Page 77 of Treating a Sinful Earl
“Then it is all set. Everything that I possess is yours, including my body and soul.”
Tears threatened to fall, and Catherine would not hold them back. She let them fall, fully displaying her happiness.
“I shall accept them eagerly, whilst informing you that your health shall now be transformed.” She held up the little satchel for him to see. Jasper took it from her hand in interest.
“What is this?”
“Spices from an apothecary in London. These mixed with my herbs are going to heal you, Jasper. I am sure of it.”
“Nonsense. We do not have to worry ourselves about these matters any longer. What will be, will be. We shall love each other for eternity, whether I am here or no.”
She shook her head. “No, I am telling you how this is going to go,” she said playfully. “These tinctures shall heal you, and we shall be free to spend the rest of our days loving one another. I want you Jasper, all of you. Everything that you have offered me. But I want these things for many years to come. I will do everything in my power to heal you and I trust that this time it shall work.”
He came in close and kissed her softly, then forcefully, holding her in his arms and not letting go. Catherine heard herself softly moan. She was grateful that they could be alone together to share this moment, for it was delicious in every way. Oh, once they were wed, they could share this moment as often as they chose! They would be free to fully be there for one another, and to share their bodies the way that only a husband and a wife could! There was nothing more delicious than that notion.
When they pulled away, Catherine caught her breath and said, “I must go to my room at once to begin this process.”
“You shall leave me here?”
“I have no choice. It is imperative that I make these tinctures tonight so that you can begin tomorrow. The shaman instructed me that it would take one month’s time to see the results that we crave.”
He looked at her dubiously. “One month’s time? A shaman?”
“Yes, Advik,” she said warmly. “Oh, Jasper, he wants to teach me everything that he knows. He wishes to make me his apprentice. Would you allow such a thing?”
He gazed at her in mock seriousness. “Allow it?” He scratched his chin. “This is a difficult decision.”
She softy beat her hand upon his chest. “You’re toying with me.”
“I am.” Jasper took her hands. “You shall always be free to do as you choose. And if this shall make you happy, then it will make me happy.”
Before she could depart, Catherine leaned her head upon his chest and listened to his heartbeat. That was the very heart that would continue to beat for years to come due to her efforts. She sighed deeply then pulled away.
“I shall go now. We will encounter one another tomorrow…husband.”
“Yes, yes we shall.” He brought his hand to her cheek. “Wife.”
Chapter 36
The following morning, Jasper went to the forest intently. He knew that she would be there, and sure enough, when he ventured to the spot that was now forever theirs, he discovered her standing there, that same satchel in her hands.
“It is done,” she said with a warm smile.
“Already?”
“I worked through the night. There is nothing to fear now.” She handed the satchel to him, and he heard the glass tinkle inside. “You are to take this thrice daily. When you have run out, I shall supply more. Jasper, this is your freedom that you hold in your hands.”
“You are my freedom. If I am healed, it shall prove to you what my intentions were all along. To have you as my wife and live out the rest of my days with you. Although, if it does work, you will find that you might tire of me,” he said humorously.
“Not possible. It is my dream for this to work, and I know that it shall. Remember, thrice daily. Do not fail me,” she said with even more humour in her voice. Just when he wished to lean in and kiss her, she said, “I have confronted Selina regarding her duplicity. She has admitted to lying. Oh, I should have seen it all along. Why was I so blind?”
“Because you trusted her.”
“But trust her before you? Surely, I had lost my wits.”
“You were being wise,” Jasper went on. “You had every reason to doubt me. You have not known me for long, and what’s more, there are rumours that surround me.” He turned downcast. “I greatly anticipate you wanting to be my wife, and I also anticipate putting those rumours to bed. It was yet another element that kept me out of society. I did not want to face what was being said about me, nor did I care to.”
“Well, wagging tongues can cease now. You have shown your devotion to me, and I am immensely grateful. If only you knew that I had to briefly not trust you because I love you so. I had to step back and make sure that I was not blinded by my love. Of this, I can never be proud.”
