Chapter 17

Chapter 17

For the rest of the day, the house was quiet—as it had been the first time Catherine had arrived there. Her heart twinged when she trailed through the house, only to find Edward’s study closed and locked—though she could hear his movements inside.

To her surprise, Mr. Harper was also visibly absent—though Catherine knew he was somewhere in the house. Mr. Harper kept a strict schedule, and she knew he would only go to the market in the morning.

The rest of the day dragged by so slowly that it was almost painful. Though she slowly trailed to the dining room when dinner time came round, it too was abandoned. Emily’s bedchamber door was closed too and eventually, Catherine went to her own bedchamber—laying down on the bed despite the sun barely starting to set.

She could not help but feel as though Isabella’s sudden visit had thrown the entire manor into disarray.

The morning after this unexpected visit, Catherine found herself struggling to concentrate during Emily's lesson. Her mind kept drifting to the heated exchange with Edward in the library, followed by the jarring interruption of Isabella's arrival. Emily’s voice broke through her reverie.

“Miss Winslow? Are you quite alright?”

Catherine blinked, focusing on the young girl in front of her. Emily's brow was furrowed with concern.

“Of course, Lady Emily. I apologize for my distraction. Where were we?”

Emily bit her lip, hesitating. “We were talking about Sir Shakespeare, and you drifted off. But I must admit… I too have something on my mind. It’s… Lady Isabella.”

Catherine's heart skipped a beat. “What about her?”

“Well, it is just… I saw her yesterday. She visited Edward.” Emily's eyes were wistful. “Do you think she'll be coming around more now?”

Catherine forced a smile, though her stomach churned. “I am not sure, Emily. That would be up to your brother, I expect.”

Emily nodded, then leaned forward conspiratorially. “I think Edward was mad about her back before… everything. It was... like a story. Do you think perhaps they might...?”

“That's quite enough, Lady Emily,” Catherine interrupted, more sharply than she intended, the pain of the implication gnawing at her heart. Emily’s eyes flashed with hurt, and she softened her tone. “I am sorry, Lady Emily,” she said kindly, “but it is not proper for us to speculate about your brother’s personal affairs.”

Emily sighed. “I suppose you are right. It is just... I worry about him, Miss Winslow. He has been alone for so long.”

Catherine’s heart ached at the genuine concern in Emily’s voice. “I have to believe that your brother is a strong man, my lady. And he has you. Now, shall we return to our lesson?”

The rest of the morning passed in a haze of French verbs and algebra, but Catherine’s mind kept drifting to Mr. Harper and Lady Isabella. How did the two know each other? What were they arguing about?

The lesson ended abruptly when Catherine faked a yawn. “Perhaps we should have a spot of tea,” she suggested casually. “Why don’t you practice your piano for a bit, my lady? I shall search for Mr. Harper and ask him to make us some.”

Emily frowned. “Miss Winslow,” she said softly, “I believe Mr. Harper is at the market right now…”

“Oh! In that case… I will make us the tea,” Catherine said quickly, her heart racing as a plan formed in the back of her mind.

Emily merely nodded and Catherine raced to the kitchens. She was quite certain that Mr. Harper was at the market—though she glanced outside for the wagon first. When she saw that it too was gone, she snuck around the kitchen to the room where she knew the man stayed. It was now or never—she knew he’d be back from the market within an hour.

Her heart pounded as she slipped into his sparse room. She felt a twinge of guilt as she began to rifle through his belongings, but she pushed it aside. This was for Edward and Emily’s safety, she told herself firmly.

At first, she found nothing of interest. Just as she was about to give up, her fingers brushed against something tucked beneath the mattress. She pulled out a letter, the paper soft and worn from repeated handling.

Catherine’s brow furrowed as she scanned the delicate, feminine handwriting.

“My dearest darling. I know you grow impatient, but we must bide our time. Everything will be alright once they are taken care of. Trust in me, as I trust in you. Soon, we shall have all that we desire. Yours always—I.”

Catherine’s hands trembled as she read the words again and again. Who could I be? Was it an initial or did it merely refer to the mystery writer? And who did ‘they’ refer to? A chill ran down her spine.

Could it be Edward and Emily?

The moment she had witnessed between Samuel Harper and Isabella suddenly appeared in her mind’s eye vividly.

This could be proof. This could be everything Edward had been looking for.

She quickly tucked the letter into her bodice, her entire body trembling as she hurried from the room. She had to show this to Edward—and she had to do so immediately.

Without thinking about it for longer than a minute, she rushed to Edward’s study, her hand slamming against the door desperately.

“Enter.”

She swung the door open and her breath hitch in her throat when she looked at him where he sat at the desk, papers in front of him and a frown between his brows.

“Miss Winslow?” Edward rose to his feet, his expression one of deep concern. “Is everything alright? Is it Emily?”

Catherine took a deep breath. “My Lord, I have found something. Something I believe you need to see.”

Edward's brow furrowed. “Catherine… What in heaven’s name are you talking about?”

Catherine took a deep breath and when she started speaking, the words tumbled from her lips in quick succession.

“Well, it happened yesterday. When she was here. Lady Isabella. She was talking to him outside, by the carriages. To Mister Harper and I was certain they were arguing… and then today, I found… Look! I found this!”

She withdrew the letter from her bodice, her breath racing as she held it out it to Edward.

“Do you see? They are plotting something, My Lord… Edward, I fear for your safety. For Emily’s.”

To her dismay, Edward made no move to take this letter. Instead, a frown appeared between his brows and his expression hardened somewhat.

“You went through Mr. Harper's personal belongings?” His voice was cold. “Miss Winslow, I must say, I am shocked. I never took you for someone who would stoop to such... underhanded tactics.”

Catherine felt as though she had been slapped. “But... My Lord, you don't understand. This letter, it…”

“I understand perfectly well,” Edward interrupted her coldly. “You have allowed your imagination to run wild. Mr. Harper has been with this family for years. He was the only staff member I kept on after... after my parents’ deaths. I trust him implicitly.”

“Edward, please,” Catherine pleaded desperately. “Just read the letter. You will understand then, you will see…”

“Enough!” Edward’s voice rose, his eyes flashing with rage. “I will not indulge this ridiculous fantasy of yours, Miss Winslow. You are clearly misinterpreting things.”

Catherine felt tears pricking at her eyes. How could he be so blind? How could he be so stubborn? “My Lord, I am only trying to protect you. To protect Emily,” she explained now, her voice soft.

Edward’s expression softened somewhat. He moved toward her and reached out to cup her cheek. “Catherine,” he murmured. “I appreciate your concern, truly. But you are seeing threats where none exist.”

He leaned in a bit closer, his eyes searching hers. Catherine though, felt a strong stream of rage course through her. “No. Don’t,” she said, her voice trembling. “Do you take me for a silly girl with fitful imaginings? How can you not take this seriously?”

Anger flashed in Edward’s eyes at this. “And how can you continue to push this absurd notion? After everything I have shared with you, do you truly believe I would be so blind to danger in my own home?”

Catherine opened her mouth to respond, but Edward cut her off with a sharp gesture. “I have heard enough. I suggest you return to your duties, Miss Winslow. And I would strongly advise against any further... investigations. It is not your place. You may go.”

With that, he sat down once more—clearly no longer willing to give her even a bit of attention any longer. Catherine looked at him for a few seconds, her heart heavy. Then she turned and made her way to the library, tears forming in her eyes.

Once there, she sank into a chair—the letter clutched in her trembling hands. What on earth was she meant to do now? It was clear that Edward would not listen to reason… and yet, she could not simply ignore what she had discovered.

She gazed out of the library window—just in time to see Edward’s figure stalking off into the forest.

A frown furrowed her brow, and she leaned forward as though in pain. Catherine was not quite certain how long she had sat like that when a voice stirred her to movement.

“Miss Winslow? Are you alright?”

Catherine looked up to see Emily standing in the doorway, concern etched on her young face. She quickly tucked the letter away in her bodice once more.

“Yes, Lady Emily. I'm fine. Just... thinking. I apologize. I completely forgot about… the tea.”

Emily did not look convinced. She entered the library, perching on the edge of a chair near Catherine. “Forgive me, Miss Winslow, but… You do not look fine. Did you and Edward have an argument?”

Catherine sighed. There was no point in lying to the perceptive girl. “We had a... disagreement. About something important.”

Emily nodded sagely. “Edward can be quite stubborn when he sets his mind to something. But he usually comes around, given time.”

Catherine managed a weak smile. “I hope you are right, Emily.”

They sat in companionable silence for a moment before Emily spoke again. “Miss Winslow? May I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

Emily hesitated, then plunged ahead. “Do you... care for my brother? As more than just his employee, I mean.”

Catherine felt her face flush and she shook her head quickly. “I... that is not…”

Emily opened her mouth to speak further, but a commotion from downstairs interrupted her. Catherine rose to her feet, grateful for the distraction.

“I should go see what that's about,” she said quickly. “Why don’t you return to your room and work on your French exercises? I will check on you later.”

Emily nodded reluctantly and left the room. Catherine took a deep breath, steeling herself before heading downstairs.

She found Mr. Harper in the entrance hall, surrounded by packages—though there was a stark white envelope in his hands.

“Where is his lordship?” Mr. Harper asked angrily, and Catherine hesitated.

“I am not certain,” she said hesitantly. “What is that?”

“An invitation,” Samuel Harper said shortly. “From Lady Isabella.”

Catherine’s heart sank to the pit of her stomach. Of course.

“How kind of her,” she managed to say. “I am sure Lord Wessex will be pleased.”

Mr. Harper's lip curled in a sneer. “Of course he will be. Lady Isabella has always known how to... please his lordship.”

The implication in his tone made Catherine's cheeks burn. Before she could formulate a response, Mr. Harper turned away, making his way to the kitchen.

Catherine stood rooted to the spot, her mind whirling. The letter felt like it was burning a hole in her pocket. She was more convinced than ever that something sinister was afoot, but what could she do? Edward wouldn't listen to her, and she had no one else to turn to.

As she stood there, grappling with her dilemma, the front door opened. Edward strode in, his hair windswept from his walk in the woods. His eyes met Catherine's, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with tension.

Then his gaze hardened, and he brushed past her without a word.

Catherine watched him go, her heart heavy. She had never felt more alone or more out of place than she did in that moment. Still, as she listened to Edward’s fading footsteps, she knew… she might be alone, but she would not give up. Somehow, she would get to the bottom of this mystery and protect the people she had come to care for so deeply. Even if it meant risking everything she had worked for.