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“Indeed.” Edward turned and looked at the door where Norman just departed.
***
Laura managed to stay busy the entire evening. Diana had warned her as much. A constant stream of trays needed to be filled and passed, glasses that needed clearing, punch that needed to be poured. Although Laura delighted in the excitement of it all, she had to admit that after a few hours, her feet were already beginning to pain her.
She whispered playfully, “Diana, when will it end?”
“For some, not until tomorrow morning.”
Laura wished that she wouldn’t have to work through the night. But that was the least of her concerns. What was more troubling was watching Edward dancing with Anna yet again. He had warned her that this would happen. Nothing was a surprise. But Laura wasn’t expecting the jolt to her heart. It was dreadful watching someone you love dance with another. In her mind, Laura knew that it would be the case, but the feelings were more powerful than anticipated.
In order not to dwell on these feelings too much, Laura kept busy, which wasn’t difficult to do. Every so often, she heard the music and wished she was out there, dancing the night away. Laura recalled how Edward said that he’d rather be dancing with her, instead of the other women he’d have to dance with. If only that were true.
Harrison approached, his cheeks flushed. “Laura, the master is requesting brandy.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, this very instant.” Harrison took the tray that Laura was holding, and she went with haste to the kitchen. At this point, Laura knew exactly the amount of brandy he liked, and in which glass. She hastily poured, and her heart pounded in her chest. Did he make this request to see her? Laura very much hoped so.
Exiting the kitchen, Laura made her way into the ballroom to try and locate Edward. She turned from side to side and could not find him. “Laura.” She turned, and there he stood.
“Brandy, Your Grace.”
Edward took the glass, not removing his gaze from hers. “Where have you been?”
Laura had to laugh. “Where have I been? Your Grace, my feet will be covered in blisters.”
“I’ll tend to them.”
Laura blushed crimson and looked from side to side to see if anyone was noting the interaction. Off in the distance, the only person who was looking their way was Anna. Laura curtsied. “If you’ll excuse me, I must go.”
“Remember your promise.”
“Yes.” What Edward had referred to was Laura’s promise to meet him when the ball was concluded. It was all she could think of to mask the pain of seeing him dance with Anna.
As Laura passed through the ballroom, she heard all kinds of snickering. “Did you see Edward and Anna Rutley?”
“They must be engaged. They’ve danced numerous times.”
“Oh, the way that he looks at her!”
“They’re a very handsome couple.”
Laura began to walk as fast as she could, tears welling in her eyes. She nearly ran head-on into Diana. “Laura, what’s the matter?”
“I think I need some air.”
“Go out on the veranda. I’ll tell Ermengarde.”
Laura did just that, stepping out into the night air and feeling an immense wave of relief as she did so. There were a few people here and there, and Laura tried to escape their gazes. The one person that she could not escape from was Graham Blackmore.
“The laundress.”
“I beg your pardon?” Laura said.
“Nothing. So you chose to escape too?”
“I was feeling faint. I needed the air.”
