Page 68 of The Earl's Forbidden Governess
Edward nodded, pausing at the top of the stairs to look out over the now-quiet ballroom. Moonlight streamed through the tall windows, casting an ethereal glow over the space that had once seemed so dark and oppressive.
“Do you remember the first time you saw this room?” he asked softly.
Catherine leaned her head against his shoulder, lost in memory. “How could I forget? It was so gloomy, so lifeless. I never imagined it could look like this.”
Edward turned to her, cupping her face gently in his hands. “You brought the light back, Catherine. Not just to this room, but to all of us. To me.”
Their lips met in a tender kiss, full of love and promise. As they parted, Catherine took Edward’s hand and placed it once more on her rounded belly. “And now we’re bringing new life into it,” she whispered.
The next morning dawned bright and clear. The manor buzzed with activity as the staff set about clearing away the remnants of the previous night’s festivities. In the breakfast room, the family gathered, tired but happy.
Emily regaled them with tales of her various dance partners, her eyes sparkling as she recounted a particularly charming conversation with the young viscount. Catherine listened with an indulgent smile, while Edward affected an air of fatherly concern that fooled no one.
As they finished their meal, Mrs. Finch appeared in the doorway, looking as crisp and put-together as if she hadn’t been overseeing a ball until the wee hours.
“Begging your pardon, My Lord,” she said with a small curtsy, “but the new gardener has arrived and is waiting for your approval of the plans for the rose garden.”
Edward nodded, rising from his seat. “Thank you, Mrs. Finch. I’ll see him now.”
As he made to leave, Catherine caught his hand. “Don’t forget we’re having tea with the Ashdowns this afternoon,” she reminded him. “Charlotte and Sophia are eager to hear all about Emily’s triumph.”
Edward smiled, bending to kiss her cheek. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, my dear.”
Outside, the gardens were a riot of color and fragrance. Gardeners moved among the flowerbeds, pruning and weeding, while stable boys led sleek horses out to pasture. The sound of hammering came from the direction of the old gamekeeper’s cottage, where repairs were underway to transform it into a cozy guest house.
From her seat on the terrace, Catherine watched it all with a sense of contentment. Wessex Manor, once a place of darkness and secrets, now thrummed with life and possibility. As she felt another flutter from the life growing within her, she smiled, one hand resting protectively over her belly.
“Your papa has worked so hard to make this a wonderful home for you,” she murmured. “And your Aunt Emily can’t wait to spoil you rotten. You’ll have so many adventures here, little one. Just like in the stories.”
A gentle breeze carried the scent of roses, and for a moment, Catherine could almost imagine she felt the approvingpresence of Edward’s parents. She closed her eyes, basking in the warmth of the sun and the love that surrounded her.
Wessex Manor stood proud against the summer sky, its windows gleaming, its grounds lush and inviting. No longer a house of sorrow, but a home filled with laughter, love, and the promise of a bright future. As Catherine opened her eyes, she saw Edward walking back toward her, his face lighting up at the sight of her. And she knew, with absolute certainty, that their greatest adventure was just beginning.
THE END?