Page 82 of Treating a Sinful Earl

“I choose to remain like this for as long as possible.”

Jasper laughed. “Then it shall be so. Whatever you desire, you shall receive.”

“Oh, my love,” she said, placing her hand upon his chest. “Your mother is a wonderful woman, and I shall be so proud to have her as my mother-in-law.”

“She loves you dearly. I can see it in her eyes.”

Chapter 38

“I wish for you to see a new doctor,” Catherine instructed.

“Another doctor?” Jasper asked, thinking it pointless. “There have been four in the past, and they have all come to the same conclusion. Yet, if you ask me, they have all appeared rather confused.”

“Indeed. There is a chance that the doctor you saw does not know what he sees! You cannot think that you have six months left when perhaps this is not the truth.”

Jasper had to pull away to go and sit at his desk, where his thoughts were clearer. Once he was seated, he clasped his hands on the desk and inhaled deeply. No, he did not wish to see another doctor, but if the love of his life was suggesting it, then perhaps it was the right thing to do.

“I shall do it, but this will be the last time. There is no more sense in it.”

Catherine clapped her hands together jubilantly. “I promise that it is for the best. I know how much it pains you.”

He said under his breath, “It pains me greatly.”

“But you shall see that there is still hope.”

“Which doctor do you suggest?” Jasper asked.

“A London doctor. I take it that you have only seen doctors in Bath?”

“Indeed.”

“Then go to London! Whilst you are there, I can go to the shaman and pick up more spices and herbs. We can both benefit from the trip.”

“Will you need a chaperone?” Jasper asked.

Catherine smiled broadly. “No. You shall be my husband, and even if my father insists, I shall deny him.”

Jasper had to think about this. Staying at an inn with his future wife was heady business, but he was sure that he had the strength to resist his true desire. As his future wife, her honour was still of the utmost importance to him. “Then we shall go. I will make all of the arrangements for tomorrow.”

“Oh, Jasper! This is the right thing to do.”

“There is something that I must request in order to do it.” He lifted his brows.

Catherine seemed suspicious. “What do you have in mind?”

“Stay with me tonight. Sleep in my arms. I promise that I will behave myself, but I do not wish for you to leave my sight.”

She seemed to consider this. “I would have to send word to my father.”

“If you must. But I cannot have you leave this estate.”

He felt a quickening in his chest as he awaited her reply. Finally, Catherine closed her eyes and tilted her head back, a little smile upon her lips. She said, “If that is what you wish, then so be it.”

“That is what I wish.”

What he could not say was that he desired so much more. But even the thought of having her in his arms throughout the night was enough to put Jasper at ease. If she was willing to do that, then Jasper would do anything for her. It would be a prelude of days to come when they would sleep beside one another every night.

“Then your wish shall be granted,” Catherine replied with a wry smile.