Page 10 of The Earl's Forbidden Governess
“My Lord,” a soft voice drifted to his ears, and he looked down. Large, almond-shaped eyes looked up at him, and only then did he notice the soft bow of her upper lip.
And then Edward realized that he was still holding her, and he stepped back quickly, clearing his throat.
“Miss Winslow,” he said, his voice gruff. “You should… watch where you are going.”
Catherine’s cheeks flushed and her green eyes flashed with embarrassment. “I apologize, My Lord,” she said, her tone careful. “I was in a hurry to return these books to the library before my next lesson.”
Edward’s gaze now fell to the books strewn about their feet. He knelt down to pick the first one up and raised a brow. “Shakespeare’s sonnets?” he said, glancing at the hint of a slim ankle in front of him before rising once again. “Quite advanced material for a young girl, is it not?”
Catherine blushed, though she lifted her chin. “With all due respect, My Lord,” she said now, “Lady Emily is quite capable. In fact, she has shown remarkable insight into the themes of love and longing in these sonnets.”
“I see,” Edward said coldly, his shoulders stiffening. “And you think it is appropriate to fill my sister’s head with such… romantic… notions?”
Catherine faced him squarely, though he saw the slight tremble of her lower lip. “I think it is necessary to expose LadyEmily to great literature, My Lord,” she said now. “Surely you do not object to your sister receiving a well-rounded education.”
For a moment, Edward was taken aback by her boldness. He was used to people cowering in his presence—but this young governess seemed quite unafraid to speak her mind. It was refreshing, if somewhat unsettling.
“Of course not,” he said, handing her the book. Their fingertips brushed as he did so, and a jolt rushed through him. He pulled his hand away quickly, frowning at his own reaction.
“Thank you, My Lord,” Catherine murmured, clutching the book to her chest like a shield. An awkward silence fell between them and Edward found his gaze suddenly drawn to a stray curl that had escaped her usually neat bun. He flexed his fingers, resisting the urge to tuck it behind her ear.
“Miss Winslow,” he said abruptly. “I’d like to discuss Emily’s progress. Join me in my study after dinner this evening.”
Catherine nodded, her eyes wide. “Yes, My Lord. I will be there,” she said softly, pushing past him, her soft body brushing against his once more. He reached out impulsively, grabbing her wrist and rubbing a thumb over the soft skin.
“And Miss Winslow,” he murmured now, his voice low. “Try not to run into anyone else on your way to the library.”
Her face turned a deep red and she nodded. “I will do my best, My Lord,” she said softly before rushing away, and Edward watched her retreat, his eyes lingering on her. From the gentle rounding of her curves, to the sway of her hips. He shook his head in an attempt to shake off the unsettling effect she seemed to have on him.
As usual, he took his dinner in his study, and he had barely finished when there was a soft knock at the door.
Edward’s gaze snapped up at the door and he tried to contain his anticipation, choosing to frown rather than smile. “Enter,” he called out, his voice sharper than usual.
He lifted a brow when Catherine stepped into the study. Her face was flushed, though her expression remained composed.
“You wanted to see me, My Lord?”
Edward nodded and gestured to the chair across from him. “Yes,” he said, rising to his feet. “Please, do sit.”
He remained standing as she sat, his gaze following her shapely figure with a morbid curiosity. “How… how is Emily progressing?” he asked at last, his tone brusque. Catherine looked up at him and smiled in a manner he assumed to be quite proudly.
“She is doing quite well, My Lord,” she said now. “She is exceptionally bright and eager to learn. She enjoys history… and literature.”
“I see,” Edward said, nodding. In the flickering candlelight of his study, her features seemed softer… more vulnerable. He quickly averted his gaze.
“And you? How are you settling in?”
She looked up quickly, her eyes meeting his own. “I am settling in quite well, My Lord, thank you,” she said now, her eyes meeting his. The tip of her tongue darted out, wetting her lips ever so slightly and Edward dropped his gaze as he felt his body react to the motion.
He could not help but wonder what it would be like to kiss those soft lips. He shook his head quickly, trying to rid himself of the madness.
“And Emily, how is she doing with her more practical studies?” he asked now. “Household management and so on?”
Catherine hesitated. “We have done some work in that aspect, My Lord, but she is less… enthusiastic… about it, I must admit,” she said, and Edward frowned.
“Those skills are essential for a young lady of her station,” he said firmly. “Perhaps you should read less poems and focus more on what matters.”
Catherine frowned at this. “What matters? Forgive me, My Lord, but I believe a balanced education is what matters. Emily’s love of literature shouldn’t be discouraged! It nurtures her soul…”
