Page 39 of The Earl's Forbidden Governess
He shook his head again, more forcefully this time. These thoughts were dangerous, foolish. Catherine was his employee, nothing more. And Isabella... well, Isabella was a connection to his past, to the man he used to be.
As they pulled up to Isabella’s grand home, Edward felt a flutter of nervousness in his stomach. It had been so long since he had done this—since he had been part of society. He took a deep breath, steeling himself.
“Ready?” he asked Emily, who nodded eagerly.
Isabella met them at the door, a vision in deep blue silk that set off her golden curls perfectly. “Edward, darling,” she purred, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “And Emily! My goodness, how you have grown. You look positively radiant.”
Emily blushed prettily at the compliment, and Edward felt a surge of pride. His little sister truly was becoming a lovely young woman.
“Thank you for having us, Isabella,” Edward said, his voice formal. “It has been far too long.”
Isabella’s smile was dazzling. “Indeed it has. Come, let me show you to the dining room. I have had the cook prepare all your favorites, Edward.”
As they followed Isabella through the opulent halls, Edward could not help but compare her to Catherine. Where Isabella was all polish and perfection, Catherine was warmth and realness. Isabella’s laugh was a tinkling, practiced thing, while Catherine’s was full and genuine.
He shook his head slightly. What was wrong with him? Isabella was everything a man in his position could want—beautiful, well-bred, connected. And yet...
The dinner itself was a sumptuous affair. Course after course of exquisitely prepared dishes were brought out, each more delectable than the last. Emily’s eyes grew wide with each new plate.
“Oh, Edward,” she whispered at one point, leaning a bit closer to him. “This is incredible. I must say, it is far better thanMr. Harper’s cooking, do you not agree? Do you think we could steal Isabella’s chef?”
Despite the twinge of pain coursing through his heart at this, Edward chuckled. “I am not quite sure that would be proper, Em,” he teased. “But perhaps we could ask for some recipes.”
Despite his quick dismissal of Catherine’s concern, he could not help but glance at Isabella when Samuel Harper was mentioned. Isabella, however, remained the perfect hostess—not showing in any manner that the man mentioned mattered to her, or that she’d even heard it.
“So, Emily,” she said, flashing his sister a dazzling smile. “Tell me. How are the studies going, dearest? Are you enjoying it?”
Edward kept his gaze downward as Emily’s answer washed over him. “Oh, I love it more than anything,” she said quickly. “My governess, Miss Winslow, is lovely—so well-read, and she has a way of sharing the beauty of literature…”
Isabella’s smile stiffened somewhat at the mention of Catherine and Edward felt his heart jerk painfully.
“I have never been one to understand literature,” Isabella said with a pout. “Oh, but give me the basics of running a household, of dressing to perfection… and I could do thatwith closed eyes. I so admire you, Emily—for enjoying the less important parts of your education. I was never that dedicated.”
A slight frown furrowed Edward’s brow at this. He was not entirely certain, but he had the distinct feeling that there was a bit of a bite to her words. She was quick to change the conversation, however—remaining the ever-perfect hostess.
And yet, Edward found his attention wandering. He found himself wishing for Catherine’s quick wit, her insightful observations. Isabella’s stories, while entertaining, seemed somehow shallow in comparison to the deep discussions he had had with Catherine in the library.
“Edward?” Isabella’s voice broke through his thoughts. “You seem distracted, darling. Is everything alright?”
He blinked, forcing himself to focus. “My apologies, Isabella. I was just... thinking about some estate matters. You were saying?”
Isabella’s smile was indulgent. “I was just telling Emily about a summer ball I was invited to. I do hope you will both attend.”
Emily’s face lit up. “Oh, may we, Edward? Please?”
Edward hesitated. Another social engagement so soon? But the hope in Emily’s eyes was impossible to resist. “I suppose we will see, but I cannot see why not,” he heard himself say.
As the evening wore on, Edward found himself relaxing slightly. It was... nice, he had to admit, to be out in society again. To see Emily laughing and engaged in conversation. Perhaps Catherine had been right about the importance of re-entering the world.
Catherine. Again, his thoughts turned to her. What would she think of this dinner? Would she be proud of Emily’s growing confidence in social situations? Would she...
“Edward?” Emily’s voice was soft, and she stifled a yawn. “I think I am ready to go home now.”
Edward flashed his sister a tender smile. It was, of course, wildly improper but he could not expect her to know much better. “Would you excuse us, if we leave now, Isabella?” he asked, rising from his seat. “I can see that a second social night is becoming a bit much for young Emily.”
Isabella’s smile was understanding. “Of course, darling. Emily must be exhausted. But Edward... might I have a word with you in private before you go?”
Edward nodded, a bit warily. “Of course. Emily, why don’t you wait in the carriage? I’ll be along shortly.”
