quickly, and Laura knew that she’d be happy with Diana’s room right next to hers. Although the name was the same, the current Diana looked nothing like the previous Diana. She was tall and broad, with raven black hair. Diana had an affable smile and an easygoing personality.
“You’ll stay busy here; I promise you that,” Diana said.
“It seems like there are often guests.”
“And parties and balls and all manner of things. His Lordship likes to keep the estate lively.”
“I must say that I prefer that to Sage Brook. It was so dreary there.”
“Yes, I heard of it.”
“There were hardly any guests. Often in the afternoon, while I was dusting, you could hear a pin drop.”
Diana laughed. “That will never happen here. He is a very kind man.”
“Yes, it seems so.” Laura dare not explain how she and Edward had enjoyed so many relaxed conversations. She didn’t wish Diana to get the wrong impression of her. That being said, Edward was the one that seemed to seek out these interactions. Laura convinced herself that that was a thing of the past, and now that she was a devoted staff member, they’d never have such encounters again.
The thought made Laura sad, but it was the truth. Time to focus on duty, and a happy new life in a vibrant home, just as Laura had always wanted. As Diana said goodnight and closed the door to her room, Laura laid on her bed and looked up at the ceiling in wonder. The work would be more challenging now, but Laura was ready for it. She was ready for anything. Happiness could do that to a girl, and for the first time in years, Laura felt sincerely happy about the future.
