Page 73 of Treating a Sinful Earl
“And do you think that a weekend is a long enough interval to make friends?”
She nodded. “Indeed. I can make fast friends and learn everything that I need to know to prepare me.”
Her father scratched his chin. “And I must find an apartment for you.”
“It would be convenient for me to stay at an inn. I am very resourceful, as you well know, and upon arrival, I can find a place to stay.”
“Do you not think this is a bit much? When you are finally transported to London, I shall find you suitable appointments, and there is nothing that you need worry about.”
Catherine finally seated herself in the chair across from him. “Father, understand that I wish to do this alone. I know that I am being sent to London, but I have to feel some small shred of freedom. This will allow me to enjoy the city before it is necessary for me to find a husband.”
Naturally, Catherine had no desire to be in London at all. She would take no enjoyment out of it. Bath was her home, and she intended to keep it that way. But by painting the situation in this light, she would be able to see the apothecary and take a more serious step towards healing Jasper. She awaited her father’s reply.
“If you think that this is what you truly desire, then I shall let you go. It would be suitable to make friends at this early point.”
Catherine clapped her hands together in glee. “Oh, I am so grateful. You shall not regret this! I am sure that I will have a lovely time, and I will bring Mother back her favourite tea.”
He smiled. “I am sure that she would appreciate that.” Catherine got up from the chair and came around the other side of the desk, kissing her father on the forehead. “You shall leave on Friday?”
She nodded. “Yes, that would be agreeable. I will leave in the morning. Do not worry about any of the arrangements. I can take care of it.”
“Very well.”
Catherine left the study triumphant. Yes, she would make all the arrangements and inform the chaperone of their journey. Once in London, she would quickly go to the apothecary and discover all that she needed to know. She could not prevent herself from running up to her room and composing a letter for Jasper at once.
Dearest love,
I have made the decision to venture to London. There is a famous apothecary there that can heal almost anything from what I have been told. Trust that healing you is now the most important matter in my life. I know that it can be done! Please hold onto faith and love, as heaven knows that my love for you shall never die.
Till we meet again,
Catherine
The letter was briefer than letters in the past, but it mattered not. There was much to do, and Catherine would seek out the chaperone at once to inform her of her plans. Just before she could do this, there was a knock upon the door, and Catherine tentatively answered it. Selina stood on the other side.
“May I come in?”
Catherine froze. In truth, Selina seemed like the last person that she wished to speak to after the conversation with Abigail. Still, Selina was a dear friend, and Catherine sought to harbour forgiveness. “Yes.”
She opened the door wide, allowing Selina to come inside. Once there, Selina turned and inspected herself in the mirror. “It is so dreadfully hot outside. I fear that my curls are falling.”
Catherine did not wish to listen to the small talk. “Why are you here?”
“Just to chat and see how you are carrying on. Is there anything wrong with that?”
“Selina, I shall be frank with you. I think that what you said about the Earl of Simmons was false, and not only that, but it was also purposefully false. Why would you do such a thing?”
There was shock upon Selina’s face. Her mouth fell open as she said, “I do not understand what you mean.”
“You stated that the Earl only had affections for me because he was trying to take advantage of me before his passing.” Catherine hated using that dreadful word. “This was simply not true. Did you make such false accusations on purpose?”
Selina fell silent for some time, desperation written on her face. “I…I do not know how to respond to this.”
“Respond with the truth. That is all that remains.”
Selina brought her hands to her face. “Oh, Catherine, I made such a wretched mistake.”
“Explain yourself.”
