Page 10 of The Earl’s Forbidden Governess (Scandalous Regency Affairs)

Chapter 10

“A letter for you, Miss Winslow.”

Catherine looked up at Mr. Harper, then forced herself to smile. The last few days had been positively dreary—with Lord Wessex making sure to avoid her, and Mr. Harper seeming rather suspicious of her at every turn.

A letter, whoever it was from, would be a welcome reprieve and she took it, smiling when she recognized Charlotte Ashdown’s handwriting. The Ashdown family felt as though they belonged to another version of her, she realized almost sadly. A version that was not consumed by secrets… and longing.

She sat down at her small writing desk, tearing the letter open. Her former charge's excitement practically leapt off the page as she described the upcoming Midsummer Ball.

“Dearest Miss Winslow,” Charlotte wrote, her usually neat script growing messier with enthusiasm, “I do hope you are enjoying working for the earl and that he is as handsome as everyone says. But I hope you do not love them more than you love us. That would be heartbreaking. Still, I wish you happiness.”

Catherine laughed softly to herself and shook her head. It was typical of Charlotte, and it made her heart ache for the simpler days. With a soft smile, she read further.

“It is the season, and you simply cannot imagine how thrilling it all is! Mama has commissioned the most exquisite gown for me—pale blue silk with silver embroidery. Sophia is beside herself with envy, though her own gown is equally lovely. How I wish you could be here to help us prepare! No one can quite arrange our hair the way you do.”

Catherine's heart warmed at the affectionate words. She missed the Ashdown girls terribly, their laughter and liveliness a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere of Wessex Manor. Her gaze drifted to the window, where she could see Emily walking alone in the overgrown gardens, her head bowed and her steps slow.

A frown creased Catherine's brow. Emily was such a sweet, vibrant girl—she deserved to experience the joys of youth, not be sequestered away from the world. An idea began to form in Catherine's mind. Perhaps...

She bit her lip, considering. It was a risk, certainly. Edward would likely refuse outright. But for Emily's sake, she had to try.

Taking a deep breath, Catherine rose from her chair and made her way to Edward's study. A part of her trembled with excitement at the prospect of seeing him once again. He had taken great care to avoid her lately. She hesitated only briefly before knocking firmly on the heavy oak door.

“Enter,” came Edward's deep voice from within.

Catherine stepped inside, her heart quickening as she met Edward's intense gaze. He sat behind his massive desk, a ledger open before him, but his attention was now fully on her.

“Miss Winslow,” he said, his tone carefully neutral. “What can I do for you?”

Catherine lifted her chin, steeling herself. “My Lord, I've come to speak with you about Emily.”

Edward's brow creased slightly at this and Catherine once more wished that she could gently caress the tension away. “Is something wrong?”

“Not wrong, precisely,” Catherine said, choosing her words carefully. “But I fear that her isolation is beginning to weigh on her spirits. She's a young woman now, My Lord. She should be experiencing the joys of society, making friends, attending balls…”

“Absolutely not,” Edward interrupted, his voice hard. “You know the dangers, Miss Winslow. I won't risk Emily's safety for the sake of frivolous entertainment.”

Catherine took a step forward, her green eyes flashing with determination. “With all due respect, My Lord, you're risking far more by keeping her locked away. Emily is withering here, denied the experiences that should be shaping her into the woman she's meant to become.”

Edward's jaw clenched, but Catherine pressed on before he could speak.

“I have received a letter from my former charges. They are attending a Midsummer Ball in a fortnight. It would be the perfect opportunity for Emily to…”

“I said no, Miss Winslow,” Edward growled, rising to his feet. “This discussion is over.”

Catherine, however, stood her ground, her voice rising with passion. “Forgive me, My Lord, but… If you truly love your sister, you will not continue to sequester her like this! You are denying her the very essence of life, My Lord. Can you not see that your fear is suffocating her?”

Edward’s eyes widened at her boldness and a muscle jumped in his jaw. “You overstep, Miss Winslow,” he said, his voice dangerously low.

Catherine’s heart raced as she remembered the last time he had used that tone… and what had followed. Could it be that the earl liked her more than he was willing to admit? Or was it a mere moment of madness on his part? “Perhaps I do,” she admitted. “But someone must speak for Emily when she cannot speak for herself. You hired me to educate her, to prepare her for the world. How can I do that if you won't allow her to experience any part of it?”

For a long moment, Edward simply stared at her, his expression unreadable. Catherine held her breath, certain she had finally pushed too far, that he would dismiss her on the spot.

But then, to her surprise, a ghost of a smile touched Edward's lips. “I must maintain that you are either very brave… or very foolish, Miss Winslow,” he said, echoing his words from their earlier confrontation.

“I believe we established that I'm a bit of both, My Lord,” Catherine replied, a hint of wry humor in her tone.

Edward’s smile grew slightly, softening his features in a way that made Catherine's heart skip a beat. Her breath hitched in her throat when their eyes met. “Indeed we did,” he murmured.

He moved around the desk, coming to stand directly before her. Catherine had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze, acutely aware of his towering presence. He was so close to her again. Close enough to acutely remember the way his lips had felt moving against hers, the way the hardness had pressed against her thigh…

“Your passion for Emily's welfare is... admirable,” Edward said softly. “Even if your methods are somewhat unorthodox.”

Catherine licked over her lips slightly, her face flushing when she noticed his gaze drop to her mouth. “I only want what's best for her,” she whispered.

“As do I,” Edward replied, his voice equally low. For a moment, they simply stood there, the air between them charged. Edward leaned forward slightly, his lips almost brushing against hers. Catherine raised her hands, though whether it was to pull him close or push him away, she could not tell.

Then Edward stepped back, breaking the spell. “I will consider your words, Miss Winslow,” he said, his tone once again formal. “You are dismissed.”

Catherine nodded, trying to ignore the lingering warmth where Edward had stood so close, trying to suppress the needy ache in her body that wanted to be enveloped in his embrace. “Thank you, My Lord,” she said before turning to leave.

Edward’s voice stopped her as she reached the door. “Miss Winslow…”

She looked back, her hand trembling on the doorknob. “Yes, My Lord?”

A hint of that earlier softness returned to Edward's expression. “Your dedication to Emily... it is appreciated. More than you know.”

Catherine felt a flush creep up her neck at the unexpected praise. “She deserves nothing less,” she said simply before slipping out of the study.

As she made her way back to her room, Catherine's mind whirled. She hadn't expected Edward to actually listen to her impassioned plea. And that moment between them... she shook her head, trying to dispel the memory of Edward's intense gaze, the heat of his body so close to hers.

It was madness to even consider such things. He was her employer, far above her station. And yet… he had kissed her before, and today he again had that look in his eyes that spoke of the same desire she felt.

She raised her hand to touch her chest where her heart was beating impossibly fast. Her nipples hardened when she remembered his touch upon her breast and her breath quickened. The feelings were foreign to her, and she could not deny that he had awakened something in her that she had not expected in the least.

Catherine sighed, pushing the confusing thoughts aside. She had done what she could for Emily. Now, she could only hope that Edward would see reason. She shook her head as she made her way to the schoolroom, where Emily was already seated. They had barely started with a lesson when Mr. Harper appeared in the doorway.

“Begging your pardon, Lady Emily, Miss Winslow,” he said, his usual stern expression in place. “His lordship requests your presence in the dining room.”

Emily frowned at this and glanced at Catherine before returning her attention to Mr. Harper. “But why? We just started my lesson!”

Mr. Harper merely shrugged. “His lordship was quite insistent.”

Catherine’s heart raced as she stood, and she glanced at Emily before the pair followed Mr. Harper to the dining room. Edward stood at the head of the table, his hands clasped behind his back. His expression was unreadable, but there was a tension in his posture that made Catherine's heart quicken even more.

“Emily, Miss Winslow,” Edward said as they entered. “Please, sit.”

Once they were seated, Edward cleared his throat. “It has been brought to my attention,” he began, his gaze flickering briefly to Catherine, “that perhaps I have been... overly cautious in my governance of this household.”

Emily's eyes widened, and Catherine held her breath, hardly daring to hope.

“After much consideration,” Edward continued, “I have decided that it is time for you to begin participating in society, Emily. To that end, I am granting you permission to attend the Midsummer Ball in a fortnight.”

For a moment, there was complete silence. Then Emily leapt from her chair with a squeal of delight, throwing her arms around her brother's neck.

“Oh, Edward!” she cried. “Do you truly mean it? I can go to the ball?”

Edward’s stern facade cracked, a hesitant smile spreading across his face as he returned his sister’s embrace. “I mean it,” he said almost gently. “You can go to the ball.”

As Emily bounced with excitement, peppering her brother with questions about gowns and dancing and who else might attend, Catherine watched the pair with a warmth blooming in her chest. This was the Edward she had glimpsed beneath the cold exterior. The loving brother who would do anything for his sister's happiness. Her heart skipped a beat when he caught her eye, and a smile flashed across his lips. God, those lips.

When Emily finally paused for breath, Edward turned to Catherine. “Miss Winslow, I trust I can rely on you to ensure Emily is properly prepared for the event?”

Catherine nodded, trying to contain her own smile. “Of course, My Lord. It would be my pleasure.”

Edward's gaze lingered on her for a moment and Catherine’s breath raced. There was something almost intimate in the way he looked at her. Then he cleared his throat and turned to Emily once more. “Now, I believe you and Miss Winslow have some planning to do. Why don't you retire to the parlor? I'm sure you have much to discuss.”

Emily needed no further encouragement. She practically dragged Catherine from the room, chattering excitedly about all the preparations they would need to make.

As Catherine allowed herself to be pulled along, she glanced back over her shoulder. Edward still stood in the dining room doorway, watching them go. When their eyes met, he gave her a small nod—of thanks, perhaps, or acknowledgment. Catherine felt a flutter in her stomach that had nothing to do with Emily’s enthusiasm.