Page 19 of Treating a Sinful Earl
“Perhaps you could bring out the best in him,” Catherine suggested. “I am sure that if he secured your hand, he would be most devoted to you. In fact, I am quite confident of this, merely by observing the way that he looks at you.”
“How does he look at me?” Abigail seemed surprised.
“It is hard to explain,” Catherine replied thoughtfully. “He merely has a sparkle in his eye when you are near. In fact, I would say that he positively stares at you! But do not take offence from this, there is so much admiration in his gaze.”
Abigail lit up with excitement, and Catherine found herself hoping that one day a man would look at her in that same manner. But then again, the Earl did have something in his eyes….
“Let us not speak of this,” Abigail went on. “There are far more important tasks at hand. We need to find you a husband, and with haste!”
“What am I to do? How shall I bear myself?”
Abigail scratched her chin whilst she thought. “I think the most important thing for you to do is to be yourself, albeit an amplified version.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“I mean…we need to secure more flashy apparel. You must pay attention to what hats you wear on certain occasions. A bit of cosmetics can be applied. But all in all, you must be you, Catherine. There is no sense in pretending you are someone you are not when it comes to spending the rest of your days with someone! What’s more, we must have you attend every single ball and party in Bath. There is no other way.”
Catherine’s shoulders slumped. How abominable to have to attend each and every party. She was exhausted just thinking about it. Still, she was no longer in a position to second-guess Abigail, and therefore, she would do everything that her friend said, and she would do her best to enjoy the challenge, as well.
Just then, a footmen came out into the garden carrying a letter. “This is for you, Miss,” he said, handing it to her.
She took the letter and noted the seal. It was from the Earl.
Lady Trowbridge,
I hope that you have not forgotten about my dinner arrangements. Might you be able to attend on Saturday? It would be lovely to see you.
Warmly,
Simmons
Chapter 9
The prospect of enjoying supper at the Earl’s estate was tantalizing and nerve-racking. Catherine was so excited that Abigail had decided to attend, as well, for that would give her a chance to spend time with Felton Andrews. All in all, when Catherine stepped into the parlour of the Earl’s estate, she could not help but remark to her dear friend, “Do you think this dress is too much?”
“You are a vision,” Abigail replied. “I have always thought that you would look sumptuous in gold, what with your beautiful red hair.”
Catherine looked down at herself in doubt. Yes, the gold shone magnificently, like the surface of the sun, but she feared that it was far too distracting and also it was quite tight. Abigail had insisted that she show off her figure, but never had Catherine shown it off to this extent! She felt like she was being entirely revealed and did not delight in the sensation of it.
Still, she was determined to do everything that Abigail instructed her to do, and that included setting her curls in a new way that made them look larger and more buoyant. They were not seated in the parlour for long before the Earl entered, with Felton Andrews just behind him. Across the way, Catherine’s and Abigail’s chaperones were seated on a sofa.
“I am so happy that you could join us, ladies,” Simmons said, bowing his head respectfully then gazing directly into Catherine’s eyes. “Your presence has been desired for some time.”
Catherine felt herself colour. Yes, there was something so enticing in his blue eyes, and also, they still had that admiration that she had noted on an earlier occasion. “We were so honoured to receive the invitation. And I must say, your estate is rather beautiful,” she added, looking all around the ornate parlour with all its paintings, rich vases brimming with flowers, and antique furniture that looked as though it were of French origin.
“I was anxious to have you see it,” Simmons explained. “I was hoping that you might be taken by it.”
Just then, Abigail provided her a surreptitious glance that was rather peculiar. Was Abigail highlighting what Simmons had just said? For Catherine, she did not overthink it. He must have merely wanted to impress her after he saw her reaction to the Duke’s estate.
Mr Andrews was the next to speak. “I must say, you ladies look rather beautiful tonight. We are the ones that are truly honoured.”
Now, Abigail was the one to colour. Catherine saw it with her own two eyes! “That is awfully good of you, Mr Andrews,” Abigail said, unleashing her fan to cool her cheeks. “I do not wish to brag, but I selected this very gown for Catherine, as I fear that she never shows herself off as the treasure that she really is.”
Catherine had the mind to scold her friend for saying this but doing so in the company of the gentlemen was uncalled for. Instead, she cleared her throat lightly and said, “Yes, it is a rather shocking gown, and I nearly protested when Abigail suggested it. But sometimes it is good to try things that might make one …uncomfortable.”
Simmons responded, “I believe the very same thing, Lady Trowbridge. It is often rather trying to do things that are frightening and new, and although I think it unnecessary to change your apparel—or anything about you for that matter—I must say that the gown is stunning, and I am proud of you for attempting it.” A broad smile came to Simmons’ lips.
“I am proud of myself. In fact, Abigail is helping me in matters pertaining to…shyness.”
