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“So, you’re saying that I should bring her back.”
“Women have minds of their own. If she won’t have you, then she won’t have you. But there’s no sense in not giving it a try. Go to her, tell her to be your bride. Pardon me—ask her to be your bride.”
“And if she refuses?”
“Then that’s life, old chap. But how do you know if you never try? Sure, marrying Anna Rutley will bring you society’s approval, but then you’ll be miserable for the rest of your days. Marrying Laura will bring society’s disapproval, but you’ll be happy. Who gives one jot about what society thinks anyhow? I know that you do not.”
“No.”
“Then heed this advice and do the right thing.”
Edward lifted his brow. “Have you shared your feelings with Diana?”
Graham grinned. “I see. Two can play at this game. No, I have not shared my feelings with Diana. I admire her from afar, like some sort of statue of a Greek goddess.”
“She’s not a statue. She is real.”
“And I lack courage. I know, I know. But my situation is different.”
“Hogwash.”
“You and your hogwash.” Graham threw back the glass of brandy. “And let’s not change the subject. When are you going to Laura?”
Edward leaned back in his chair and considered Graham’s words. It was the kind of advice that he’d been secretly hoping for. By going to her and asking for her hand in marriage, he risked having Laura say no. But if he were to sit back and do nothing, there was a very good chance that he’d feel this intense discomfort and wallowing for the rest of his days. Edward had always been a man of action, so what prevented him from doing it now?
“What would I do without you as a friend, Graham?”
“You’d be sitting in your study, full of misery, drinking brandy all day long.”
“Ha!”
The two gentlemen sat for some time, talking of love, the future, the past. Although these talks with Graham heartened Edward, he still deeply missed the discussions with Laura. Were she to return, they’d be able to have those conversations as often as they liked. They could touch, kiss, caress. In fact, if Laura were his wife, Edward would finally have full reign to do as his body desired. There was so much that he wished to explore, and every day would be a gift if Laura Hawkins became Laura Pembroke.
***
Laura sat in her old room with the slanted ceiling. Sage Brook was quiet that day, as it was most days. Laura finished the dusting and helped a bit with tea service. But there was far too much idle time, and in this time, Laura would think of Edward. She was in a state of misery. Laura missed everything about him, both the little things and the big ones. She missed his touch, his voice, the way that he moved. When at his estate, his eyes were always on her, and she missed being under his gaze.
Norman never looked at her, nor did she wish for him to. The duke never even bothered to ask her why she returned. Again, she didn’t mind any of this. Laura preferred to return to a quiet life of work and contemplation. She vowed to read her books again but could never concentrate for long enough. The Diana of Sage Brook she once knew had already departed, and Laura desperately missed both her and the other Diana, who had become her greatest friend in the world.
She and Diana would write to one another constantly. In these letters, Diana would inform Laura of Edward’s decline. Apparently, he was drinking more than ever before and was refusing to see any guests. It was so unlike Edward in every way, and it pained Laura to think of it.
She knew that by refusing his love, she had caused his pain. And now his pain was causing her pain, as well. This could all have been amended had Laura stayed with him. He’d still not married, something that greatly surprised Laura. She’d almost hoped that he’d have got it done with by now so that she would know once and for all, there was no turning back.
She held Diana’s most recent letter in her hand and had waited all day to open it. It was Laura’s new routine. She’d hold onto Diana’s letters until the chores were done, and she was entirely alone. It was almost like the halcyon days where Diana would be the last person she spoke to at night. The taper was already lit on Laura’s desk, and she tore the letter open, a smile already appearing on her lips.
Dearest Laura,
Not a great deal to report other than how much I miss you. The estate will never truly be the same again. Edward is still beside himself. I scarcely see him in any place other than his study. I know how much he misses you, as we all do. He didn’t even come down for breakfast this morning, but that’s becoming his customary practice. I hope that you’re doing well at Sage Brook. I’m told that Norman continues to gamble it all away.
Graham is still sending glances my way. He’s a very handsome man, I must say, but I don’t know what his intentions are. Not that that should even be of concern. He’s a peculiar sort of fellow that much I know. I’m happy to report that Anna Rutley has not returned, and I hope that she never will. What a ghastly woman she is. The only benefit of you returning to Sage Brook is that perhaps you’ll never have to set eyes on her again!
In conclusion, I love you and miss you. Please send a reply at your earliest convenience.
Diana
Laura clutched the letter to her heart. Whenever she read correspondence from Diana, it was like she could even hear her friend’s voice. It brought her the greatest of comforts, but not enough comfort to ease the pain of missing Edward so completely. In fact, if the distance had shown her anything, it was that she perhaps loved Edward even more than she knew. Laura did not delay. She wrote to Diana at once.
Dearest Diana,
