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Laura fell silent. Even Edward had to admit that his question was quite suggestive. So be it. He was putting forth exactly what Laura thought he was suggesting. Edward had longings and urges just as much as the next man, though he rarely indulged in them. For instance, drinking the brandy that was in his hand. It was a rare treat that he decided to indulge in that night. Laura’s presence was another treat that he wished to indulge in.
“I’m sure that you do, yes. A fine meal. A walk in the garden or a ride in the countryside.”
Those were not the pleasures that Edward was thinking of, but he couldn’t mention that. Instead, he took another sip of his brandy. In the silence that followed, Edward took a deep breath and felt a warmth in his chest. It was all overwhelming. The first time that Edward had strong feelings for a lady both above and below the belt. All of this considered, Edward would behave like a gentleman. He promised himself that. Laura deserved it.
“What gives you pleasure? Aside from your romance novels.”
“Let me think.” Laura looked up towards the ceiling. “Certainly, a fine meal. A walk in the garden. Dancing.”
“You dance?”
“I have been trained, yes. I also … play the piano.”
A smile came to Edward’s lips. What he wouldn’t give to watch Laura play. Anna had informed him that very afternoon that she wished to play for him and even went so far as to summon Harrison to make sure the piano was in tune. Edward seemed to recall that the last time anyone played at his estate, it was the late duchess.
“I should like to hear you play one day.”
“I am out of practice, of course.”
“You can go to the piano room whenever you wish.”
“Oh, no.” Laura shook her head. “Ermengarde would be so cross with me.”
“I’ll inform her of this new privilege. I’m sure the entire staff would like to hear you play.”
Laura blushed crimson. “That would be an ordeal for me! I would need to squeeze in much practicing before that ever occurs.”
Edward had a feeling that Laura was better at the piano than she thought she was. He took another sip of his brandy. All that talk of pleasure and Edward was slowly entering a state of bliss that evening. The brandy, the fire, Laura’s company. And admittedly, the absence of Anna’s company. He wished to hold the memory of that moment in his mind for the rest of his days.
“There’s something that I want you to read.” Edward got up from his chair and walked towards the shelves lined with books. It didn’t take him long to find the book that he was looking for. He pulled it out and opened the cover.
“What is it?”
“Call of the Sea.”
“I think that I’ve heard of it.”
“I want you to read it.” Edward walked towards Laura and handed her the book. She took it in her dainty hands and examined the blank cover. She felt the texture of it.
“I shall.”
“It has romance in it.” Edward smiled. “It also has pirates, whales, shipwrecks.”
“Sounds positively extraordinary.” Laura looked up at him once more.
“You’re positively extraordinary.”
It came out of Edward’s mouth before he had a chance to consider his words. He wasn’t lying, but he didn’t wish to frighten Laura with his ardency. Her eyes went wide with shock, but then there was that delicious sparkle in her eye that Edward couldn’t quite place. Was it desire?
Laura quickly looked away, and Edward went back to his seat, taking another sip of the brandy. He promised himself that he would not have an outburst like that, and lo and behold, he had overstepped his bounds. “I’m sorry.”
Laura’s eyes widened again. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. I thank you for your kind words, Your Grace.”
“I was not being kind. I was being honest.”
More silence. Laura bashfully looked down at the book resting on her lap. “I think you’re rather extraordinary yourself if I’m allowed to say so.”
“Of course, you’re allowed to say so. You’re always free to speak.”
