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“Your room is always ready.”
“Perfect.” Graham stood up and clasped his hands. His tone went from playful to serious. “You know I’d prefer you not to marry at all.”
Edward lifted his brow. “Why is that?”
“She’ll eat you for supper. Women have the tendency. Good night.”
With that, Graham exited the room, his collar all askew and his hair ruffled. Did women have the tendency to ‘eat gentlemen for supper?’ Edward certainly believed that some women could be of that character. Sadly, Anna Rutley might just fit the bill. And if there were any tendency for this kind of behaviour, then it would certainly happen behind closed doors. Some men went as far as saying that a woman could come off as quiet and meek, but as soon as she was married and the lady of the house, her character changed.
But why was Edward thinking of these things? The more beautiful sex was always hard to comprehend, but why did Edward see something in Laura’s eyes that looked familiar? Like he could potentially understand her, and the other way around?
Edward took another sip of tea and reached for a side drawer that contained a box of cigars. Edward considered it to be his last vice. He’d moved on from loose women, too much drink, overly rich food. His last indulgence was the cigar, and even then, Edward tried to keep it to a minimum.
Lighting the cigar, Edward leaned back in his chair and enjoyed its tremendous flavour. A moment’s contentment came over him, and Edward found himself actually anticipating the following day. Finally, breakfast with the Danish ambassador, tea with Graham, supper with whomever he chose. Each of these was an opportunity to see Laura.
***
The following morning, Laura sprang out of her bed with tremendous energy. She was very much accustomed to the routine of waking early, preparing for breakfast, then tea service, and dusting. Looking in the mirror, Laura considered that she looked different than when she arrived from Sage Brook. Laura had better colour in her cheeks, and her figure had a finer silhouette. It must be from the delicious food that Stephen prepared.
For some girls, the added curves would be a curse, but for Laura, it was a godsend. She had to admit that she was a tad too slim when she came from Sage Brook. Laura was now looking youthful and womanly at the same time. She turned to regard the book that she had tossed across the room. It was now lying face-down with crumpled pages. Laura picked it up and put it back together, returning it to the pile. She would not think of romance this day. Laura would think of things more lofty and important.
Laura found a copy of Shakespeare’sThe Tempest, one of her favourite plays. Instead of finishing the novel that she tossed across the room, Laura decided that she would read the play instead. Because she was so excited to get started, Laura tucked the small book into her apron and would read some lines every chance she got. That was just the divertissement that she needed not to think of Edward Pembroke for most of the day.
She had dreamt of him. Laura would never admit it to anyone. Perhaps even Diana. But in her dream, Laura imagined that she and Edward were on a boat. They were surrounded by water as far as the eye could see on all sides. The wind swept through her hair. Edward was at the ship’s helm, steering them to heaven-knew-where, and Laura did not feel afraid. With Edward captaining the ship, she felt safe. The air was crisp and clean and smelt of salt. When she looked into Edward’s eyes, they were the colour of the sea.
There was nothing particularly unique about the dream. There was little story or message contained within it. It was the vividness of the dream that Laura marvelled at. She could feel the wind, taste the brine, smell the ocean. When she awoke from this dream, Laura was genuinely surprised that she had not been there.
Keeping her hand on the book in her pocket, Laura knew thatThe Tempestwould give her the necessary distraction. Working for someone whom you had fantasies of sailing away with was no easy task.
Stepping into the kitchen, from the hustle and bustle, Laura could tell that yet again someone important was coming for breakfast. Ermengarde was the first to approach Laura. “The ambassador to Denmark.”
“Very impressive.”
“His wife is the impressive one if you ask me. Some call her the most beautiful woman in the world.”
“Is that so?”
“Indeed.”
Laura’s heart temporarily sank. Edward would dine with the ambassador to Denmark and the most beautiful woman in the world. Why should that bother her in the slightest? After all, the woman was married, and Laura was resigned to being perfectly contented with any bride that Edward chose. There was no other alternative.
“Laura, could you check on the place settings?” Ermengarde asked.
“Very well.”
Laura exited the kitchen and walked down the hall, squinting her eyes. Because it was a grey morning, the hall was dimmer than usual, and there were no tapers lit. Since Laura had already memorized the way, she continued intrepidly. Until, with a crash, she found herself face-first into the chest of a man that turned the hall.
“Heavens.” Laura brought a hand to her mouth.
“Are you all right?” It was Edward’s voice. “Come into the light.” As Edward attempted to pull her into the side hallway, Laura lost her footing and felt herself falling. Then, like the very first moment they met, Edward held her tight, preventing her from hitting the ground. As soon as she was on her feet again, Laura felt the master’s arm around her waist. His large fingers grasped her flesh. In the dim light, Laura could see Edward’s twinkling eyes, and the two of them stood there, holding each other’s gaze for several moments.
In the silence, Laura could hear him breathe. She felt the warmth of his hands as she melted into him. What should she do next? The sensation of being in such proximity was the most delicious Laura had ever known. There was a warm glow in her lower belly, even under her skirt, which was new and shocking.
Edward was the first to speak. “I’ll tell Harrison to light a taper.”
Laura felt herself pulled by the hand from the dark hallway into a lighter room. Edward grasped her hand tightly, Laura’s heart pounding in her chest. Edward turned to her and slowly let go of her hand, and she was devastated that he did so.
“I could barely see.”
“It’s not your fault. I was coming to the kitchen to check on things.”
“Forgive me.” Laura brought a hand to her cheek. “I fear that you must think of me as the clumsiest woman in the world.”
“Then, I’m grateful for that because it’s how I first met you.”
Once again, their gazes locked. Laura felt the flush come to her cheek, and her eyes softened. Edward was speaking as though that first encounter was pleasurable to him for some reason. All this while, was he thinking what she was thinking about fantasies, dreams, and desires?
Laura shook her head in disbelief. No, her mind was playing tricks on her again, and she wasn’t going to stand for it. “If you’ll excuse me?” Laura abruptly turned, confused by her longings and feelings. As she did so,The Tempestcame flying out of her pocket.
