Page 84 of Treating a Sinful Earl
From the corner, Catherine stood in amazement. “Not what he has heard? I beg of you to explain.”
“My lord, this is not a life-threatening condition in the slightest. What you have is not only benign, but it is also curable. There are medicines that I can prescribe.”
“How had so many gotten it wrong?” Jasper asked.
The doctor sighed. “Research on this matter has only come out this very year. I fear that most doctors do not keep up with the newest research because they rely upon their tried-and-true ways. I make it a point to read everything that comes out of Oxford. The condition that you exhibit closely mimics those that are fatal, but from the colour of your blood and the nature of your breath, I know that those professionals were only slightly off. Trust that you will be one of the first that truly knows what is transpiring in their bodies.”
Jasper was at a loss for words. Was any of this even happening? Had the doctor just informed him that he was not going to die, after all? He looked to his future wife, who said, “Doctor, I might have you repeat those words again, for they bring me so much happiness that I fear I might faint.”
Not only did she fear that she might faint, but Catherine did indeed swoon after saying this. Jasper jumped off the table with speed and went to her, catching her just before she hit the ground. As she lay there in his arms, he felt fearful for her, and at the same time, felt an overwhelming joy that was impossible to describe.
“Are you all right, my love?” Jasper asked, a smile upon his lips.
She opened her eyes and examined his face. “You’re laughing at me?”
He shook his head. “Not in the slightest. I am just happy. Positively joyful.”
She finally smiled. “As am I.”
Once they left the doctor’s office hand-in-hand, Jasper felt as though the sun was shining for the first time. It was a beautiful day, and now, everything was complete. He and Catherine could share a long life with one another, have the large family that they both craved, and not have to worry about the looming threat of his fast death.
“I need to write to my mother at once.”
“There is a desk at the inn,” Catherine suggested.
Jasper kissed her on the forehead. “And afterwards, I shall take you to the most sumptuous supper you have yet feasted upon.”
“I need nothing in this world but you, and now I fully have you,” Catherine said.
As Jasper led her to the inn, she stopped him. “What is the matter?” he asked.
“I must see Advik at once. Now that we know the nature of your ailment, I am sure that he will provide me with more ingredients.”
Jasper could not help but smile broadly. “As you wish. Would you like me to go with you, my love?”
She shook her head. “I must go alone. And also, he probably knows that I am coming.”
Jasper was perplexed by this. “He knows that you are coming? Did you write him a letter?”
“No…he just knows.”
This sounded mysterious and marvellous, and Jasper sensed that Catherine was safe to go alone. He kissed the back of both of her hands and watched as she fled. Once she was gone, he felt that familiar tinge of loss after her departure. Still, there were various tasks at hand and Jasper made haste to the inn, where he ventured to his room and sat at his desk, quill pen in hand.
Dearest Mother,
To tell you the news that I have learned today brings me great joy. Trust that I know you have suffered as much as I have during this time, but that is all behind us now. My condition is rare but not fatal. I am now to live a full life with my future wife, and I hope that you are put at ease knowing that your son wishes to present you with many grandchildren.
We shall reunite soon,
Jasper
The overwhelming sense of satisfaction that this letter gave him could not be described. There was vindication in it too, for Jasper was tired of everyone being so concerned for him. Now, he was free to be himself again, free to do as he chose without the looming threat of his mother or Felton breathing down his neck. He would write a letter to Felton next, informing his best friend that he was a free man…and in love.
Chapter 39
As they sat in the dining room of the inn, Catherine had to wonder if the day could possibly be more complete. Jasper had suggested a fancy restaurant so that they might celebrate, but Catherine had expressed that she wished for something simpler and quieter, so they would have no distractions. The dining room of the inn was perfect. Candles were lit, various other diners feasted on their suppers, and Jasper and Catherine shared a quiet corner to themselves.
He reached over and took her by the hand. “This is all thanks to you.”
