“Enter,” a deep voice called out, the sound reverberating through the silence of the house.
Catherine’s heart raced when Mr. Harper opened the door and ushered her inside. Like the rest of the manor, the study was dimly lit, though it had floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and an enormous desk dominating the space. Behind the desk sat a broad-shouldered man with wavy dark hair. When he looked up, the intense blue gaze left no doubt: it was the rider she’d seen earlier.
Up close, the Earl of Wessex was even more striking than he’d been from a distance. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a chiseled jawline and intense eyes that seemed to look right through her.
Without fully being aware of it, her eyes traversed to his lips—full lips with a hint of a cupid’s bow. Catherine blinked.What would it be like to touch those lips? Her face flushed and she averted her eyes back to his own, and found he was still staring at her, a single brow lifted.
Uncomfortable with his direct gaze, Catherine averted her eyes again, only now noticing the young woman next to him. Like the earl, she had wavy dark hair and deep blue eyes, though her gaze danced with poorly concealed mirth.
It had to be Emily, Catherine realized.
“Miss Winslow,” the earl spoke now, his voice gravelly. “I am Edward Montague, Earl of Wessex. This,” he gestured to the girl beside him, “is my sister Emily.”
Catherine dropped into a deep curtsy. “My Lord. My Lady. It is a pleasure to meet you both.”
Though the Earl’s expression remained unchanged, Emily grinned brightly and bounced on her toes. “Oh, I am so glad you are finally here,” she let out, her voice filled with elation. “I have been pestering Edward about getting a governess for ages!”
“Emily,” Edward said warningly, though there was a hint of fondness beneath his stern tone.
Despite herself, Catherine smiled at the girl’s enthusiasm. “I am looking forward to working with you, Lady Emily,” she said kindly.
“Tell me,” Edward said now, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Catherine. “What exactly qualifies you to teach my sister, Miss Winslow?”
Catherine lifted her chin and straightened her spine, meeting his gaze steadily despite her nerves. “I was educated by my father, a bookseller, from a young age,” she said softly. “He ensured that I was well-versed in literature, history, mathematics and the sciences. After he passed, I became a governess for the Ashdown family.”
“Remind me,” Edward said, his tone holding no humor. “Why did you leave their employ?”
Catherine looked at him through narrowed eyes. Did he not know? Was it Mr. Harper who arranged her employment and not his boss? “The Ashdown daughters have reached an age where they no longer require a governess,” Catherine explained slowly. “Lady Ashdown was kind enough to recommend me for this position.”
“I see,” Edward said, nodding slowly. “And what are your expectations for this role, Miss Winslow?”
Catherine frowned, considering her words slowly. “My… primary goal is to provide Lady Emily with a well-rounded education that will prepare her for her future,” she said slowly. “Beyond that, I hope to foster a love of learning and curiosity about the world.”
Emily beamed at this, her grin spreading. Edward, however, remained impassive. “Noble goals,” he said, “But I must make something clear, Miss Winslow. You are not to question any of my requests or decisions regarding Emily’s education or any other matters in this household. Is that understood?”
Catherine blinked, fighting to tamp down the flicker of indignation rising up in her. “Of course, My Lord,” she said at last, her tone miraculously even. “I wouldn’t dream of overstepping my position.”
“Hmm,” Edward said simply, a hint of a smile flickering upon his face for only a split second. “You mentioned your father, and that he passed,” he said now. “What of the rest of your family?”
Catherine swallowed hard, lifting her chin. “I am afraid I have no other family, My Lord. I was an only child, and my mother passed when I was an infant. My father… was all I had.”
For a moment, Edward’s stern facade cracked again. revealing a flash of sympathy. Like the shadow of a smile earlier,it was gone as soon as it appeared. “I see,” he said. “So you have no one and nothing, beyond your stellar reputation and apparent skills?”
“Edward!” Emily gasped now, her eyes wide. “That is a dreadful thing to say!”
Catherine, however, held her ground, facing the intimidating man head-on. “You are quite right, My Lord,” she said. “I have gotten to where I am on the strength of my abilities and dedication alone. My work means everything to me, and I assure you, I will do nothing to jeopardize this opportunity.”
A tense silence followed her words. Despite her pounding heart, she refused to look away from his piercing gaze.
Finally, Edward nodded. “Very well, Miss Winslow. You may begin Emily’s lessons this afternoon. Mr. Harper will show you to the schoolroom and see to it that you are provided with any materials you may need. You may leave.”
“Thank you, My Lord,” Catherine said, dipping into another curtsy.
“I can’t wait to start our lessons, Miss Winslow,” Emily called out as she left, and Catherine smiled. If nothing else, at least Emily was bound to light up the darkness of Wessex Manor.
Chapter 4
Catherine’s footsteps echoed through the empty corridors as she made her way to the schoolroom, which Mr. Harper had shown her earlier. Her arms were laden with books and papers.
