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“Be my guest.”
Edward watched as Graham worked the room, and that’s when he noticed Anna gazing at him as she chatted with two other ladies. Edward heaved a sigh. She was beckoning for him to come over, and so Edward did so.
“Good afternoon, ladies,” he said.
They each curtsied, and Anna was the first to speak. “The estate looks marvellous, Your Grace. I can see that your staff works hard.”
“They are some of the best. I take much pride in my home.”
“It shows.” Just then, Laura entered the room carrying a tray with glasses of water. Anna’s eyebrows lifted up on her forehead. “I remember that girl.”
“Laura. Yes, she was the one in the carriage.”
“How sweet.”
Edward noted Anna’s condescending tone and didn’t care for it one jot. He chose to change the subject quickly. “I’m told that we are to dine on the finest of smoked salmon sandwiches today.”
One of the other ladies spoke. “Delightful. There’s nothing like good smoked salmon.”
Anna laughed. “My chef gets positively the best smoked salmon from France. I hope that this will be just as good.”
Edward was dying of boredom. He fell silent as the women discussed different kinds of sandwiches, new hats, and the weather forecast. These were the kinds of society women that Edward would be forced to marry. Anna continued to eye him mischievously, but he turned his head to locate Laura, who had unfortunately left the room. When his gaze returned to Anna, it was apparent that she knew what he was looking for.
“Shall we proceed to the dining room?” Edward asked.
Anna lifted her brow. “Lovely.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you’d be so kind as to follow me.” Edward escorted his guests to the dining room, brimming with afternoon light. The large chandelier overhead sparkled, and the table was already set with various tiers of sandwiches, cakes, and scones. The entire room smelt of fresh baked goods. Edward noted the delight on everyone’s faces.
“Please, be seated.” The guests followed his command, and Edward found himself at the head of the table. The servants entered, including Laura, carrying a tray of fruit. She walked to the opposite end of the table, as instructed, and placed the dish down. Edward tried to conceal the smile on his lips.
Graham was seated on Edward’s right, and he leaned in to whisper, “I don’t know that Anna can take her eyes off you.”
Edward located where she sat and noted that Graham was right. Anna was looking directly at him. “You talk of her much. Am I wrong in thinking that you want her for yourself?” At least, Edward hoped that was the case.
“She’s beautiful, Edward. High birth. Child-bearing age. I only have your best interests at heart.”
“Is that so?”
“You said I could pick anyone for you.”
Edward didn’t wish to entertain the topic any further. It was the first time that he thought of marriage with a measure of dread. Should he be married to Anna, would he and Graham not have as much time for gentlemanly pursuits? Nonsense. He’d always find time for his best friend, and he’d only marry the woman who would allow it.
“More tea, Your Grace?” Edward looked up to discover Laura carrying a teapot. His chest softened.
“That would be lovely, thank you.”
As Laura poured, Edward found himself staring at her dainty wrist again. Graham caught him in the act and lifted his brow. Edward abruptly returned his focus to his tea. Yes, his friend was on to him, but was there anything wrong with that?
“I would like to say a few words.” At the opposite end of the table, Anna raised her hand. “We’d all like to thank our gracious host for this splendid afternoon. I can say with some authority that this is the best smoked salmon I’ve ever tasted.”
“Hear, hear,” the guests replied.
“And fine dining aside, I’d like to add that His Lordship is one of the most gracious and kind gentlemen that I’ve ever met.”
Under the table, Graham kneed Edward in the leg, no doubt calling his attention to the fact that Anna was flirting with him in public. It was audacious, but Edward finally understood that Anna Rutley was a woman on a crusade.
