Page 31 of Treating a Sinful Earl
“Selina, you will find someone. And even if you do not, why does it matter? You are beautiful and charming, and you need to maintain faith that all shall be well.”
Selina pouted. “It does not feel like all shall be well. In fact, it feels as though my world is coming to an end.” She brought her hands to her face to conceal her tears.
Catherine leaned her head upon Selina’s shoulder. “It may feel that way now, but everything will change. You shall see. There is nothing to fear and you are surrounded by so many that love you. Please understand that truth!”
Selina sighed, then leaned her head upon the top of Catherine’s head. “I suppose that you have a point. There are so many that love me, and I am grateful for that.”
“As for the Earl of Simmons,” Catherine went on, “I refuse to think that he is interested in me in some capacity. In fact, if I do so…it might just break my heart. No, my entire focus is upon getting these tinctures made so that his health might improve.”
Catherine removed her head from Selina’s shoulder as she asked, “Is his health truly that bad?”
She had to consider this question, for she truly did not know. “On a few occasions, I watched as sweat clung to his brow. Then, there was an instance when he felt faint. These things are disturbing to watch in a man that is so towering and strong. He insists that the tinctures may be of little use, but I am determined all the same. I do not wish to see anyone suffer in this life.”
Oh, but Catherine was suffering in her own way. There had been something encouraging in Jasper’s gaze when she had told him of her plight. And for a moment, Catherine had held onto hope that maybe he could be the one that helped her. This hope turned into pain when she had returned home that evening and thought of what a silly notion it was.
For these reasons and so many more, Catherine had decided to banish that hope, lest it tear her apart.
“How many tinctures are you making?” Selina asked.
“There shall be four in total. The combined effect will be very healing if my instincts instruct me correctly.”
“That’s wonderful,” Selina replied. “I am happy that I spoke the truth with you today. It has all been rather grim and dark in my mind for the past week, but I did not know how to speak of it.”
Catherine took Selina’s hand. “Never you fear. You can always tell me anything, and I am grateful to listen.”
Selina got up from the bench and tilted her face up towards the sun, closing her eyes. Catherine stood as well before Selina said, “I shall depart now. I fear that I have taken up too much of your time, and you have a lot to do.”
“That I do, but you are welcome to stay.”
She became jubilant. “Very well! I shall return for tea!”
With that, Selina departed, and Catherine smiled to herself. She had never seen her friend so needy before, but considering that Abigail was busy as well, she could see why Selina was coming around so often.
Oh, that business with Abigail and Fenton was rather trying. Catherine knew definitively that Abigail had feelings for Fenton, but she could see clearly that Abigail was playing her usual games and concealing these feelings lest she give her heart away too quickly.
Catherine wished that she would not do that, for it was a pity to break any man’s heart, and what’s more, Felton was a good man! Sure, he was a little wayward, but he had a kind soul. Catherine could see it clearly.
And also, to be friends with Jasper, he must needs have a kind soul, for Jasper was the kindest of them all.
With no time to waste, Catherine brought the herbs into the house and up to her room, where she usually made her tinctures near the window. This afforded her a break from the sun, and all of her tools were stored in her bureau. But in a moment of distraction, Catherine felt the need to respond to Jasper’s letter before the tinctures were concocted.
She seated herself at her desk and began.
Jasper,
I received your letter this morning and did not have a chance to respond, as I was unable to work in the garden yesterday due to Selina and she returned yet again today! Of course, I cannot be cross with her, for she was merely seeking attention due to loneliness. I feel for her because I am the type that can be alone the entire day and never feel lonely.
All of that explaining was to say that I am working on your tinctures now! It is humorous that this letter shall be delivered with them, for there is no need to write and inform you of them when you now have them in your hand. I suppose that I merely wished to write and share. I enjoy speaking with you greatly and this is another form of speaking with you, is it not? Anyhow, I am speaking too much.
I am unsure if you are attending the Duke of Brighton’s next ball, which is tomorrow night. I shall attend or Abigail will be cross with me. I hope that you might attend, as well….
Warm regards,
Catherine
Finishing the letter, she finally set about making the medicine. So skilled was she at this trade that it was done within the hour, and these along with the letter were sent to Jasper’s estate. Once this business was concluded, Catherine came down for tea and discovered that Selina was already there, seated with her mother and father.
“You are tardy,” her father noted, but with very little malice in his voice.
