The Wedding Deception (17 page)

- I'm serious, Jason.

- I was drunk? - Jason asked, raising his eyebrows.

- No doubt. But there must be more to this story.

- Maybe I like to manipulate people and do not give a damn about the consequences. - Jason smiled, but the smile did not reach their eyes.

- It must be true when it hits me, but I have watched you and Claire. You have a great affection for her. I do not believe that has deliberately engaged in a subject so embarrassing.

By Jason expression, it became clear that he preferred not to comment about what happened, but Jasper needed the explanations that only the brother could give.

- Claire met by chance one of my trips, and realized she was an exceptional woman. Throughout our friendship, she knew only conquer their financial independence when they marry. Dorchester was pressuring the court to accept her, and Claire was afraid to offend him and annoy parents.

- So, you decided to solve her problems.

- Say yes. Claire and I agreed that our marriage would not be a traditional, and that each should take his life. As I would not have been close, I thought a title of nobility to protect the advances of Hidalgo. And since I do not own one, I decided to take your loan.

- As always, you did not bother with legal marriage. - Jasper shook his head, angry at the audacity of his brother. - Never occurred to him that marriage might not be valid before the law? Or worse, you had me inadvertently trapped forever to a woman I did not know?

- Oh, for God's sake, a little trust in me! I consulted a lawyer in a nearby town before the wedding. He explained that even being my vows, the marriage would not be valid either for me or for you.

Appalled, Lord Fairhurst stopped and stared at her brother with his eyebrows raised.

- You acted in a case designed for? And Claire? You wanted to tell you the truth. Jason looked at the colored dots that popped up in the sky. Then, without grace, glanced at Jasper.

- Yes, I meant. But until then, she had already won their freedom, financial independence and protection from Dorchester. Before these benefits, I saw no harm in the situation.

- No harm? You deceived, Jason. She believed that marriage was true.

- If she had not believed the plan would have failed. And Claire never agree to pretend to be married to me.

Jasper began to walk. He shook his head, costing believe heard. His brother pitched a scam believed to be helping Claire. The logic was so wicked, that almost makes sense.

- Oh, Jason, you have committed many follies in life, but this was the most idiot, the most diabolical ...

- I do not understand why you're complaining - Jason interrupted in glowing terms. - It was my folly who got him a wife. An extraordinary woman who would never have entered this little world of mediocrity, boring, affected you live. Both you recognized its value, that she was legally married at the earliest opportunity!

Jasper made mention of stopping, but kept walking.

- Forgive me if I did not applaud his madness - he replied, finally, a sarcastically. In intimate, I knew I should thank her brother for bringing Claire for his life, even for the wrong way. However, do not forget and not so easily forgive his behavior inconvenient.

- Whatever the outcome, what you did was an abuse of trust In addition to mock the sacred institution of marriage.

- I should have guessed that in the end, eventually giving it all right for you, my brother. - Jason lifted his chin in a gesture of defiance. - More than certain, in fact. Claire is much more than you deserve.

- I know that. And the only reason is able to contain my fists each time I look at you.

- Every time, no. - Jason stroked his jaw. - A purple stain still or disappeared.

- I was furious.

- Well, I hope to be over anger.

- I'm trying but not easy. - Jasper looked at his brother, struggling with conflicting emotions. - For more hopeless and irresponsible you are, we can not ignore the irrefutable reality.

- And may I ask who is this reality?

- You're my brother, Jason, and however much you provoke me, I never leave him. The ties of blood are eternal, brotherly love speaks louder and never ends. Never. There was a brief silence. For a moment, Jasper regretted his words, worried that his outspokenness might increase the distance between them. But reconsidered. After all, had spoken the truth. Maybe that made the difference.

Jason heaved a sigh.

- Sorry Jasper. I think I've been acting like a big dork. Jasper extended his hand. With a smile of relief, Jason shook it.

- You changed a lot - commented undisguised surprise. - Fortunately, for the better.

- Need not be so astonished. - Jasper grinned, then laughed. Pulling Jason's hand, hugged him hard. - Yes, thanks to Claire, could change. Now it's your turn.
Chapter XIV

TO following afternoon, Claire enjoyed the tranquility of the garden. It was her favorite time. The brightness of the sun was enough to keep a comfortable temperature and to allow the reading.

The gardens combined with the luxury of the mansion. Roads paved with pebbles separated the beds with colorful flowers and trees of various species. There were also many banks and sources.

That extension of air and green awakening memories of her home. Although enjoying life in London, she missed the parents, sisters and even the family dog. Was time to return. The previous evening, she commented to Jasper, and was combined they would leave in a fortnight for Wiltshire.

Claire Jasper was eager to meet her parents and a little nervous having to explain the bizarre circumstances of her marriage and identity husband. A breeze shook the leaves on the trees. It was getting late. Claire tied the ribbons of the hat, and pick up the book, the bookmark fell. Grumbling, she stooped to pick it up. Suddenly, he realized a quick movement behind him. He raised his head, but had no time to see anything.

Was hit by a hard object. Pain exploded inside the brain, and then the darkness came over her.

Jasper smiled at the waiter to give him his hat and gloves. It seemed that was smiling too much lately. He suspected that his wife also was responsible for this latest change of habit. Claire was making ridiculously happy.

- Lady Fairhurst home?

- She is in the garden, my lord.

Thanking with a nod, Jasper went to the back of the mansion. Logo more at night, there was the dance of Henson, a party that normally he did not miss it. However, the idea of a relaxed dinner and two, and one night of pleasure with his wife, was much more attractive.

Fortunately, would not be a difficult task to convince Claire to give up the ball. Was a new experience to have such feelings of tenderness in vibrating him feel the need to take blood Claire in her arms.

Afford feel that need, instead of smothering it under the pose of formality, still scared, but fear would evaporate each day. Claire gave him the sensation of pleasure that went beyond the physical attraction and it reached the soul and the heart. While crossed the garden, Jasper put his hand in his jacket pocket and shook the box containing the jewelry made especially for Claire. He would deliver soon after the declaration of love and the promise of devotion to her happiness. Was straight to the place where Claire used to sit, and felt a twinge seizure. The bank was empty and the book dropped on the seat.

With book in hand, Jasper toured the garden and entered the house. Nobody Claire turns. The servants began to look for her in the halls and rooms the first and second floor. Jasper searched the rooms on the third floor. Claire was not even in your room. Pulled the bell-rope and a servant girl answered.

- Where is the maid of Lady Fairhurst?

- Not seen her since lunch time, my lord. Today is your afternoon off. Worried Jasper dismissed her and called the butler. Brinks came next. Logo ago, came the servants tasked with searching the mansion. The expression of them, Jasper Fairhurst realized that lady was not home.

The bedroom door was open, and Jason went in without knocking.

- I noticed the movement and come see what happened.

- Claire is not at home - Jasper replied.

- Are you sure?

- 've Searched the whole house and garden. She's not here.

- Maybe you resolved to get away - Jason suggested.

- Has any coach out?

- Only the one that took the Countess Bond Street - the butler rushed in answer.

- Claire knows that I'm worried about your safety

- Jasper noted. - She should not have left without telling anyone. He put the book on the dresser and shook his head in his hands. He had to think, but thinking it was almost impossible.

- Gather all the servants in the hall - Jason ordered. - Lord Fairhurst and I need to talk with all employees.

Jasper Brother threw a look of thanks. Concerned as he was, I could not think clearly.

Side by side in the hall, the two brothers told employees about the disappearance Claire.

- Do you remember anything that might help? - Jasper asked employees stunned by the news.

A boy stepped forward.

- May not be important, but I saw a black car parked at the beginning of the street, this afternoon. I noticed because I was sitting in a dangerous place, very near the corner. It seemed strange.

- You see anybody go down or up?

- No, my lord.

Jason approached created.

- There was a coat at the door, or anything that would identify the vehicle?

- No, sir.

- Someone else saw the chariot?

After a brief silence, another servant was manifested.

- I, sir.

- Lady Fairhurst was inside? - Jasper asked.

- I could not see, my lord. The driver was in his post, and had at least one person in there because he put his head out the window once or twice.

- Can you describe this person?

- It was very fast, but I know it was a woman because of the hat.

- You know the woman?

- I. .. um ... -The boy stammered, blushing slightly. He looked at the Butler and then to Jasper. - I believe it was Miss. Manning, although no absolute certainty.

- Mlle. Manning? - Jason repeated.

Jasper uttered an expletive. Decidedly, there was good news. If Claire was with Rebecca, then Dorchester not be far behind. A shiver of fear ran down her spine. Underestimated the danger, and this was unforgivable. She wanted to believe that it was all a terrible mistake, but suspected that, unfortunately, this was not the case. Needed to take urgent action.

No further explanation, hurried out, leaving the gloves, hat and the jacket back. Jason followed.

- Jasper, wait! You can not go on the hunt for a black carriage in London. We have no idea of the direction it took, and not even Claire was inside.

- I will not look for any coach. I'll talk to Dardington. Our coined investigators hired to oversee Dorchester. If Rebecca is involved, of course, the gentleman is as well. I ask God that one of the researchers can take us to Claire.

- I'll go with you - Jason warned. - Come take my buggy. And the fastest means of transport for London when I'm with the reins hands.

The sound of carriage wheels on the floor of twigs attracted Claire unconsciousness. Zonza, shook his head and groaned in pain. He played the point sore and felt the lump. Tried and sit for a moment, everything turned in front of you. Waited dizziness pass and slowly sat up on the bench.

-Finally, agreed. Good. I had to give a
shilling
more to the driver load it from the garden to the carriage. But now, to get to our destination, save this value. Claire blinked, and the image of the woman sitting opposite her, was slowly becoming clearer.

- Mlle. Manning?

- Ah, you know my name! Richard insisted that the ignorant, but I had sure did.

- Richard? - Claire murmured still confused. The air of superiority Rebecca disappeared.

- Fidalgo Dorchester, for you.

The Claire's heart began to beat uncontrollably. Her head hurt terribly, and her body was so heavy it could hardly move. But she had to fight to stay conscious.

- We're going to meet the gentleman?

- What do you want to know?

The short-pitched laugh frightened her to Rebecca. Claire did not want believe he was being kidnapped in exchange for the payment of ransom. Rebecca had reason to dislike her, but certainly not planned that action alone. Apparently, the plan's author was Richard Dorchester, and was the involvement and intentions that it scared her. The carriage stopped at the entrance of a park.

- Go down.

- No - Claire challenged it.

Cursing, Rebecca took a pocket knife on the cover. The blade flashed menacingly in the gloom of the interior of the carriage.

- Get down! - Rebecca repeated.

With Reluctantly, Claire obeyed.

- Come get me at the time and place combined - Rebecca ordered charioteer, throwing him a purse full of coins. - And you will receive the remainder. After collect money, the driver dropped the reins and the carriage disappeared.

- Keep going. - Rebecca pushed the knife in the back of Claire, forcing it to enter the park.

The place was deserted and silent. They skirted some trees who made a clearing. They crossed a lawn, then down a elevation which ended on the shores of a lake. Claire looked around. There was nobody around. With a little luck, Rebecca could disarm e. ..

From Suddenly, a woman's voice ended his hopes.

- You are late, young lady.

Rebecca Claire and turned toward the voice.

- What are you doing here? - Rebecca screamed.

- I ask the same thing, dear little sister. You told me would take ice cream in Gunther.

Claire felt a glimmer of hope. Imagined encounter with the odious nobleman And Dorchester, however, was before Anne Manning.

- Wherever I go, it's not your problem - Rebecca yelled. - Stop watch my steps and disappear out of here!

- Not without Fairhurst lady.

Rebecca completely lost control.

- Bitch! Go away before it spoils everything!

- How will I mess something I planned it?