Page 53 of The Earl's Forbidden Governess
A chill ran down Catherine’s spine. Though she had considered the possibility, feared it really, it was somethingdifferent to hear it out loud—and it filled her with dread. “I believe you are right, Sophia,” she said quietly. “Which makes it even more crucial that I uncover the truth quickly.”
Charlotte stood up decisively. “Right then. We’ll have a room prepared for you, Miss Winslow. You must be exhausted after your journey. Tomorrow, we can start making inquiries about any other former Wessex Manor staff in the area.”
Catherine nodded gratefully. “Thank you both, truly. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay your kindness.”
As she followed Sophia to the guest room, Catherine’s mind whirled with possibilities. What would she learn from the other staff members? And how long before Edward realized where she had gone?
The next few days passed in a blur of activity. Catherine, with the help of Charlotte and Sophia, tracked down several more former Wessex Manor employees. Each conversation added another piece to the puzzling picture of Samuel Harper and the events surrounding the Montagues’ deaths.
A former kitchen maid recalled Mr. Harper’s increasing resentment toward the family’s wealth, while a footman remembered strange comings and goings late at night in the weeks leading up to the tragedy. However, none could provide concrete evidence of Mr. Harper’s involvement in the deaths.
On the third day of Catherine’s stay, as they were reviewing their notes in the drawing room, a commotion at the front door caught their attention. Charlotte went to investigate, returning moments later with a pale face.
“Miss Winslow,” she said urgently. “It’s Lord Wessex. He’s here, asking after you.”
Catherine’s heart leapt into her throat. “He can’t find me,” she said, her voice trembling. “Not yet. Not until I’ve uncovered the truth.”
The sisters nodded in understanding. “We’ll handle this,” Charlotte assured her. “Go upstairs and stay out of sight.”
From her hiding place at the top of the stairs, Catherine could hear Edward’s deep voice, tinged with worry and frustration.
“I apologize for the intrusion, Miss Ashdown, but I must know if you’ve seen Miss Winslow. She’s... she’s missing, and I fear she may be in danger.”
Charlotte’s reply was calm and steady. “I’m sorry, Lord Wessex, but we haven’t seen Miss Winslow. Is there anything we can do to help in the search?”
Edward’s sigh was audible even from Catherine’s position. “No, thank you. But if you do hear from her, please let her know that... that she’s not in any trouble. I just want to ensure her safety.”
“Of course, Lord Wessex. We’ll be sure to pass along the message if we hear anything.”
As the front door closed behind Edward, Catherine slumped against the wall, her heart aching. She longed to run after him, to explain everything and seek comfort in his arms. But she couldn’t. Not yet. Not until she had the truth.
Charlotte and Sophia found her there, tears streaming down her face. Without a word, they enveloped her in a comforting embrace.
“He sounded worried,” Catherine whispered. “If only he knew that he was in far more danger than I am… and I am hiding from him, turning my back on him….”
“You’re doing this to protect him,” Sophia reminded her gently. “He’ll understand when it’s all over.”
Catherine nodded, wiping her eyes. “You’re right. We need to keep going. There must be something we’re missing, some connection we haven’t made yet.”
As they returned to the drawing room, Catherine’s resolve strengthened. She would solve this mystery, no matter the personal cost. For Edward’s sake, for Emily’s, she would see justice done.
The next day brought a breakthrough. A former gardener, initially reluctant to speak, finally opened up after much coaxing. “Overheard an argument between Harper and her ladyship,” he said as he sat down in the drawing room, looking rather out of place between the delicate furniture.
“Her ladyship was furious,” the old man recounted. “Said something about ’knowing what you’ve done’ and ’telling my husband everything.’ I didn’t understand it at the time, but now…”
This new information sent Catherine’s mind racing. What had Lady Wessex discovered? And could it have been the catalyst for the terrible events that followed?
As she shared this latest development with Charlotte and Sophia, a knock at the door interrupted their discussion. The sisters exchanged worried glances before Charlotte went to answer it.
She returned moments later. “It’s a Mr. Hawkins,” she explained, and Catherine’s eyes widened. She remembered the old coachman who had told her so long ago that he still did workfor Edward even though he was no longer permanently under his employment. Had he found her on Edward’s behalf?
It was a risk and still, Catherine could not send the man away. What if he knew something more?
With a deep breath, she nodded. “Show him in, please.”
Mr. Hawkins entered, his weathered face grave. He bowed slightly to Catherine before speaking. “Begging your pardon, Miss Winslow, but I’ve come on my own accord. Lord Wessex doesn’t know I’m here.”
Catherine’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What is it, Mr. Hawkins? Has something happened?”
