As he bid Emily goodnight, Edward felt a sense of peace settle over him. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—he, Emily, and perhaps, if he was very lucky, Catherine.
With a lighter heart, Edward made his way back to his own room. As he passed Catherine's door, he paused, resting his hand against the wood for a moment.
“Thank you,” he whispered, too softly for anyone but himself to hear. Then he continued on, still not quite ready to give way to sleep.
Chapter 16
For someone who had had quite the exciting night, followed by a rather fitful sleep, Catherine was up rather early the next morning. For hours she trailed through the empty house, her breath catching in her throat when she caught sight of Edward’s figure moving to the library. Without allowing herself to think about it too much, she followed him.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she stepped inside. Edward stood by the window, his tall frame silhouetted against the morning light. He turned at the sound of her entrance, his eyes widening slightly.
“Miss Winslow,” he said, his voice low. “You are up rather early. I trust you slept well after the… eventful… night you had.”
Catherine felt a blush creep up her neck. “Well enough, My Lord,” she replied, trying her best to keep her voice steady. “And yourself?”
Edward’s lips quirked in a half-smile. “I found sleep rather elusive, I'm afraid. Perhaps I am still not accustomed to such social engagements again.”
“Or perhaps you had other things on your mind?” Catherine ventured, surprising herself with her boldness.
Edward’s gaze sharpened, pinning her in place. “Indeed,” he murmured. “Many things.”
The air between them seemed to crackle with tension. Catherine took a step closer, drawn to him almost against her will. “My Lord,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “About last night…”
“Yes?” Edward prompted, his own voice husky. He moved toward her, closing the distance between them.
Catherine’s heart raced. “I... I wanted to thank you. For trusting me with your secret, for allowing me to help with Emily. It means a great deal to me.”
Edward’s expression softened slightly. “You have proven yourself more than worthy of that trust, Miss Winslow. Your dedication to Emily, your discretion... they are admirable qualities.”
“Thank you,” Catherine whisper, her voice so soft that he could hardly hear. “I am glad… you find me… admirable.”
Edward's breath caught audibly. “It is more than that,” he offered, after a moment. “I must admit, I find you quite… captivating.”
Catherine felt as though her heart might burst from her chest. “My Lord,” she breathed. “Edward…”
He reached out, his fingers ghosting along her cheek. “Miss Winslow… Catherine,” he murmured. “Last night, by the fountain... I know I should apologize, but I find myself unable to regret it.”
“Oh?”
He caught her hand in his, bringing it to his lips. The touch sent shivers down Catherine's spine. “We are playing a dangerous game, Catherine,” he murmured against her skin. “Surely you know that.”
“I do,” she replied, her voice trembling. “But I find myself unable to stop.”
When Edward’s s eyes met hers, they were dark with desire. “Nor can I,” he confessed. He tugged her closer, his free hand coming to rest at the small of her back.
Catherine went willingly, tilting her face up to his. Their lips were a breath apart when suddenly, the library door slammed open.
They sprang apart as Samuel Harper strode in, his face a mask of disapproval. Though if he noticed their compromising position, he gave no sign of it.
“Pardon me, My Lord,” he said, his voice stiff. “But you have a visitor.”
Edward’s face darkened with irritation, and he scowled. “A visitor? I have not taken a visitor in years. Why on earth would I allow one now?”
Mr. Harper straightened his spine, an unreadable expression settling across his features. “I believe you will want to see this one, My Lord,” he said, his voice careful. “It is... Lady Isabella Fairfax.”
At once, Edward’s face paled, and Catherine felt as though a sack of rocks had dropped into the pit of her stomach. She had heard that name before, and she closed her eyes, a shuddering breath escaping her lips.
Isabella Fairfax. The woman Edward had loved before... everything changed for him.
