Page 88 of Treating a Sinful Earl
Felton smiled broadly and blew a kiss to Abigail. “I shall meet you both downstairs.”
The wedding was taking place at Jasper’s estate. Catherine was more than pleased with this because the day would be simple. As Jasper had promised, there were only a few select guests, and the wedding breakfast would take place out of doors. All in all, Catherine could not conceal her joy. Everything that she wished for in life was now hers. She would be allowed to venture to London whenever she chose to meet with the shaman and learn everything she could. Then, one day, she would open her own apothecary shop in Bath. Everything was falling into place in just the right way.
“Come, let us go,” Catherine said, inspecting herself in the mirror one last time.
“You are an absolute vision.”
“I feel happy. That is all that matters.”
Abigail helped Catherine down the stairs by holding her long train. There was a bouquet of fresh flowers in her hand, and her heart began to beat wildly in her chest. This day had finally arrived! After all the suffering and the turmoil, Catherine was free to be happy, knowing that she was loved by a man like no other.
Stepping out onto the veranda, Catherine gazed out at the pristine green lawn and the guests that were standing by the flower-covered gazebo. Abigail held her hand as she came down the steps onto the lawn. As she approached, Catherine saw Jasper standing there, the vicar just behind him. Never had she seen him so handsome in his fine grey suit. He waited patiently, but his face beamed with happiness.
As she came down the aisle, Catherine spotted her parents, also beaming, as well as the Dowager Countess, who had tears in her eyes. Everyone was aglow with pride and anticipation. She finally reached Jasper and watched as he inhaled sharply, never taking his eyes off of her.
The vicar began to read from the Book of Common Prayer, and all the while, Catherine was lost in her husband’s eyes. Once the recitation was done, there were cheers from the small audience, and Jasper took Catherine in his arms, giving her a passionate kiss, which brought a blush to her cheeks. Yes, today, they could finally consummate their love. Jasper had told her that there was nothing to fear, but Catherine still felt a tinge of nerves. She had no idea what to expect.
They came back down the aisle, and the breakfast was already laid out on a table on the veranda. Champagne was served in flutes, and the smell of fresh eggs, ham, and biscuits filled the air. Despite this delicious repast, Catherine still did not have an appetite! She was ravenous for only one thing, and that was her husband.
Jasper leaned over and whispered into her ear, “You are the most beautiful woman in the world.”
Catherine could not help but smile. “And you are the most handsome man. I cannot believe how lucky I am.”
“Nor I.”
The rest of the morning was spent mingling with guests, dining on the lavish breakfast, and enjoying the cool morning air. The sun shone brightly but there was a soft breeze that Catherine felt in her skirts. She could not wait for the warm embrace of her husband. Finally, they were able to enjoy one another freely and without fear. This thought alone captivated her.
Felton approached and said, “To the happy couple.” He lifted his glass and drank.
“Where is your future wife?” Jasper asked.
Felton frowned. “Mingling with guests. She is ever the social butterfly, and all that I wish for is to have her by my side.”
“Abigail must be herself,” Catherine imparted. “Simply know that you have her love and always will.”
“Yes, this is a fact that is still hard for me to fathom. I will always want Abigail to be herself, knowing that at the end of the day, she shall sleep in my bed.”
Jasper clasped Felton on the back. “You are not supposed to say such things aloud.”
Felton laughed. “Pardon me. But you know what I speak of.”
Jasper’s jaw clenched. “I most certainly do.”
Felton departed, and Jasper turned to her. “Let us go now. I wish to have you alone.”
“But there are still guests here.”
He lifted his brow. “It matters not. There is only one thing on my mind.”
So, Jasper was suffering from the same affliction that she was. He wished to be alone with her, and Catherine wanted nothing more than to be alone with him. “Should I say goodbye?” Catherine asked.
Jasper did not reply with words but merely shook his head softly. So, this was the moment that she had always dreamed of. Catherine felt her heart quicken as he led her off the veranda and back into the house. She did not anticipate that this would happen so quickly. She thought for sure that they would wait until the evening, but it could not be delayed. They craved one another deeply, and if they waited for the evening, the hours would pass by far too slowly.
She was led up the stairs and into his room. Even though there was the light of day, a candle was lit, and there were rose petals upon the bed. “Did you arrange this?” Catherine asked in shock.
“Indeed. You deserve no less.”
Now, Catherine began to panic. “I am unfamiliar with what to do.”
