Page 65 of The Earl's Forbidden Governess
Tears flowed freely down Catherine’s cheeks, but they were tears of joy. The last of her resistance crumbled in the face of Edward’s unwavering love and conviction.
“Oh, Edward,” she breathed, a watery smile breaking across her face. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you!”
Edward’s answering smile was radiant. He slipped the ring onto her finger, then pulled her into his arms, spinning her around in a moment of pure, unrestrained joy. When he set her down, he captured her lips in a kiss that was tender and passionate, a promise of the life they would build together.
As they broke apart, both breathless and giddy, a knock at the study door startled them. Emily’s voice called out, “Edward? Catherine? Is everything alright?”
Edward chuckled, pressing his forehead to Catherine’s. “Shall we share our news?” he murmured.
Catherine nodded, her heart so full she thought it might burst. “Yes, let’s.”
Hand in hand, they opened the door to find not only Emily but Charlotte and Sophia as well, all wearing expressions of unbridled curiosity.
“Is something wrong?” Emily asked, her eyes darting between them.
Edward’s smile was brighter than Catherine had ever seen it. “Nothing’s wrong, Em. In fact, everything is wonderfully right. Catherine has agreed to marry me.”
For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then Emily let out a squeal of delight and threw herself into Catherine’s arms. “Oh, I knew it!” she cried. “I just knew you two belonged together!”
Charlotte and Sophia added their congratulations, their genuine happiness for their former governess evident in their beaming smiles and warm embraces.
As Catherine stood there, surrounded by the love and acceptance of her new family and old friends, she felt a sense of rightness settle over her. This was where she belonged. This was her home, her future.
Edward slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “Happy?” he murmured in her ear.
Catherine turned to him, her eyes shining with love and joy. “More than I ever dreamed possible,” she replied, sealing the promise of their future with a kiss.
Chapter 27
Edward stood before the full-length mirror in his dressing room, adjusting his cravat for what felt like the hundredth time. His heart swelled with joy as he thought of the day that had finally arrived. His wedding day. The day he would make Catherine his wife.
“You look very handsome, My Lord,” his valet, James, commented as he helped Edward into his coat.
Edward managed a small smile. “Thank you, James. Though I confess, I feel rather like a schoolboy on his first day at Eton.”
James chuckled softly. “I daresay that’s normal, sir. Even for an earl on his wedding day.”
As James stepped back, Edward took a final look at his reflection. The man staring back at him seemed different somehow—younger, lighter, as if the weight of the past had finally begun to lift from his shoulders.
“I wish they could be here,” Edward murmured, almost to himself.
James didn’t need to ask who he meant. “Your parents would be proud, My Lord,” he said gently. “Miss Catherine... begging your pardon, the future Countess... she’s brought life back to this house. And to you.”
Edward nodded, a lump forming in his throat. “She has indeed,” he agreed softly.
As he made his way downstairs, Edward’s mind drifted to his parents. What would they think of Catherine? Of the woman who had stormed into their lives and changed everything?
He could almost hear his mother’s voice, warm and approving. “She has spirit, Edward. And a good heart. That’s worth more than any title or fortune.”
And his father... Edward smiled, imagining the twinkle in the old earl’s eye. “She keeps you on your toes, son. That’s exactly what you need.”
Lost in thought, Edward almost didn’t notice Emily waiting for him at the foot of the stairs. His sister looked radiant in her pale blue bridesmaid’s dress, her eyes shining with excitement.
“Oh, Edward!” she exclaimed. “You look so handsome. Catherine is going to be speechless.”
Edward grinned, some of his nervousness dissipating in the face of Emily’s enthusiasm. “And you look beautiful, Em. Are you ready for your big role?”
Emily nodded solemnly. “I won’t let you down, I promise. I’ll be the best maid of honor Wessex has ever seen!”
