Treating a Sinful Earl by Henrietta Harding
Chapter 3
Jasper was in a state of shock. Catherine’s presence had been more appealing than expected, and what’s more, he felt an instant affinity towards her. This could not be said for Selina Lockhart, who seemed to talk on endlessly as they danced.
“The three of us are rather fortunate,” Selina said.
“Why is that?” Jasper asked in curiosity.
“Our chaperones keep such a remarkable distance! Of course, it is uncommon for Lady Trowbridge and I to attend such events, but when we do, we hardly see our chaperones all evening. It is such a benefit, you see, because so many ladies have their chaperones breathing down their necks all evening. But this is not the case for us.”
Jasper found Selina’s outburst of information endearing, but he thought that she spoke so much out of nervousness more than anything else. “And what do you and Lady Trowbridge do when you are not attending balls?” Jasper asked humorously.
“Just as she said. Oh, Lady Trowbridge is much more shy than I am. But we enjoy reading books in the library, and I will go on the occasional ride. That being said, horses do frighten me considerably. What is it that you like to do, my lord?”
“I enjoy riding horses, past compare. But I am also keen on travelling and have my eyes set on a grand tour.”
“How marvellous!” Selina exclaimed.
Jasper felt his heart sink in his chest. Was that really true? Yes, he did want to go on a grand tour, but sadly, he did not know if his health was sound enough to undertake such a venture. Certainly, the Dowager Countess would never approve. But since he was so keen on living life to the fullest in spite of his illness, Jasper still had the mind to undertake it.
But then again, something about Catherine Trowbridge was changing his mind….
Since he was in the company of Catherine’s best friend, Jasper decided to capitalize upon the situation. “How long have you and Lady Trowbridge been acquaintances?”
As the dance continued, Selina was mildly out of breath. “I would say that we are far more than acquaintances. She is my greatest friend in the world! We have known each other since we were rather small. I must say, she is the best friend that I could ever ask for.”
Jasper smiled warmly. Yes, Catherine seemed like the kind of lady that would make an excellent friend. “I am happy to hear that. My relationship with Mr Andrews is much the same.”
Just then, the dance concluded, and those on the dance floor applauded, awaiting what the next dance might be. For Jasper, he wished to remove himself from the dance floor as quickly as possible, for that familiar knot came to his stomach and sweat clung to his brow.
“Would you care to dance again?” Selina asked. “Although I know that it would create a scandal.”
“Lady Lockhart, if you will excuse me, I am in need of refreshment.”
She seemed momentarily taken back that he had not invited her to go with him but considering that a fit of ill health was upon him, Jasper wished for privacy.
“It has been a pleasure, my lord,” Selina said with a curtsy.
As Jasper walked away, fear took hold. The fits were gaining in frequency, and it left him to wonder if one day, every moment would feel as gruelling. What if he were to faint for all eyes to see? No, no. He shook his head and banished that thought. Although the prognosis was grim, there was still a chance that the Lord might be merciful and set him free. At least, that was what he hoped.
Taking a cool glass of lemonade, Jasper turned to scan the ballroom, noting that Felton was still dancing with Abigail. This brought a smile to his lips, for Jasper liked to see his friend so full of gaiety. But still, there was momentary jealousy, for Felton was still in prime health, and alas, Jasper was not.
All of these thoughts melted away on a cloud as he viewed Catherine once more, speaking with someone whom he assumed to be her chaperone, based upon the woman’s appearance. He remembered what Selina had said about their chaperones keeping a distance. Still, this was a prime opportunity to speak with Catherine since they would not be alone.
Feeling his health instantly return, Jasper set down his glass of lemonade and approached, watching Catherine’s stunning green eyes turn to him. His gaze was unwavering as Jasper wanted her to know exactly how much interest he had in her.
“I hope that I am not intruding,” Jasper said, bowing his head.
Catherine appeared to be quite shocked by his approach. “Of course not, my lord. I am grateful to have your company.”
“That is a kind sentiment,” Jasper replied with a smile. He turned his attention towards the chaperone, who blinked several times then turned away. “Your friend Lady Lockhart is a kind woman.”
“She is my dearest friend. I do not know how I would get on without her.”
“I am sure that you would find a way,” he suggested warmly.
“Might I ask, my lord, why it is that you turn down so many invitations?”
Jasper briefly considered this. “I suppose it is because these events make me rather nervous.” It was an admission that he had not anticipated making.
“Is that so? Why, that is precisely why I rarely come! But I do not receive countless invitations. There are very few that know of me.”
What a horrible disadvantage to them, Jasper thought to himself.
“You should attend more balls. I am sure that there are many who would benefit from your company.”
Catherine laughed. “I do not know if my more introverted ways bring much of a benefit to anything. Often, I cannot even think of the right thing to say.”
“I share that same sentiment. I am always saying the first thing that pops into my head,” Jasper quipped. “And I can say with some certainty that is not the right course of action.”
They both laughed with ease. As Catherine did so, Jasper took the time to examine her profile, which was both delicate and lovely in every way. Was it that Catherine reminded him of someone? Was that why he could not help but stare? For looking at her, he was quite convinced that she had a familiar face and that he had known her all of his life.
“You must have danced heartily,” Catherine remarked.
“Why do you say that?”
“You have sweat clinging to your brow,” she said, no small measure of concern in her voice.
Jasper brought a hand up to his forehead and wiped the sweat away. Oh, but that horrible dread returned as he realized that it was from his illness and not from the dancing at all. Of course, it was too soon to explain, but he did feel the inclination to tell her all, even when their friendship was so new. He had the keen sense that she would understand and express her concern.
“I suppose that I did,” he finally said. “As I mentioned, these events make me quite nervous, and I admit to not being the best of dancers.”
Catherine’s face lit up. “Oh, but I watched you! You were an expert dancer, my lord.”
She had watched him? Hmm…There was nothing unappealing about that in the slightest. Jasper enjoyed the notion that Catherine was watching him whilst he danced. Had she been the one dancing, he would have done the same.
“May I have the pleasure of dancing with you before evening’s end?”
Catherine coloured deeply. “I fear that is a bad idea. I am a horrible dancer.”
“Somehow, I do not believe that.”
“Believe it! I would step on your toes. There is no doubt of that.”
Jasper could not help but grin. “I would not take offence. I might even enjoy it.”
The conversation fell silent at that point, and Jasper had to wonder if he had said too much. Although he was sure that if she did step on his toes, he would barely feel it, for she was just a slip of a thing. As the silence continued, he could not help but speak again to make sure he had not startled her. “I am sorry if I have offended.”
“You have not offended. I just find you to be a very amusing gentleman.”
“Why is that?” Jasper asked, his curiosity unbounded.
“Because you are not what I expected you to be. When my friends described you, I thought that you might be an intimidating sort of fellow.”
“How did they describe me?”
Although Jasper rarely cared for what others thought of him, in this instance, the answer would be very important.
“As a man who could claim a wife at any moment, if he chose.”
He did not know what to think of this. Naturally, because of his title, he could have a wife soon, if he wished for one, but in the recesses of his mind, he had to wonder what the point of that would be. It would be a woman who would have to understand his predicament, and that woman would need to be most patient indeed.
“There is no hurry when it comes to such matters,” he assured her, although Jasper thought that when it came to a lady like Catherine Trowbridge, there would very much be a hurry.
“There is no pressure upon you?”
How was he to explain?
Jasper shook his head mournfully. “My mother does not put pressure on me. She understands that I am taking my time.”
Catherine sighed. “I am ever so jealous. My parents put a great deal of pressure upon me.” She reconsidered this. “No, I suppose that is not fair. They are allowing me some freedoms, but they have made it very clear that they wish for me to be married this year.”
Jasper felt that familiar knot in his stomach. She would be married this year? That would be painful to witness. What’s more, he did not like that Catherine seemed displeased by the notion of it. If he could help her to escape, he would.
Which brought up a marvellous idea….
“It is unfortunate that they put this pressure on you. I am sure that it is uncalled for.”
Catherine laughed affably. “I suppose that it is called for. If I was left to my own devices, there is a very good chance that I would never be married at all!”
“I enjoy your spirit!”
“That is what my parents view as the very problem. It is my spirit that instils them with fear, for they think that I am rather headstrong.”
Oh, but this was far too much fun! Jasper loved a headstrong woman, and perhaps he had never met one the likes of Catherine Trowbridge before.
“I think that you should do as you please. Allow your parents to shake in their boots,” he offered humorously, delighting in the amused reaction upon Catherine’s face.
“They already are,” she assured him.
As they gazed at one another, Jasper noted that she did not look away nor did she blush. He saw her strength and independence come through and this was most pleasing to witness, particularly because it only caused her beauty to grow.
“May I ask you something?”
“Of course, my lord.”
“Do you wish to travel one day?” Jasper was unsure why this question was released from his lips.
Catherine’s face lit up with her response. “Very much so! I have been confined to Bath all of my life. There are so many places that I wish to see and adventures I wish to have. I imagine, because of your position, that you have travelled much.”
Jasper’s chest constricted. “That is untrue. I, like you, wish to see much, but there are certain circumstances which prevent it.”
“Such as?” Catherine asked, knitting her brow, and cocking her head to the side.
Before Jasper could get a chance to respond, he felt a clap upon his back, and Felton said, “How are you carrying on, old man?”
Although Jasper dearly loved his friend, it was vexing that Felton chose to intrude at such a moment. “Lady Trowbridge and I were delighting in conversation.” He lifted his brow. “Right before you arrived.”
It was apparent that Felton sensed the invisible jab, for he visibly softened, looking towards Catherine, and saying, “I have intruded.”
“Not in the slightest, Mr Andrews. Your company is most welcome.”
Despite Catherine’s affability, Jasper did wish to tell Felton to back away and give him more time. But seeing that Catherine truly did enjoy Felton’s company, Jasper decided to let it go. “How was your dance with Miss Hatchet?” Jasper asked.
Felton cleared his throat and straightened his cravat, clearly proud of himself. “She is a most excellent lady and I delighted in her company. I must say, Lady Trowbridge, you choose exemplary friends.”
“She has always been a marvellous friend, and if it were not for her, I would scarce attend any of these events.”
Jasper could not help but add, “And if it were not for Mr Andrews, I would never do the same.”
Andrew added, “That is what friends are for, my lord. I would hate to see you wasting away in that impressive estate of yours, listening to the Dowager Countess all day long.”
It was another delightful jab, and Jasper found himself grinning with teeth closed. Was his estate truly impressive? He really did not think so, but if Catherine was impressed by this statement, then all the better.
But why did he wish to impress her? Catherine seemed the sort of lady that was very much not impressed by such things. It was the simple things in life that she had a taste for, and that was why Jasper was so instantly fond of her.
“Where is the champagne?” Felton asked, looking all around.
Jasper replied humorously, “If you have to inquire, then you already have had too much champagne, for it is in the same spot where you found it the first time.”
“That is not true in the slightest,” Felton assured him. “There were footmen passing it on trays. They have entirely disappeared. Surely, this is a poorly managed ballroom.”
To this, all of them laughed, and Jasper’s attention was returned to the chaperone, whom he had nearly forgotten was in attendance. The woman scowled as though displeased with this latest interaction. So be it. If Catherine was having a good time, as she seemed to be, then that was all that mattered to Jasper in that moment.
Felton finally mentioned, “We should invite Lady Trowbridge and Lady Hatchet to supper sometime at your estate. I am sure that their parents would be amenable.”
Jasper examined Catherine’s response to this. She seemed at a loss for words, and so he decided to be of assistance. “Lady Trowbridge, you would be most welcome at my estate… any time.”