Louise

Chapter 28

Later that night, as Louise laid restless in her bed, she heard a soft knock at her door. Her heart leapt into her throat, hoping against hope that it was Sebastian. But when she opened it, she found Katherine standing there, her eyes red from crying, clutching a candle.

"Katherine! Is everything alright?" Louise asked, her heart sinking as she took in the girl's tear-stained face. Katherine slipped into the room and closed the door behind her. She didn't speak for a moment, simply took a shaky breath and then blurted out, "I am sorry to disturb you, Louise. I couldn't sleep," she said, her voice quivering.

"That's quite alright dear, come sit with me," Louise said softly, motioning for the young girl to join her on the bed. Katherine obeyed, climbing onto the bed and curling up against Louise's side, her head resting on her shoulder. The governess stroked the girl's hair gently, feeling the tension seeping out of Katherine's body as she relaxed against Louise.

"Did you have a nightmare?" Louise asked gently, adjusting the bedcovers around Katherine. The girl shook her head, "No, not a nightmare exactly," Katherine said slowly. "I had a dream about Mother. At least, I think it was her." She sniffled, her voice breaking.

Louise looked at her in surprise. Katherine's mother had died in childbirth. She had no memories of her at all. "What do you mean? Can you tell me about your dream?" Louise asked gently.

Katherine's brow furrowed as she recalled the vision. "I was in a beautiful garden; with flowers of every colour, I've ever seen and more. It was so peaceful, and the sun was shining down on me. Then a woman appeared smiling at me warmly. She had long golden hair and was wearing a pretty blue gown. I just knew she was my mother. She knelt down and hugged me so tenderly. Then I woke up." Katherine looked up at Louise with uncertainty in her eyes. "Do you think it was her? My mother?"

Louise considered how to respond. She chose her words carefully. "While I cannot say for certain, I do think it's very possible your mother came to you in your dream, even if you never met her. They say those we love never truly leave us. She's always watching over you, even if you can't see her." Katherine sniffled again, her eyes growing brighter. "It's possible. Maybe you'll see her again someday, in your dreams or in your heart. Just know that she's always with you."

Katherine looked thoughtful. "I wish I could have really met her, just once. Father never wants to talk about her. He burned all her portraits after she died. It's like she never existed." Katherine's voice held a sad longing that broke Louise's heart.

Louise hugged the girl tightly. "Your mother lives on through you, darling. Even without photographs, I am certain you have her spirit, her beauty. You are her legacy. You must never forget that." She smoothed a stray lock of hair from Katherine's face and kissed her forehead.

Katherine managed a small smile at this notion. "Do you really think so, Louise?" she asked, her voice still faintly uncertain.

"I know so," Louise said warmly. "Now, how about we go back to sleep? Perhaps you'll dream of her again." Katherine nodded, snuggling closer to Louise. As Katherine nestled down under the covers, Louise resumed stroking her hair soothingly. Katherine's eyes soon grew heavy, comforted by Louise's presence. Just before she drifted off, she whispered, "Thank you, Louise." The governess smiled gently and kissed the top of Katherine's head, feeling a pang of sadness for the little girl who had lost her mother far too soon.

Louise's heart ached as she considered the possibility of leaving Katherine in the care of Lady Marianne. The thought of the cold, calculating woman raising the sweet, innocent girl was unbearable. She knew that Lord Warrington would not approve of their relationship, but she couldn't help but feel that they were a family. They were happy together, and Katherine deserved that happiness.

The next day, Louise was walking in the hallway to Sebastian's study, deep in thought about the previous night's events. She was still reeling from the revelation that Katherine had been having nightmares about her mother, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility to protect the girl from whatever it was that was haunting her. As she approached Sebastian's study, she heard muffled voices arguing within. The anger in Sebastian's voice sent a shiver down her spine.

As she knocked on the door, the voices inside fell silent, and she heard Sebastian's clipped, "Come in." She opened the door to find him standing by his desk, next to Lord Warrington. The elder man's expression was one of disapproval, his hands folded neatly in front of him.

"I am sorry to interrupt, my lord," Louise said, her voice calm and respectful as she stepped into the study. "I could come back later if you'd prefer." Lord Warrington shook his head, gesturing for her to remain. "That is quite alright, I was just on my way. We can continue our conversation later, Sebastian."

As Lord Warrington was leaving, he gave Louise a disdainful look, making it clear that he was not pleased with her presence in the study. She nodded respectfully in response, maintaining her composure despite the icy stare. Once the door closed behind him Sebastian rushed towards Louise and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Are you alright?" he whispered; his eyes filled with concern.

"I am fine." She reassured him, her voice steady. She gazed up at him, feeling his warmth and the love radiating from his eyes. "Oh, how I have missed you, my darling." he said, pulling her closer. His lips brushed against her cheek, and she closed her eyes, savouring the feel of him against her skin.

"And I have missed you too, my love," she replied, with a tinge of sadness in her voice.

"You seem troubled, my dear," Sebastian said, his brow furrowing as he studied her expression.

"It is about...Katherine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Katherine came to me last night, crying from a dream about her late mother. She was so distraught that she never had the chance to know her." she continued, her voice catching in her throat. " Think you should help her get to know her mother, perhaps by talking about her more or giving Katherine a picture."

Sebastian shook his head firmly. "Absolutely not! Katherine does not need to know about that wicked woman. I will not tarnish her memory with such things." He held her tighter, as if trying to shield her from the thought. "I must protect Katherine from all of that, Louise. She is so young, and so innocent. It is my duty to keep her safe from the darkness."

Louise pleaded with him, saying "But she's so curious, and it pains her not to have any connection to the woman who gave her life. Please reconsider, for Katherine's sake."

Sebastian remained adamant. "I have made my decision, Louise. Katherine is better off not knowing about her mother. It is not worth the risk." he said, his voice firm.

Seeing that gentle persuasion would not work, Louise decided to try a different tactic. She kissed him softly on the cheek, her hand caressing his chest. "I understand your concern, my love," she said, her voice low and sultry. "But perhaps there is a way to share some of her mother's story without exposing Katherine to the darkness. I can help you with that, if you'll let me." She leaned in closer, her breath warm against his ear. "You can trust me, Sebastian. I will protect Katherine too, and I will make sure that she only learns what is necessary, and nothing more."

Sebastian froze for a moment, his eyes wide with surprise. Then she continued placing delicate kisses along his jawline, and down his neck as she embraced him. "You are right, my love," he whispered, his voice thick with desire. "I can trust you to help me with this. I know you will protect Katherine as if she were your own daughter." He pulled her closer, their bodies pressed tightly together. "Very well, I will tell her some stories about her mother, but only those that are appropriate and leave out any mention of the darker times."

She jumped into his arms joyfully. "Thank you, my love," she breathed, pressing her lips against his. He held her close, his strong arms surrounding her like a protective shield. They remained like that for a moment, savouring the feeling of being together.

Just as she was about to leave, Sebastian refused to let her go, pulling her in closer for another passionate kiss. Their bodies melted together, his hands expertly roaming over her curves. The heat between them was palpable, and it seemed that every touch ignited a fire within them both.

As they were consumed in their embrace, they suddenly heard a knock at the door. They quickly pulled apart, adjusting their clothing. Louise went to open the door. Outside stood Lady Marianne, who looked at Louise with a look of disapproval.