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Chapter 25
The estate was abuzz with energy on the night of the ball. All in all, Edward was proud of his staff, proud of his estate, and excited for the evening ahead. With so much going on, Edward thought it fascinating that he couldn’t get Laura off his mind. The day before, she’d given him a true scare by not showing up in the afternoon or the evening. Sheer desperation had prompted Edward to ring for Harrison to go and claim her. There was no need to explain to Harrison. The two men had an understanding.
Edward had sent Laura back to her room quickly the night before. In fact, he had been doing that often, unsure whether he could keep a hold of his impulses. There was a sense of relief when she was gone because he had done no harm and also a deep sense of loss. Would there ever be a day when Edward didn’t have to send her away? An evening when they never had to part one another’s company?
Looking at himself in the mirror, Edward was satisfied with the new suit that had just arrived. The tailoring was perfect, and Edward felt he could certainly play the part of a famous duke’s brother. And there was indeed a sense of role-playing to it. Just as Edward had said to Laura, and on occasion expressed to Graham, he was a man for the outdoors. He wished to be on his horse in the field, on a boat in the ocean, or just a lazy walk with the hounds. Sadly, duty prevented Edward from undertaking any of this with frequency.
Coming down the grand staircase, Edward saw that already countless guests had arrived. They all looked up as he descended. Some applauded. Edward waved and smiled. He looked all around the grand entry, not to inspect his guests, but to see where Laura might be.
“Old chap.” It was Graham’s voice.
“Have you already finished all the punch?” Edward inspected his cufflinks while Graham sipped his drink.
“I’ve been trying, but there’s enough punch here to intoxicate all of Germany.”
“That’s saying a lot.” Edward had to smile. Graham’s humour was always a comfort. Even though the ball was a celebratory event, there was still a great deal of nerves involved in something so grand.
“How many of these ladies do you plan to dance with?”
“A few.” Edward looked around the room. Again, it was not the ladies that he was looking for.
“You’re the ruler of your own kingdom, and you say ‘a few.’ Sometimes I don’t understand you in the slightest.”
“I’ll tell you what, why don’t you dance with all the ladies I don’t dance with?”
“You have a deal.” Graham put out his hand for a shake.
As guests continued to flood into the estate, Edward smiled with pride. Everyone seemed happy and impressed with what surrounded them. In the grand ballroom, the music began while refreshments were served in the dining hall. Stephen did a marvellous job with the various different finger foods, and Graham was right when he said that there was enough punch to get all of Germany drunk.
Edward walked from room to room, greeting guests. There were the usual sorts of dignitaries, but also lords and ladies from town, and Edward was in his element. He had a way with people because of his confident, natural appeal, nothing was forced. He delighted in the conversation, but that didn’t mean every passing moment, the only person he wished to see was Laura.
“Your Grace!” It was Anna approaching.
Edward heaved a sigh. “I hope that you approve.”
“It’s just as you described it. You’re such a marvellous host.”
“I do my best.”
“My father sends his regards. All he can talk of is the amazing meal that we shared. I hope you’re as fond of my father as he is of you.”
Edward narrowed his eyes. As always, he knew what Anna was implying. “He is a fine man. I hope to make his acquaintance again at another time.”
“Any time.” An awkward silence followed as Edward searched the room, looking for Laura. “Are you ready to dance with me?”
“I … of course.”
“Then come along. Your guests, I’m sure, have anticipated watching you dance.”
“I can’t say that I agree.”
Anna led Edward to the dance floor, and everyone took their formations. The music played, and the dancing commenced. Edward had to admit that Anna was a skilled dancer. It was common for ladies of her stature to take great pains to learn all the dances in their early years.
As they passed each other, shoulder to shoulder before turning, Anna said, “I’m amazed we haven’t danced like this before!”
“I have not had a ball in quite some time.”
“What’s the occasion?” Anna lifted her brow.
