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Chapter 4
Sitting in the grand dining room, Edward was stunned to see who was invited to dinner. The motley group of men didn’t look like they deserved the company of the Duke of Bancroft. They were dishevelled, edgy, and no doubt still drunk from the night before. As the wine was served, he noted that the men seemed to perk up a bit. It was a strange sight and brought something to mind that Edward hadn’t yet mentioned; the significant sum of money missing from Norman’s account.
It was not the sole reason for his visit to Sage Brook, but Edward knew that he’d need to mention it at an opportune time. He’d noticed the sum months before and felt it fitting to reach out to his brother. He hoped it was an error of some sort or that Norman had spent the money to improve Sage Brook. But from what he could tell, everything about the manor remained the same.
“White or red, Your Grace?”
Edward looked up to find a servant girl holding two bottles. He was mildly disappointed. Edward hoped that it might be that enchanting girl that he’d encountered in the parlour. She was exquisite in every way, even if she was wearing a simple maid’s attire. Edward couldn’t quite put his finger on it. She was simple, remarkably beautiful, and delightfully apologetic. Realizing that he was lost thinking of the mysterious Laura, Edward responded to the question.
“White, thank you.”
As the wine was poured, Edward again looked around the table and knit his brow. Edward was hardly introduced to the group and was told only a short while before dinner that they’d be attending. It was all rather perplexing.
Norman cleared his throat before he spoke. “I thank you all for coming this evening.” He raised his glass. “I thought it fitting that we should enjoy our night’s entertainment in the presence of my esteemed brother.”
“Hear, hear,” the men said, all of them taking hearty sips.
Edward thought it fitting that he should address the table as well. “I am happy to return to Sage Brook … and to see that all is well.” But in the pit of his stomach, he knew that all was not well. Something was off.
This feeling was turned into fact when the meal was finally served. Pork loin, asparagus drenched in butter, and new potatoes. Although this could be considered a fine supper, Edward noted that the pork was overcooked, the asparagus was undercooked, and the potatoes had no flavour.
Not one to protest when he’d been invited to the meal, Edward made no mention of it but only took note. What had Stanley been doing all this time in the kitchen? The fellow was remarkably out of practice. One more element to pique Edward’s curiosity.
Although supper was unremarkable, Edward found that he had a healthy appetite and tucked into the meal. The awkward gentlemen around the table began to engage in conversation once on their second glasses of wine. Another cause for suspicion.
“It’s too cold for the hunt this time of year.”
“What with this ghastly rain, who could be bothered?”
“I, for one, think that the weather shall improve by the end of the month.”
“So dreadful in the country.”
Edward stifled a yawn. He liked a good conversation about the outdoors as much as the next man, but the gentlemen around the table seemed lacking in spirit.
Edward spoke. “I, for one, enjoy a good ride in the rain. Lifts the spirits.”
All the men turned to him and regarded him as though he were mad. Edward took a sip of his wine and turned to his brother. The two men stared at one another before Norman looked down at his plate. What the devil was going on? This was not the kind of reunion that Edward was hoping for.
He imagined a private supper between the two of them, followed by brandy and an honest conversation about the state of affairs. Just when Edward had had enough, was ready to throw down his napkin and storm out of Sage Brook, a plate was placed before him with what appeared to be chocolate cake. It was delivered by a dainty hand. Edward turned and looked up to discover Laura.
“Pudding, Your Grace.”
For once, Edward was speechless. Was she even lovelier than the first time that he saw her? It couldn’t be possible. “I thank you,” he replied, not taking his gaze away from hers. She curtsied and walked away.
Edward pulled a hand through his hair, trying to get a hold of his senses. Surely, it was just a fluke infatuation. That had happened to Edward before, and he thought very little of it. Why didn’t he have staff at his estate that was that beautiful? Edward would have to consider that.
Norman continued the dull conversation. “If you ask me, the weather has been getting worse and worse here. I fear for my poor gardener’s health.”
“The grounds look well kept,” one man suggested.
“He takes great pains, but it’s worth the expense.”
The expense? Perhaps that is why the large sum of money was missing. Yet still, the grounds didn’t look any better kept than they had before. Edward looked around the room despite himself, trying to locate the pretty maid. She was nowhere in sight. He sighed. Picking up his fork, he took a bite of the cake and placed it in his mouth. It was the best part of the meal. Remarkably sweet, just like the lady that had delivered it. Should Laura work at his estate, perhaps every meal would taste like ambrosia, merely because she’d be the one that placed it before him. Something else to consider.
The meal being done, the men retired to the salon for brandy and cigars, which was what Edward had been looking forward to. What he discovered in the salon surprised him to no end. A poker table, perfectly arrayed and ready for action. Edward turned to his brother with concern on his face.
Norman smiled awkwardly and seated himself. The brandy was poured copiously, and the air was quickly filled with plumes of cigar smoke. Edward knit his brow, pushed back his tails, and seated himself. He secretly hoped they were playing for chips until there was money placed on the table.
