Page 32 of The Earl's Forbidden Governess
As he passed the drawing room, a movement caught his eye. He paused, peering into the dimly lit room.
Emily sat on the window sill, her knees drawn up to her chest, gazing out at the star-filled sky. She looked so young and vulnerable that Edward felt a pang in his heart.
“Emily?” he said softly, not wanting to startle her. “What are you doing up so late?”
She turned, a small smile lighting up her face. “Edward! I could not sleep. I keep thinking about the ball.”
Edward moved into the room, settling himself on the window seat beside her. “Did you enjoy yourself?”
Emily nodded enthusiastically. “Oh yes! It was wonderful. The music, the dancing… oh, everything. I have never experienced anything like it.”
Edward felt a twinge of guilt rush through him. He had kept Emily so isolated, so sheltered. Perhaps he had been wrong to do so.
“I am glad,” he said, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “You deserved a night of happiness.”
Emily’s smile faded slightly. “Edward,” she said hesitantly, her eyes wide. “May I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
She bit her lip, seeming to gather her courage. “Why... why have we never done anything like that before? Why do we always stay here, alone?”
Edward sighed. How could he explain the fear that had driven him for so long? The paranoia that had kept them isolated and alone?
“It is complicated, Emily,” he said finally. “After... after what happened to Mother and Father, I thought it was safer this way.”
Emily nodded slowly. “I suppose I understand that. But... it doesn't have to be that way anymore, does it? We can go out sometimes, can't we? Like normal people?”
Edward felt his heart constrict at the hope in her voice. “We shall see,” he said, not wanting to make promises he was not sure he could keep. “But tell me, what else did you enjoy about the evening?”
Emily’s face lit up again. “Oh, everything! But you know what I loved most? Watching Miss Winslow. She looked sobeautiful in Mother’s gown, didn’t she? And the way she danced... she moved like she was born to it.”
Edward felt his cheeks warm at the mention of Catherine. “Yes,” he said, striving to keep his voice neutral. “Miss Winslow acquitted herself admirably.”
“She is wonderful, isn’t she?” Emily continued, oblivious to her brother's discomfort. “I am so grateful that you gave in and found me a governess. And that it was her. Thank you, Edward.”
“I am glad you are happy with her,” Edward said softly.
Emily turned to him, her eyes serious. “I am. More than that, I... I feel like she understands me. Like I can talk to her about anything.”
Edward felt a lump form in his throat. How long had it been since he had really talked with Emily? Since he had taken the time to understand the young woman she was becoming?
“You have grown up so much,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “Sometimes I forget you are not the little girl who used to beg me for piggyback rides.”
Emily laughed, the sound bright in the quiet room. “I am not sure you could give me a piggyback ride anymore. I would probably break your back, old man.”
Edward gasped in mock outrage. “Old man? I will have you know I am in the prime of my life, young lady.”
They both dissolved into laughter, and for a moment, Edward felt lighter than he had in years. This was how it should be, he thought. Laughter and light, not darkness and fear.
As their mirth subsided, Emily leaned her head against his shoulder. “I love you, Edward,” she said softly. “I know things have not been easy, but... I am glad I have you.”
Edward wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. “I love you too, little one,” he murmured. “More than you could ever know.”
They sat in companionable silence for a while, watching the stars. Edward found his thoughts drifting back to Catherine, to the way she had brought light back into their lives.
Perhaps, he thought, it was time to stop living in fear. Time to embrace the possibility of happiness, no matter how frightening it might be.
“Come on,” he said, gently rousing Emily from where she had begun to doze against his shoulder. “Let us get you to bed. Tomorrow is a new day.”
