Page 55 of Treating a Sinful Earl
“It matters not if you can help me. I am resolved to what the future brings. I want to have you, whether I am ill or no. I hope that you understand this.”
She gazed into his eyes unflinchingly. “I do understand. And…my love for you has nothing to do with your illness. I love the man that is standing before me.”
“Then marry me,” he reasoned.
“I…I want to.”
Vindication! She wanted the very thing that he longed for. Now, whether she conceded fully was of no consequence. Jasper knew that he would succeed.
“We do not need to discuss this further. I am content. Come to my manor for supper tomorrow evening, and there is more to be said then. In the meantime, allow me to walk with you, even if in silence. I merely long for your company.”
She smiled warmly, removing her hands from his chest. Oh, but Jasper wished for nothing more than to pull her in again, to press his lips against hers, knowing that she would one day be his wife.
But all of this would have to wait. As they continued to walk, Jasper felt as light as air in her company. She discussed her tinctures, the surrounding shrubs, and all of this was like poetry coming from her lips. No, he would not press her any further. When Catherine was ready, he would be there, and in the meantime, he would walk contentedly by her side.
“I shall make dandelion tea for you to give to Walter,” she went on.
He arched his brow. “Dandelion tea?”
“Indeed. Mr Pembroke said that he suffers from stiffness and pain. I believe that the tea will be of use.”
“You really must have your own shop, Catherine. There are so many that you could help. I have never seen my mother with so much energy. I know that it is from your medicine.”
“Oh, you do not know how happy that makes me!”
“Yes, I do know how happy it makes you, and that is why I shall open a shop for you. I want nothing more than for you to be happy. Anything that you want, I shall provide.”
“Your presence makes me happy,” she admitted. “That is all that I want. I merely want to be in your presence.”
“Then you shall be, whenever you want it.”
The morning had healed any wounds that remained from their last encounter. And the knowledge that she would come to his home the following night only added to the jubilation.
Chapter 26
The following evening, Catherine stood in her room as Selina helped her to prepare. The two girls giggled as they spoke, then Selina said plainly, “This is all rather exciting, but I hope that you do nothing foolish.”
“What do you mean?” Catherine asked, turning away from the mirror to look at her friend.
“You know what I said about the Earl’s reputation. Oh, Catherine, what he is asking for this evening is in line with that reputation.”
Catherine fell silent. “He merely wishes to dine alone. I see nothing amiss with that, even though it is a scandal.”
Selina sighed. “And what if he wants more?” she asked softly.
Catherine felt a quickening in her chest. No, Jasper would certainly not ask for more. He was not that kind of gentleman. But what if he did? Oh, she was beside herself when she thought of it, for she did not know how long she could refuse him! Did that make her a horrible lady? Of course, it was very improper, but her longings were so strong that it seemed as though they could not be denied.
She bit her lower lip. “I shall cross that road when it comes,” she said, turning back towards the mirror. She inspected herself, admiring her simple blue dress.
“Please be careful,” Selina implored. “I shall be here till you return, with the lights turned on. The plan is all in place. You will relay to the chaperone that you are not feeling well and that you wish for privacy in your room. I will be here when you return.” Selina gazed deep into her eyes. “If you ever return.”
“Selina, do not say such things! I will return. There is nothing to fear. I am so terribly excited to dine alone with him, although, we have done so before. But that was a simple picnic.”
Selina seemed shocked. “You had a picnic alone with him?”
“Yes, we have been walking together in the forest alone for several days.”
“Catherine!” she protested. “How long has this been going on?”
