Page 64 of The Earl's Forbidden Governess
As the doors opened and Charlotte and Sophia Ashdown were announced, Catherine felt a surge of affection for her former charges. The girls had grown even lovelier since she’d last seen them, and their faces lit up with genuine warmth when they spotted her.
“Miss Winslow!” Sophia exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace her. “Oh, it’s so wonderful to see you!”
Charlotte followed close behind, her smile just as bright. “We were so excited to receive your invitation. And to meet Lady Emily, of course,” she added, turning to Emily with a friendly smile.
For a moment, Emily seemed overwhelmed, but then her natural charm asserted itself. “I’m so pleased to meet you both,”she said, her voice warm. “Catherine has told me so much about you.”
As the girls began to chat, Catherine felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She caught Edward’s eye across the room, sharing a silent moment of triumph.
The afternoon passed in a whirl of laughter and conversation. Catherine’s heart swelled as she watched Emily blossom under the attention of her new friends. The three girls seemed to have known each other for years, sharing jokes and secrets as if they’d grown up together.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow through the windows, Catherine found herself standing slightly apart, watching the scene with a sense of contentment. Emily and the Ashdown sisters were huddled together on a settee, giggling over some shared jest.
So absorbed was she in the heartwarming tableau that she didn’t hear Edward approach until his warm breath tickled her ear.
“I need to see you privately,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate.
A shiver ran down Catherine’s spine at his words and tone. She turned to face him, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Ofcourse,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “Shall we go to your study?”
Edward nodded, placing a hand at the small of her back to guide her from the room. Catherine’s heart raced as they walked. As much as her heart yearned for him, her body did too—and while she had no hope of heart being fulfilled, she knew that he desired her at the very least.
So perhaps, while he was not yet married, she reasoned, she’d be satisfied with the crumbs he could offer—as much as it hurt.
As the study door closed behind them, Catherine found herself pressed against it, Edward’s body warm and solid against hers. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a passionate kiss.
Edward responded eagerly at first, his hands roaming her sides, but then, to Catherine’s surprise, he gently pulled away. “Catherine, wait,” he said, his voice husky.
Confusion and a hint of hurt flickered across Catherine’s face. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, dropping her gaze. “I thought... well, I assumed...”
Edward cupped her cheek, tilting her face up to meet his eyes. A gentle smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Neverapologize for wanting me,” he said softly. “But that’s not why I brought you here. At least, not entirely.”
Before Catherine could ask what he meant, Edward took a step back. Her confusion deepened as he lowered himself to one knee before her.
“Edward?” she breathed, her heart suddenly pounding for an entirely different reason. “What are you doing?”
He reached into his pocket, producing a small velvet box. When he opened it, Catherine gasped at the sight of the exquisite diamond ring nestled inside.
“Catherine Winslow,” Edward began, his voice filled with emotion, “from the moment you entered my life, you’ve challenged me, supported me, and brought light back into my world. You’ve fought for my soul when I was ready to give up. You’ve protected my sister as fiercely as if she were your own. You’ve breathed life into all of my darkness.”
Tears welled in Catherine’s eyes as Edward continued, “I love you more than I ever thought possible. You are the other half of my soul, the keeper of my heart. Catherine, will you do me the extraordinary honor of becoming my wife?”
For a moment, Catherine stood frozen, overwhelmed by the depth of emotion in Edward’s words and eyes. Then, to boththeir surprise, she took a step back, shaking her head. “No,” she muttered, casting her eyes down to the floor.
“Edward, I... I can’t,” she whispered, her voice choked with tears. “You need to marry an appropriate woman, someone of your own class. I’m just a governess, I can’t be the Countess of Wessex!”
Edward rose to his feet, his eyes filled with love. He took Catherine’s hands in his, squeezing them gently. “Catherine, listen to me. You are the only appropriate woman for me. Your birth, your lack of title—none of that matters. What matters is your heart, your spirit, your unwavering loyalty and love.”
He released one of her hands to cup her cheek, brushing away a tear with his thumb. “You are more noble than any titled lady I’ve ever met. You’ve shown more courage and integrity than most men I know. If anyone is worthy of being a countess, it’s you.”
Catherine’s resolve began to waver, hope blooming in her chest. “But... what about society? Your peers? They’ll never accept me.”
Edward’s smile was fierce and protective. “Let them try to reject you. I don’t give a damn what they think. You’ve taught me that true worth lies in actions, not titles. Anyone who can’t see your value isn’t worth our time.”
He took her hand again, pressing it to his heart. “Catherine, I’m not asking you to be my mistress or my secret shame. I’m asking you to be my wife, my partner in all things. To stand beside me, to help me lead this estate and care for our people. To be a mother to Emily and any children we might have.”
Catherine’s breath hitched at the mention of children. The image of a little boy with Edward’s eyes and her smile flashed through her mind.
“I know it won’t always be easy,” Edward continued, his voice soft but fervent. “There will be challenges, prejudices to overcome. But we’ve faced worse together, haven’t we? And I swear to you, I will spend every day of our lives showing you and the world that you are exactly where you belong—by my side.”
