The Wedding Deception (12 page)

The principle, irritated him know that she had another man in her life. But now, after having consummated the marriage, found that the fact Claire had not married a virgin made little difference. Now she was him and always would. Till death do them part. The explanation was in fact not just sexual attraction. Jasper nodded and smiled. All those years of madness and messy sex had been useful, therefore, showed the difference between making love and sex. Make Love Claire had involved a greater need existed within it. In meeting this need, among them formed a powerful and enduring bond.

Finally, were ready to return to the ballroom.

- I wish I could stay a little longer here. - She smiled. - You not finished telling the story of the duel. I'm curious.

Jasper laughed.

- Unfortunately, we can not take anymore. After all, we are invited of honor. - Holding her by the elbow, led her toward garden door-to-winter. - But only to not get so curious you go forward that the duel did not happen. Therefore, no one shot, no one and died or was injured.

-Is well. I will be content only with the ending. For now.

- Thank you for your understanding - he joked. - I promise to tell you this and many other fun episode, my lady.

Laughing and arm in arm, they left the garden-of-winter directly to the ballroom, indifferent to the puzzled looks of the guests had noticed that the prolonged absence of the couple.

The whispering and talking to half-voice began when Lord Fairhurst and his wife returned to the ballroom. Among the guests curious There was one person who did not have to guess the reason for absence the couple for a shockingly long time. This person knew very well what happened between the viscount and his wife. A person who is deeply annoyed to see them leave the party. A person who scour every room of the mansion to find them garden-of-winter. Upon discovering that the door was not locked, that person entered silently, hearing voices, and strange sounds, decided check closely.

And to his chagrin, he saw the couple's interlude - as copulating two animals in heat, behaving as being substandard, without class and no tradition. The disappointment was strong, the pain so intense that one almost shouted his anger. Self-control has prevailed, and the person left the same way went in - quietly and without being noticed.

The rage gripped his body, so strong that it left a bitter taste mouth. Uncontrolled heart, sweaty hands, hurting hurt him chest, the person sought refuge in a dark corner of the hall empty. Sat on the floor, trying to convince himself that the pain would pass, that the wounds healed. But it would take time, long time.

- 've Had a lot more than you should, sir.

- Shut up! - Dorchester replied the gentleman. Rebecca Manning struck with a frown before drinking the contents of the cup on three sips. Then, just to annoy her even more, he called the waiter and took another glass of whiskey.

- Being reckless - Rebecca warned, raising his chin and showing above that air that both infuriated Richard.

- I said shut up! I hate women grumbling! They are pathetic, tiresome, and only get the attention of men howling ear them!

As Richard imagined, Rebecca became red with anger.

- I'm just trying to protect his reputation.

- If I need protection, alert - countered, knowing that Rebecca was thinking about her reputation, not yours.

- We are in London, not in that village lost in the middle of nowhere! Here the rules are different.

The suggestion that could not behave properly in society hit him in full, it contained a grain of truth. But he did not replied. Remained impassive to not give this satisfaction to Rebecca.

- What do you know about the guests of honor? - Richard asked.

- Only comments that go around. Fairhurst is arrogant, and the wife is an insignificant little thing inside.

- They are newly married?

- No, although only now have announced the marriage. Nobody knows when or where the ceremony took place.

Richard took a sip of whiskey. Discovered little since coming to London, and this began to bother him.

- I saw your father looking for you just now. I think you should go talk with him. - Richard danced with many women, including Anne, but Rebecca avoided bringing to the dance floor, knowing it would infuriate the. And to provoke her more, she added: - Perhaps, sorry for you, invite him to dance.

The Her eyes darkened, and Richard waited for the explosion. But apparently Rebecca was learning the game. Releasing an exasperated sigh, she walked away without saying anything.

The gentleman laughed. At first, he would need help from Rebecca to enter in the most exclusive parties of the aristocracy, but now that he knew some society ladies, no longer needed it so much. Still, reluctant to abandon it, thinking it might be useful to him in future. Moreover, it had decided to seduce her and the possibility of taking his virginity was too sexy.

Circulated the room, trying to spot Claire. The thrill of seeing it for the first time since he arrived in London nearly suffocated. She was so elegant, so beautiful, so classy that he needed to contain the impulse to present themselves before her. Still was not prepared to reveal its presence. It was the first event Fairhurst social lady and certainly other and better opportunities emerge to confront their prey. Preferably, when she was alone.

The orchestra made a break and the guests took the opportunity to talk before dinner. Richard walked among them, satisfied with the place conquered that world of nobles and aristocrats.

His wanderings took him to the game room. Upon entering, immediately spotted Viscount Fairhurst comfortably seated near the fireplace.

The cold fury and heat of repressed desire clashed in the Hidalgo's mind. Prudence advises him to leave the hall, but as drunk enough, ignored the warning.

- Fairhurst.

The Viscount stared at him.

- Good night.

His expression was vague, indifferent. In the eyes of Richard, insulting.

- Where is your wife?

Oh, now received their attention. Fairhurst put the glass down and stood up slowly.

- I find it very strange, sir, ask for an unknown lady Fairhurst. Richard pursed his lips.

- Weirdest thing you do not remember my name, since we met on several occasions

- the gentleman replied with clenched fists. - And I know your wife is no longer you.

- My apologies. - Fairhurst threw a sidelong glance at the gentlemen attending the scene. - Apparently, you are a person who forget easily.

No blinking, Richard Jasper forward and grabbed by the lapels, pushing it against the wall. Jealousy consumed him from within, destroying the cold attitude which always prevented him from getting involved in scandals and reveal their true nature. But that man treated him like he was nothing and no one, and even took what was rightfully his. The gentleman was blind rage.

- Get your hands off me - Jasper ordered. - You're drunk, and therefore entitled to the courtesy of a warning. However, if there let me go until I finish speaking, I have great pleasure in putting a bullet in your head, tomorrow at dawn, in the field Harrows. Although the need to commit a heinous and violent act against the enemy should pulsate in the blood of knight, a flash of preservation has shone in his mind. Fairhurst was not a fop in London. His reputation with the gun and the sword was not to be ignored.

With great reluctance, Richard dropped the lapel of Lord Fairhurst and retreated few steps. There were exclamations of some disappointed gentlemen. The gentleman almost shouted that they did not lose by waiting, but it was not so foolish as to publicly threaten the viscount.

Already with the nerves under control, the gentleman was prepared to leave, but Fairhurst overtook him.

- Just a warning before you go.

- What? - Richard held the gaze of the viscount.

- If you put a hand on me again, you will not leave the room in same condition as when entered.

The Richard jaw twitched.

- A threat?

- No. - Fairhurst smiled. - A promise.

Chapter X

Claire and Jasper were alone at the breakfast table the morning following.

- What you have to tell me about Richard Dorchester? - Asked Jasper so that the butler had gone.

Claire stopped spreading butter on toast and looked at her husband.

- Dorchester? There is a gentleman of that name who lives in the village.

- I had a very unpleasant encounter with this "gentleman" last night, the game room.

- Did not know he was in London. - Claire shifted in chair. - I've known him since childhood. For some reason, he mused me. When I was younger, he tried to woo me. But I was dating Henry and refused his attentions.

- His refusal infuriated him?

- I never realized. He always had a legion of women interested it. Besides being the richest man in the village, the gentleman is beautiful, know and be cativante. "I think not realized my indifference. You used to be revered by women.

- Why do not you?

- No. I never felt comfortable around him, but do not know to explain why. Many people, including my parents, consider the gentleman worthy of admiration. After Henry's death, they held out hope I accept that the court of Dorchester, but I always knew this never happen.

- Because of my brother?

- Partly. Although barely know, Jay was the only person sharing My dislike for Hidalgo. One reason to ask me to marry him was to protect myself from Dorchester. Jasper looked at her with apprehension.

- Did something happen? You have been disrespected or threatened?

- Oh, no!

The Claire's heart beat faster. Jasper's concern touched her background, softening their misgivings with regard to their attitudes Always formal and distant. - Jay did not like the nobleman. He advised me to stay alert and cautious when Dorchester was around and never be alone with him.

Jasper frowned.

- You should have told me before. Claire smiled and shrugged.

- I did not think necessary. The gentleman does not mean anything to me.

- He does not think so. Startled, Claire's eyes widened.

- How do you know?

After to take a look at the discreet servant who had returned with the coffee pot Cool, Jasper turned back to Claire.

- He made a comment about you is known for a long time.

- Really?

- Yes, his attitude was belligerent and possessive. Became very upset that I did not remember his name, and tried to start a fight.

Claire deep breath.

- Surely he thought you were Jay.

- That's what I figured. My ignorance of the facts left me at a disadvantage and it would not happen again in the future.

- Sorry. Never thought I'd warn you. - She left on toast dish. - I had heard the occasional trips to Hidalgo London, but I never expected to find it here. I'm really surprised with his presence at the ball of the duke. Frankly, I never knew he frequented the aristocratic circles.

- As he entered the mansion of the Duke is really a mystery. It was my sister who organized the reception, and she assured me that Dorchester was not among the guests. He must have gone to the ball tracking someone.

- Probably. Beautiful and elegant as it is, he would adapt well to paper.

- You've said it. More than once.

The Jasper's expression was calm but his eyes sparkled. If you do not know the truth, Claire would say he was jealous. They were silent for a moment while the waiter removed the plates from the table. Only later, Claire said:

- Now he is in London, there is great possibility for us to meet with the gentleman again.

- I'm afraid you're right. - Jasper stared at her with a serious expression. - If someone finds out the truth about our marriage, he would able to use information to cause us problems?

- The gentleman is highly regarded in our small community, although I always has questioned his true character. I have no evidence, but I believe that a man capable of great evil.

- So let's protect our privacy and hope that Dorchester has other interests occupy your mind. - Wiped the corner of Jasper lips with a napkin. - My brother has always had an intuition sharp, and so suspicious of the character of gentleman. And after our brief encounter, I have to agree with Jason. Strengthening the board him, I demand that you avoid Dorchester, and if not how to prevent the proximity him, be careful to never be alone.

The Caution seemed excessive, but Claire agreed with a gesture of head. She did not like the gentleman and his company did not prevent would be no sacrifice.

- What are your plans for today? - Jasper grinned for disguise the concern.

- I agreed to accompany his mother to Bond Street in the afternoon. - Claire smiled shyly. - I promised to curb the urge to buy everything.

- While admiring his good sense, do not want to deny you the pleasure of shopping. You need a wardrobe worthy of her new social status.

- Your generosity is greatly appreciated, but I assure you I have more dresses than opportunities to use them.

Jasper raised an eyebrow.

- You are allowed to buy anything you want. However, I insist be very careful when you leave home.

Was an order, and the incisive tone, Jasper made it clear he expected to be obeyed.

- I hope you will stay alert. - Claire leaned gracefully head. - So, Dorchester approached you, not me.

- I can take care of myself - Jasper replied.

- I know. However, I'd rather not face the need to defend themselves, verbally or physically. - Claire could not resist the temptation to touch it face. - I hope you have a nice day, my lord.

- Jasper - he corrected her. The green eyes gazed fondly. - In private, I want to call me Jasper. I like hearing my name leaving his lips.

- Jasper - Claire repeated with hoarse voice, troubled by the intensity the look of it. He looked around and see there was created by, stood up and walked around his face with a fingertip. - Sound his name is the only thing that occurs to him to look at my mouth? Indeed, Jasper!

By smile, Claire realized that he had understood its intent. No comment, Jasper leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips.