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,” hemurmured. “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.”
