Chapter 26

Chapter 26

The weeks following Isabella’s arrest saw Wessex Manor humming with a new energy. Catherine and Edward devoted themselves to the task of rebuilding the household staff, determined to breathe life back into the once-gloomy halls.

“We’ll need to start with the key positions,” Edward mused one morning over breakfast. “Housekeeper, cook, butler... those are essential.”

Catherine nodded, already jotting down notes. “I’ve drafted advertisements for the local paper. Shall I send them out today?”

She did not allow herself to ponder too much about the fact that he had given her the job the lady of the house would normally do. Emily was still too young and there was no other woman in his life—she did not have any illusions about her position, though she was still adamant that she would show him exactly how capable she was. Even if it were only to nurse her wounded pride.

Edward smiled, warmth spreading through his chest at her initiative. “Please do. And perhaps we could reach out to some of the other estates in the area? They might know of good candidates.”

As responses to their advertisements began to trickle in, Catherine and Edward found themselves spending long hours in his study, poring over applications and references.

“What about this one for the cook position?” Catherine asked, passing a letter across the desk. “Mrs. Beatrice Thorne. She’s worked in several large households and has excellent references.”

Edward scanned the letter, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Impressive experience,” he agreed. “Let’s add her to the list for interviews.”

The interview process itself proved to be both exhausting and enlightening. They set up in the manor’s grand drawing room, a stark reminder of the estate’s former glory and current potential.

Mrs. Thorne arrived promptly at ten o’clock, a stout woman with kind eyes and capable hands. “Good morning, Lord Wessex, Miss Winslow,” she greeted them with a curtsy.

“Mrs. Thorne,” Edward nodded. “Thank you for coming. Could you tell us a bit about your experience?”

As Mrs. Thorne detailed her culinary history, Catherine found herself impressed by the woman’s passion and creativity. “And how would you handle the challenges of restocking a kitchen that’s been... less active in recent years?” she inquired.

Mrs. Thorne’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I’d start with a thorough inventory, of course. Then I’d reach out to local suppliers—there’s nothing like fresh, seasonal ingredients. I’d also work closely with the housekeeper to ensure smooth meal planning and service.”

By the end of the interview, both Catherine and Edward were smiling. “Thank you, Mrs. Thorne,” Edward said warmly. “We’ll be in touch soon.”

As the door closed behind her, Catherine turned to Edward. “I liked her,” she said. “She seems warm… and kind. She’d… be a good influence on Emily too.”

She left it at that—deciding not to tell him quite yet that she would not return once the household was filled properly.

Unaware of her tumultuous thoughts, Edward nodded in agreement. “I think she’d be a good fit. In fact, I hardly think we need to continue but… thank you, Catherine. For helping me with this.”

Mrs. Thorne was not the only one who impressed them. They had barely started interviewing for the housekeeper position, when a stern-faced woman named Mrs. Finch caught their attention.

“I’ve managed households through all manner of crises,” Mrs. Finch stated matter-of-factly. “Floods, fires, even a case of French spies hiding in the butler’s pantry. I can assure you, Lord Wessex, that whatever challenges Wessex Manor might present, I am more than capable of handling them.”

Catherine bit back a smile at the woman’s confidence, while Edward looked suitably impressed. “And how would you go about restoring order to a household that’s been... somewhat neglected?” he inquired.

Mrs. Finch’s eyes gleamed with determination. “First, a thorough assessment of the entire house. Then, I’d implement a rigorous cleaning and organizational system. Each staff member would have clear responsibilities and high standards to maintain. With your permission, of course, My Lord.”

As Mrs. Finch left, Catherine turned to Edward with a grin. “Well, she’s certainly... formidable.”

Edward chuckled. “Indeed. But perhaps that’s exactly what we need. Someone who can whip this place back into shape.”

Over the next week, they made their final selections and began sending out offer letters. The manor buzzed with anticipation as new staff members began to arrive.

Mrs. Thorne took charge of the kitchens, her warm personality and delicious aromas soon filling the once-silent rooms. Mrs. Finch, true to her word, implemented a comprehensive system for managing the household, her efficiency both impressive and slightly terrifying.

Catherine found herself deeply involved in the process, helping to train new maids and footmen, working with Mrs. Finch to establish routines, and assisting Mrs. Thorne in planning menus.

One evening, as she and Edward sat in his study reviewing the day’s progress, Catherine couldn’t help but smile. “It’s amazing how quickly things are changing,” she mused. “The manor feels... alive again.”

Edward reached across the desk to take her hand, his touch sending a familiar warmth through her. “Thanks to you,” he said softly. “I couldn’t have done this without you, Catherine.”

As much as this admission hurt, Catherine was determined to not show it—and so she merely smiled and muttered that it was alright before fleeing to her bedchamber, where her pillow had grown familiar with her tears of longing.

As the manor settled into its new rhythms, Catherine’s attention turned to Emily. The young girl seemed to be thriving in the renewed atmosphere, but Catherine couldn’t help but notice a lingering loneliness in her eyes.

One afternoon, as Catherine watched Emily chatting animatedly with one of the young maids, an idea struck her. She sought out Edward, finding him in the library.

“Edward,” she began, a hint of excitement in her voice, “I’ve been thinking about Emily.”

He looked up from his book, raising an eyebrow. “Oh? What about her?”

Catherine sat beside him on the sofa, her eyes bright. “She’s flourishing with all the new activity in the house, but I can’t help but think she needs more. Friends her own age, you know?”

Edward’s brow furrowed slightly. “I suppose you’re right. But who? We’ve been isolated for so long...”

“What about my former charges?” Catherine suggested. “Charlotte and Sophia Ashdown. They’re lovely girls, around Emily’s age. I think they’d get along splendidly.”

Edward considered this for a moment, then nodded slowly. “That’s not a bad idea. If, of course, you think they’d be willing—and not too uncomfortable by all that transpired in this house.”

Catherine shook her head, smiling reassuringly. “Not at all. The girls are exceptionally kind, and I’m sure they’d be delighted to meet Emily. Besides,” she added, her voice softening, “a girl needs friends, Edward. Real friends, not just staff and family.”

Edward’s expression softened as he gazed at her. “You’re right, of course. You usually are. Alright, extend the invitation. Let’s give Emily a chance at some normal socializing.”

Catherine beamed, impulsively leaning forward to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Edward. You won’t regret it.”

The day of the Ashdown sisters’ visit dawned bright and clear. Catherine found herself almost as nervous as Emily, fussing over arrangements and double-checking every detail.

“Relax,” Edward chuckled, catching her hand as she passed him in the hall for the third time that morning. “Everything’s perfect. You’ve seen to that.”

Catherine took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. “You’re right. I just want everything to go well for Emily.”

Edward’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “It will. Thanks to you.”

The sound of carriage wheels on gravel announced the arrival of their guests. Catherine hurried to the entrance hall, where Emily was already waiting, fidgeting with the lace on her sleeves.

“Remember,” Catherine said softly, giving the girl’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze, “just be yourself. They’re going to love you.”

As the doors opened and Charlotte and Sophia Ashdown were announced, Catherine felt a surge of affection for her former charges. The girls had grown even lovelier since she’d last seen them, and their faces lit up with genuine warmth when they spotted her.

“Miss Winslow!” Sophia exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace her. “Oh, it’s so wonderful to see you!”

Charlotte followed close behind, her smile just as bright. “We were so excited to receive your invitation. And to meet Lady Emily, of course,” she added, turning to Emily with a friendly smile.

For a moment, Emily seemed overwhelmed, but then her natural charm asserted itself. “I’m so pleased to meet you both,” she said, her voice warm. “Catherine has told me so much about you.”

As the girls began to chat, Catherine felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She caught Edward’s eye across the room, sharing a silent moment of triumph.

The afternoon passed in a whirl of laughter and conversation. Catherine’s heart swelled as she watched Emily blossom under the attention of her new friends. The three girls seemed to have known each other for years, sharing jokes and secrets as if they’d grown up together.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow through the windows, Catherine found herself standing slightly apart, watching the scene with a sense of contentment. Emily and the Ashdown sisters were huddled together on a settee, giggling over some shared jest.

So absorbed was she in the heartwarming tableau that she didn’t hear Edward approach until his warm breath tickled her ear.

“I need to see you privately,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate.

A shiver ran down Catherine’s spine at his words and tone. She turned to face him, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Of course,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “Shall we go to your study?”

Edward nodded, placing a hand at the small of her back to guide her from the room. Catherine’s heart raced as they walked. As much as her heart yearned for him, her body did too—and while she had no hope of heart being fulfilled, she knew that he desired her at the very least.

So perhaps, while he was not yet married, she reasoned, she’d be satisfied with the crumbs he could offer—as much as it hurt.

As the study door closed behind them, Catherine found herself pressed against it, Edward’s body warm and solid against hers. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a passionate kiss.

Edward responded eagerly at first, his hands roaming her sides, but then, to Catherine’s surprise, he gently pulled away. “Catherine, wait,” he said, his voice husky.

Confusion and a hint of hurt flickered across Catherine’s face. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, dropping her gaze. “I thought... well, I assumed...”

Edward cupped her cheek, tilting her face up to meet his eyes. A gentle smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Never apologize for wanting me,” he said softly. “But that’s not why I brought you here. At least, not entirely.”

Before Catherine could ask what he meant, Edward took a step back. Her confusion deepened as he lowered himself to one knee before her.

“Edward?” she breathed, her heart suddenly pounding for an entirely different reason. “What are you doing?”

He reached into his pocket, producing a small velvet box. When he opened it, Catherine gasped at the sight of the exquisite diamond ring nestled inside.

“Catherine Winslow,” Edward began, his voice filled with emotion, “from the moment you entered my life, you’ve challenged me, supported me, and brought light back into my world. You’ve fought for my soul when I was ready to give up. You’ve protected my sister as fiercely as if she were your own. You’ve breathed life into all of my darkness.”

Tears welled in Catherine’s eyes as Edward continued, “I love you more than I ever thought possible. You are the other half of my soul, the keeper of my heart. Catherine, will you do me the extraordinary honor of becoming my wife?”

For a moment, Catherine stood frozen, overwhelmed by the depth of emotion in Edward’s words and eyes. Then, to both their surprise, she took a step back, shaking her head. “No,” she muttered, casting her eyes down to the floor.

“Edward, I... I can’t,” she whispered, her voice choked with tears. “You need to marry an appropriate woman, someone of your own class. I’m just a governess, I can’t be the Countess of Wessex!”

Edward rose to his feet, his eyes filled with love. He took Catherine’s hands in his, squeezing them gently. “Catherine, listen to me. You are the only appropriate woman for me. Your birth, your lack of title—none of that matters. What matters is your heart, your spirit, your unwavering loyalty and love.”

He released one of her hands to cup her cheek, brushing away a tear with his thumb. “You are more noble than any titled lady I’ve ever met. You’ve shown more courage and integrity than most men I know. If anyone is worthy of being a countess, it’s you.”

Catherine’s resolve began to waver, hope blooming in her chest. “But... what about society? Your peers? They’ll never accept me.”

Edward’s smile was fierce and protective. “Let them try to reject you. I don’t give a damn what they think. You’ve taught me that true worth lies in actions, not titles. Anyone who can’t see your value isn’t worth our time.”

He took her hand again, pressing it to his heart. “Catherine, I’m not asking you to be my mistress or my secret shame. I’m asking you to be my wife, my partner in all things. To stand beside me, to help me lead this estate and care for our people. To be a mother to Emily and any children we might have.”

Catherine’s breath hitched at the mention of children. The image of a little boy with Edward’s eyes and her smile flashed through her mind.

“I know it won’t always be easy,” Edward continued, his voice soft but fervent. “There will be challenges, prejudices to overcome. But we’ve faced worse together, haven’t we? And I swear to you, I will spend every day of our lives showing you and the world that you are exactly where you belong—by my side.”

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.