Page 24 of Treating a Sinful Earl
For the life of her, Catherine could not figure out why Jasper was being so kind. Yes, she was referring to him as Jasper in her mind now, for he had told her that it was all right to do so. It seemed as though he wished to be exceedingly familiar, and Catherine was not put off by this in the slightest. It was endearing, and also, it made her even more fond of him.
Jasper had said that he wished to help her in some way, and like Abigail, he expressed that he wanted her to be herself. This made her care for him even more. Oh, but she was starting to have the most peculiar notions in her mind!
She hoped that she was not implying to him that he should marry her in order to free her from her problems. That was not what she intended in the slightest. Really, Catherine needed someone to talk to, and Jasper seemed like the kind of fellow that was open to hearing anything.
“I sense that I have said too much, but there is something so affable in your character,” she admitted.
“I am glad that you told me. I could sense that something was wrong and I longed to know what your troubles were.”
“Really, my father has only sped up the inevitable. I would have to face this at one time or another. In truth, if I can find a husband that understands that I am not keen on society, then perhaps I can live the simple, comfortable life that I crave. Anyhow, this is what I hope.”
“You will find such a man. I am sure of it.”
There was so much warmth in his expression, but all of this dissolved when Catherine viewed that now familiar bead of sweat come to his brow, and Jasper grasped the bannister, as he had at the Duke of Brighton’s ball. Instinctually, Catherine brought a protective hand to his back and asked what was amiss.
“These are my symptoms,” he expressed. “They shall pass shortly.”
“Must I fetch you some water again?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.
He shook his head. “That shall not be necessary. This fit is not as strong as the last.”
She waited patiently, hoping that he might feel like himself again in mere moments. Still, she could not help but punctuate the silence. “What is this, Jasper?”
His eyes turned upon her, and there was even gratitude in his expression, perhaps because Catherine had used his given name. “It is hard to describe. Doctors have known about it for years and even they are flummoxed. It is a mystery, I suppose, but the mystery feels like something out of a nightmare.”
“I shall make you a tincture tomorrow. In fact, I will do it in the morning so that I can deliver it by early afternoon. It may not solve the problem, but it will help to alleviate discomfort. I am sure of it!”
He smiled broadly. “You are a lady of some conviction. I enjoy that.”
“Trust me,” she said, removing her hand from his back. “I have been perfecting my skills for some time and I am confident that it shall work. Please trust me.”
Removing his hands from the balustrade, Jasper seemed to have strengthened, for he stood up straight and said, “I trust you fully. In fact, perhaps I have never trusted a lady as I trust you.”
Catherine blinked several times, unsure of how to adjust to such a pleasing statement. Yes, Jasper was keenly fond of her. Only on a few occasions did she behold that look in a man’s eyes, mostly because she was never social enough to meet plenty of men! But this warmth in his gaze seemed to suffuse her entire body, and Catherine felt tingly all over. Perhaps she was the one that felt faint now! She willed herself to breathe, holding onto the balustrade and looking out at the dark field.
“Have you tried taking the waters? You live in one of the most healing cities in the world.”
“I have taken the waters,” he said, nodding. “There was no change. Honestly, I think all of that is one big lie anyhow.”
Catherine became indignant. “One big lie? What on earth are you saying? There was a time when I was terribly ill and I ventured to the spa. There, I was able to heal myself within the span of four hours.”
“You sat there for four hours? In the water?” Jasper asked with a smile upon his lips.
“Indeed. My skin was all wrinkled when I was done but I was one healthy lady,” she said humorously.
“I should have liked to have seen that,” was his soft reply.
Oh, but that seemed a bit scandalous, and Catherine looked away! Lest he see how much it riled her to have him refer to such an occasion where her bare skin had pruned in the water.
“But truly, perhaps you should give the waters another chance,” Catherine offered, changing the subject. “I use a special kind of water to infuse my herbs, and this water is also beneficial for healing. These two remedies combined might be just what you require to heal.”
He shook his head plaintively. “I am afraid that you do not understand the severity of my circumstances, Catherine. This is something that we shall not speak of.”
She fell silent. What kind of severity? She was so terrified to ask that she merely stood there, hoping that Jasper might elaborate. Sadly, he did not do so, and Catherine was left standing there in silence, the light of the moon pouring down upon them. She had to think of something to say!
“Did you know that the full moon is healing, as well? Yes, I think that you should stand out here tonight for as long as you can. Sleep on the veranda if you must!”
Catherine feared that she was being pushy, but all at once, she dreaded the notion that Jasper was so unwell. She was desperate to find an answer.
