Page 2 of Treating a Sinful Earl
Still, he took a flute and clinked it against Felton’s glass. “Why did you point out this Abigail Hatcher?” Jasper asked, sensing something significant.
His brow raised. “I fancy her. Unfortunately, I fear that she might be out of my league.”
“Every lady here is out of your league, old chap. Let us face the truth.”
Both men smiled. In truth, Jasper loved teasing Felton at every possible juncture. They had shared the same humour since they were young boys, and sometimes he sensed that Felton was the only one who understood his biting wit.
“Go and speak with her,” Jasper advised.
Felton shook his head. “This is why I am trying to drink as much champagne as possible. I need the courage.”
“I have never known you to be one that is lacking in courage when it comes to the ladies.”
“With Abigail Hatcher, everything is different.”
"What is it about her that you find so appealing?” Jasper asked, taking a sip of his own champagne.
“Everything. The way that she goes from party to party in her elegant gowns, the manner in which she dances, and how she entirely ignores me.”
Jasper placed a humorous hand upon Felton’s shoulder. “Old chap, there is something that must be made clear here and now. You should probably not go after women that do not give you the time of day. You might want to choose those that pay attention to you, instead.”
“But it is so appealing!” Felton exclaimed. “When a lady pretends as though you do not exist, it brings up every predatory instinct that a man has within his breast. It is a challenge, and I love a good challenge!”
Jasper removed his hand and shook his head mournfully. “I fear that you are in for a bumpy path to love.”
“You do not find it appealing when you are ignored?”
Jasper had to consider this question. Yes, he understood how when a woman was particularly hard to steal the attention of, it did incite something in a man. Like Felton, Jasper liked a good challenge, but considering the other challenges that he faced, he would be content to find a woman with a pretty face, a sparkling mind and wit, and also, someone who genuinely liked him. There was no time for anything else.
Just then, Felton’s attention was stolen once more, and Jasper looked off into the distance. There was Abigail Hatcher again, but this time, she was joined by two other ladies, and there was one in particular that Jasper could not take his eyes off of.
“Who is that?” he had to ask.
“Which one? Abigail is the brunette, then there is the blonde and the redhead.”
“The redhead,” Jasper said definitively.
An amused smile appeared on Felton’s lips. “I see. She would certainly be to your liking.”
“What do you mean?” Jasper asked in confusion.
“You like the exotic ones, do you not? Yes, Lady Catherine Trowbridge would definitely be to your liking, with the shining red hair and green eyes. Most exotic indeed.” Felton winked.
Jasper did not wish to be caught staring, yet still, he could not take his eyes off of Catherine. How was it that he never met her before, or Abigail for that matter? Had Jasper been living under a rock, and if so, could he now set himself free?
“And who is the blonde?”
“That would be Selina Lockhart, Catherine’s closest friend. You would do well to be viewed as favourable in her estimation. Believe me, Selina and Catherine are nearly as close as you and I.”
“Is that even possible?” Jasper quipped.
The two friends shared a good laugh, but Jasper’s attention returned to Catherine yet again. Even from afar, there was something relaxed and natural about her, despite the exotic beauty. She wore a simple white gown, and her figure was lean, athletic, and most impressive. That being said, she was diminutive in height, and Jasper feared that his own height might provide some intimidation.
But what was he thinking? He had not even met the lady yet! There was still a chance that she had a squeaky voice or not a thought in her head.
“How is it that you are so well-informed about these ladies?”
“Unlike you,” Felton went on, “I learn as much about those around me as possible. You, however, merely carry on as though you are the only man in the world.”
