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.”
