by Meghan Sloan
“I’m sure she appreciates the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved nap. Besides, the staff of Sage Brook rarely go anywhere. It must be nice to be out in the country.”
Laura tilted her head to the side. “Does your staff go out?”
“Of course. I encourage them to go into town. My estate is not the London Tower.”
Laura laughed and brought a hand over her mouth to conceal it. Hortensia heard the laughter and woke up with a start. Seeing that nothing new had transpired, Hortensia fell back asleep.
When Laura pulled a book from her bag and began to read it, it allowed Edward to study her even more. Most masters of the house would think it shameful for a young girl to pull a book out in his presence and begin to read, but Edward wholeheartedly approved. He was always a firm believer that women must be educated. Since they had no recourse to travel through the world surrounding them, books offered a sound escape for the mind.
There was something remarkably peaceful about Laura. She was so different from society ladies. There was a calmness to her that was a balm to Edward’s soul. Society ladies were constantly on edge, yet tried to appear as placid as a lake. They always had their eyes and ears open to be abreast of everything that was going on in their environment and society. Such hawk-like manners were not appealing to Edward in the least. But marrying a society lady was his lot in life, and Edward would do his best to honour the bond of marriage.
Just then, as though his thoughts had created the situation, Edward’s carriage passed another carriage on the road. Anna Rutley was inside. She waved her gloved hand, willing Edward to stop his own coach, which he gave the command to do. As they came to a halt, Laura looked out the window quizzically. Edward felt the need to explain.
“This is Lady Anna Rutley, an acquaintance of mine.”
Laura didn’t respond with words but quickly put her book away and bowed her head. Edward got out of the carriage and walked towards where Anna was poking her head out the window.
“Good afternoon,” Edward said by way of greeting.
“Such a marvellous afternoon it is, Your Grace.” Anna had that placid smile that he was thinking of mere moments before. It was a tight smile. Society dictated that it must be so.
“On your way to town?”
“Yes. Such marvellous timing! I was thinking of writing to you this very day.”
“Then it makes sense that we find ourselves here.” Edward smiled affably. It was always his desire to be polite. But he could clearly see that Anna wanted him to say more. So much more.
“Where are you coming from, Your Grace?”
“I was at Sage Brook. I paid a visit to my brother.”
Anna’s smile fell as she looked inside Edward’s carriage. “And who is … that?”
Edward turned to look back at the carriage. Laura had averted her gaze. “This is my new maid. I lost Christina last week, and the Duke of Bancroft allowed me a new helping hand.”
Anna continued to knit her brow. Her flaxen blonde hair was perfectly coifed, and her jewels glittered in the sunlight. Anna was certainly beautiful, but it was a different kind of beauty. Edward wouldn’t be surprised if she sat at her vanity for the better part of the morning, preparing for the day. Her skin was powdered to perfection.
“It’s so difficult to find good help these days,” Anna went on. “If you ask me, my staff is merely not grateful enough for what they have.”
“That may be the case.” Edward didn’t think that the case at all. He assumed that Anna treated her staff like domesticated animals. In Edward’s experience, that was not the way to successfully run an estate. When the staff was happy, their work always improved. Edward was determined to make Laura happy, but why was he so fervent in this wish?
“Your Grace, I have the most marvellous idea.” Anna leaned her head out the window even further. Her chaperone sat beside her, just as uninterested as Hortensia. “What if I come to dine at your estate this week? My father wishes to join, as well.”
Edward knitted his brow. The behaviour was mildly unbecoming. First, inviting herself to dine, and then asking if her father could come along. This behaviour alluded to so many different things, but Edward did not wish to be rude. “That sounds like a fine idea. I’ll set it up with my chef.”
“I do remember what a wonderful chef you have. I’m rather jealous.”
“Let us send correspondence. If you don’t mind, I’m anxious to get back on the road.”
Anna seemed disappointed that Edward didn’t wish to converse further. She cleared her throat and straightened her shoulders. “Very well. I have a rather important meeting with the milliner.”
“Of course.”
“Good day, Your Grace.” As Anna’s carriage pulled away, Edward watched as Anna gave Laura the once-over yet again. That was the kind of petty behaviour that society women exhibited. It came off as a remarkable lack of kindness to other women.
Getting back into the carriage, Laura bowed her head. Hortensia was awake now but looking out the window apoplectically. Edward seated himself and straightened his collar. Edward could tell that Laura was curious about the woman from the other carriage, but it wasn’t in her place to ask. Considering that Laura would see all the goings-on at his estate, he explained it plainly.
“Her father wishes to make a match of us.”
Laura’s eyes widened, surprised that he had said it. “She is very beautiful.”
“Yes, she is. And hoping to be rich.” As Edward smiled, he wondered if he had spoken too much.
“I’m sure her intentions are more honourable.”
Edward laughed. “I wish I could believe the same.”
Riding through the countryside, the beauty of the day became more pronounced. The rolling hills were verdant from all the rain, and the sky overhead was pristine blue with puffy white clouds on the horizon. Edward felt an instant sense of optimism, despite the dismal encounter he’d had with Norman. It was time to admit that his brother would never change. Edward would have to watch the Pembroke fortune dwindle under his care. But this sad reality only spurred Edward on to do better for his own estate.
Hortensia finally spoke, bringing a hand to her forehead. “I feel faint.”
“Shall we stop the carriage?” Edward never knew what the devil to do when a woman felt faint.
Laura leaned into Hortensia. “I can help.” She took Hortensia’s hand in her own, then brought a hand up to the older maid’s forehead. “My mother was prone to fainting spells. We learned this simple method for allowing it to pass.” Laura squeezed into Hortensia’s hand, right in the groove where her thumb met her palm.
Hortensia closed her eyes while Laura did this, no doubt trying to concentrate. Her breathing began to slow, and a smile came to Laura’s lips as she saw that her method had been a success. “I do believe it’s working,” Hortensia said.
“This special spot in the hand can cure many ills,” Laura said warmly.
A craving came over Edward. He had the mind to pretend as though he were faint so that Laura might hold his hand in the same way. Of course, it was humorous in his mind, but when he thought of Laura’s hand on his, it brought heat to Edward’s chest that he couldn’t quite describe. Edward swallowed the knot in his throat down hard.
Laura brought a hand to Hortensia’s back. “There, there. You should feel hearty in no time.”
Hortensia turned to Laura with eyes wide. It was the most animated that Edward had seen the old maid the entire trip. “You’re an angel. The fit has passed!”
Hortensia called Laura an angel. Edward couldn’t disagree. He smiled in satisfaction. So, aside from being beautiful, humble, and intelligent, Laura Hawkins was also nurturing and kind. The heady mix of qualities nearly did make Edward feel faint. He looked at Laura intently, and she finally turned to him. She smiled in satisfaction, as well.
The rest of the trip was undertaken with Hortensia’s hand placed in Laura’s. Hortensia smiled for the first time. It occurred to Edward that there was much hid
den below the surface in Laura, things that she was not showing. Naturally, her station in life dictated this to be necessary. Edward narrowed his gaze. He liked a good mystery. A good challenge. He would fully decipher the character of Laura Hawkins as though it were a game.
Chapter 10
The carriage sped down a long cobblestone road, and at the end of it was Edward Pembroke’s estate. Great oak trees surrounded them, and Laura was filled with excitement. Although the estate was not as big as Sage Brook, it was stately and beautiful under the afternoon sun. Outside, the rest of the staff had already assembled in anticipation of Edward’s arrival.
Laura released Hortensia’s hand, who smiled at her affably. Laura was glad that she could be of help. It always frightened her when her mother suffered from the same fainting spells.
Laura poked her head out the window. “It’s beautiful.”
“It is a home, most importantly. There was a warmth to it when I first procured it. It’s well lived in.”
“Yes.”
Laura’s eyes met Edwards, and there was that shimmering handsomeness that she couldn’t pull her gaze away from. As the carriage came to a halt, Edward was the first to get out and put out his hand to help Laura. She reasoned that the servants must be so horribly confused by this gesture. But seeing their smiling faces, Laura wondered if it was common practice for Edward to be so kind. It was what Diana had explained to her.
Once Hortensia was out of the carriage, Edward made his way to the servants’ line, greeting each one as he passed. They all bowed and curtsied. The staff looked rather happy, something that Laura was not accustomed to. Edward reached the end of the line and greeted a man who appeared to be his butler.
“Harrison, this is Laura Hawkins. She’s the newest maid in our staff.”
Harrison nodded his head towards Laura. “We’re happy to have you.”
“I thank you. I am most grateful to be here.”
Edward clapped his hand onto Harrison’s back. “If you’ll show her to her room so she can get situated, I’ll attend to my affairs.”
“Very well, Your Grace.”
Edward walked away, and Harrison stepped in, taking Laura’s bag. “You’ll find the living quarters quite comfortable.”
“I do not require much.”
“Right this way.”
Harrison entered the estate with Laura following behind him. The first thing that Laura noticed was the remarkable domed ceiling in the entryway. On it were painted celestial beings and little cherubs, flying up high in the air. It was one of the most beautiful frescoes Laura had ever seen. The grounds were done in white marble, and a great winding staircase consisted of the same.
Servants flitted about, all in starched white uniforms. Harrison wore a black suit. The home was immaculate, and everyone appeared busy. Laura felt out of place wearing her maid’s uniform from Sage Brook. It was far less becoming. As she was led to the back of the house and down some stairs, Laura noticed how airy the home was. It crackled with life and beauty. Paintings lined the walls, and large vases were filled with fresh flowers.
“Your room is down here,” Harrison said.
Whereas before Laura was in the attic, she would now be in the basement. She secretly wished that the room would not be too dark. Opening the white door, Laura saw that her fears were unfounded. Although the room was on a lower level, large windows flooded it with light, and the small bed was made with fresh sheets. Laura wanted to laugh when she considered that she wouldn’t have to duck her head below a slanted ceiling ever again.
Harrison began to explain the room. “The commode is down the hall. Here is your closet.” Harrison opened the door to show her. “And you have your own private sink. Should anything not work, the staff will be willing to assist you.”
“It’s perfect.”
“Here we have an adjoining room.” Harrison knocked on another door and heard no reply. He opened it. On the other side was another room exactly like Laura’s. “Your flat mate is Diana.”
“Diana?” Laura’s eyes widened. She nearly shed tears for her former friend.
“She is currently working upstairs, but you’ll meet her shortly. You two are of the same age.”
“My friend at Sage Brook was named Diana.”
Harrison smiled. “Then I suppose it’s a happy coincidence.”
“Yes, I think so.”
“I will leave you to unpack your things. Your uniform is in the closet. Please change into it at your convenience and meet me upstairs.”
“Yes, sir.”
Harrison closed the door behind him, leaving Laura alone in the room. She seated herself on the bed and thought of her amazing good fortune. The room was much more inviting than her previous one. Laura would cherish it. Perhaps she’d be allowed to add little decorations. Maybe some flowers in a glass. Laura reached up to the locket around her neck and clutched it. Her mother would be proud of her if she were looking down from heaven this very moment.
How amazing was it that her new roommate was named Diana? Laura hoped that they could get along just as well. There was nothing like having a good friendship, especially when one found themselves in a whole new world.
Her thoughts returned to the carriage ride. It played upon her nerves that they were in such close proximity. Edward wanted to make conversation most of the time, and Laura wished to converse with him further, but protocol prevented it. He had such an easygoing air about him. Laura had never met anyone like Edward.
Every time she was in his presence, she forgot she was with a powerful lord. Was he like that with everyone? Laura noticed that he wasn’t as carefree when he was speaking with the lady in the carriage. He was cordial, but not as warm. Laura’s instincts told her that that woman was vying for Edward’s affections. And who could blame her?
Taking her new uniform out of the closet, Laura held it up to herself in front of the mirror. She’d never seen such a pristine white. The uniform would be worn with pride. Laura dressed herself, unpacked her beloved books, and placed her clothing in the closet. Having done so, she made her way up the stairs in anticipation, ready to get to work.
Her first task was to serve the lunch. Edward already had an audience for the day, and the dining room, flooded with light, was alive with chatter and the sounds of clanging dishes. The smell of stew filled the air. Although it was a beautiful day, there was still a chill outside, and so the stew was the perfect meal.
The guests around the table smiled and laughed, delighting in Edward Pembroke’s company. Wine was served, even though it was the afternoon. All in all, the scene brought Laura much joy. Never had there been a meal at Sage Brook that was so delightful.
She got to work clearing dishes and noticed that Edward was gazing at her. Laura quickly looked away, feeling a flush come to her cheek. When the meal was done, the guests made their way outside to stroll in the garden, brimming with colourful flowers and green bushes. Sitting down to enjoy lunch with the rest of the staff, Laura noticed the same upbeat atmosphere. The staff conversed with one another and told jokes, noting the special preparation that needed to be made for supper that night.
Looking around the room, Laura had to wonder which one was Diana. There were several girls her age, and Diana could have been any one of them. Instead of enquiring, Laura chose to focus on the meal and not draw too much attention to herself.
The staff was served the same stew that the guests enjoyed, and Laura delighted in the hearty flavours. There were various vegetables, which she assumed were from the garden. Then there were choice cuts of meat and large chunks of white potato. This meal was served with a side of crusty bread and butter.