The Wedding Deception (13 page)

The increased pressure of the kiss, and Claire laced his neck. Touched the body on him and winced when he felt his erection. With a sigh resigned, Jasper walked away.

- Until later - he muttered, leaving the dining room.

Claire sat back down, flushed and panting, exulting in the fact that provoked Fairhurst in Jasper.

- Today we're not getting hits, Hidalgo - Rebecca said. - My father and sister are not home.

Richard looked down, hiding the glow of excitement that could barely control.

- What bad luck! They will take?

- I'm afraid so.

The His pulse rate shot up.

If Rebecca did not want to receive it, would have created a telling response. Instead, she informed him that it was alone.

The opportunity could not be better. After hearing comments Interesting that morning, Richard had tried to think of a way to find it alone. Now there would be no need to draw up a plan. The opportunity presented himself of course!

- I ask only a few minutes of your time, Miss. Manning. - She looked at the with his most charming smile and a tiny voice said: - You can not dispense with one or two minutes to a dear friend?

Rebecca nibbled her lip, hesitating. Richard waited. She knew that she had received a strict upbringing, but it was time that he was preparing ground, and the barriers of discipline began to crumble.

He had taken care to wear new clothes, expensive and elegant. He made a casual pose in the lobby, relying on his good looks of a gentleman English. After evaluating it from head to toe, Rebecca finally decided.

- Let's talk in the library. Just a few minutes.

Richard nodded in agreement. With a triumphant smile on his lips, he followed at a respectful distance, noting that there were created traveling on that side of the house. Richard entered the library and ordered:

- Close the door and key.

- Why?

- I do not want to interrupt our conversation his servants.

- Why did you come, Richard? - Rebecca asked, after a lock the door. - What do you want?

- Answers about his past.

She slightly raised eyebrows.

- My past? How so?

- I found something very interesting during the breakfast each morning in the Tattersall.

- About Me? Vulgarity that have participated in such discussions.

- I assure you that only the very finest gentlemen witnessed the conversation, my dear. At least five, and all showed considerable interest. - He laughed at the awkwardness of Rebecca. - Of course, I wanted to close the discussion at the moment his name was mentioned, but the conversation became very enlightening.

- Do not know what you're talking about.

- Really? Well, you can not imagine my surprise to learn that everyone expected the announcement of her engagement to Lord Fairhurst. But then came a wife in his life and his commitment went up in smoke, my dear.

- Are you jealous?

- Not a bit.

- No matter. My involvement ended with Lord Fairhurst and indeed, this issue does not concern you.

- You're wrong. Everything that involves lord Fairhurst interests me. Rebecca was livid.

- What?

Richard laughed, amused by the puzzled expression on her face.

- I came to London in search of Fairhurst and his wife. In my second night on the town, I came upon you, the lord's former fiancee, hiding in the garden. Was it coincidence? Or fate?

- It was pure luck, gentleman.

- I think it was fate, although you say you knew nothing about Fairhurst. - He lowered his voice, trying to hide the rage. - Explain yourself.

- I have to explain anything, much less my lord.

- I urge you to reconsider.

Realizing the mood change to a nobleman, Rebecca ran to the door, but Richard was faster. Grabbing her by the waist, kept her from fleeing. He sat on the desk and held her legs between his.

Furious, she began to punch him in the chest.

- Release me immediately!

- Not while I'm not ready.

A rapid movement, held her hands firmly on the back, and with free hand grabbed her breast. Rebecca yelled.

- You played me! - Richard screamed. - Flirtations with noble, secret engagements, pretending to be a great lady. Bet not a virgin anymore!

- How dare you say such infamy?

Rebecca Richard began to fight and laugh. His excitement grew, and he delighted to see how his words humbled.

- Are you afraid? - His voice sounded sarcastic. - You should be. It was foolish to lie to me. His lie infuriated me. Now I will punish you for having deceived me. He kissed her greedily, demanding a response. Rebecca survived and he he bit his lip until she scream in pain. His tongue invaded Rebecca's mouth and slowly, her strength gave way. Richard felt her nipples stiffen it and, holding her by the wrist and guided him hand until the volume between her legs.

Rebecca tried his hand away, but Richard pressed it hard on hard lump under the cloth of his pants. By Rebecca felt shaking and discuss the smell of fear mixed with sexual excitement invaded the nostrils of Richard. He was a man who perfected the art of torment, and that was exactly the kind of situation that prompted his depraved appetite. Deciding that simply should possess it, Hidalgo threw it on the floor. Minutes later, the gentleman began to recover, closing the buttons of his pants. His breathing was still panting. The air was thick with the fragrance of lust and violence. Richard looked once more for a woman prostrate on the carpet. Between the legs still ajar, he saw a blood stain on the inner thighs.

- Not bad for a virgin - he said laughing. - But I hope improve with time. Rebecca looked at him, then sighed and smiled. There was something different, extraordinary in her eyes. Cautious Richard turned away. Then huge surprise to the gentleman, she opened her legs more, an invitation clear. Moving the hips provocatively, she said:

- To improve, I'll have to practice. Come again? I'm still not satisfied with our morning activity.

Chapter XI

Jasper Fairhurst went into White's, the most exclusive men's club in London precisely at four o'clock in the afternoon. He had spent the day trying to stop good gather information about Richard Dorchester, but not learn anything important. Expected his brother, Marquis Dardington, had more luck in their searches. They had arranged to meet at the club. A quick look the room revealed that the marquis had not yet arrived. . A waiter approached discreetly.

- Can I serve you a drink, my lord?

Fairhurst took off his coat and hat and handed it to the receptionist.

- I'm waiting for the marquis Dardington. Bring us a bottle of the best claret as he arrives.

- Well no, my lord. - The waiter bowed and disappeared. The Jasper's eyes ran down leather chairs arranged around the mahogany tables in search of a quiet place. When located, crossed the room greeting acquaintances. Sat near the fireplace, facing the entrance. Moments later, the Marquis was joined to it.

- Sorry for the delay - said Dardington sitting. - I had to spend the jewelry to get the souvenir I ordered his sister. It was difficult to decide the design, but the jeweler has exceeded my expectations when working with sapphires and diamonds. The Marquis instinctively smoothed his jacket pocket and distinguished Jasper the lines of a big case. He could imagine the magnificence and the price the "souvenir." The marquis was more than generous with his wife, and society, it was known that Meredith had a lady of the most valuable jewel collections in England, rivaled only by royalty.

- You spoil my sister too.

- She deserves more. - The Marquis smiled proudly. - These please dress her. Additionally, Meredith knows very well how to thank.

Jasper managed to smile at the sudden stab of envy. The sister's wedding begun at least as wrong as him, but she and the Marquis had overcome the problems and now they were a really happy couple. Maybe Dardington should ask the address of the jeweler.

Given the request of Jasper, the waiter immediately took the bottle of wine. As he departed, the conversation was resumed.

- Despite the exhaustive week of visits and conversations, not found nothing important about Richard Dorchester - Jasper leaned back in his chair, not trying to prove as eager.

- What have you discovered?

The Marquis took a sip of wine before answering:

- For information the man is a true gentleman. Usually come to London several times a year. Makes your clothes with a tailor London and goes to society, although many of my friends and acquaintances had never heard of him before the ball yesterday.

- This is very strange - Jasper noted.

- According to people who know him, Dorchester has deep knowledge about horses, is known as a playing partner who in good will, currencies lose more than you earn, it's kind as to dance with girls most boring or handmaidens, if you request it and makes matter of paying the bill after a round of drinks or a dinner. Jasper drummed on the table.

- Claire mentioned that he has a good reputation in their community, but she and my brother feel that there is something hidden under the facade a generous man. Dardington reflected for a moment, then shook his head.

- I have not had chance to look into his eyes, so it is difficult to assess his character. However, I can not believe there is a man well, model of perfection. No man, it is more of a gentleman, is so perfect and fitting, unless the stupidest of men! - The Marquis smiled. - Except to you.

- Not anymore. - Jasper is surprised by the very calm. For a long time he had handled almost every situation in order to maintain its reputation above any questions or complaints.

Now, However, reputation and social conventions were to lose ground favor of emotions involving his wife.

- No one dared express aloud last night or this morning, but had the distinct impression that those who witnessed the entrevero blame me for the behavior of Dorchester. - Jasper added.

The marquis looked at him with sympathetic words.

- I heard rumors, but I'd rather not mention them to you.

- This has no importance whatsoever. The days that I would rather die to see my name involved in rumors are coming to an end.

- I'm glad to hear that. Still, I think you charge unfair the blame for the aggressive behavior of Dorchester. - Shrank Dardington shoulders. - If you are uncertain of the true character it, it can cause serious problems. He believes that you, and not Jason, he married Claire in the beginning of the year, in Wiltshire. Certainly, strange that you have taken so long to present his wife to society.

- If asked about this, i hope i can better handle the truth that Dorchester. Claire just do not want to be touched by a scandal.

- Protecting the reputation of the family again?

- She is my wife, Dardington. Her feelings are very important for me. The Marquis coughed, but did not contain the laughter.

- I've known him for many years, Fairhurst, and never imagined that one day would you allow your heart commanded his head.

- I would never allow it - Jasper replied.

The Marquis did not seem convinced. Jasper recalled the conversation, and realized which was not sincere. It was more difficult than imagined admitting Claire was as important to him.

- I found a really really problematic about Dorchester - Marquis announced. - Your company more constant in recent weeks has been Miss. Manning. Jasper whistled in surprise.

- Yes, very problematic. Miss. Manning really hurt me. I can not blame her. She has every right to be irritated and anger. Although he could not avoid, I acknowledge that I was a bit rude with her.

- A woman scorned is capable of anything, Fairhurst. And do not forget that Miss. Manning is one of the few people other than the family who knows the truth about her marriage.

Jasper drank the last sip of wine and pushed the empty glass.

- She can not say anything about it unless you want to be involved in scandal.

- Not if she assumes the role of offended maiden - the Marquis said. - With this tactic, she had won the sympathy of everyone, particularly women.

- Now it is late. She could have revealed the truth about our relationship so she knew Claire.

- In any case, advised him to stay alert, Fairhurst. Women sempre escolhem os momentos mais inconvenientes para fazerem drama. The season started badly and with so many social activities will not be Dorchester or impossible to find Miss. Manning a dance, theater, a picnic or other event.

- I promise to be careful. - Jasper rubbed his chin. - Maybe prudent to hire some men from Bow Street to keep an eye in Hidalgo. What do you think?

- I totally agree. My father has a lot of knowledge in particular. I will arrange everything for you. Discreetly, of course.

- Thanks.

The two men spoke briefly about who would pay the bill. Jasper after signing the note, both left the club together, marking new meeting for the following afternoon. By get home, Lord Fairhurst noted the chandeliers lit. It was more later than anticipated.

- My mother and lady Fairhurst already left to go to the theater? - Jasper asked the butler.

- For twenty minutes, my lord. The count decided to stay home. A new shipment of books on architecture of ancient Greece has just arrived. He is the golden hall. Dine together?

- Probably - Jasper muttered.

Jasper was fond of theatrical performances and regretted not being present the premiere that night. Further regretted losing the opportunity to introduce Claire to the delights of a professional production in London.

Entered the yellow room and found the count sitting by the fireplace entertained by the newly arrived books.

- Brinks said that my wife and mother have left. I expected to accompany them, but did not realize the time passing and just slowing me down.

The Earl looked up and blinked vacantly for a moment.

- I had the impression that his wife wanted to wait for him, but of course his mother would not dream of being late to the theater. - The Count closed book and let him aside.

- You know she does not like the crowd formed in the last minute.