Page 49 of A Lord's Bet of Desire

Edward cleared his throat. Was that the first time that Anna referred to him by his given name in public? As the moments wore on, Edward could see that Anna had more audacity than he originally thought.

“If you’ll follow me.” Edward stepped back from Anna and then turned, leading the group up the white marble steps. As he did so, Edward looked up and saw Laura, carrying a handful of linen. Edward couldn’t help smiling. It was the person that he’d been thinking about all morning, and she seemed genuinely happy to see him, as well.

Laura curtsied. “Good afternoon, Your Grace.”

“Good afternoon, Laura.”

Anna hastened herself up the stairs. “You’re just the girl I’m looking for!”

“Me?” Laura asked.

“Yes, would you be so kind as to bring a warm towel? I fear that little Lenny has picked up a chill.” Anna made a pouty face.

Laura seemed confused, but then obliged. “Yes, ma’am.”

“You’re so sweet.” She turned away from Laura. “Edward, where were you taking us?”

Edward watched as Laura walked away. He wanted to continue to watch her, but Anna once more usurped his attention. “Right. If you’ll follow me down this hall.” As Edward walked down the hall, he explained the various paintings, when they were commissioned, and how they were cared for. Everyone seemed impressed and amused. Edward took extra time to explain his mother’s painting, which he felt truly carried her spirit.

From there, Edward showed the various guest rooms and suites. The ambassador expressed his sentiment to stay overnight for his next visit. More rooms, more script, and all the while, Laura was occupying the master’s mind. It was when he brought his guests to his favourite portion of the house, the atrium, that Laura joined them with the warm towel for Leonard.

“I’m sorry it took so long. I had to heat it over the stove.” Laura handed the towel to Anna, who lightly frowned.

“It’s all right. At least we can alleviate his discomfort now.”

Laura looked at Edward, and his heart constricted in his chest. He spoke before considering his words. “Laura, why don’t you join us for the rest of the tour?” Anna shot Edward a look. “In case the guests should need anything else along the way.”

Laura curtsied. “Yes, Your Grace.”

Of course, Edward doubted that they would need anything else. He selfishly wanted Laura always within view. And what’s more, he genuinely wanted her to know the history of the estate. “I was the one that commissioned this fountain.” Edward motioned towards it with pride. The atrium was one of his favourite escapes, and he realized that he’d not been going there as often as he once did. “I chose this fountain because of the dancing cherub on top. An uplifting centrepiece for the atrium.”

The ambassador’s wife stepped in to gaze down into the fountain. “Such exceptional taste, Your Grace.”

“I enjoy beautiful things.” He found his eyes locking with Laura’s, who turned away. He didn’t intend the statement to be directed towards her, but alas, it made sense to do so. Edward did enjoy beautiful things. That’s why his estate was filled with exquisite paintings, chandeliers, rugs, candles, and the like. Laura was not merely an ornament amongst the other ornaments. She was the most beautiful of all.

The ambassador clasped his hands behind his back and puffed out his chest. “I can see this being a fine place to come with one’s book. Breathe in the rich air.”

Edward agreed. “That’s precisely what the atrium is meant for.”

Anna circled the fountain. “I think this room is much more suitable for quiet contemplation. Were I to sit down and open a book, I’d positively fall asleep!” The ambassador laughed in order to be kind, but Edward didn’t think it funny. He imagined that Anna had perhaps never read a book in her life.

A thought occurred to him, and Edward turned to Laura to see if she still had the book in her pocket. He could see its outline.The Tempest.He’d give anything to be free of this group and sit on the lip of the fountain, watching and listening as Laura read. Edward heaved a sigh. He wasn’t sure Anna would use the atrium for quiet contemplation, either. She’d host parties there, of course. Perhaps she’d redo the design altogether.

All the more reason for Edward to select a different bride.

Since it appeared as though the guests wanted to remain in the atrium for some time — and who could blame them — Edward decided to call for tea. “Laura, would you be so kind as to summon tea service for our guests?”

Her eyes were locked with his. She curtsied but didn’t pull her eyes away. “Yes, Your Grace.”

Edward pulled his hand through his hair, wishing that he could utter the words ‘bloody hell.’ Something about the way that her eyes just met his while she curtsied sent shivers down Edward’s spine. He was shaking with anticipation, but anticipation for what?

It became apparent at that moment that, despite Edward’s keen admiration for Laura, he was suffering from an extreme experience of lust. Edward had felt it on several other occasions, though never with the heart and mind involved. In Laura’s case, everything was involved all at once, and Edward wondered how it was that he was going to hold himself together.

Turning back towards the fountain, Edward saw Anna scolding Leonard for relieving himself in the corner of the atrium. She also scolded her chaperone for having it happen on her watch. At the other side of the atrium, Edward watched the ambassador and his wife holding hands. They seemed remarkably good people. Cultured. Interesting. He would definitely invite them back to the estate. Edward marvelled at how they seemed like a happy couple. Was it possible? Would Edward find a bride that he could hold hands with? Take walks with? That was very much the outcome that he desired.

It wasn’t long before Laura, Ermengarde, and several others returned with the tea and some small biscuits. There would be no need for high tea as the ambassador would be on his way shortly. Taking tea in the atrium was a delightful choice, but that didn’t mean that Laura wasn’t still the only thing on his mind. Sadly, Anna approached in a huff. “Miss.” She was referring to Laura. “Would you do something about Leonard’s accident?” Anna pointed to the scene of the unfortunate event.

“Um …”

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