Page 1 of Treating a Sinful Earl
Chapter 1
Lord Jasper Spranklin, Earl of Simmons, gazed around the populated ballroom, wiping a bit of sweat from his brow. It was stifling but this heat did not temper his enjoyment in the slightest.
There were plenty of lovely ladies all around, wearing their shiny gossamer frocks, many with feathers in their hair, as was the fashion of the day. Although Jasper would usually be more discerning when it came to dancing with ladies, he was now holding back no longer.
“Good evening,” he said to one lady in particular, bowing his head.
She fluttered her eyelashes, and a flush came to her cheeks. “Good evening, my lord,” she said with a curtsy.
“Most certainly. Such a marvellous event!”
“That it is, indeed.”
She stood there in stunned silence for a moment, perhaps waiting for Jasper to carry on the conversation. He was used to women being struck dumb in his presence, for he was told that he was a handsome fellow. But what Jasper did not like was ladies who were so bashful in his presence. Jasper preferred a woman who could speak, and what’s more, a woman who could hold an intelligent conversation.
That being said, the lady standing before him who was struck dumb was still quite pretty.
“Should I check my dance card?” the lady finally asked, no doubt implying that she and Jasper should dance.
“That would be most kind of you, but I am afraid that I do not know your name. I am the Earl of Simmons,” Jasper went on.
“Yes, I know who you are, my lord. I am Miss Kitty Spencer. We have never had a chance to formally meet.”
The casual conversation continued, and Jasper concluded that it would be enjoyable to dance with Miss Kitty Spencer, but he did not feel that strong pull towards her that he sought. Yes, she was a bit dull, and she continuously fluttered her fan in front of her face trying to amplify her appeal.
The dance being scheduled, Miss Kitty excused herself lest she tarry for too long, and just as she departed, Jasper felt as though the room was spinning and sweat trickled from his brow more forcefully. He feared that he might faint. Jasper quickly found a seat where he could steady himself, and once there, he loosened his cravat and reasoned that his valet had tied it too tight.
Of course, he would be deluding himself if he believed that last thought. The cravat did not explain the heat or suddenly feeling faint. He knew the source of these things, but it was difficult to admit to himself. Just then, Jasper spotted his very best friend, Felton Andrews, just across the way. Felton was flirting with two ladies, and this brought a smile to Jasper’s lips, helping him to forget, for a moment, about the fainting spell.
Felton and Jasper had known each other since they were young boys, and his friend was always a source of fun and mischief. They liked to get into a bit of trouble when they were together, and during the Season, a little trouble was not difficult to find.
Jasper heaved a sigh of relief. Yes, the faint feeling had passed, and he was himself again! He stood to his full height, which was considerably tall, for Jasper surmised that he stood above the rest in the ballroom. He caught his reflection in a mirror and inspected himself.
No, he was not the kind of man that paid too much mind to his appearance, although his bearing was overall neat and refined. He did not care for the foppish ways of some of the other men at that event.
His blond hair was a bit wayward, but his blue eyes sparkled. He was often told that his eyes were the most captivating aspect of his appearance, and these he had inherited from his beloved mother. Thinking of the Dowager Countess, Jasper felt his heart constrict in his chest. She was the only one that knew. She was the only one that knew the truth about Jasper’s diagnosis….
Banishing these thoughts, Jasper thought it best to seize the day and dance with as many ladies as he could, enjoying life to the fullest. That was the only way to proceed. For when faced with challenges, his perspective was always strong. Life was something to be lived to the fullest and Jasper would have it no other way. He would not get weighed down in melancholy. He would enjoy every last moment.
Just then, he watched as Felton approached, carrying a flute of champagne. “What are you doing by yourself when there is much flirting to undertake?” Felton asked.
Jasper could not help but laugh. “There is indeed much flirting, and I was taking a break because it can be exhausting!”
“Do not lie, my friend. You find flirting exhilarating. There is no need to pretend that I am not the one that knows you best in this world.”
Jasper’s heart constricted in his chest once more. Yes, Felton knew him best, so why could he not tell his friend that very important bit of information that constantly lurked in the back of his mind? Jasper reasoned that it would be too difficult. Yet still, he would tell his friend when the moment was ripe.
Just then, something caught Felton’s eye, and he said, “Have you met that lady over there?”
Jasper looked in the direction that Felton motioned towards. He knit his brow, not recognizing the lady but finding her to be beautiful. “Who is she?”
“That is Lady Abigail Hatcher. I am surprised that you do not know of her. She attends these balls often. In fact, no one enjoys a party more than Abigail Hatcher.”
“Then it is quite surprising that I have never made her acquaintance. Should we approach?” Jasper asked.
"When the moment is ripe. For now, we drink!” Felton said, lifting his empty flute. “Come, the refreshments are this way.”
Jasper followed his friend, but truth be told, he was not one for too much drink. He preferred to keep his wits about him at all times, and there was no sense in needing champagne to feel enjoyment. Jasper enjoyed life as it was, and heavens, how he wished to enjoy as much of it as possible.
