Page 15 of Treating a Sinful Earl
“A tincture?” Simmons asked, brows raised.
“Indeed. There are a number of tinctures that I make from the garden. You would not believe the healing power of nature. If there is something that is hurting you, please ask me for help. I know many things.”
This was something that she had not yet revealed to Simmons, and Catherine beheld the curiosity in his expression. “I fear that no tincture can banish this affliction. But I would like to know more about your medicines. I am rather impressed that you know so much.”
“I have been studying it for some time. I do keep to myself for the most part, and I love nature. There is ample opportunity to explore and learn.”
Finally, Simmons was able to smile. “I am more than intrigued. You are a fascinating lady, Catherine.”
“I would not call myself fascinating!” Catherine protested. “I merely have certain interests and I am allowed to pursue them.”
“As I said…fascinating.”
Chapter 7
In the carriage ride home, Jasper wished to finally reveal to Fenton his fondness for Catherine. But to do so properly, he would have to use discretion and not give away his true ardour.
“What do you know of Lady Trowbridge?”
Fenton lifted his brow. “Why do you inquire?”
“She is rather lovely, in my estimation. But alas, she refused to dance with me.”
“Ha! The only lady in Britain that would refuse to dance with you. What was her excuse?”
“She said that she was an abominable dancer and that was that. We enjoyed pleasant conversation on the veranda,” Jasper shared.
“Yes, I think that you were outside with her for well over an hour. My friend, I must say that I am surprised. Lady Trowbridge is rather quiet. Few in society know of her, and I did not take you for one that prefers the quiet type.”
“She opens up quickly. She is merely shy, that is all. In all honesty, I find it transfixing. She has no need to put on airs. Catherine is remarkably genuine, and I find that very appealing, indeed.”
That was more than he planned on saying. Jasper had just admitted to Felton that he was fond of her. Now, he would probably never live it down and Felton would make fun of him for the rest of the evening, which was coming to a close anyhow.
“I suppose that it does make sense,” Felton went on. “There are similarities there. You, as well, can be quiet when you are in the company of many. But in the company of few, you light up the room. Perhaps this is what you are attracted to in the lady.”
Jasper considered these words. Yes, there was a very good chance that he saw something of himself in Catherine. Neither of them cared for society, but the great difference was that Catherine was in need of a husband and Jasper was in no need of a wife.
Or was he?
“I can vouch for her beauty,” Felton added. “But it is a different beauty than Abigail’s. Abigail is wrapped up like a gorgeous package, where Catherine is…how do I say it?”
“Simple. Plain. Beautiful.”
There was recognition in Felton’s gaze, as though he could see right through Jasper’s ardency. “Yes, all of those things. It all comes down to a matter of taste. I like a great deal of embellishment in a lady, and you do not. That much is plain.”
For the life of him, Jasper could not understand why Felton cared for such embellishment. To Jasper, embellishment was hiding something, where it seemed that Catherine had nothing to hide.
His stomach flipped as he recalled the moment when he felt faint. Never had that happened in the presence of a lady before. Was Jasper so comfortable around her that he was able to show her that vulnerability? But alas, he regretted that it had ever happened. He did not wish for Catherine to see his weakness, but he felt in good hands when she came to his aid. In fact, it attracted him to her even further.
“I already knew of your fondness,” Felton shared.
“What do you mean?”
“The evening that you invited the lady to your estate for supper. It was evident then.”
Jasper tensed his jaw. “Then why did you not mention it?”
“Because I know that you value your privacy, old chap. That is the reason why.”
