Page 24 of A Lord's Bet of Desire

Chapter 9

Edward wished to converse more, but he could see that Laura was visibly nervous. She would look at him intently and then avert her gaze. What was she thinking? Was she regretting coming to his estate? Considering how unhappy the servants looked at Sage Brook, Edward didn’t assume that any of this could be true. Edward turned towards Hortensia and nodded his head. The older maid didn’t seem to care about the situation one jot.

Looking out the window, Edward was pleased to see the sun breaking through the clouds. It would be a beautiful day, fitting for taking home his new beautiful maid. Despite his wish to make conversation, Edward didn’t want to give Laura the wrong impression. Had she overhead the circumstances under which he hired her? He would explain in the most gentlemanly fashion.

“Did Percival tell you about the card game?”

Laura looked to him bashfully. “I did hear of it, yes.”

“It made perfect sense. There was nothing at Sage Brook that I particularly needed. But I did lose a very good maid just days ago. It seemed like luck was on my side when Norman gave the offer. I could tell from our brief conversation that you were good at your job.”

“I try to do my best in all things.”

“We share that in common. If only I could instill that in my brother.”

Laura looked surprised that Edward was sharing so much. She shouldn’t be surprised. Laura would learn soon enough what an affable man Edward was. Many of his staff were friends and confidants. He hoped this bit of explanation would alleviate Laura’s fears that perhaps he merely took her on because of her beauty. Although her rare beauty was a factor, the words that Edward spoke were truthful. He needed a new maid.

As the carriage glided along the smooth road, a sudden fear came over Edward. What if Laura found herself unhappy at his estate? He did not wish her to think that she was some kind of chattel.

“You know that if you’re uncomfortable at any time, I’d be perfectly happy to return you to my brother’s care.”

“That is kind of you to say.”

“I mean it. I want you to know that the decision is always yours. I’ll never force you to do anything.”

“Again, that is most kind.”

In the silence that followed, Edward watched as Laura gazed out the window. He saw a pretty smile come to her lips as she looked at the sunshine. He hoped that Laura saw it as a metaphor for her new life. Where once the skies were grey and full of tempests, now they were blue and shining. It would bode well for Laura’s happiness, Edward thought. At least, he hoped.

In the corner, Hortensia had fallen asleep and began to snore. Both Edward and Laura looked to the other maid. Both tried not to laugh.

Laura whispered, “I feel sorry for her.”

“Why is that?”

“It was not her choice to come along.”

“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.

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