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Chapter 30
In the weeks that followed, Edward was inconsolable. Everything that he used to take pleasure in now didn’t move him in the slightest. The one great love of his life lived under his brother’s roof. Edward ceased to hold luncheons and teas; no more guests were invited to the estate, particularly Anna Rutley. More than anything else, Edward wished to be alone.
He’d sit in his study all day with the fire crackling. Sometimes Edward would forget to take meals. One such afternoon, Harrison entered in a state. “Your Grace, you didn’t come down for breakfast.”
“I wasn’t hungry.”
“Can I bring you a tray?”
“That’s unnecessary. I’ll take the brandy.”
Harrison looked up at the clock. It was only noon. But this sort of behaviour was becoming more common. “As you wish.” Harrison left the study, and Edward shook his head. He knew that his behaviour was becoming unsavoury. Almost as bad as Norman. But at least he wasn’t squandering his money away.
There was a knock on the door, and Edward was momentarily reminded of when Laura would come, bringing him tea. They’d chat and kiss. Those were the greatest days of Edward’s life. It was Graham at the door, letting himself in.
“You’re in a state.” Graham walked over to his customary chair and seated himself.
“Yes, you can come in,” Edward quipped.
“How long is this going to go on for?”
“Perhaps for the rest of my days.” Edward pulled a hand through his hair.
“We both know that’s not true. You’ll get through this.”
“Tell me how.”
“By marrying that woman.”
Before Edward had a chance to answer, the door opened again, and this time it was Harrison with the brandy. “Harrison, can you bring us an extra glass?”
“Certainly, Your Grace.”
Harrison set the tray down and exited the study. Graham heaved a sigh. “I didn’t know you were the afternoon drinking type.”
“I’m learning a lot of new things about myself. What did you mean by marrying the woman?”
“You know exactly what I mean. Laura Hawkins. Bring her back and marry her.”
There was so much that Edward wished to tell Graham that he didn’t know where to begin. “She won’t have me.”
“Nonsense.”
“It’s the truth. Things became quite serious between us. We’d meet in the afternoons and the evenings. The relationship was never consummated.”
“Pity.”
“And for good reason. Laura said that there could be no future for us. I need to marry a woman of some standing to uphold the Pembroke name.”
“And I think that’s nonsense.” Graham leaned forward and folded his hands on the desk. “There’s nothing that you’re required to do, Edward. Your life is your own. I told you that evening on the veranda that you can choose love.”
“And then you decided to tell the love of my life that men are scoundrels.”
“I truly was being humorous. Not everyone gets my sense of humour.”
“At any rate, I expressed my love for Laura. She said that she felt the same and that there was no future for us.”
Harrison returned with the second brandy glass and poured. Graham took the glass with relish. “I’ve never been much of an afternoon drinker myself, but if it’s being offered.”
