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Edward took a moment to inspect himself in the mirror. After his walk, he had some healthy colour in his cheeks. He inspected the buttons on his coat and walked down the hall. That was the very same hall where Laura stumbled into him in the darkness. What he wouldn’t give to have her do that again so that he might hold her once more.
Entering the parlour, the ambassador was seated on a bench with his wife by his side. A woman of fabled beauty, Edward could admire her shiny copper hair, green eyes, and elegant features, but none of these features moved him in the way that others were stirred. The ambassador stood, but his wife remained seated. He bowed his head.
The ambassador’s Danish accent was thick. “It is our honour to be here, Your Grace.”
“The honour is all mine.” Edward brought a hand to his chest. “I assure you.”
The ambassador seated himself once more, and the master took a chair just across from them. Tea was brought in, and within moments, Anna entered with her chaperone.
“I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“This is the Danish ambassador …”
“Oh?”
Edward could see the confusion on her face. The ambassador was the first to explain. “We were scheduled to dine last night, but an emergency prevented it.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that.” Anna shook her head.
Edward realized his rudeness. “This is Lady Anna Rutley. She’ll be joining us for breakfast.”
Anna gave a polite curtsey. “I’m honoured to be here.”
In the silence that followed, Edward realized how the situation must come across. Anna had positioned herself not to appear as his wife, but as the woman who would one day be his wife. There was no use in explaining to a foreign dignitary that that might not be the case.
Harrison appeared. “If you will kindly make your way to the dining hall.”
The four guests did so. Anna’s chaperone followed, with little Leonard in her arms. Passing into the great hall, Edward felt a smile come to his lips. It was no longer an environment for food and nourishment; it was also an opportunity to see Laura. If only briefly.
Seating himself in his customary place, Laura was not standing with the staff positioned around the table. As more staff trickled in, Laura could not be spotted there, either. Where was she? Edward considered that he could scarcely enjoy his meal without her being there. Finally, a wave of relief came over him as he saw Laura enter, carrying a silver dish, which was placed on the table. Edward could smell it. Thin slices of ham, with a smoky, maple aroma.
Surprisingly, the fresh bread, fruit, ham, eggs, and custards did not whet Edward’s appetite. Something else was responsible for the cravings that could not be extinguished.
