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Chapter 24
Days later, Laura awoke from bed and looked out the window. The sun was shining, and she had a good feeling about the day. Mostly, like all days, she looked forward to seeing Edward. Their time together was getting richer by the day, and so was Laura’s longing. Was it time to let go completely? She had an uncontrollable hunger to know what it felt like to lay by Edward’s side, fully unclothed. But to do so would banish Laura’s honour for the rest of her life. Was it a risk that she was willing to take?
Diana came into the room, full of energy and excitement, which was common for her. “Did you hear the news?”
“What?”
“Edward is to host a ball!”
Laura sat up in her bed. “A ball?”
“Yes. He hosts the most lavish balls. This will be for all of those in town. My guess is nearly one hundred people will attend.”
“Thisisexciting news.”
Laura was conflicted. Why was this the first time Edward was hosting a ball since she came to his estate? She had a feeling she knew the answer to this. Edward needed a wife, and the end of the year was drawing close. The ball was perhaps his way to once and for all choose a bride. Laura took a deep breath and resigned herself to this truth. It was inevitable. No, Laura would not give herself to Edward because then, all would entirely be lost. Nor was she willing to be his mistress throughout his marriage. The best that she could hope for was to become the governess to his children.
“Is it rather difficult to tend to such an event?”
Diana inspected her hair in the mirror. “It does take a lot of work, but I’ll show you everything you have to do. In the end, it’s so fun! Seeing all the lords and ladies in their finery, the dancing, the food, the punch. It’s an event that will make your head spin!”
“My head is spinning already.” Laura laughed. It was fun to watch Diana be so enthusiastic about something. And although Laura would like to see everyone dressed to the nines, she was not looking forward to watching Edward scout out his future bride. Would Laura have to serve that woman sandwiches on a platter while Edward discussed the future with her? The idea made Laura want to run out into the garden and never return.
Finally, Laura managed to get out of bed and put on her uniform. She had the process down so that it was fast and effortless. Looking in the mirror, Laura thought about how everything had changed. She no longer felt like a maid, even though she performed her duties perfectly. She felt like a confidant to Edward Pembroke. More than a confidant. That was the most important role that she was filling, and the role gave her utter joy.
Walking up the stairs and into the kitchen, Laura noticed that the kitchen's tumult was greater than usual. She located Ermengarde, who had a stunned expression on her face.
“Ermengarde, what’s all this about?”
“Preparations for the ball.”
“When is it?”
“Tomorrow evening.”
Laura knitted her brow. Diana didn’t warn her of this. She spoke of the ball as if it were weeks away. There truly was much to prepare, and Laura felt a wave of nerves come over her.
“What can I do?”
“The master is about to sit for breakfast. Take him this plate.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Laura took the plate from Ermengarde’s hand. On it was smoked salmon, red onion, capers, and a small dish of clotted cream. Walking towards the dining room, she saw that Edward was just sitting. Laura stepped into the room, taking a deep breath in doing so. She placed the dish in front of Edward and tried to avert her gaze, but he looked right at her.
“Please enjoy, Your Grace.”
“Will you bring me my tea this afternoon?”
“I fear that you must have much planning to do. For the ball.”
“Bring the tea.”
Laura left the room without protesting. There was only so much that she could say when she was in Edward’s presence. She returned to the kitchen, where Stephen quickly put her to work chopping vegetables, which Laura was grateful for. All the while, Laura couldn’t conclude as to why Edward had not told her about the ball. It was a difficult discussion for them to have, Edward searching for a wife. Laura had mentioned it once and had got little to no reply. She took that to mean that she should let the discussion rest.
Stephen approached. “You have become an expert chopper.”
“I have had much time to practice. Are these for the ball?”
“No, no.” Stephen sharpened knives as he spoke. “We’ll be serving a wide array of finger foods for the ball. I’m beginning preparations today and all through the day tomorrow. It will be a great undertaking.”
