The Earl's Forbidden Governess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Henrietta Harding

Author:Henrietta Harding [Harding, Henrietta]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Regal Quill Publishing
Published: 2024-09-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Edward awkwardly adjusted his cravat as he waited for Emily at the foot of the staircase. His mind drifted to Catherine, as it so often did these days.

Her eyes, her mouth… the way she looked so beautifully at peace when she slept and the way her eyes blazed when she was angry. He shook his head, trying to banish thoughts of her. Tonight was about reconnecting with Isabella, about showing Emily a bit more of society. Catherine had no place in his musings.

And yet...

“Edward! How do I look?” He looked up at the sound of Emily’s excited voice and a smile appeared when he saw his sister descending the stairs, a vision in pale green silk.

“You look beautiful, Em,” he said warmly, offering her his arm. “Lady Isabella will not believe that it is you—you look like a real lady.”

Emily grinned, her eyes sparkling. “Do you really think so? Oh, I am so excited, Edward. I cannot believe we are going out for a second time!”

Edward felt a pang of guilt at her words. Had he truly kept her so isolated? “Well then,” he said, forcing a smile, “we should not keep our hostess waiting.”

The carriage ride to Isabella's estate was filled with Emily's excited chatter. Edward found himself responding with nods and noncommittal hums, his mind elsewhere. He could not help but think of Catherine, left behind at Wessex Manor. What was she doing now? Was she thinking of him?

He shook his head again, more forcefully this time. These thoughts were dangerous, foolish. Catherine was his employee, nothing more. And Isabella... well, Isabella was a connection to his past, to the man he used to be.

As they pulled up to Isabella’s grand home, Edward felt a flutter of nervousness in his stomach. It had been so long since he had done this—since he had been part of society. He took a deep breath, steeling himself.

“Ready?” he asked Emily, who nodded eagerly.

Isabella met them at the door, a vision in deep blue silk that set off her golden curls perfectly. “Edward, darling,” she purred, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “And Emily! My goodness, how you have grown. You look positively radiant.”

Emily blushed prettily at the compliment, and Edward felt a surge of pride. His little sister truly was becoming a lovely young woman.

“Thank you for having us, Isabella,” Edward said, his voice formal. “It has been far too long.”

Isabella’s smile was dazzling. “Indeed it has. Come, let me show you to the dining room. I have had the cook prepare all your favorites, Edward.”

As they followed Isabella through the opulent halls, Edward could not help but compare her to Catherine. Where Isabella was all polish and perfection, Catherine was warmth and realness. Isabella’s laugh was a tinkling, practiced thing, while Catherine’s was full and genuine.

He shook his head slightly. What was wrong with him? Isabella was everything a man in his position could want—beautiful, well-bred, connected. And yet...

The dinner itself was a sumptuous affair. Course after course of exquisitely prepared dishes were brought out, each more delectable than the last.

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