Tears filled her eyes.Fondest regards!It was a carefully constructed missive which gave little away. Did he suspect she had a suitor? Laura read it again, thirsting for a sign that he still felt the same as he had when she’d left. Might he have found someone else? She searched for a message beneath his words. He remembered every detail of her stay at Beechley Park. She put a hand on her breast, feeling her heart pound. Her breath shortened as she vividly recalled the night in the billiard room, when Debnam’s kisses and experienced fingers had brought her such exquisite pleasure. And how he’d refused to take her completely, although she’d wished he would. She still wished it. What they’d shared had touched her soul and tied her to him forever. It was the reason she could not marry Edward or any other man.
Try as she might, Laura couldn’t rid herself of the belief that she and Debnam were meant to be together. It was unlikely they would meet again. He still seemed determined never to consider marriage. That would not change unless… Unless Wagstaff’s revelation led Debnam to a discovery which changed everything. She prayed for Debnam’s sake that happened. It was foolish to hope that he would one day come to her. But she was foolish where Debnam was concerned. Love made people so.
*
During the lasttwo weeks, Laura had kept busy readying the house for the guests. As she and the housekeeper dealt with the servants, her mind remained on Debnam. Was he still at Beechley Park? Had he gone away somewhere again? She pushed the idea away, preferring to imagine him at home, riding Bruno with Hunter at his heels.
Edward and his mother had been invited, but they chose not to attend. Aunt Gertrude had remained in bed on the advice of a doctor, after contracting a cold.
At the successful house party, the rain held off, and the guests gathered on the lawns to play quoits. A good deal older than his wife, Mr. Laverty didn’t take part in the popular archery contest, preferring to remain at the card tables set up in the drawing room. He looked unwell and relied heavily on a walking stick. Mrs. Laverty, in a fuchsia-colored gown, fussed around him.
That evening, after dinner, dancing began in the great hall, but Laura was too busy to dance. Aurelia and Robert waltzed. They made a handsome couple, she petite and dark-haired and he tall and fair, and Laura was thrilled for him.
Robert announced his engagement to Aurelia. The guests clapped and toasted them with champagne, but no one seemed surprised. The musicians struck up, and the guests converged onto the floor for a country dance.
In the morning, when the overnight guests departed after breakfast for the journey home, the house was quiet again.
As Laura sat wearily in the morning room with a cup of tea, Robert joined her. “You did wonderfully well. All the guests said so, Laura. The Lavertys seemed impressed. I am grateful and proud of you.”
She smiled, surprised at his warmth and loquacity. “Thank you, Robert. I am pleased. Did you give any thought to leasing a house for me?”
He frowned. “No, Laura. You are much too young to live alone. I would always be worried about you.”
Outraged by how untrue this was, when during their time spent in London, out of sight seemed out of mind, Laura clamped her lips. Deeply disappointed, she barely heard his next sentence.
“You can remain here. This is your home. You will be an agreeable companion for Aurelia. Especially when the children come.”
“I won’t stay here, Robert. It is Mrs. Laverty’s intention to move in some time in the future.” Laura wondered if he knew.
“Eh?” Robert’s mouth pulled down. “The devil she will.” He cast a calculated glance at Laura. “Well, you must live with Aunt Gertrude. If she will forgive you for not marrying Edward.”
Laura sighed. “Very well, Robert. I shall go to Aunt Gertrude, but I’d much prefer my own establishment.”
“You may have it one day, when Aunt Gertrude is no longer with us.”
Laura choked. “I would not wish that on her, Robert. She has only suffered a cold, and she writes that she feels better.”
“I shall write to her. I imagine she is in London?”
“No, she dislikes the city in summer.”
“Then she will be at her country residence in Richmond. Even better, I will drive there to see her tomorrow.”
Laura sagged in her chair. “If you wish.”
“Aunt Gertrude might decide to return to London when the weather cools. You can enjoy more society.”
“I expect I shall be at her beck and call.”
He looked up from his desk. “Laura, don’t start. It is the best I can offer.” He tapped his pen on the desk. “Aurelia expressed no objection to you continuing to live with us. Nor am I averse to it. But I shall not interfere with your need for independence.” He passed a hand over his eyes. “I hoped you and Edward would marry. The family could gather every Sunday for supper after church.”
Laura raised her eyebrows. “You really wanted that, Robert?”
“Of course I did. We are a small family, Laura. We should stay together.” He frowned. “You have spoiled it, most likely forever, for I doubt you will find a suitable husband with your unreasonable demands. Fellows don’t like it. I’m pretty sure Edward didn’t.”
Tears gathered in her eyes. Was she wrong to want to have some say in how she lived her life?
“I must assist Mrs. Smythe, who is restoring the house after the party,” she said as she left him.
