Page 21 of The Earl's Forbidden Governess
Catherine laughed softly to herself and shook her head. It was typical of Charlotte, and it made her heart ache for the simpler days. With a soft smile, she read further.
“It is the season, and you simply cannot imagine how thrilling it all is! Mama has commissioned the most exquisite gown for me—pale blue silk with silver embroidery. Sophia is beside herself with envy, though her own gown is equally lovely. How I wish you could be here to help us prepare! No one can quite arrange our hair the way you do.”
Catherine's heart warmed at the affectionate words. She missed the Ashdown girls terribly, their laughter and liveliness a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere of Wessex Manor. Her gaze drifted to the window, where she could see Emily walking alone in the overgrown gardens, her head bowed and her steps slow.
A frown creased Catherine's brow. Emily was such a sweet, vibrant girl—she deserved to experience the joys of youth, not be sequestered away from the world. An idea began to form in Catherine's mind. Perhaps...
She bit her lip, considering. It was a risk, certainly. Edward would likely refuse outright. But for Emily's sake, she had to try.
Taking a deep breath, Catherine rose from her chair and made her way to Edward's study. A part of her trembled withexcitement at the prospect of seeing him once again. He had taken great care to avoid her lately. She hesitated only briefly before knocking firmly on the heavy oak door.
“Enter,” came Edward's deep voice from within.
Catherine stepped inside, her heart quickening as she met Edward's intense gaze. He sat behind his massive desk, a ledger open before him, but his attention was now fully on her.
“Miss Winslow,” he said, his tone carefully neutral. “What can I do for you?”
Catherine lifted her chin, steeling herself. “My Lord, I've come to speak with you about Emily.”
Edward's brow creased slightly at this and Catherine once more wished that she could gently caress the tension away. “Is something wrong?”
“Not wrong, precisely,” Catherine said, choosing her words carefully. “But I fear that her isolation is beginning to weigh on her spirits. She's a young woman now, My Lord. She should be experiencing the joys of society, making friends, attending balls…”
“Absolutely not,” Edward interrupted, his voice hard. “You know the dangers, Miss Winslow. I won't risk Emily's safety for the sake of frivolous entertainment.”
Catherine took a step forward, her green eyes flashing with determination. “With all due respect, My Lord, you're risking far more by keeping her locked away. Emily is withering here, denied the experiences that should be shaping her into the woman she's meant to become.”
Edward's jaw clenched, but Catherine pressed on before he could speak.
“I have received a letter from my former charges. They are attending a Midsummer Ball in a fortnight. It would be the perfect opportunity for Emily to…”
“I said no, Miss Winslow,” Edward growled, rising to his feet. “This discussion is over.”
Catherine, however, stood her ground, her voice rising with passion. “Forgive me, My Lord, but… If you truly love your sister, you will not continue to sequester her like this! You are denying her the very essence of life, My Lord. Can you not see that your fear is suffocating her?”
Edward’s eyes widened at her boldness and a muscle jumped in his jaw. “You overstep, Miss Winslow,” he said, his voice dangerously low.
Catherine’s heart raced as she remembered the last time he had used that tone… and what had followed. Could it be thatthe earl liked her more than he was willing to admit? Or was it a mere moment of madness on his part? “Perhaps I do,” she admitted. “But someone must speak for Emily when she cannot speak for herself. You hired me to educate her, to prepare her for the world. How can I do that if you won't allow her to experience any part of it?”
For a long moment, Edward simply stared at her, his expression unreadable. Catherine held her breath, certain she had finally pushed too far, that he would dismiss her on the spot.
But then, to her surprise, a ghost of a smile touched Edward's lips. “I must maintain that you are either very brave… or very foolish, Miss Winslow,” he said, echoing his words from their earlier confrontation.
“I believe we established that I'm a bit of both, My Lord,” Catherine replied, a hint of wry humor in her tone.
Edward’s smile grew slightly, softening his features in a way that made Catherine's heart skip a beat. Her breath hitched in her throat when their eyes met. “Indeed we did,” he murmured.
He moved around the desk, coming to stand directly before her. Catherine had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze, acutely aware of his towering presence. He was so close to her again. Close enough to acutely remember the way his lips had felt moving against hers, the way the hardness had pressed against her thigh…
“Your passion for Emily's welfare is... admirable,” Edward said softly. “Even if your methods are somewhat unorthodox.”
Catherine licked over her lips slightly, her face flushing when she noticed his gaze drop to her mouth. “I only want what's best for her,” she whispered.
“As do I,” Edward replied, his voice equally low. For a moment, they simply stood there, the air between them charged. Edward leaned forward slightly, his lips almost brushing against hers. Catherine raised her hands, though whether it was to pull him close or push him away, she could not tell.
Then Edward stepped back, breaking the spell. “I will consider your words, Miss Winslow,” he said, his tone once again formal. “You are dismissed.”
Catherine nodded, trying to ignore the lingering warmth where Edward had stood so close, trying to suppress the needy ache in her body that wanted to be enveloped in his embrace. “Thank you, My Lord,” she said before turning to leave.
