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Anna
Edward brought his hands to his temples to massage them. Anna was in full force, and Edward’s instincts told him that she would not back down. There was no way to hinder a society woman when she knew what she wanted. The whole ordeal was perplexing and brought a wave of anxiety over Edward.
“There you are,” Graham said entering the study.
“Here I am.” Edward quickly hid the note under some files.
“I think the afternoon was a success.”
“Is that why you chose to escape?” Edward smiled and watched as Graham seated himself.
“May I be honest?”
“I can’t prevent you.”
“Beautiful ladies. Many beautiful ladies. It was the conversation that I struggled with.”
“You’re beginning to sound like me.”
“I went out to the garden.” Graham leaned back in his chair and placed his feet on Edward’s desk. Again, Edward couldn’t be offended. His dear friend did it to amuse him. “I spoke with Laura Hawkins.” Graham placed his hands behind his neck.
Edward felt a lump in his throat. What the devil was Graham up to? He hoped that he didn’t make Laura uncomfortable in any way.
“Funny you should have her on your mind.” Edward said it ironically, considering that Laura was the very thing that was on his mind, as well.
“You brought her here for a reason, did you not?”
“Must we have this conversation again? I already said that it had nothing to do with her appearance.”
“I can see right through you, old friend.”
“This coming from the man who invited Anna Rutley to tea.”
“I did not.”
“Then who did?” Edward was genuinely confused.
Graham got up from his seat. “If her behaviour was any indication, I’d say that she invited herself.”
As Graham walked to the door, both men laughed. Edward wouldn’t be surprised in the least if Anna had invited herself. How was he going to escape these circumstances? Should he even escape them? Was it his duty to resolve himself to it? Maybe marrying Anna Rutley was his destiny.
Edward asked, “Can I expect you for supper?”
Graham turned before departing. “I’m afraid not. I’ve stored tea sandwiches in my pocket and intend to have them later.”
Once Graham was gone, Edward shook his head. Knowing Graham Blackmore as he did, there was no chance that his friend looked down upon him because Laura caught Edward’s eye. Graham was perhaps cheering him on. But Edward couldn’t think about any of that for a moment longer.
Laura was a maid. That certainly didn’t mean that he thought less of her, but Edward couldn’t entertain any more thoughts about her beauty and remarkable character. If Laura was to live under his roof, and she was going to do just that, Edward would have to find ways to compose himself better.
He once more retrieved Anna’s note. He’d reply with another invitation, inviting her father. Was that the right thing to do? No. It was not. Edward tore up the letter and walked over to the fire, throwing it in and watching it burn. Just because Edward needed to marry didn’t mean he was required to be unhappy for the rest of his days. There were other ladies that he could meet, despite the fact that every one that he had met that afternoon showed no appeal. Edward would search high and low to find a suitable bride. It was his lot in life.
Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door. “Come in.”
It was Laura, carrying another tray of tea. Was Harrison trying to vex him by constantly having Laura deliver the tea? If so, Edward couldn’t complain.
“You requested tea, Your Grace.”
Edward’s eyes widened. “I did not.”
Laura knit her brow in confusion. “Lord Blackmore said that you did. I encountered him in the hall.”
Edward smiled knowingly. “Yes, I see. Then I did request it.”
Laura crossed the room and placed the tea on the table. Edward tried to turn away but couldn’t. He resigned himself to the fact that he’d never be able to take his eyes off of her.
Laura curtsied. “Good afternoon, Your Grace.”
“Yes. A very pleasant afternoon.”
