Page 56 of Treating a Sinful Earl
Catherine felt as though it was time to be perfectly honest with her friend. She seated herself on her bed before she spoke. “The Earl and I have been encountering one another in this fashion for weeks. Selina, he says that he wishes to marry me.”
Selina’s face fell wide open, and she brought her hands to her cheeks. “How can this be?”
“I myself do not understand. This is…all so dream-like. We shall discuss these matters further this evening.”
She removed her hands from her cheeks. “But what is there to discuss? Say yes, have him speak with your father, and be done with it.”
“These matters cannot be rushed!” Catherine protested. “I have never felt this way for a man before, and I must admit that I am rather unsteady.”
Selina fell into a deep silence, which was not the reaction that she was expecting from her friend. She thought Selina would be happy for her, but instead, she seemed rather upset. Instead of indulging in these feelings, Catherine quickly finished preparing herself and fled, leaving a stunned Selina in her room.
Sneaking out the back door, Catherine was not surprised in the least when she encountered Felton standing there, a wide grin upon his lips. “Right on time,” he said, checking his pocket watch.
She felt momentarily faint for reasons that she could not understand. “Let us hurry. I am sure that we shall be secure, but I am rather nervous all of a sudden.”
“You are a daring girl,” he remarked, following in close behind her.
“Oh, Felton. Am I positively daft? This is not within the realm of reason, is it?”
“He loves you, Catherine. Let it be.”
“Yes, I should let it be.”
As they continued to speed along, the quickening of her heart would not cease. There was so much that could go wrong, but in the end, it was all worth it in order to spend time with Jasper alone. It must have been a half hours’ time before they reached his estate on foot. Every time that they passed someone, Catherine positively felt like a criminal! It seemed like all eyes were suspicious to her, but perhaps this was just a trick of the imagination.
Once she reached his door, she finally felt a tinge of relief. Felton opened it for her and escorted her in, leading her to Jasper’s study, where the door was ajar. Once inside, Jasper said, “You have done a fine job, Felton. Now, let us be.”
Felton bowed. “As you wish, my lord.” His reply was sarcastic, but Felton did as he was instructed, exiting the study and closing the door behind him.
Catherine could not help but say, “Through my fit of nerves, I was not even able to tell him about Abigail.”
“Do not let it trouble you,” Jasper said, getting up from his desk and walking towards her. Once he was in front of her, he placed his hands upon her shoulders. “I am grateful that you came. Trust that no harm will come to you now.”
“I am relieved,” she said as she exhaled. “It feels as though, just as soon as I am in your company, everything seems safe again.”
“I am encouraged that you say that. I want to make you feel safe at all times.”
It seemed as though the room was spinning when Catherine realized they were finally entirely alone. Somehow, in the forest, it seemed like less of a scandal, but within the confines of Jasper’s estate, there was an element of heat that she had not felt before. At least, not since they had last kissed.
“Come this way,” he said, leading her by taking her hand. “Are you hungry?”
She placed her free hand upon her stomach. “Now that you mention it, I have quite an appetite.”
He turned back towards her and smiled. “Good. I have had the cook prepare something special.”
As the doors to the dining room were opened, all appeared as it had when she last dined there, except this time, the table was set for two. This brought a flush to her cheeks, for it only confirmed that she and Jasper were entirely alone within the confines of his home. He escorted her to the table and helped her to be seated, then sat himself at the head of the table.
Instantly, several footmen entered carrying trays, and the soup course was served. Jasper was quick to speak. “I hope that you enjoy. I would like to say that the vegetables come from our own garden, but I would be remiss. I should like you to have your own garden here one day.”
“How bold of you,” she said humorously.
The wine was poured as Jasper said, “I can no longer be polite with my boldness, Catherine. I want you to be my wife.”
She had not expected for this conversation to ensue so quickly, but she delighted in it all the same. “I have already admitted to wanting to be your wife.”
“Then when can I speak with your father?” he asked.
It was the moment of truth. Was Catherine strong enough to catapult herself head-first into the most exciting offer of her life? “Just as soon as you like,” she said faintly.
