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Chapter 2
Edward Pembroke sat at his desk, looking at a flickering candle. The rain outside came down relentlessly, and Edward wondered if he should even make the journey to his brother’s estate. Although he could scarce call it Norman’s estate because Edward had just as much a stake in it as Norman had. In fact, Edward felt as though he cared for Sage Brook most of all. The majority of the family fortune was in it, but Edward’s own estate was worth much.
He pushed aside a stack of papers and sighed. Though Edward was diligent with financial accounts and business, he was not the type that craved spending his life behind a desk. Edward was a man of action. He enjoyed hunting, sport, and anything pertaining to the outdoors. This desire to take in fresh air lent Edward his healthy complexion and rather large build. Even larger than his brother, and Norman was said to be a well-built man.
Hearing thunder, Edward walked to the window and watched as the drops of rain ran down the panes of glass. It was going to be a dreadful evening, but Edward was determined to see his brother and Sage Brook. Their fight over financial affairs, and Edward’s dislike of his brother’s general ennui, had led to a period of respectful silence between the two. Edward felt the responsibility to reach out to Norman to create a detente. Norman obliged, haltingly, and Edward set the time and date in which they could share supper, like the good old days when they weren’t at odds.
Just then, one of the maids of the estate, Missy, walked quietly into the room carrying a tray. “Tea, sir?”
Edward looked to little mousy Missy and straightened his necktie. “No, I thank you. I’ll be on my way to Sage Brook.”
“None before you go?” Missy blushed. “To stay warm?”
Edward gave a delighted smile. “Once again, I think I’ll pass.”
“Yes, M’Lord.” Missy gave a jittery curtsy, and Edward continued to smile.
It didn’t go to his head that the ladies of his staff often blushed in his presence. Sometimes he’d hear girlish giggling. Although Edward was flattered, he’d never take advantage of such attention. His only goal was to treat the staff with the utmost respect so that they might have prosperous lives.
Whenever there was a staff member’s request to have a person of their family under Edward’s employment, he’d oblige. All in all, Edward felt as though everyone, no matter their station, deserved respect.
Walking out the front door of his estate, his chauffeur, Charles, was there waiting for him in the rain. Charles tipped his hat upon seeing his master, and a pool of water fell from it, crashing onto the already drenched ground.
“You’re a sight,” Edward said humorously.
“It’s a devil of a rain. Never seen the likes of it.”
“Do you think we’ll survive it?”
“I have a feeling, Your Grace, you could survive anything.”
“Most kind.”
Edward was still standing under the overhang, but he knew the moment of getting wet was inevitable.
Charles knit his brow. “Can I get your umbrella?”
Just then, Edward turned back towards the house and saw his butler, Harrison, standing there with the umbrella already in hand. Edward, having the intrepid spirit that he did, waved the offer off and made a run for the carriage, getting soaked along the way. Once inside, he heard Charles get on top to stir the horses.
As the carriage sped along, Edward considered what might be in store that night. A darkness came over him whenever he thought of his brother. If Norman had stepped up and taken responsibility over the Pembroke name, maybe Edward wouldn’t have to sit at his bloody desk looking at papers and notices.
He wouldn’t feel the horrible pressure to marry a society woman and have a large family. Not that Edward was dreading getting married. He was determined to have it over and done with this very year. Sadly, Edward had to choose his wife more in terms of status than affection.
Edward deeply hoped that he could find a woman that fulfilled both requirements. A woman that lived up to the Pembroke name while still stirring his heart. He had to be honest with himself that such a dream might be too far-fetched. But either way, he’d be courteous to his chosen wife and treat her as she should be treated. And Edward was looking forward to the commotion of having a family. The parties and dinners, children scurrying.
The journey to Sage Brook was much darker than it ought to be. Although it was only early evening, the dark clouds blanketed the sky, and it was difficult to admire the beautiful countryside along the way. Driving down the long road that led to Sage Brook, Edward watched as the looming structure in the distance grew larger and larger.
The various windows were all illuminated, leading Edward to believe that the staff was well aware of his arrival. Were Edward not coming to Sage Brook that night, there was a fairly good chance that few of those windows would be illuminated at all.
Drawing closer, the rain still falling, Percival stepped out the front door and clasped his hands behind his back. Edward pushed open the door to the carriage and hopped down, his boots creating a splash. He approached the manor with a steady foot, not choosing to run this time to get out of the rain.
Percival bowed. “You’re rather early. I thought to have the staff out and waiting—”
“That won’t be necessary, old chap. No need to stand on ceremony.”
“But you know how fond of you they are.”
“And I am fond of them. Nonetheless.” Edward shook some of the water out of his hair. “We wish to keep this a casual affair.”
