Page 5 of Treating a Sinful Earl
“I do not attend these events often,” Catherine admitted. “If I were to be perfectly honest, I would say that this is not my cup of tea.”
Simmons seemed intrigued by this. “Why is that?”
“I am unsure.” She shrugged. “I suppose that there are just so many people. I enjoy my own company far too much.”
Simmons smiled warmly yet again. “Yes, I can see that.”
“What do you mean?” Catherine asked, entirely forgetting that Selina, Abigail, and Andrews were still in attendance.
“You strike me as the sort of lady that fancies her books and horses.”
Was Simmons seeing right through her? “I can say with some surety that you have observed my character precisely.”
“I am much the same. It is not often that I attend balls and parties.”
“Oh, but you should!” Selina exclaimed. “Your company is always requested, I am sure.”
Simmons seemed confused by this. “Requested?”
Selina went on. “Yes, do you not receive invitations to all the most important balls.”
Simmons scratched his chin. “I suppose that I do.”
Andrews clapped him on the back. “I am afraid that my esteemed friend does not think much of such things. Like Lady Trowbridge, he prefers to read his books and tend to his horses.” Andrew raised his brow as he looked at Simmons.
Catherine was at a loss for words, which was not uncommon for her. Was Andrews implying that she and Simmons were similar in some regard? And what was it with the arched brow, as though he was being mischievous?
Just then, the music started up once more and ladies and gentlemen took to the dance floor. Abigail went with Andrews, leaving Catherine, Selina, and Simmons entirely alone. Oh, but she felt her heart race once more.
“Would you care to dance, my lord?” Selina asked.
Catherine could not believe her ears. Selina knew that it was a scandal to ask a gentleman of Simmons’ standing for a dance. Still, Simmons appeared respectful and complied. As they departed, he turned back to look at Catherine once more, and she felt her knees go weak.
Chapter 3
Jasper was in a state of shock. Catherine’s presence had been more appealing than expected, and what’s more, he felt an instant affinity towards her. This could not be said for Selina Lockhart, who seemed to talk on endlessly as they danced.
“The three of us are rather fortunate,” Selina said.
“Why is that?” Jasper asked in curiosity.
“Our chaperones keep such a remarkable distance! Of course, it is uncommon for Lady Trowbridge and I to attend such events, but when we do, we hardly see our chaperones all evening. It is such a benefit, you see, because so many ladies have their chaperones breathing down their necks all evening. But this is not the case for us.”
Jasper found Selina’s outburst of information endearing, but he thought that she spoke so much out of nervousness more than anything else. “And what do you and Lady Trowbridge do when you are not attending balls?” Jasper asked humorously.
“Just as she said. Oh, Lady Trowbridge is much more shy than I am. But we enjoy reading books in the library, and I will go on the occasional ride. That being said, horses do frighten me considerably. What is it that you like to do, my lord?”
“I enjoy riding horses, past compare. But I am also keen on travelling and have my eyes set on a grand tour.”
“How marvellous!” Selina exclaimed.
Jasper felt his heart sink in his chest. Was that really true? Yes, he did want to go on a grand tour, but sadly, he did not know if his health was sound enough to undertake such a venture. Certainly, the Dowager Countess would never approve. But since he was so keen on living life to the fullest in spite of his illness, Jasper still had the mind to undertake it.
But then again, something about Catherine Trowbridge was changing his mind….
Since he was in the company of Catherine’s best friend, Jasper decided to capitalize upon the situation. “How long have you and Lady Trowbridge been acquaintances?”
As the dance continued, Selina was mildly out of breath. “I would say that we are far more than acquaintances. She is my greatest friend in the world! We have known each other since we were rather small. I must say, she is the best friend that I could ever ask for.”
