by Meghan Sloan
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.
Norman asked, “Are you in, brother?”
Edward wished to say no. He was never one for gambling. Edward believed in husbandry and economy, managing money thoughtfully, and taking the time to make sure one’s house was in order. Gambling did not fit into his philosophy. Yet still, he didn’t wish to appear rude in front of the other gentlemen and decided to comply.
Norman was getting drunk. It was a side of his brother that Edward had never seen before and never wished to see again. How could he be so duplicitous? Had this behaviour only manifested in the last year or so? Or had it been there all along? Once Norman was focused on the game, his gaze was unwavering.
More bland conversation ensued, and Edward watched as Norman lost hand after hand after hand. He looked to the grandfather clock in the corner. The hours had worn on, the men were slurring their words, and Edward and Norman had still not shared a serious conversation.
Losing yet again, Edward saw that his brother was out of funds. Norman finally spoke to him. “Do you have anything to lend, dear brother? In the Pembroke family name?”
Edward couldn’t believe his ears. Surely, Norman had to have more funds. He knit his jaw and passed over some coins. Norman continued to play, Edward kept his funds steady, and when it was well past midnight, Edward was ready for bed. Just then, Laura came walking through the door. Edward’s spirits were again revived. She carried a pitcher of water, and Edward pitied the girl for having to stay up so late.
As she poured him a glass of water, he could see the fatigue in her eyes. But despite the fatigue, her eyes were still shining. “You must be exhausted,” Edward said.
Laura’s face went wide with shock. It was against custom to speak to her so plainly, but Edward couldn’t help himself. Laura looked nervously around the table, unsure whether or not she should reply. Finally, she nervously cleared her throat and walked away.
Edward regretted that she did not speak to him, but considering present company, he could see why she chose not to. As he looked around the table, he could see written on the men’s faces their own confusion. Edward felt no shame. He’d converse with anyone he chose to converse with, and sadly, that night, he’d had to converse with a team of pathetic gamblers.
Norman spoke. “I’m down and out but not done yet.”
Edward couldn’t hold his tongue any longer. “Is this why a large sum of money is missing, brother?”
The men turned towards Norman in anticipation and began to laugh.
Even Norman cracked a smile. “I admit to not always being the best at cards, but I’m still determined to win it all back toni
ght!”
“You mean, this morning.”
Norman turned and stared at him blankly. Then he soberly looked up to the clock and realized his error. Edward was disgusted with all of it. The card playing continued, and Edward was too angry to sleep. Instead, he got up from the table to take a quick walk to clear his mind. Heading down the hall, Edward encountered a few of the remaining servants but not the one in particular that he wished to see. The back of the manor had several windows looking out towards the garden. Edward could see that the rain had passed. It was all peace and quiet outside, but this did nothing to calm the torment of his mind.
The truth about his brother’s behaviour had finally been revealed. He wasn’t spending his days in the library with his nose in a book, disregarding his own affairs, for the sake of education. Norman was most likely hungover from the night before and was trying to pass the day in silence. How could the situation have gone so far without Edward’s knowing it?
Was this why Norman had pulled away in the first place? Was there no turning back? Edward had the mind to tell Norman to put all the family funds in his name so that he could tend to all of it and bypass any calamity in the future.
Percival’s voice cut through the silence. “Your room is ready for you, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, but I shan’t be sleeping yet.”
“I did wish to warn you.”
Edward turned to Percival. “Warn me of what? The gambling?”
“The same.”
“I suppose that I needed to witness it with my own eyes.” Edward massaged his weary eyes with his hand.
“It has got worse.”
“When did it start?”
“It’s been going on for some time.”
“I am sorry to keep the servants up so late.” Edward turned to Percival and saw the fatigue in his eyes, as well.
“It is their job. Many are used to it, but there are also those that do not know.”
Edward had to wonder if the pretty maid knew. She seemed just as shocked as he was. He hoped for her sake that she did not know. No woman needed to have her mind corrupted by the misconduct of men. Especially beautiful women.
“I shall return to the salon shortly.”
“Is there anything I can get for you?”
“No, Percival. You might as well go to bed.”
“I cannot. I sleep once the evening is done.”
“Very well. Give me some privacy for a moment before I return.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” Percival bowed and then fled.
Edward turned back towards the garden, trying to figure out what to do next. Then he heard footsteps behind him once more.
Chapter 5
Laura was beginning to wonder how she could be such a fool. Here she was, running into Edward yet again and once more by accident. Were the fates conspiring against her? There was no time to admire his fine form standing in front of the window, gazing at the night sky. She’d come down the hall to make her way up to her room, and the man was merely standing there.
Laura quickly put her head down and cleared her throat. Should she speak? She’d already said too much. “I apologize.” Her words were barely audible.
Edward seemed just as surprised as she was. He clasped his hand behind his back and knit his brow. “Perhaps you’re following me.”
She looked up, mortification written on her face. There were his stunning eyes again. Once more boring into hers. It was all too much to bear. It wasn’t until Edward cracked a smile that she realized he had been teasing her just then. A flush came to her cheek, and she couldn’t help smiling.
“That would be most improper.”
“It’s okay to be improper now and again. I fear that I might positively descend into the earth if I’m not improper from time to time.”
Laura averted her eyes. “That is because of your station.” Laura was still smiling until it dawned on her just how scandalous it was that she was standing alone with a lord, enjoying open conversation. “I’m sorry.” She quickly scurried away, but Edward stopped her.
He stepped in. “Wait.”
Laura did as she was told. She stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned to face him. To stand with her back to him would have been another scandal. “Yes, Your Grace.”
“You can look at me.”
Laura’s heart pounded mercilessly in her chest. Again, she did as she was told. How was it that every time she looked into his eyes, it was as though her heart was on fire? No one had ever made her feel that way before.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Do you enjoy your employment at Sage Brook?”
“Very much, Your Grace.”
Edward cocked his head as though surprised by her answer. “Do you have aspirations?”
“Aspirations, Your Grace?”
“Aspirations for a different station?”
It was like he was reading her mind. Did Edward know that she was fantasizing about being a governess all that day? It seemed as though he did know. Her cheeks burned bright again.
Laura cleared her throat. She thought it impossible to be so familiar with him and tell the truth. “No, Your Grace.”
“I somehow don’t believe that.”
Laura looked from side to side to make sure that no one was overhearing the conversation. Down the hall, there was the laughter and chatter from the salon as men continued with their game of cards.
“Why would you say that?”
“Because there’s something about you that I can’t describe.”
“Your Grace?”
“Something in your eyes. Some kind of spark.”
Laura could say the same for him. His eyes glittered. There was a mischievousness to them, as well as an impossible warmth. They were dazzling. Laura didn’t know how or why she did what she did next, but she stepped forward, drawing herself closer. She watched as Edward breathed deeply. His chest heaved up and down.
“I thank you for your kindness. But I don’t wish to step above my station. I am happy with my work. My mother did the same.”
“She was a maid?”
“Indeed.”
Edward grinned. “Then why are you so educated?”
“I bed your pardon?”
“You are educated. I can tell.” Edward continued to smile.
The boyish grin threatened to make Laura’s knees go weak again. “My father educated me. He passed away when I was twelve.”
“And so your mother went to work?” Edward crossed his arms over his chest.
“Indeed.”
“And what was his station in life?”
Laura’s head was spinning. Why was he asking her so many questions? Despite feeling weak in the knees, there was something heartening about his presence. Edward made her feel safe and perilously on edge at the same time.
“He was a schoolteacher. For poor children.”
“I see. And you’d like to be a teacher?”
Laura was impossibly gobsmacked. Yes, he was seeing right through her. How did he have the power to do that?
“How could you know such a thing?”