Chapter 27

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!”

Chuckling, Edward offered her his arm. “I have no doubt of that. Shall we?”

Together, they made their way to the small chapel on the estate grounds. Edward had initially suggested a grander affair in London, but Catherine had preferred a more intimate ceremony surrounded by those they loved most. As always, Edward found himself grateful for her wisdom.

The chapel was beautifully decorated with white roses and lilies—Catherine’s favorites. As Edward took his place at the altar, he glanced around at the small gathering of friends and staff who had become like family. Mrs. Thorne dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, while Mrs. Finch maintained her usual stern expression, though Edward could swear he saw a softness in her gaze.

The soft strains of music began, and Edward’s heart leapt into his throat. This was it. He turned, and the sight that greeted him took his breath away.

Catherine stood in the doorway, a vision in white. Her dress was simple yet elegant, emphasizing her natural grace and beauty. But it was her face that captivated Edward—the love and joy radiating from her smile, the sparkle in her green eyes that seemed to light up the entire chapel.

As she began her walk down the aisle, Edward felt a surge of emotion so strong it nearly overwhelmed him. This remarkable woman, who had faced down danger and scandal for the sake of his family, who had brought laughter and light back into their lives, was about to become his wife.

When Catherine reached him, Edward took her hands in his, marveling at how perfectly they fit together. “You’re breathtaking,” he whispered.

Catherine’s smile widened. “And you’re rather dashing yourself, My Lord,” she murmured back, a hint of playfulness in her tone.

As the vicar began the ceremony, Edward found himself only half-listening to the familiar words. His focus was entirely on Catherine—the warmth of her hands in his, the way the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows caught the auburn highlights in her hair, the love shining in her eyes that mirrored his own.

When it came time for their vows, Edward took a deep breath, willing his voice to remain steady.

“Catherine,” he began, “from the moment you entered my life, you’ve challenged me, supported me, and brought light back into my world. You made me see the world in color, where I had only seen it in darkness for so many years. You filled my heart with light, where only fear existed. You… made me realize that happiness was within my reach.”

He squeezed her hands gently, feeling the slight tremor that ran through them. “I vow to love you, honor you, and cherish you for all the days of my life. To stand by your side through whatever challenges we may face. To be your partner, your confidant, and your most ardent supporter. I promise to strive every day to be worthy of the love and trust you’ve given me.”

Tears glistened in Catherine’s eyes as she began her own vows. “Edward, you’ve shown me what it means to be truly seen and valued for who I am. You’ve given me a home, a family, and a love I never dared to dream of. I vow to stand by your side, to support you in all your endeavors, to challenge you when you need it, and to love you with every fiber of my being.”

Her voice grew stronger as she continued, “I promise to be your partner in all things, to help you lead this estate and care for our people. To be a sister and guide to Emily and a mother any children we might be blessed with. To face whatever life throws at us, together, with courage and love.”

As they exchanged rings, Edward felt a sense of rightness settle over him. This was meant to be. Catherine was meant to be here, by his side, as his wife and partner.

“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the vicar declared. “You may kiss the bride.”

Edward needed no further encouragement. He cupped Catherine’s face gently in his hands, and kissed her with all the love and passion he felt. The chapel erupted in cheers and applause, but Edward was only aware of Catherine—the softness of her lips, the warmth of her body pressed against his, the promise of a lifetime together.

As they turned to face their guests, Edward caught sight of Emily, beaming at them through happy tears. In that moment, he felt the presence of his parents more strongly than ever before. They would have loved Catherine, he knew. They would have been overjoyed to see their son so happy, their daughter so well-loved and protected.

The celebration that followed was joyous and relaxed. Edward found himself constantly seeking out Catherine, marveling at the sight of her laughing with their guests, dancing with Emily, accepting congratulations with grace and warmth.

As the evening wore on, Edward managed to steal a moment alone with his bride. He led her out onto a small balcony overlooking the gardens, the sounds of the party fading behind them.

“Happy, my love?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Catherine leaned back against him, sighing contentedly. “More than I ever thought possible,” she replied. “And you? Any regrets about marrying your sister’s governess?”

Edward chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Only that I didn’t do it sooner,” he murmured. “You know, I keep thinking about my parents. How much they would have adored you.”

Catherine turned in his arms, her expression softening. “Tell me about them?” she requested gently.

Edward smiled, lost in memories. “My mother would have loved your spirit, your intelligence. She always said a sharp mind was the most attractive quality in a person. And my father... he would have appreciated your practicality, your ability to see to the heart of a matter.”

He paused, his throat tightening with emotion. “They would have been so grateful to you, Catherine. For bringing life back to this house, for loving Emily, for... for saving me from myself.”

Catherine reached up, cupping his cheek gently. “I wish I could have known them,” she said softly. “But Edward, they live on in you, and in Emily. In the love you have for this estate and its people. And I promise you, we’ll honor their memory in the life we build together.”

Edward leaned into her touch, overwhelmed by the depth of his love for this remarkable woman. “How did I get so lucky?” he wondered aloud.

Catherine’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Well, you did have the good sense to hire me as a governess,” she teased. “Though I don’t think either of us expected it to lead to this.”

Laughing, Edward pulled her close, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. As they broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, Catherine Montague,” he murmured.

“And I love you, Edward Montague,” she replied, her voice filled with promise. “Now and always.”

As they rejoined the party, hand in hand, Edward felt a sense of peace and rightness settle over him. With Catherine by his side, he was ready to face whatever the future might hold. Together, they would honor the past, cherish the present, and build a future filled with love, laughter, and hope.

And somewhere, he was certain, his parents were watching over them, their hearts full of joy and pride for the family their son had found and the man he had become.