As Laura sat in the study that had become her favourite room, she saw a corner that needed sweeping and got up from the couch. Approaching the corner, she smiled to herself. She often had these moments where she had to remind herself that she wasn’t a maid any longer. She shook her head and smiled, returning to the couch with the newest book that Edward gave her. It was another tale at sea, and Edward even promised that he would take her out on an extended voyage shortly. All of Laura’s wildest dreams were coming true.

Laura couldn’t help thinking of the gathering that they had the night before. Edward had an emissary of France and his wife over to dine. Laura was still having trouble believing that she was Laura Pembroke. She found it difficult to comport herself and merely tried to mimic ladies that she’d seen in the past at fancy suppers. She expressed her embarrassment to Edward, but he assured her that she was perfect in every way, which made Laura smile. He assured her that one day she’d learn all that there was to know.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Diana came in, wearing a fine gown. Diana had been promoted to Laura’s lady-in-waiting, which brought Laura so much joy. The two ladies could sit and chat for as long as they pleased, not having to work for a moment.

“Diana.” Laura put down her book and patted onto the couch, signifying that Diana should join her.

“What a gorgeous day outside. And how radiant you look.”

“I nearly went to clean some dust from the corner.”

Diana seated herself. “This happens to me all the time. Every time that Ermengarde walks by, I expect her to call me to duty.”

They both laughed. It was so odd and marvellous how things had changed. “You look radiant today, as well.”

“You wouldn’t believe who I was speaking with this morning.”

“I have a hunch.”

“Graham Blackmore.”

Laura clasped her hands together in joy. “He’s finally mustered the courage.”

“That he has. In fact, he’s coming by the estate every chance that he gets.”

“Perhaps we’ll have to prepare for another wedding soon.”

“Oh, come now. What would I do as a rich man’s wife?”

“I can tell you everything you’d do.” Laura lifted her brow knowingly.

“But Graham is so handsome. I blush in his presence.”

Laura smiled. “Again, something I know much about.”

“But if he’s truly courting me, what will society think?”

“Exactly what they think of Edward and me. That we’re wayward and odd. Then they carry on with their lives, and everyone turns a blind eye.”

It was the truth. Since their marriage, society had rolled their eyes before looking away. Laura knew that their marriage would never fully be accepted, and that was something that she was going to have to live with. There was no sense in caring so much about what others thought that one never enjoyed their life.

“But I’m sure it’s only in my head,” Diana went on. “There’s no chance that he’s that interested in me.”

Laura leaned in. “He is that interested in you. It’s the truth.”

Diana brought a hand up to her red cheek. “If that’s true, I shall be most happy.”

“And I want nothing more than for you to be happy, my dear friend.”

The door was opened hastily, and Edward stood there, gazing at Laura. She had to smile again. Every time she saw her husband, it was just as marvellous as the first time she laid eyes on him. With each day, he grew more handsome, and her longing for him only intensified.

“I see you ladies are enjoying yourselves.”

Diana got up. “I best be going. All morning, I’ve wanted to go for a stroll in the garden.”

Laura said, “That sounds marvellous.”

As Diana passed Edward, she curtsied. “Your Grace.”

“Good day, Diana.”

Edward and Laura were now alone. Everyone at the estate knew to give them their privacy as much as possible because Laura and Edward delighted in their time alone, especially in the study. The room held so much meaning for them both because it was the place where their intimate encounters first began,

“Graham is courting her.”

Edward approached. “As he should. Finally, he’s got his head on his shoulders.”

“I think they make a marvellous couple. Even if society shuns them, they’ll always know that they have a place in your home.”

“Our home.” Edward sat at his desk, rifling through some papers. He looked tense.

“Is everything all right?”

Edward heaved a weighty sigh. “More of the same. Norman is up to no good.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. He’ll never change.”

“No, he won’t.” Edward pushed aside the papers and got up from his desk in frustration, walking over to the window. He looked down at the garden. There was tension in his jaw. Although Laura didn’t care to see him frustrated, something was intoxicating about his casual anger. “This time, he’s gone too far.”

“What happened?”

“He’s run off to France with some woman that no one has heard of. He continues to lose funds.”

“No!”

“Yes. I doubt that I’ll ever see him again.”

“What will become of Sage Brook?”

“An excellent question. I have the mind to purchase it and make it grand again.”

“Can you do that?”

“I’m going to send correspondence to Norman, and hopefully, he can be found.”

“But would you keep this estate?”

“We can maintain both. It would be nice to go back and forth.”

Laura couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She could have two homes? How ironic would it be if Laura found herself as the mistress of Sage Brook, where she once lived up in that little attic room.

Edward looked at the book by Laura’s side. “You’re reading it again?”

“Yes. It’s my new favourite.”

“Once this business with Norman is settled, I’m going to take you out to sea, as promised.”

“I don’t doubt you for a moment.”

“There are so many things in the world I want you to see, Laura. We’ll go to Paris, Rome, Venice.”

“I’ve dreamed of seeing all of those places. I’ve only read about them in books.”

Edward approached and seated himself at Laura’s side. “I’ll show you that and so much more.” Edward placed a hand on her knee, and Laura delighted in the warmth of his touch. A blush came to her cheeks as she thought of their love-making from the night before. She was becoming more adept at the art of it. There had been so many things that they’d explored together, and it only made their bond stronger.

“You’ve already showed me so much.”

“I want you to have the world at your fingertips.” Edward combed a hand through her hair. “There’s nothing you can’t have or do.”

“But I already feel that way.”

He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “I want you to feel it more.”

“If I feel it any more, I might burst.”

The banter was playful. Sensual. It was how they always spoke to one another. “I’ll change the subject so as not to give in to your temptations for the rest of the day. What do you want for supper? Stephen is asking.”

“Hm.” Laura pursed her lips.

Edward stared at her mouth. “That is equally distracting.”

“How about that delightful fish stew that Stephen makes. With the saffron broth.”

“That is a favourite of mine, as well. With fresh bread.”

“I’m glad we have the same taste.”

“We do.” Edward leaned in to kiss her lips. Laura gently moaned.

“All that business about changing the subject, and now you’re the one that’s distracting.”

“I aim to please.”

“You’re a good husband; you know that? And a good brother.”

“Not good enough. I can’t describe how much this business with Norman vexes me. My parents must be rolling in their graves.”

“As I said, he shall never change. It shouldn’t ruin your happiness.”

Edward leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. Laura brought a delicate hand to his back. “I hope that he doesn’t come back, as horrible as that sounds. He has done enough damage already. Percival is in hysterics over at Sage Brook. He’s having to let much of the staff go.”

An overwhelming flood of gratitude washed over Laura. What if Edward had never come to Sage Brook on that fateful day, and now, she was one of those poor staff members that was let go? It seemed like only weeks ago when everything was so different. Laura’s future was unknown, but her head was filled with dreams. So many of those dreams had now come true. She no longer fantasized about being a governess because she had all the time and space she desired to read her books and educate herself. That was really why she wished to be a governess in the first place.

“I feel sorry for all of them. They have all suffered because of Norman’s antics.”

“It’s curious to me,” Edward said, turning introspective. “Why people are the way they are. Norman was not raised to become what he is today.”

“You’re a philosopher at heart.” Laura smiled warmly. “I don’t know that there’s a clear answer to your question.”

In the silence that followed, Laura and Edward gazed at one another. Despite his brother’s situation, her husband looked more contented than when she first met him. She hoped that she could take some responsibility for that because Edward made her more contented than she’d ever been in her life. Her hand was on her knee, and Edward placed his hand over it.

“How many children do you want, my love?”

Laura wasn’t sure how to reply. She thought of it often. “One boy and one girl.”

“What will we name them?”

“Jane. And Albert.”

“Both very distinguished names.”

“I think about that sometimes at night.”

“My wife, are you trying to say that it isn’t me that you’re thinking of exclusively at night?”

Laura threw her head back and laughed. “I think about you the majority of the time. But in some moments, other thoughts come to the surface.”

“Pity.”

“But mostly, I think of you.”

This time, it was Laura that leaned in for the kiss. As Edward was wont to do, he gathered his wife in his arms and laid back on the couch, placing her on his chest. As they kissed, Edward massaged her back, and Laura delighted in the feeling. He tasted of Earl Grey tea and strawberry jam. Sweet and savoury. Laura took down her hair and let it cascade around her.

“This is my favourite moment,” he said, feeling her thick hair in his hands.

“I only take it down for you.”

“As it should be.”

They continued to kiss, and Laura wished never to move from that spot. Edward reached around to his back, where he had been lying on the book. He tossed it across the room.

“How dare you? My most beloved book!”

“Yet another thing that distracts you from me.”

The soft kissing continued, and Laura couldn’t help pressing her hips into his. His manhood was incredibly hard, and Laura moaned in anticipation. “Should I undress?”

“The moment is too urgent.”

Edward reached down to unbuckle his trousers and swiftly pulled down Laura’s undershorts. They made love right then and there, unable to wait. It wasn’t the slow, delicate process that it usually was, but their mutual hunger needed to be satisfied that moment. And anyhow, they’d have plenty of time that night to explore their desire for the amount of time that they craved. Their love was infinite. There was no longer any hindrance to it.

THE END

---

Readers who read this book also liked