Page 21 of Treating a Sinful Earl
Simmons cleaned the sides of his mouth with his napkin before replying. “She has been at the estate since I was a wee boy. I have been fed well.”
“I daresay,” the Dowager Countess went on, “you have been fed well, considering you are the size of a gladiator.”
Simmons closed his eyes and shook his head. “Mother, you always tease me.”
“But truly! You have always been an athletic boy, but there is no reason that your build should be so strong. One might think that you have worked in the fields all your life.”
Although the statement was humorous, Catherine did need to consider that she was speaking the truth. Simmons was a robust man, and this was only amplified by her small stature. Even though she could not admit it, there were moments when she did feel intimidated by his size.
“Let us speak of other matters,” Simmons went on, leaning back in his chair. “I have a mind to enjoy the night sky once the meal is done.”
“I do believe that it is a full moon tonight,” Catherine remarked.
“Is that so?”
“Indeed. I read of such matters. The moon does affect the garden, whether you were aware of that or no.”
Simmons smiled warmly. “I did not know, but I am glad that you have informed me.”
“I am rather silly when it comes to such things,” she shared. “I have an undying curiosity about the world.”
“And I find that most pleasing.”
Yes, it was palpable, the enthusiasm that Simmons had for her. If only he knew how much she had for him! It was only upon concluding the supper and going out to look at the moon that Abigail shared privately, “You do not require me to teach you anything. You are excelling!”
“No, I am not. I am merely being myself, as you stated.”
“And that is precisely what you are doing,” Abigail replied with a wink.
Chapter 10
Jasper had noted that Catherine had stolen away with her friend, and he was dying of curiosity pertaining to what they were speaking of. The whole evening, he had enchanted her, but tried not to let on as such. It was so refreshing to encounter a lady who did not fall into his lap after a few moments of conversation.
Not that he had ever taken advantage of these situations. It was merely frustrating because Jasper liked a good challenge and so far in his life, women had afforded him none. But then again, he would not call Catherine a challenge or some sort of conquest. She was so much more than that, which is what made the hunt even more appealing.
He liked her shyness, in fact, he felt that he had gotten to the bottom of what it all meant. Catherine was just like him in many respects, and this made her all the more alluring. Seeing that he was lost in reverie, Felton approached. “What a perfect evening.”
“That it has been,” Jasper agreed.
“I can see why you like Catherine. She is a charming girl.”
“She is more than charming. I am beginning to think that I might lose my wits.”
Felton laughed. “That far gone? I suspected as much, but now you are finally telling the truth. Why do you hide so much from me?”
Jasper frowned. Felton had no idea just how much he was hiding, but the evening had been such a success that he entirely forgot about his illness and basked in Catherine’s presence. Could she somehow heal him, merely by being near? She had already beheld some of his symptoms and had not been filled with ogling fear. She had comported herself whilst still having concern in her eyes.
“It seems as though you got on well with Abigail.”
“I would give anything for a moment alone with her, but sadly, that cannot be.”
“Pull her aside,” Jasper suggested, if only so that he might have a moment alone with Catherine.
“It cannot be done. Abigail plays little games, and although I find these charming and amusing, I must play the game too, if I am to win her.”
Jasper was troubled by this. With Catherine, he did not feel that she was playing any sort of games, and this pleased him greatly. It was refreshing that she was not like Abigail, and it only made the challenge greater for Jasper because she was a woman of substance, and such a woman needed to be treated in a particular way.
“Shall we invite them to dine again?” Jasper asked, not wanting to wait long before he saw Catherine again.
