Page 17 of Treating a Sinful Earl
“You have not told Mr Andrews as you promised?” she added with a hushed tone.
“No, Felton does not know, and I shall keep it that way. He is too dear of a friend. I do not wish for him to have the aforementioned impression of me.”
“He would understand, my son.”
“It matters not!” Jasper exclaimed, his tone far too loud for his own liking. The conversation filled him with frustration, and he did not wish to speak of it any further. “The lady that helped me this evening, she said that she uses tinctures to heal those who are afflicted with different maladies.”
The Dowager Countess gave a wry smile. “And you think that would help? Oh, Jasper, I do not believe in such things. I think that it is the lady herself that you are interested in more than her tinctures.”
His mother’s tone was rather suggestive to his ear. Yes, perhaps it was now abundantly clear that he was fond of Catherine. Felton could see it, and now his own mother. What was he to do?
“She was a charming lady,” he assured her. “I have the mind to invite her over for supper.”
It was the first time that he had seen his mother light up in some time. “That is marvellous news.”
“Do not become overly enthusiastic. There is no telling what the future holds for me, and I merely enjoy her company. I feel confident that you shall approve.”
When he turned to look at his mother, she was grinning from ear to ear. Oh, he wished that she was not getting her hopes up. He, himself, did not know what Catherine’s feelings were for him and it was far too soon to conclude. And what’s more, it was a complicated situation with much to explain.
But the concern in her eyes when she watched him feel faint! It was disarming, to say the least. She had shown the utmost care and when Jasper had said that he did not wish to discuss it further, Catherine complied out of respect to him. At least, that was how it seemed at the time. If only she knew how much that had meant to him. It compelled Jasper to respect her wishes in all things, as well.
Then, he became envious. Catherine was in good health and had her entire life ahead of her. His outlook was much more grim. If only he could be of sound body as she was, then there would be no end to his pursuit of her. But things being as they were, Jasper would have to be slow and careful, and discover within his own mind whether it was right to pull Catherine into such a situation.
How could he ever have the heart to tell her? How could he tell this new personage that had come into his life that he did not have long to live?
Jasper’s illness was now all too real, what with the notion that he had much to live for.
Chapter 8
Catherine had to do something. Meeting with the Earl of Simmons had been a dream, but she found herself shy, yet again. Had it pushed him away when she said that she did not wish to dance? She sincerely hoped not, for being in his presence was transfixing, and Catherine hoped for the opportunity again.
As luck would have it, Abigail was paying her a call that very afternoon. This would afford Catherine the opportunity to speak with her friend plainly so that she might receive the help that she desperately sought.
“Catherine, a word with you,” her father, William, said as she passed his study.
“Yes, Father?” Catherine entered, wondering if she had done something amiss.
“There are matters that we need to discuss. Please, have a seat.”
Catherine did as she was told, seating herself and folding her hands neatly in her lap. “What is it?”
“Your mother and I were discussing things over supper last night. We were most pleased that you attended the Duke’s ball, and we wish that you would undertake such outings more often.”
Catherine grinned from ear to ear. “But that is precisely what I was thinking. In fact, dear Abigail is arriving this very afternoon, and I wish to impart to her that I need her help to undertake it.”
William nodded. “That is most encouraging to hear. But your mother and I are tempted…to send you into town to find a suitable match.”
Catherine constricted her brow. “Into town? Do you mean leave Bath for London?”
“That was what I was suggesting. You see, who you spend the rest of your life with is of the utmost importance. Your mother and I do not wish to stay in Bath for many more years, and that is why the matter is pressing. Once you are secure with a husband, she and I will be able to depart.”
Catherine could not believe what she was hearing. He and her mother wished to depart Bath? Why Bath was her favourite location in the world! Even though she had not seen much else of the world.
“Where shall you and mother go?” she asked in dismay.
“Your mother wishes to be closer to her sister in Cornwall. I myself would not mind a change.”
She inspected her father’s long, rigid face. Yes, he looked weary. Her father had always mentioned that Bath reminded him too much of his late mother, who supposedly was a rather difficult person and was very hard on her son. Catherine could understand why he wished for a change.
