Page 81 of Treating a Sinful Earl
Now, the Dowager Countess was the one to smile. “He wanted us to have some time in privacy. I told him that it was unnecessary. That I was sure that you would be the perfect bride for him, but alas, if his days are numbered, you and I shall be living under the same roof.”
Yes, Catherine was seated across from a woman that she would spend much time with, and she already sensed that the two of them would get along famously. Still, she wished that her future husband was in the parlour right now, for selfish reasons more than anything else. She wished to gaze at him, to feel him near, and to know that the love of her life would always be beside her.
But it only drove home the point that one day, Jasper would be gone…
“What was the former earl like?” Catherine asked, wishing to know more of him.
The Dowager Countess became dreamy. “He was a wonderful man. Very kind and loving. I miss him every day.”
“Of course, he was a wonderful man. Just as your son is.”
“Perhaps you are not aware of just how wonderful he is. Oh, I know that I shall brag because I am his mother, but ever since he was a young boy, he has had his father’s character. He is a giving man, although he keeps to himself. Because of his goodness, I find it hard to believe that the Lord has decided to take him too soon. Some days I wonder if he is too good for this world.”
Catherine’s heart was aching. It was true that Jasper was an incredibly good man. Why else would he hand over everything that he owned to Catherine once he was gone? Jasper was also intent from the beginning on setting Catherine free from her circumstances. It took a truly great man to want something so selfless. She was ever so grateful to him and would be for the rest of her days. She would make a point to try to be just as giving as her husband, for she felt like a better person just for knowing him.
There was silence in the parlour as the two ladies sipped their cordials. This was a comfortable silence, and Catherine took delight in it. She could not wait for the day when her mother could meet Jasper’s mother. She sensed that they would get along quite well. Oh, but if only Catherine could give the Dowager Countess grandchildren! It would be marvellous to see her smiling face as she held a grandchild in her arms. Catherine was determined to give Jasper’s mother this rich gift.
It was not long before the door opened, and her future husband stepped inside. He looked as handsome as ever, and Catherine felt her skin tingle as he crossed the room. He was so impossibly tall! Would their children be just as tall? Catherine secretly hoped so.
She stood, as did the Dowager Countess, and Jasper went to his mother first, kissing her upon the cheek, and then he came to Catherine, taking her hands. “You look beautiful as always,” he said.
“Your mother and I were having an important conversation,” she scolded him sarcastically. “But I am so happy that you have finally come down.”
“It is almost time for supper. I hope that you have an appetite.”
“Yes, I am famished,” Catherine said.
Jasper led both ladies from the parlour and into the dining room. It was just as Catherine remembered it, but this time, the centre arrangement was done in white flowers to celebrate their impending nuptials.
Once Jasper seated his mother, he did the same with Catherine, and they gazed into one another’s eyes as he did so. Taking the head of the table, Jasper pushed back the tails of his coat and situated himself.
“The two most important women in my life,” he said with a smile, “both seated at the same table.”
The Dowager Countess clapped her hands together. “I must admit to my own excitement. This is a joyous occasion.”
“And where is Felton?” Catherine asked.
“Ha! I would not want that scoundrel at this table,” Jasper replied jokingly. “Although, from what I hear, there is a chance that his own nuptials might be coming.”
Catherine was in shock. “Has Abigail agreed?”
“Not yet. But I have told Felton to keep striving.”
“Then I think that he shall find what he desires,” Catherine said with a smile. “Abigail is in love with him, I am sure of it, and she is seeking to change her ways.”
“Abigail?” the Dowager Countess asked.
Jasper went on to explain, “Yes, Felton has found his love as well. It is only a matter of time before he shall receive what he desires. I would say that a joint wedding might be in order, but I wish for the event to be mine and mine alone.” He gazed at Catherine. “Just me and my wife, and a handful of guests. That is all that shall be required at the event.”
Catherine felt heat rush through her. Yes, although she was happy for Abigail, she also wished to have her husband to herself. Oh, but she so desperately wanted the match to work between Felton and Abigail! How joyous indeed it would be to see them happily wed. And if they could raise their children together…But Catherine was getting ahead of herself in many ways. For now, all that she could focus on was marrying the most important man that she had ever met in her life.
The meal was served, and it was sumptuous, as always. Catherine did find that she had quite an appetite and relished every bite. From time to time, she caught Jasper looking her way with deep affection in his eyes. If only he knew how much she returned this affection and wished to give more.
It was after supper concluded that Jasper informed his mother that he wished to be alone with Catherine for a moment, causing her heart to rise in her chest. The Dowager Countess agreed, and Catherine found herself walking to Jasper’s study. Once the door was closed and they were entirely alone, Jasper took her in his arms.
“This is heaven,” Catherine moaned. “Everything about this is heaven.”
“We can do as we choose now,” he said, clasping her back.
