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In fact, she was pleased every time she saw him. He locked eyes with her, no doubt examining her performance. Why was his gaze so warm? Why was the master such a gentleman with her? It was a mystery, and Laura wished that she might discover the answer.
Supper was the last event of the day, and everyone was in their finest attire. Laura was already exhausted from the day but also uplifted. Never had she worked so hard at Sage Brook. But also, never had she felt so much a part of something. Laura felt like she belonged.
Edward had changed his attire for supper and looked as dashing as ever. She could imagine him, not only marrying a woman of high birth but a woman with a royal background. One could easily imagine a princess hanging onto his arm with a gloved hand. And if anyone deserved a princess, it would be Edward. Not just his impossible good looks, but also his nobility. His goodness. These were all qualities that made Edward fit for a kingdom.
Returning to her room that night, the day being done, Laura collapsed onto her bed and looked up at the ceiling. The door to the adjacent room opened, and Diana came in, a taper in hand. Although Laura thought that she might instantly fall asleep, Diana’s fine company kept her up another hour. The two of them laughed and chatted, shared stories, and giggled. Was it possible that Laura had two of the most perfect Diana’s as friends in this lifetime? She felt ever so fortunate.
In the weeks that followed, Laura didn’t know where the time went. The days seemed to sweep by with more dignitaries, important guests for tea, and even balls. Laura was spinning with excitement. Never had time gone by so quickly, and Laura found that she was excelling at her post.
There was endless tea delivery, sweeping, tending to linens, meal service, and there were even days when Laura had the chance to work out in the garden. There was no time to read books anymore. Laura and Diana would stay up at night chatting and gossiping, then rise again early the next morning. Although Laura was tired, it was a pleasant kind of fatigue. Life felt so full.
Now and again, Laura would discover Edward inspecting her from down the hall or meeting her gaze during meal service. She reminded herself that this was merely because her employer was seeing whether or not she was up for the job. She desperately hoped that she was not letting him down. And instinctually, she was confident that she was doing her best. There was the occasional difficult moment, just as Laura experienced during that first breakfast service, but all in all, Laura continued to learn and grow with each new day.
On one day, in particular, Laura assisted the gardener, Frederick, with the roses’ picking to be brought inside and put on display. The sun was shining outside, brighter than it ever shined at Sage Brook, and the smell of the roses was intoxicating. While Frederick did the pruning, he’d often tell Laura funny stories about his time working for the German king. Apparently, the king was a rather ostentatious fellow.
“His hair was coiffed up to here.” Frederick used his hands to emphasize his words. “And it was dyed the strangest kind of yellow.”
Laura laughed. “I don’t believe it.”
“Believe it, dear girl.” Frederick handed her another perfectly red rose, which Laura added to her basket. “He would dine on nothing but pork. And the king demanded that the castle only be ornamented with yellow flowers, to match his hair.”
Laura laughed so hard that there was a stitch in her side. The German king's image was rather humorous in her head, although she imagined that Frederick might be elaborating for her entertainment.
She looked around the rose garden, rich in various colours and shapes. Everything was in bloom. It was a magical place to be and Laura’s favourite spot at the estate. There were plenty of other places that she enjoyed, but the rose garden was pure heaven. Tea would be served soon, and Laura was excited to make a beautiful arrangement with Frederick’s blooms.
Just then, Harrison approached. Laura knitted her brow in confusion because Harrison rarely entered the garden.
“Laura.”
“Yes, sir?”
“If you have a moment, His Lordship wishes to speak with you.”
