Page 46 of A Lord's Bet of Desire

Laura looked on and squinted her eyes, trying to decipher who it might be. “Is it your brother?”

“I’m afraid not.”

Was Anna Rutley truly arriving without being sent for? Or was she sent for again without Edward’s knowledge? Was Graham doing all of this merely to vex him? It would look bad that Laura was with him, but so be it.

As the carriage drew closer, Edward resigned himself to the situation. Anna poked her head out the window once more, her chaperone by her side. “Edward, you wouldn’t believe my good news!”

“Tell me.” As though Anna’s eyesight had sharpened, she finally beheld Laura, and her face fell. “Laura and I were reading Shakespeare.”

Anna quickly abolished her stink face and painted on a rather large smile. Then, she lifted a little puppy that sat on her lap. “I have a dog!” She nuzzled the little creature. “His name is Leonard.”

Edward thought it strange to name a young puppy Leonard, but he had to admit that it was a charming little black and white creature. “I’m so happy to meet you, Leonard.” Edward approached the carriage to pet the dog, while Laura stayed behind. Edward felt bad that Anna Rutley had to usurp his time and attention so when he wished to give it to Laura.

“He’s just the sweetest little creature,” Anna went on. “I know that we were going to meet up at a later time, but I thought, wouldn’t this be a perfect morning to introduce you to my little Lenny and perhaps break the fast?”

Edward had to heave another sigh. He was anticipating dining with the Danish ambassador and his wife. Although it would be rude to turn Anna down, what would be even worse was to explain why the ambassador missed dinner the night before. The whole situation was becoming wrought with complications.

“I hope you don’t mind having company.”

Anna’s face fell. Obviously, she was hoping that breakfast might be enjoyed with just her, Edward, and Leonard. “You’re always having company, Edward. One of these days, you should take some time for privacy.”

Anna had no idea how desperately he craved privacy at that very moment. “Why don’t you meet me back at the estate.”

Just then, it was as though Laura’s presence ceased to be ignored. Anna looked at Laura. “I could give your servant a ride there, if necessary.”

Laura’s face fell. Edward hated to see her treated as though she were nobody at all. Laura spoke. “That will be quite all right. I enjoy the walk.”

“I understand.” With that, Anna’s carriage sped towards the estate, and Edward turned to Laura.

“I must apologize.”

“Why?” Laura asked.

“Her conduct is only kind to those she chooses to be kind with.”

“I know many people like that.”

“Yes, well …” Edward looked down at the grass, missing the moments that they were sharing before while Laura read Shakespeare. He began to walk towards the estate with Laura by his side. “I thank you for your performance this morning.”

“It was my pleasure.”

“I would have given a standing ovation if I could.”

Laura smiled and laughed. “Now I think you’re merely teasing me.”

Edward’s gaze was warm. “I’d never tease you.”

Laura turned to him. There was a gentle flush on her cheek from walking in the grey morning air. She looked radiant. Luminescent. Was Edward living in a dream? He wouldn’t be surprised if he awoke at that moment and discovered that the whole morning had been in his imagination. Were it a different world, a different society, there would be nothing improper about Laura walking by his side in that same fashion.

Reaching the estate, Edward watched as Laura placed her book back in her pocket and said, “You’ll have a chance to read it later.”

“I look forward to it.”

They stood in silence. Edward knew that he had to depart. The overwhelming urge to kiss Laura drove Edward away quickly. Walking down the hall, Edward knew that it was time to focus on business, and it would be a welcome respite for his mind. The ambassador of Denmark would occupy his attention, even though Anna would try to usurp it at every turn.

Harrison approached. “Your Grace, the ambassador is in the parlour.”

“Thank you, Harrison.”

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