Page 76 of Treating a Sinful Earl
Should she laugh or cry? Advik certainly did not appear to be that ripe old age. There was no chance that he was lying, so she merely sat in wonder. “How have you kept so young?”
“Meditation, and my spices, of course. Age truly means nothing. I was excited to meet you, and now I am even more excited that you are a woman. The gods have truly led you to the right place.”
"And you say that you can heal my friend?”
“I know that I can. This all was part of my premonition before you arrived. Sometimes, the gods are the most wise.”
The rest of the afternoon was spent in exploration. Advik showed Catherine all of his texts, translated into English. He also showed her his spices and the significance of each one. “So, you see,” he said. “There is much to learn and memorize. These are the spices that can be mixed with your herbs to heal your friend. Boil these down, then create a tincture that should be administered thrice daily. The ailment should be cured within one month.”
Catherine was so overjoyed that she did not know what to say. An intense flood of relief washed over her. “Once I am married, I shall come to you to learn more,” she assured him.
Advik grinned yet again. “And I look forward to the company.”
Exiting the shop, Catherine was unsure how long she had been inside, but the sun was beginning to set. The chaperone sat asleep on a crate. Catherine touched her shoulder, and the chaperone instantly awoke.
“Heavens, you startled me!”
“We must return to Bath now.”
“This very moment?”
“Indeed.”
There was no sense in staying in London any longer. Catherine had achieved what she’d hoped for and there was no time to waste. They returned in their family coach, and Catherine looked down at the satchel of spices which were remarkably fragrant. She spent the rest of the journey deep in thought, gazing out the window as she did so. Heaving a sigh, Catherine knew that something magical was about to happen.
Upon entering the family home, Catherine stepped into the parlour, eager to greet her parents before rushing up to her room. What she discovered there was even more magical, for the Earl of Simmons stood there, her father by his side.
“What on earth?” Catherine asked.
Her father was the next to speak. “Be seated, Daughter.”
She wished to be seated after having an explanation, but she still fulfilled her father’s request. “What is happening?” She gazed directly into Jasper’s eyes, which glittered with delight.
“I have been speaking with the Earl of Simmons.”
“Oh?”
Jasper stepped in closer. “Catherine, I have asked your father for your hand in marriage.”
The room began to spin. Could this possibly be the truth? Had Jasper taken it upon himself to do such a heroic thing in her absence? “I did not know…I did not know you were coming.”
“I could hold back no longer. Your father has agreed to our marriage. I have told him everything regarding my health.”
Catherine turned towards her father. “And you still consent?”
He nodded. “If this is what makes you happy, it is a suitable match, Daughter. The Earl has sufficient funds at his disposal, and these will be transferred to you upon his death.”
Saying such a thing sounded cold and harsh, but Catherine understood that a marriage was a business contract of sorts, and she brushed it off. “Father, you do not realize how happy this makes me.” She finally stood, and her father came to embrace her.
“That is all that I need to know, Catherine. If you are happy, then I am even more pleased with the match. I will leave you two.”
Her father made his way to the door, motioning for the chaperone to follow him. When the door was closed, she and Jasper were entirely alone.
“Jasper, I do not know what to say.”
He took her hand and kissed the back of it. “Say that no matter what happens, you will continue to love me.”
“That is guaranteed.”
