Love's Refrain Read Online Free PDF

I’m glad you had the presence of mind to get me away. Silly me, I was so preoccupied with my letter writing that I forgot to eat this afternoon. I must have been famished. I’m so glad you brought me some food. You take such good care of me, Andrew.”
    Andrew reminded his mother it was Lady Laura who’d had the presence of mind to take care of these things, but when he turned to thank her, she was gone.
    He took a moment to consider his curious sense of loss at her absence then turned his attention back to his mother.

Chapter Seven

    Laura threaded her embroidery needle and picked up her hoop. The latest issue of Ackermann ’ s Repository included some delightful whitework patterns, and she was eager to try some of them out. Settling back in her chair, she allowed herself to reminisce about her wonderful afternoon. Andrew — Lord Covington — had extended an invitation for the following day to observe the new exhibit at Mr. Bullock’s museum, the Egyptian Hall. Miranda, of course, had demurred, but Cousin Reginald, who happened to be within earshot, expressed a genuine interest in attending. The earl had then suggested the three of them could go together, and Reginald had accepted. Laura could hardly contain her excitement.
    Recently, Lord Covington had been a regular visitor to the townhouse. With Miranda, they had gone for walks and rides, and on one glorious occasion, had attended a performance of Henry VIII at Covent Garden’s Theater Royal. Andrew had invited the entire Montgomery household to that event — Cousin Reginald, Cousin Augusta, Miranda, and Laura. In the earl’s private box, Miranda had gone to be seen, but Laura had sat close to the edge and listened to every word spoken and watched every moment of the action. And afterward in his luxurious carriage, Andrew had asked her opinion of the performance, looking into her eyes as if her answer meant everything to him.
    Was it possible the earl had feelings for her? Though his invitations always included both sisters, it seemed his gaze rested on her, Laura, when he extended them. But he had never shown her any preferential treatment, conversing with both sisters equally. Perhaps tomorrow’s excursion would provide some answers.
    â€œLaura, it is time we invited people here. Can we host a ball?”
    Laura looked up from her needlework as her sister burst into the sitting room. “A ball?” She furrowed her brow. “Probably not, dear. There isn’t enough room.”
    â€œBut we’ve been to everyone else’s home! I don’t know when Father will come. Mama says she’s feeling somewhat better, I think. It’s difficult to understand her English, and she’s never been good about writing letters. I want to show people I can be a good hostess. Can’t you persuade Cousin Reginald to allow us to do something?”
    â€œWhy don’t we host a small dinner party? We could invite perhaps a half-dozen people—”
    â€œOh, Laura, that’s perfect! I’ll work on the guest list now. Can you take care of the menu?” Without waiting for an answer, she whirled and left.
    Laura blinked. What had she done? Miranda would surely leave her with most of the work. In addition to the menu planning, she’d probably have to send the invitations and take care of a myriad of other tasks.
    Miranda would undoubtedly insist on a new gown. There would be fittings and accessories to choose. They would not be able to host a dinner party for weeks. Tomorrow, after her outing to the Egyptian Hall, or the next day would be soon enough to begin preparations.
    ****
    Laura took Lord Covington’s hand as she disembarked from his carriage. She took a few moments to gaze upward at the magnificent façade of the Egyptian Hall in Picadilly. At Cousin Reginald’s impatient call, she and Francesca followed the gentlemen up the steps, between the wide marble pillars, and into the