The Wedding Deception (10 page)

Claire licked her dry lips.

- I need time to decide. I have to think carefully about everything you said, my lord.

- Sure. It is an important step. - He smiled, looking relieved by she did not reject him immediately.

- First, however, I must confess something to you.

- Yes

Claire felt a lump in my throat. For a moment, no sound came out, but with effort, pulled the words.

- I'm no longer a virgin.

- I understand. - He raised an eyebrow. - Apparently, my brother dedicated to him one night after the wedding.

- Oh, no. It was not Jay. He and I ... that is, we never ... - "He stopped to realize that he was babbling. He felt the heat rising from the neck, burning her face.

- If it was my brother ... - There was a brief silence. Suddenly, Lord Fairhurst ventured: - It was that boy who died on the peninsula?

- Yes

The word seemed to echo through the garden. With much effort, Claire kept head up. Never commented to anyone about their relationship Henry, always believing that would lead her secret to the grave Although necessary, he felt it was ridiculous to speak of his intimacy with Lord Fairhurst.

The prolonged silence made her shoulders lifted in an attitude defensive.

- Perhaps you want to withdraw its proposal, my lord.

- No - He stared at her. - If you accept, I hope that meets the vow of fidelity. Claire reacted with indignation.

- Clearly accomplish. And I hope that you also meet.

- I?

- I know that is common among the nobles had mistresses and affairs with women married. But I can not respect a man who acts this way. E I can not marry a man who does not respect.

- I assure you that there is no reason to doubt my faithfulness. Because you keep me sexually satisfied and satiated.

Claire winked and nodded, knowing that words not daring were spoken by him. They were in her thoughts.

E burning in the eyes of Lord Fairhurst.

She shook hands, controlling for not throwing in his arms and kiss your lips.

- I will wait your response to my proposal - he said. And with a Reverence, Lord Fairhurst stepped back toward the house.

The rays of sun lit up her hair blonde and firm steps. No looked back, but Claire was sure he felt his gaze accompanying him.

Chapter VIII

Claire awoke startled. Dreamed of children. His children and lord Fairhurst. Jasper. The dreams revealed the secret desires that his mind refused to accept. It was more than enthusiasm, more than passion, more than respect. She wanted Fairhurst Lord as a husband.

Was an extraordinary truth to be faced. She always lived with feet on the ground, and now could not be taken by the fantasy. He needed to think carefully about the proposal of Lord Fairhurst. Was too serious a step that would forever change his destiny.

The path would not be easy. He worried about the reaction from Jay to learn the sudden change in their relationship, from wife to sister. At bottom, however, knew that Jay was the last of their worries.

The Jasper was the very first. Sometimes he was sad and formal seemed determined to hide his emotions. At times, she felt that under the austere facade, had a generous heart.

She strongly believed that Jasper had the capacity to love, and if She had luck and patience, he would learn to love it. Indeed, was much pretension. And crazy. Still, ignoring protests of reason and common sense, Claire decided to accept the marriage proposal Jasper. That was what she really wanted.

Decided take breakfast each morning in the room. Then caprichou care with the appearance. Before leaving the room, took one last look the mirror. She wore a pink satin dress that reflected in their color face and made his eyes shine, and for a moment she saw the image of a stranger.

He smiled, knowing that some expensive dresses and a modern hairstyle did not change a person. However, I knew it was a different woman since entered that house more than fifteen days before.

The created led her to the library and, after making sure Fairhurst lord who was alone, entered unannounced.

He was standing near the fireplace, looking thoughtfully into the flames. For a moment she noticed the striking image of the man dominating the elegant atmosphere. She shuddered. Had already taken its decision. No was no need to talk. In fact, he believed that Lord Fairhurst preferred it to be straightforward.

- Good morning, my lord.

- Good morning, Claire.

- If your proposal is still standing, I accept it. I would like to marry me with you. He looked at with a smile of satisfaction.

- His decision makes me happy e. ..

That moment, the Countess opened the door and entered the library, followed by Meredith.

- Claire, you here so early? - The countess looked at her suspiciously. - I have not seen the breakfast each morning. Did something happen?

Claire opened his mouth to reply, but Lord Fairhurst pre-empted.

- It happened, yes, Mom. I'm getting married.

The countess and her daughter exchanged glances.

- Will you marry? - Meredith repeated. - With whom? Jasper approached Claire and laced around the waist. The simple act possessive and dispensed words. There was a long moment of silence.

Claire shivered. The warmth of his fingers on her waist awakened him primitive emotions, which were suffocated by the tension of waiting reaction of the countess and Meredith.

- Heavens, so sudden! - Meredith said. The countess was shown to be more enthusiastic.

- I am delighted with the news. Simply enchanting. Congratulations. From open arms, crossed the room to embrace her son. Then he shook Claire's hands and kissed her cheeks. Relieved, Claire noticed the brightness of happiness in the eyes of the countess.

- You're doing this because I believe that is actually married and that the cancellation is impossible? - Meredith asked in a forceful tone. - Or for fear of divorce?

Claire Meredith believed he loved her and yet she did not seem approve the decision of Jasper.

- Meredith! - Countess scolded. - What a rude comment!

- Just trying to assimilate the facts and reasons for this decision as sudden. The countess tried to hold her daughter's arm, but Meredith pulled away and stood in front of Lord Fairhurst.

- Are you in love? - She asked staring at his brother. Jasper arched an eyebrow.

- I appreciate your concern, dear Merry, but I insist that my feelings by Claire and her for me are our subjects, individuals.

- And the marriage of Claire with Jason? - Asked the marquise.

- According to the message I received today from Mr. Beckham, before the law there never was a marriage between Claire and our brother. So I am free to make her my wife. Let's get married with a license special. Just today, I will give instructions to Mr. Beckham to request the document with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Meredith hesitated before before speaking:

- If this is what you really want, Jasper, I offer my best wishes for cheers. - Almost solemnly kissed her brother's face. Then Claire hugged.

Claire sighed and looked at the man beside her and noticed a glow of contentment in his eyes. Or thought it saw.

Expected not be deluding themselves about to see what he wanted to see. Expected, the good of all, do not be blinded by the attraction and desire, and because of that, be making a colossal mistake.

Rebecca Manning prepared carefully for the ball of Williamson. Was the biggest event of the season and his first public appearance since dinner at the mansion of Lord Fairhurst.

Was determined to be seen and admired by all. Free, happy and beautiful. If had the misfortune to find Fairhurst, she would greet with a short bow and then would raise his head with haughty indifference, as if it were an insignificant nuisance. Nobody could ever say he had witnessed his humiliation and embarrassment. No unaware that there were rumors of her name and lord Fairhurst, but no language would have the evil au-Dacian to confront her. Oh, no, that was not how things happened in
beau monde.
There were whispers, exaggeration of facts, and words of compassion for the possible victim. All with great discretion. But the feeling of humiliation embarrassment and he is emphatic.

Up all, Rebecca was determined not to lose your place in high society and, much less become an object of pity and scorn.

The Williamson was a mansion of the oldest in London, built in the middle of a large piece of land near the city limits.

After to congratulate the hosts, Rebecca and Anne down the stairs marble and entered the ballroom. Their father walked away, muttering something about the games room.

- Dad - Anne called him in a tiny voice, but Charles Manning was already away.

- Stop making this guy a martyr - Rebecca muttered angrily. - If they see your fear, we live food. Take a deep breath and smile.

- It's hard to smile and pretend not to notice women whispering behind the fans.

- You do not have to worry about. They are looking for me and not for you.-Rebecca was furious, but kept smiling.

Circulation the hall. The orchestra played enthusiastically and some couples have swirled around the track.

Rebecca expected to be taken just to dance.

- Let's go around and greet the matrons? - Anne suggested. Rebecca glanced surreptitiously at the group of ladies of the nobility. Were seated in a semicircle facing the dance floor, not to miss a single detail.

- No. I stay well away from that nest of vipers - Rebecca said, picking up a glass of champagne served by a valet.

Anne began to shake with the fan.

- Oh dear, it seems all eyes are on us.

Rebecca tried to be patient, but Anne's nervousness made her even angrier.

- No wonder everyone is looking at us. You're horrible. That gust of wind when we got off the coach ruffled his hair. Go to the ladies and recompose booked up!

Anne blushed.

- My God! Why
do not tell me before? You follow me?

- No. I do not run the risk of finding some busybody.

- But I can not leave it alone.

- I prefer to be alone to be standing here with you looking like a scarecrow!

The Anne's chin trembled. Fearing an attack of crying, Rebecca ordered:

- Go!

Anne hurried toward the feminine reserved. At first, was uncomfortable being alone, but soon realized that nobody Rebecca had noticed.

- Mlle. Manning!

Rebecca looked up and smiled, but relaxed to see Gertrude Hawkins. Poor Gertrude, who never was drawn to dance and that twenty-five year was on track to become a spinster.

- Goodnight, Rebecca. Are you alone?

- I'm waiting for my sister. - She looked around, hoping that Gertrude go away.

- Fairhurst Lord has come.

Rebecca stared at her, ready to rebut the insult, but the innocent expression Gertrude disarmed it. Apparently, she did not know the break compromise.

- I have no idea nor interest me.

- Oh!

- Oh, please do not get hung up on me - Rebecca said sharply. - I'm sure there are many gentlemen wanting to fill their dance card.

Gertrude looked at the card hanging on the pulse of Rebecca and sighed, but soon the sigh became a laugh. Too late, Rebecca realized Gertrude noticed that your card blank.

- It is better to move the edges of the room - Gertrude suggested. - So nobody will notice you are having tea in her chair.

Rebecca he felt the blood rising to the head. I was offended by the words Gertrude, mainly because they had touched in his most secret fear. - Coming from you, I'm sure the board was tested and approved. - Rebecca grinned. Intimidated, Gertrude muttered an excuse and walked away. Rebecca leaned against the wall. If you had trouble dealing with the commentary of Gertrude Hawkins would like to find a real tyrant, as Lady Hartmore or Mrs. Standish? He felt he needed to be alone to compose herself. Crept down the hall and went to the terrace. Did not see anyone. The terrace was lit by lanterns for guests who wanted privacy and fresh air.