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Chapter 19
As Laura sat down to read her book, feeling the light from the atrium’s glass ceiling, she wanted to pinch herself. She couldn’t understand why Edward was affording her such privilege, but she was grateful for it. Reading Shakespeare’s lines, Laura was reminded of the delightful morning that she and Edward had shared. She loved reading Shakespeare aloud, particularly to such an enthusiastic audience. It gave her hope that perhaps in the future, should Edward have a family of his own, Laura might be their governess.
But considering the intensity of feelings that she had for Edward, would she wish to leave the estate if he married, say, Anna Rutley? No, Laura wanted Edward to be happy. The only reason that union would upset her would be because she was seeing more and more that Anna was something of a snake. No, perhaps snake was too harsh. She was a very cunning, coy woman, and Laura understood that she wanted to dig her claws into Edward Pembroke. It made Laura sad. Why were society women the way that they were?
Looking up from her book, Laura saw Anna clinging to Edward’s arm. She twirled her hair with her fingers. Edward seemed frustrated and turned to look in Laura’s direction. She returned her gaze to her book. There was the constant dance of glances that day. Laura caught Edward’s eye, and she looked away.
Edward caught Laura’s eye, and he looked away. There was something rather charming about it but also surreal. Was any of this really happening? Why was Edward looking at her? Wanting to speak with her? He was a lord, after all, and Laura was a lowly servant. Still, Laura couldn’t complain. The attention made her giddy with happiness. Not just any attention, but Edward’s attention.
Reading her play, Laura considered what the rest of the day might hold. There was a very good chance that Anna would invite herself to stay for supper, which Laura would have to endure the sight of every time she carried rolls into the dining room. There was also the chance that Edward might once again dine alone. That was what Laura hoped for.
Another fantasy came to mind, and this was perhaps the most delicious of all. Laura saw herself wearing finery, like a society lady. She stepped into the dining room, and Edward was there, waiting for her. As she approached the table, Edward pulled out her chair, and Laura seated herself, thanking him. He was seated in his own chair, and they enjoyed a delightful meal together, talking and laughing all the while. Delighting in one another’s company.
Laura looked up from her book with a start. The fantasy had seemed so real. That was what normal couples did every night, was it not? The pleasant domesticity of sitting down to a meal with the one you adore. And Laura had to admit that she very much adored Edward. More so by the day.
As time passed, Laura watched as the ambassador and his wife excused themselves, saying that it was time for them to depart. Anna stood by Edward’s side, with no timeline in sight for when she’d remove herself. Seeing as it was rude for her to remain seated while the dignified guests departed, Laura stood and placed her book in the pocket of her apron. Harrison approached and whispered in Laura’s ear. “Ermengarde is requesting your presence in the piano room.”
“Yes, sir.” Laura curtsied. She hated to leave Edward alone with Anna, but that was the way of the world. Also, Laura was happy for the distraction. Thoughts of Edward clutching her waist in the hallway that morning would not leave her mind.
In the piano room, a grand salon with rather large windows overlooking the garden as well as upholstered chairs, Laura discovered Ermengarde deep in conversation with Diana. “Oh, Laura. Thank goodness!”
“What’s the matter?”
“I fear that the piano has collected a great deal of dust.” Ermengarde seemed distraught. “And the piano tuner has been sent for tomorrow.”
“I’ve never been given instructions to dust the piano.” Laura felt her heart quicken in her chest, and she turned to Diana, who looked equally in shock.
Ermengarde shook her head. “Sadly, it hasn’t been touched in years. I don’t know why the master requested its tuning.”
The horrible thought came to mind that perhaps Anna played and had requested that it be tuned for her own use. Laura wouldn’t be surprised. Yet still, she didn’t wish the master to learn that she, herself, was adept at the piano. It was an uncommon talent for servants to have.
“This job requires four hands,” Ermengarde went on. “I have brought you cloths. Get to work.” Ermengarde looked up to the heavens and crossed her chest.
Laura thought it humorous that the notion of a dusty piano brought so much terror into Ermengarde’s heart, but she wasn’t surprised. It was why Ermengarde was the head maid. As the two girls got to work, Laura couldn’t prevent the grin on her face.
Diana continued to dust, coughing all the while. “What?”
“It’s just been a rather pleasant day.”
“You were out walking with Edward.”
Laura had the mind to drop her cloth. “How did you know that?”
Diana smiled. “Everyone knows that.”
“Mercy. I don’t know why that comes as a surprise.”
“He’s as fond of you as you are of him.”
“This is all such nonsense. It’s abundantly clear that he’s going to marry Anna Rutley.”
“Then we will all have to suffer.”
“So, I must realize that this is a passing fancy and nothing more. Just as soon as I imagine the situation to be something that it’s not, I have lost control over my mind.” Laura’s tone turned hushed. “And heart.”
Diana stopped her dusting and knitted her brow. “This is a rather trying situation, isn’t it?”
“Yes. What do you think I should do?”
