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Chapter 26
It was on the tip of Edward’s tongue. He wished to say to Graham, ‘I love Laura Hawkins.’ Edward was sure that Graham wouldn’t judge, so why couldn’t he find the strength?
Graham was the next to speak. “There is a girl in particular that I have my eye on.”
Edward lifted his brow. “Really?”
“Yes, she works at your estate.”
Edward felt a burning sensation in his chest. Was Graham about to say what he thought he was about to say? If that were the case, Edward was unsure as to how he’d react. “Who might that be?”
There was a twinkle in Graham’s eye. “Not who you think.”
Edward felt his muscles begin to relax. “Tell me?”
“Diana. Diana Cooke. Best friend of the laundress.”
“Funny that you should know that.” Edward couldn’t tell if his friend was jesting with him or not. What were the chances that Graham would have feelings for Laura’s best friend? Perhaps he was being humorous. “How long have you had these sentiments?”
“Since I first laid eyes on her.”
“Then we’re both in a conundrum.”
“That would be true.”
Edward understood the struggle better than he had before. Society would frown upon him if he made the decision he wished to make. As it stood, Edward was a diamond in the public’s eye. Should he make this crucial decision, he would no longer be.
A momentary thought came to mind that gave Edward much joy. A shining autumn day out in the garden, a double marriage ceremony, Laura and Diana looking like princesses, he and Graham claiming their own. It was a mere fantasy and nothing else. It could never work, however much Edward longed for it.
“Sometimes, we must make decisions for the greater good.” Edward was trying to reclaim his sense of duty.
“I suppose you’re right. It’s a pity, though.”
“That it is.”
“But what if it were possible to choose heart over head? For a man to claim the thing he truly desires?”
Now Edward was the one that had to laugh. “Were you not just making light of me moments ago, calling me a romantic?”
Graham cleared his throat. “Yes, that’s right.”
“I’d say that you’re the romantic, my friend.” Edward’s voice became hushed. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell a soul.”
Graham knitted his brow. “You’re too kind.”
Just then, Harrison came out onto the veranda. “Your Grace, I do believe that your guests are requesting your presence.”
Graham clapped Edward on the back. “Go on. I’ll linger in the night air.”
“Very well.”
As Edward made his way to the door, Graham had one last thing to say. “You don’t have to do it, you know.”
“Do what?”
“Marry Anna Rutley. I know that kicks around in your head all the time.”
“That it does.”
