by Meghan Sloan
“Is Edward’s room prepared?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“The corner room, overlooking the garden?”
“Indeed.”
“Why don’t you go to bed, Edward. We can discuss this over breakfast.”
“By my watch, breakfast is in mere hours. We can come to a resolution now.”
It was a standoff. Edward saw the weariness in his brother’s eyes, but Edward’s mind was sharp as a knife.
“Before I answer your request,” Norman said. “Tell me about your favourite whore house.”
Edward was aghast. His jaw dropped open. Percival quickly fled the room. “What are you getting at?”
“I know that you are a lover of women. You occasionally indulge.”
Edward fell silent. His one flaw. He had attended a few reputable houses in London, back in his playboy days. He loved everything about beautiful women and the actions that took place between the sheets. Edward was young when he gave into this indulgence, and it taught him much.
He also made a vow several years previously that he would never step foot in one of those houses again. In fact, he wouldn’t indulge in the joys of the flesh until he had a wife, and even then, his wife would be the only woman in the world. Edward knew what it was like to be physically unencumbered, and the desire had left him.
Edward finally replied. “Those days are in the past.”
“Now you’re prepared to marry Lady Anna Rutley.”
Edward gritted his teeth. He wasn’t so sure of that. “I’m ready to be a married man. I don’t know who my wife will be.”
Norman grinned. “Watching my younger brother settle down. It’s going to be quite the spectacle.”
“I could say the same for you. If that was ever to happen.”
“I’ll tell you what.” Norman placed some bills onto the table. “This is what I have left. It’s still no small sum. How about you and I enjoy the last game of the night?”
“You’re going to lose, Norman.”
“I’m not so sure. You may excel at many things, but you’re no card shark.”
“Agreed.”
“So come now. Let’s have a little fun.”
“Very well.”
As Norman dealt the cards, Edward felt pity for his brother. It was always the plight of the gambler to think that next time, the odds would be in their favour. A man could lose hand after hand, but as long as that belief still existed, the man was a gambler through and through. What would the late Duke and Duchess of Bancroft have thought of such behaviour? No doubt, they would have disowned their son and given the Pembroke estate over to Edward. It would have pained him, but Edward would be pleased. At least he’d be able to sleep better at night.
Once the cards were dealt, Norman had a sudden burst of energy. It was his drug of choice, and it would lift him up before dropping him down yet again. He eyed his own cards like a hawk. Norman’s eyes were mildly bloodshot, and Edward had to wonder if either of them would get any sleep that night.
At best, they’d break their fast well into the afternoon. Who's to say whether the motley group of men would join them to dine. It was Edward’s hope that they would slowly trickle out at light of day.
Edward was dealt a very good hand and instantly knew that he would win, but he saw the same confidence in his brother’s eyes. Perhaps he was bluffing. The game didn’t last long, and once Edward claimed victory, he saw the sunken look on Norman’s face yet again. He had warned him, and now Norman would have to hand over the last of his funds.
Pitifully, he pushed the bills across the table and took another swig of brandy. “You were lucky this time,” he said.
“Luck had nothing to do with it. You’re foolish to keep playing this game.”
“A happy fool, I suppose.”
As Edward took the bills and looked at them in his hands, a new thought came to mind. He didn’t want Norman’s money. Didn’t want him to constantly throw it away. Edward passed the bills back across the table. “Take it.” Edward got up from his seat and made his way out of the parlour.
“I don’t accept charity.”
“And I won’t accept your money.”
“Then accept something else.”
Edward turned to face his brother, not sure what he was implying. “What would that be?”
“I’m allowing you to take any one item from this estate. Anything you wish.”
Chapter 7
Edward had just been dealt the best card of all. Anything at Sage Brook could be his? Although stately, Sage Brook was antiquated, and there was nothing that he could think of that was inanimate. It was a living creature that he desired. Would his brother judge him for demanding the thing that he wanted? Edward wasn’t inclined to care anymore.
It was obvious that there was no getting through to Norman. No meaningful change had been made. Edward would take what he wanted and perhaps never return. He was done with his brother. There was no amending the situation.
“I’ll take Laura.”
Norman’s eyes widened with shock, and then he knit his brow in confusion. “Who?”
“The servant girl that we were talking of just moments before.”
“Laura?”
“Laura Hawkins. I’ll take her to my estate.”
Norman broke out into laughter, and Edward assumed that it was from the alcohol. Why should he laugh at such a thing? Edward was serious. “You’re more the ladies’ man than I thought.”
“It has nothing to do with that. She looks miserable here. Pitiful. Her skin is pale, and she’s underweight.” There was no use in mentioning her beauty. Besides, what Edward was saying was the truth. The girl deserved better, and Edward was going to give her that.
Norman waved his hand in the air. “As you wish. I never see her, anyhow. I know nothing about her.”
Edward thought that that was Norman’s greatest mistake. If he could see the people around him and truly get to know them, maybe he wouldn’t be such a miserable cad.
“It’s settled then.”
“I’ll tell Percival to inform the girl at once. She can get her bags packed.”
“Brother, the sun is about to rise. Let her sleep.”
“Always thinking of others, Edward. That will get you into trouble someday.”
“How do you reason that?”
“People take advantage of such behaviour. If you ask me, this Laura Hawkins will take advantage of it, as well.”
Edward was mildly offended. It was unfair of his brother to say something like that about a girl he didn’t even know.
“When Percival does speak with her, inform him that this information is not a demand but a request. If Laura is not inclined to come to my estate, then she may remain.”
“So noble of you.”
“Good night.”
Edward left the room, unable to bear another moment of his brother’s company. Nothing had gone to plan. But if there was one benefit to his venturing to Sage Brook, it would be the acquisition of Laura. He tried not to think of her beauty. As Edward examined his own intentions, he realized that his reason for taking her on was sound. Laura was educated, dedicated, and meek. When Edward had his own children, perhaps she could teach them. Whatever it was that she would do for him, Edward was sure that it would be better than her remaining at Sage Brook.
As he walked down the hall, Edward saw the sun rising in the distant window. Was there even any point in going to bed? Entering the kitchen, Edward saw the servants already preparing for breakfast. There was the smell of fresh bread and eggs. Would anyone even be up early enough to enjoy the repast? He considered that perhaps it was breakfast for the servants.
Laura was nowhere in sight. The girl was probably exhausted from having to stay up so late the night before. Excitement filled him as Edward considered how, that very morning, she’d be approached by Percival. What if the girl turned him down? Edward would keep a stiff upper lip about it. He’d try to pretend that he wasn’t disappointed, bu
t deep down, he would be.
“Your Grace.” Stanley bowed his head from where he stood over the stove.
“Good morning, Stanley. I see things coming along.”
“This is much more food than we normally prepare. It’s for the guests.”
“I see.”
“The duke usually dines upon sausage and tomatoes.”
“A humble beginning to the day.”
“He is frugal in his tastes.”
“Perhaps that’s all he is frugal in.”
Stanley cleared his throat and returned to the stove, pretending not to hear what Edward just said. Edward walked over to a block of cheese with a knife in it. He found himself surprisingly hungry after all that he had been through the night before. Edward cut himself off a piece and tore away a piece of bread. The servants looked at him in fascination, but Edward merely smiled.
“This is quite rude of me, I know.”
One of the servants replied, “Anything you like, Your Grace. Can we bring you up a plate to your room?”
“I suppose that would be more civil. Some tea as well. Thank you.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Edward made his way to the third floor of Sage Brook, where he knew the corner room to be, looking over the garden. He’d eat and then sleep. There was still much on his mind. Opening the door to the room, Edward was struck by the beauty of it. Although it was dated, still the grandeur that his mother cherished so much was apparent. Edward sat at his desk and loosened his collar. He took off his jacket and placed it on the back of the chair. Then he unbuttoned several buttons of his shirt.
There was a knock on the door, and Edward called out for the servant to come in. Once more, he was disappointed to see that it wasn’t Laura. It was a rather nervous girl, a bit on the plump side. She whisked across the room with her tray and placed it down. For a moment, she stood there, eyes wide, staring at him. What was the girl staring at? Edward looked down and reminded himself that he had exposed his chest. The girl was dumbstruck.
“I apologize,” he said, not bothering to button up his shirt.
“Eh … uh …” The girl struggled to find her words before curtsying and leaving the room in haste.
Edward had to laugh to himself. It wasn’t his intention to have that effect on women. But was it his intention to have that effect on Laura?
***
There was a knock on Laura’s door. What time was it? The sun was shining outside, and Laura feared that she had slept in too late. The fear got the best of her, and she sprang out of bed, wrapping herself in a shawl. She hoped that the person on the other side of the door was Diana, but sadly, it was Percival. Was he here to scold her? Banish her from Sage Brook?
“Yes, sir?”
“Laura, I need to speak with you.”
“What has happened?”
“May I come in?”
“Of course.”
Laura backed away from the door, and Percival stepped in, closing the door behind him. This couldn’t possibly be good. Something was amiss. Laura felt it in the marrow of her bones.
“Please sit down, Laura.”
She did as she was told and took a seat at her little desk. Percival stepped in further and hit his head upon the slanted roof. Laura was too petrified to laugh.
“It takes some getting used to.”
“Never mind.” Percival rubbed his head. “There’s an important matter that we need to discuss.”
“If it’s about the duke’s brother and the teacup, I must apologize—”
“Yes, it’s about that. But not what you think. It appears that you’ve had some kind of sway over Edward Pembroke.”
“Sway?” What was Percival implying?
“Yes, he’d like to offer you employment at his estate.”
Laura was struck dumb. Surely, there was some kind of mistake, or Percival was teasing her to merely see what her response might be. There was no chance that Edward Pembroke said such a thing.
“What would be the purpose of that?”
“I’d be the last to know. For various reasons that I can’t disclose, Edward Pembroke has made this offer to you.”
Laura’s eyes were wide, and the air caught in her chest. She willed herself to speak, but nothing would come out.
“What answer say you?”
“Answer? I wasn’t sure that it was a question.”
“His Lordship made it clear that he’d only take you with your consent.”
Take her? Consent? Laura had never been in this position before. Edward wanted her, but he also wanted her permission?
“I think … I’d like to go.”
Percival heaved a sigh of relief. But did he really fear that Laura would say no? How could she say no to such a thing?
“Very well. I’ll inform the Duke of Bancroft. After helping with breakfast, you’re free to pack.”
“Yes, sir.”
After Percival left the room, Laura didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She was in a haze of emotions, and lest she give away her utter excitement, she decided it best to focus on the tasks at hand. She’d dress for breakfast, do her work, pack all of her things, and be on her way. There was no time to consider what stood waiting for her in the future. Laura would keep focused on the present. That was enough to prevent her from running to Diana’s room that very moment, screaming like a banshee.
Looking in the mirror, her black and white uniform was just right. Her brown hair was in a perfect bun, and Laura was ready to go downstairs. Just as she was opening the door, Laura’s face went wide, and she quickly closed it, pressing her back against it. The smile that formed on her lips was huge. She laughed to herself. Laura felt nothing but joy.
Composing herself, she opened the door again and walked down the hall feeling as light as air. Never had she been so excited to undertake her last day of employment. Coming down the steps, she smelt the warm breakfast and heard her stomach growl. She’d have to wait until after breakfast service to dine. Oh, but heavens!
Edward would be at the table unless he had left already. Laura passed by a mirror in the hall and inspected herself once more. To her eye, she was plain. But obviously something about her appearance and general temperament struck Edward Pembroke. That was enough for her. She didn’t need anything more.
“Take this tray, Laura.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Laura took a tray and entered into the grand dining hall, where breakfast was being served. Around the large table sat several very dishevelled men. Some had perhaps not had any sleep at all. She was so rushed that she didn’t even have time to see what was on her tray. Small dishes of fruit. She placed them on the table one by one. And that’s when she saw Edward seated at the head of the table. There was no emotion in his eyes as he looked at her.