Page 85 of Treating a Sinful Earl
“What do you mean?”
“You suggested that I see another doctor, and now we have both been set free due to your good sense.”
“I just had a feeling, Jasper…I had a feeling that we did not know the whole truth. I could not be happier.”
“What did the shaman say?” Jasper asked, curiosity overtaking him.
“That he knew all along. He could not give your condition a name, but he informed me that the diagnosis was in line with what he sensed. He also said that he wishes for me to return to London once a month so that he can slowly teach me.”
Jasper’s chest brimmed with pride. “Then you shall do it. You have a remarkable talent, my love, and it must be nurtured.”
Catherine grinned from ear to ear. “I am so grateful that you allow me.”
“Allow you? You know that from this day forth, you are allowed to do whatever you please. I do not own you, nor do I wish to. You are too remarkable of a woman to be owned by anyone.”
“But if anyone on this earth were allowed to own me, I would choose you.”
There was a tinge of seduction in this statement, and Jasper felt it keenly throughout his body. Could he have ownership of her, he would. But he wished in all things for Catherine to be set free. Could he own her body…he would. But Jasper could never possess her soul, no matter how much he wished to.
It was a suspended moment, staring into her eyes and seeing his future there. This woman that sat in front of him had changed the entire course of his life. Had it not been for her remedies and suggestions, would Jasper have removed himself from all of society by now? Certainly, he thought that he might have, for he had that very inclination right before meeting Catherine Trowbridge.
“Last night, when you slept in my arms,” he said softly, “I thought that I could die from happiness.”
“Well, I am glad that you did not because this appointment was important,” she quipped.
He could not help but laugh. “Yes, it was very important. But not as important as the woman sitting across from me. That is the most important jewel of all.”
“Do you wish to live in London?”
Jasper scoffed. “Not for the world. But if it made you happy, then I would live here.”
“I wish to live in Bath for the rest of my days. Oh, it seems so silly to live in the same place all of one’s life, but I have a great affinity for it, and I want…I want our children to be raised there.”
Jasper replied in a hushed voice, “Then we shall live there. Anything that you want is yours. I shall build a cottage for my mother.”
Catherine’s eyebrows shot up. “Build a cottage for your mother? But why?”
“I wish to have you all to myself. I have made this clear.”
“But I love your dear mother, and I want her close.”
“The cottage shall be on the estate. That was what was intended. She shall be nearby, but there is no reason to discover her in the parlour every time I set foot in my own home,” Jasper stated, humour in his voice.
“I will leave that decision up to you. It is your home, after all. Has your mother been stern with you?”
Jasper paused to consider how to answer this question. “My illness has frightened her terribly, that much is plain. Although it was kind of her to be so concerned, I did not like the feeling of it. I did not like being treated as a child when I am a grown man. Sadly, I fear that now that this ordeal is done, Mother will find something else to pester me about. That is why I have come to the decision to build the cottage.”
Just then, there was a scuffle in the dining room, and Jasper turned to discover Felton standing there, looking purely exhausted. In confusion, Jasper stood as Felton approached, his waistcoat undone and hair awry.
“What the devil?”
“Your mother told me that you were here,” Felton said.
“And you came?” Jasper asked, thinking it improbable.
“Indeed.”
“Whatever for?”
