Page 33 of Treating a Sinful Earl
“If you will excuse me,” Felton said. “I must say hello to Abigail.”
“That’s the spirit!” the Duke said.
“Where is Catherine?” Jasper asked, knitting his brow.
Felton paused and regarded the ladies once more. He offered, “Perhaps she is still in the foyer. Oh, I know that it is foolish of me to approach Abigail so quickly, but my feet insist upon it.”
Felton quickly fled, but Jasper remained where he stood, still wondering about where Catherine might be.
“He is far gone,” the Duke remarked.
“You have no idea.”
“I should like to think that Mr Andrews is using caution. I see Lady Hatcher at all of these events, and she is constantly flirted with. I hope that Mr Andrews understands that.”
Jasper nodded. “He does. Unfortunately, he no longer has his wits about him and could run perilously into despair.”
The Duke continued to muse, “I find it odd that Lady Hatcher excites so much attention, for it is Lady Trowbridge who has the most allure. I was happy to encounter her just a few nights ago.”
Jasper froze. Truly, there was no threat because the Duke was a married man, but still, had everyone been as captivated by Catherine as he had been? Oh, was he an impossible fool for thinking of her so often, and even dreaming about her? Jasper would need to keep his wits about him, even though Felton had entirely flung his own to the wolves.
“I cannot help but agree,” Jasper said, knowing that there was no way of denying it. “Lady Trowbridge is a rare creature. I invited her to dine at my manor and we had a splendid time.”
The Duke raised his brow. “Is that so? Well, well. You seem to be just as adamant as Mr Andrews.”
Jasper said, “I admit that it was as much for my gain as for his. Mr Andrews knew that Lady Hatcher would be in attendance if Lady Trowbridge came. Thus, it was a perfect evening for us both.”
The Duke studied Jasper’s face, and he could not help but wonder what the short fellow was thinking. “You are an interesting and intriguing man, Simmons. Sometimes, I am left to wonder what it is that you are hiding.”
Jasper thought this comment rather abrupt, but he replied, “I have nothing to hide. When I want something, I pursue it, and when I dislike something, I flee from it.”
“Thus, pursuing Lady Trowbridge. Oh, do not worry, your secret is safe with me. There is no reason to fear.”
“No…I suppose there is nothing to fear.”
Jasper’s statement had multiple meanings, but it left it at that. For moments later, Catherine stepped into the ballroom wearing a gossamer pink gown that was so shiny, it looked as though it was moonlight on the water. “Now, if you will excuse me,” Jasper said in no uncertain terms.
“Have at it,” the Duke said with a smile.
Jasper walked with measured steps, not wishing for it to seem like he was positively running to where Catherine stood. Once he was upon her, he looked down at her and smiled. “I feared that you might not come,” he said warmly.
“I am late,” Catherine said breathlessly. “I was busy making you more tinctures, and I forgot about the time!”
Jasper was now brimming with happiness. “You were too kind to do that. The ones that were delivered yesterday have already proved most useful and I cannot thank you enough.”
Catherine’s eyes opened wide. “They have been effective? Oh, I knew that they would be! You do not know how happy this makes me to hear of it! I am overjoyed!”
“I know that you have turned me down on previous occasions,” Jasper went on, unable to contain himself, “but I would like to ask you for the next dance. I understand if you are too afraid.”
She replied softly, breathlessly, “I am not afraid of anything when I am with you. Yes, I would very much love to dance.”
Jasper smiled broadly, putting out his hand which Catherine accepted. “Come,” he said reverently.
***
As she and Jasper danced, Catherine felt a bit of trepidation, feeling all eyes upon them. Never had she danced so publicly before, and Catherine was unsure if she enjoyed the feeling of it. But just as soon as she stared into Jasper’s blue eyes, she was certain that she was safe and in the warmest company on earth.
“You are a marvellous dancer,” Catherine said, admiring his grace.
