Scandals of Lustful Ladies: A Historical Regency Romance Collection

by Meghan Sloan

  “I’m a good judge of character. And I’m impressed with your character.”

  “Dropping a teacup and falling into a stranger’s arms is a good indication of my character.”

  Edward seemed at a loss for words. He searched her eyes again, knit his brow. Edward was deep in concentration, but Laura could not tell what he was thinking. After what felt like an endless silence, Edward spoke again. “I should return to the game.”

  “I hope that it does not last much longer. For your own sake.”

  Edward’s eyes widened. Was he surprised that she shared the sentiment that she cared? Laura had stepped so far outside of herself that she no longer knew what she was saying. The world was spinning, and she was holding on.

  “I’ll take my leave,” Edward said, walking towards her. As he did so, his arm brushed against her skirt. Was that intentional? Laura found herself frozen. She should return to her room at once, but her legs wouldn’t carry her. Had that encounter been a dream? It certainly felt like one.

  Finally willing herself to move, Laura made her way up the winding staircase to the top floor where her little room stood waiting for her in the darkness. What a long and marvellous day it had been. Everything was unexpected and new. After so many long, laborious days, something had happened that ignited Laura in a new way.

  She quickly lit the taper on her desk, and the room was aglow. Laura sat down on her bed, at a loss for what to do next. Considering that she had been anticipating reading her book all day, Laura picked it up and opened it to chapter five. She sighed to herself, finally feeling relaxed, but thoughts of Edward would not leave her mind. The way that he smiled. The glitter in his eyes.

  Realizing that she would never be able to concentrate on her book, she placed it on the desk and began to undress, putting on her sleeping gown. Once that was on, there was a knock on the door, and Laura practically jumped out of her skin. She clutched herself. Whoever could it be at this hour?

  Tiptoeing to the door with her bare feet, Laura slowly opened it and peered through the crack. On the other side was Diana. Laura heaved a sigh of relief. “What are you doing here?”

  “I had to speak to you.” Diana pushed her way into Laura’s room. She, as well, was wearing her sleeping costume.

  “What for?”

  “There’s already talk about your encounter with Edward Pembroke.” Diana seated herself on Laura’s bed.

  Laura walked over and seated herself beside Diana. She still clutched herself. “I’m not surprised. I even spoke with him again.”

  “You spoke with him again?”

  “Yes, it was merely by accident. I was walking down the hall to make my way to my room, and there he was. I was frozen in shock.”

  Diana playfully rubbed her hands together. “Oh, this is marvellous.”

  “No, it’s not! Percival already knows that Edward and I encountered each other once. What if he hears of the second time?”

  “I’m not sure Percival would care. I don’t know that he cares about anything anymore.”

  Laura looked out the window dubiously. The moon was just peeking out of the clouds in the night sky. The light from it beamed gently into the room. “Maybe it’s all happening for a reason. Maybe I should leave here.”

  “Why would you say such a thing?”

  “I must admit that seeing the gambling for the first time, I was in shock.”

  “I’m sorry that you didn’t know. It’s been going on for some time.”

  “That doesn’t make the duke a criminal. I just thought … differently of him.”

  “Things are not always what they seem, Laura. Especially in high society. There are all kinds of things hidden below the surface.”

  Laura thought that Diana’s perspective was sound. Because of her station in life, there were so many things that Laura wouldn’t be privy to. Maybe that was for the best. Although the ton glittered and shined in their finery, Laura never wished always to keep up appearances and be a certain way. If she could get by in life quietly, comfortably, and meekly, that was enough for her.

  Or was it?

  “Do you suppose they’ll be gambling all night?” Laura asked.

  “They go well into the morning. In fact, it’s already morning.”

  “Did Edward know of it?”

  Diana leaned in and whispered. “If you ask me, that’s why he’s here.”

  Laura stopped to consider that. Was the younger brother here to school the older brother? It seemed impossibly backward. Norman had one of the richest estates in all of Britain. Surely, he should take better care of it.

  Just then, Diana pulled her hand through Laura’s hair. “You’re so beautiful, Laura. I’m sure that’s why Edward wished to speak with you.”

  “He didn’t wish to speak to me. He could barely escape me!”

  “Nonsense. I’m sure that’s not true.”

  “What does it matter anyhow? Flattery is all it is.”

  “Do you see yourself marrying one day?”

  Laura got a dreamy look in her eye. She tried not to think of that question. Put much effort into it. She feared that she’d turn into a spinster, but maybe that was her lot in life. If she were a governess, having a husband would be the last thing on her mind. She’d be engaged in her studies all day long, busy with the children. But why was she even thinking this way? Perhaps there was no chance she’d ever become a governess at all.

  “I suppose if I do, it will be a stableboy.”

  “Surely, not a stableboy from Sage Brook.” Diana laughed to herself. “They’re all rather geriatric.”

  Laura couldn’t help laughing as well. Diana was right. All the men that worked in the stables were old. But she wouldn’t even be surprised if she was married off to an older man, merely for convenience. It did offer her much more security. If Laura needed to leave her job, the covenant of marriage would protect her. But there was no chance she’d ever marry for love.

  “What about Fritz?”

  “Stanley’s apprentice?”

  “I’m sure that you’ve thought of that, as well.” Laura continued to laugh. It was fun talking of such things, if only for the humor of it all.

  “Fritz, with those bug eyes?” Diana did an impression of his eyes as she said it.

  “I suppose they do bug out a bit.”

  Both girls laughed together and enjoyed the good fun of it. Fritz seemed like a nice boy, albeit a little nervous. But working under Stanley could pique anyone’s nerves.

  Diana continued to speak. “I fancy Harold.”

  “The apprentice butler?” Laura considered how funny it was that everyone at Sage Brook had an apprentice.

  “Do you not think him handsome with that blond hair? I caught a glimpse of his bare arm once. He’s rather strong.”

  "Being a butler will take the strength out of him.”

  As the two girls continued to have fun, Laura felt incredibly grateful for Diana. What would it be like if she had no one to talk to? It would be dreadful. Still, Laura was always one that managed to keep to herself.

  They parted ways, saying their ‘sweet dreams,’ and Laura was left to think about Edward once more. Perhaps she’d even dream of him.

  Chapter 6

  The situation in the salon had gone from bad to worse. One card player had passed out in a corner chair. Norman’s face was covered in sweat. Was it because he continued to lose? Edward was at a loss for what to do. He craved his bed but didn’t know how much longer this spectacle would go on for. Thankfully, the drunken gamblers had what appeared to be their final hand. They made their exits, some holding up the others to keep them from stumbling.

  As though Norman sensed that his brother wished to speak to him, he remained in his chair. Edward was placid. “Are you proud of yourself?”

  “I don’t always lose so much.”

  “I find that hard to believe.”

  “You have little faith in me. Always have.”

  “Brother, I have little faith in you
because you’re gambling away the Pembroke fortune.”

  “It would take rather a long time to do that.” Norman picked up his brandy and took the last sip. Edward hadn’t drunk in hours. His mind was as clear as a bell.

  Getting up from his seat, Edward crossed his arms in front of his chest and gazed out the window, his back facing his brother. “It would be nice if you helped for once, Norman.”

  “Helped?”

  “Our two estates combined constitute a great deal of money and responsibility. I feel this responsibility on my shoulders.”

  “They’re rather strong shoulders. You can handle it.”

  Edward turned to his brother in disgust. “It’s not about handling it. It’s about having my older brother become a man instead of a drunk pantaloon.”

  Norman looked furious. “You’re accusing me of not being a man?”

  “Yes. A man knows his duty. He takes care of his affairs. He shoulders the burden.”

  “Don’t you know that I tried to shoulder the burden?” Norman slammed his fist down onto the table. “All my life. Mother and Father never cared about anything I did right. They only scolded me for what I did carelessly. You were the golden child. Their only hope. How am I supposed to rise above those circumstances?”

  “By merely rising above the circumstances.” To Edward, it seemed simple enough. He, too, had had his own trials and tribulations in life. When things became difficult, he put one foot in front of the other and focused on what was important. Duty. Honour. Responsibility. Not because he wanted to, but because he must. That was his station in life, and while focusing on those priorities, he’d still manage to eke out some kind of happiness. Edward was determined.

  “You disgust me sometimes, Edward. How you make everything look so effortless.”

  “Nothing is effortless.”

  “Then stop trying to make me look bad. Even as children, that was your intent.”

  “Hogwash.”

  “It most certainly was. I knew that I could never live up to any of this because you would always manage to outdo me. Always manage to beat me.”

  Edward had to consider if what his brother was saying was true or no. They were quite competitive as children, but Edward did not think that he overtly tried to sabotage Norman. In fact, he would help his older brother on occasion when he was struggling. Even then, Norman would retreat to the library to read. Perhaps he was trying to escape scrutiny.

  Once, the two boys were out on the hunt with their father, and Norman struggled with his horse. Edward did everything he could to be of assistance because he knew his brother was frightened by horses. Norman forcefully told him to back away, that he didn’t need any advice, and moments later, he fell from his horse and suffered an injury to the ribs. The two brothers never spoke of that incident, but Edward thought of it often. Nothing had changed. Edward was still trying to help, and Norman was still refusing.

  “How often do you partake in these gambling parties?”

  Norman scowled. “Does it even matter?”

  “Of course, it matters.”

  Norman sighed to himself and picked up his empty glass, frowning as he remembered there was no more brandy. “Twice a week.”

  “I don’t believe that.”

  “Thrice.”

  “That’s perhaps closer. And are you always losing? You let these men stay at Sage Brook?”

  “They don’t always stay. Sometimes they summon their coaches. What does it matter?”

  “It matters because you’re using precious resources to fuel this ghastly habit. Why should the servants stay in line if they live in a house of corruption?”

  “Because I bloody well tell them to.”

  “And you realize that your staff is too large.”

  “Sage Brook is enormous.”

  “Even still. You don’t need so much help to facilitate your late-night gambling parties.”

  Just then, Norman rang his little bell, and Percival appeared quickly. He must have been standing in the hall, listening. Edward wouldn’t put it past him.

  “Percival?”

  “Yes, Your Grace?”

  Norman lifted his empty glass. “More brandy, and pour some for Edward.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.” Percival bowed his head and left the room.

  “I don’t wish to drink more.”

  “Loosen up, Edward. If we’re going to have a serious discussion, then the brandy must continue to flow.” In the ensuing silence, there was a crack of thunder outside the window, and rain fell yet again. Norman rubbed his face with his hand. “This blasted weather. When will it ever end?”

  “Perhaps God on high is trying to tell you something.”

  “You know I don’t believe in that sort of thing.”

  “Maybe you should.”

  Edward stopped at that. He believed in God but could never call himself a fervently religious man. Nor did he wish to push that upon his brother. He just wished that he could instill some set of morals in him. The brothers waited and listened to the rain before Percival returned, carrying a crystal decanter filled with brandy. He poured the glasses and made his way out before Norman stopped him.

  “Percival, do you think that we have too many staff here at Sage Brook?”

  Percival’s eyes widened, as though he didn’t know how to respond. “No …”

  “Tell me the truth.”

  “The grounds are rather expansive, and attention must be paid.”

  “Say for instance, that newest maid. What the devil is her name?”

  “Laura,” Percival replied.

  Edward felt heat in his chest at the mere mention of her name. He felt mildly ashamed for having engaged her so much that evening. No doubt, the interaction made the girl uncomfortable, but Edward couldn’t help himself. He loved beautiful things. Always admired them. And Laura was very much a beautiful thing.

  “Laura,” Norman said. “Did we need that acquisition?”

  “She is a hard worker. She earns her keep.”

  “But is she necessary?”

  Percival paused and considered his words. “Yes, I think that Laura Hawkins is an asset to Sage Brook.”

  Laura Hawkins? It was the first time that Edward had heard her full name. It was a beautiful name, just like her.

  “Nonetheless,” Edward went on, changing the subject lest he be lost in thoughts about her. “Sage Brook is overstaffed in my view. You’re flitting your money away on gambling, and there’s no improvement in sight. Either help change the situation or give me full control of the Pembroke estates.”

  Norman scowled at him once more. Edward didn’t want to have to lay down the hard truth, but there was no other solution. Either Norman agreed to change his ways, or Edward would exert as much control as he could get his hands on.

  The rain was pouring down mercilessly outside, and Percival stood frozen, awaiting further command. Norman downed his brandy and considered his options before changing the subject completely.