The Wedding Deception (3 page)

Pondered how they could quickly address the extraordinary fact that would change the view of it all. The air of ennui that the viscount showed that time would go off his face when he knew that, surprisingly, it was indeed his responsibility.

- I appreciate your understanding that I am not responsible for this terrible misunderstanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience caused to both. Jasper laughed and waved a little case with your hand.

- Nothing. Forget it.

He bowed in a polite bow and went to the door. Claire followed him.

- It seems that we decipher the mystery of my marriage, my lord. But there is one detail that still must be clarified.

- Yes? - His voice sounded vague and impatient, as if the subject had already been cleared of his thought.

Claire looked at Meredith before facing Jasper Barrington. The reaction to the news would be extreme, but not stop her from revealing the truth.

- As was stated, was Jason, not you, who took the vows of marriage. But the name that appears on my marriage certificate is Jasper Barrington, Lord Fairhurst. Claire heard the exclamation of the Marquise shocked, but kept his eyes fixed on Jasper. His face flushed with anger.

- What are you saying?

- The same thing we have been saying since I came here. You're my husband. I confess that I am as perplexed as you, but to the world, I'm Claire Truscott Barrington, Lady Fairhurst. His lawful wife.

Claire heard a slight knock. He looked at his watch. It was only three hours to come, and yet there seemed an eternity ago.

Jasper had been upset with anger and astonishment at the revelation. Fortunately, Meredith managed to appease the wrath of his brother. The two had talked among themselves for several minutes, quietly, under the eyes of Claire, a servant until he was called and instructed to lead her to a guest room.

A new knock sounded on the door.

- They are waiting for the library, my lady. I would like to accompany me, or should I tell them to wait to fall?

- One moment, please.

Claire took a deep breath and walked through the elegant room. Had time to freshen up and put on clean clothes. Decided to use the best dress she had brought, green satin, with lace bodice and high waist.

Before opening the door, she hesitated for a moment. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply again. His heart pounded, and shivers of apprehension went through his back. Unpleasant moments to expect, but would have to face them if he wanted to resolve this mess and move on with your life.

- Miss?

Claire squared his shoulders and opened the door. A waiter emerged from the shadows in the dimly lit corridor. It was the same young man that led to the room. He looked at her with curiosity, and Claire blushed. She followed him in silence to the library and, on entering, are embarrassed to see six people waiting.

- Claire, you're charming. - Meredith laced her shoulders in a protective gesture. - I hope you've managed to rest. Come, I want to present it to everyone. Jasper's parents, Earl and Countess of Stafford, were elegant and refined, and had a youthful look. Claire greeted with an encouraging smile and a warm handshake. Meredith's husband, the Marquis of Dardington, was tall, strong and beautiful. Greeted her with pride and undisguised distrust.

Lord Fairhurst was also present. Claire bowed, and lifting his head their eyes met briefly. Her heart soared.

Jasper was beautiful and elegant in his dress suit, black jacket and trousers made of satin, silk waistcoat gray and white tie. The manly and striking presence was astonishing. At least in physical appearance, it was perfect. A sudden warmth ran through her body, causing unusual emotions. Although Jasper had barely looked at her, Claire experienced the strange sensation that this man would set his destiny. Regardless of what happened that night, from that moment, she would never be the same person.

Meredith's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

- And this is Mr. Walter Beckham, a lawyer for the family. The man shook his head slightly bowed Claire. Then pulled out a handkerchief and wiped sweat from his brow.

The door was closed and everyone sat down. In an almost imperceptible sign of Jasper Fairhurst, the lawyer went to Claire. All eyes turned to her and she clenched her hands nervously.

- Lord and Lady Meredith Fairhurst reported on the disagreement with the name appearing on the marriage certificate - he said without preamble. - Is it correct to state that the lady wanted to marry Mr. Jason Barrington Fairhurst and not lord?

- Yes, sir.

- By chance, brought the marriage certificate? I need to examine it thoroughly to determine the authenticity of the legal document.

Claire felt her face burn. He glanced at the people who watched and lifted his chin.

- No, sir. I left my home in Wiltshire with the intention to visit my husband. Not thought it necessary to carry in my bag a document so important. The marriage is also recorded in the book of the church in my town. But I can say with certainty that the groom's name is Jasper Barrington, Lord Fairhurst.

There was a long and heavy silence. Beckham picked up the handkerchief again and wiped the sweat from his face.

- If it's really true, this could be considered a marriage by proxy. Which means that this girl here is married to Lord Fairhurst.

- Are you sure? - Lord Dardington asked. The lawyer confirmed with a nod.

- Bastard! - Jasper clenched his fists. - I'll strangle the bastard Jason! After landing a punch in the eye of the bastard!

- Jasper! What language is that? - Countess scolded his son. - I understand your indignation, but nothing justifies such vulgarity. I'm sure this is a mistake that will be easily resolved.

After exchanging glances eloquent with her husband, the countess turned to Claire, making her black feathers that adorned her hair bouncing lightly.

- Tell us how you met Jason, darling, and how they came to the wedding. Must be a beautiful and compelling love story.

Claire smiled. These people were clever and would not be cheated easily. The best would be to tell the truth with as little detail as possible.

- Earlier this year, Jay was held in our village because of a snowstorm that made the road impassable. Unable to continue the trip, he stayed at the local inn. Dardington Lord looked at her with raised eyebrows.

- He met her at an inn?

- Heavens, no! - Claire protested immediately countered with the suggestion in the question of evil marquis. - I was at my home in Wiltshire. But Jay fell ill with high fever, and I ...

- You took care of him? - The countess interrupted in a tone of reproach. Claire gulped. That was the court that made it! The idea of a single woman caring for a stranger was simply unacceptable and compromising.

- Not directly, but had an active participation in their recovery. Jay was attended by the village physician, Dr. Fletcher. My mother has knowledge of botany, and we grow several kinds of medicinal herbs. The villagers often come to us because my mother is always willing to provide the herbs and instructions on how to use them, who need it.

- I understand. - The Countess made an impatient gesture with his hand. - And how she met my son?

- Responding to the call of Dr. Fletcher, it took several pots of herbs at the inn. When Jay had recovered, he came to our house to thank us. It was when we met.

- And of course, fell in love at first sight - The Marquis commented sarcastically. Claire pursed his lips. On the corner of his eye, he noticed the frown that Meredith launched the husband. Knowing he had a likely ally was encouraging.

- Why did my son refers to as "Jay"? - The countess put her hand on his chin. - His name is Jason.

- He registered at the inn as J. Barrington. And ill, unable to tell us your name, so we started to treat him by Jay. After he recovered, he simply refused to reveal the meaning of the initial J. - Claire tilted his head slightly. - Only on the wedding day I knew my husband's name was Jasper.

Suddenly, everyone started talking at once. Claire enjoyed that brief interval. It was exhausting to be the center of so much negative attention. But as he had imagined, the interrogation was not over. Lord Marquis Dardington Fairhurst and exchanged a few words and then looked at her with an expression of distrust. Straightening up in his chair, Claire waited for the next attack.

- You said you're married to three months, despite having known my brother earlier this year. - The voice of Jasper was the accuser. - It was a very short space of time for two strangers decide to marry.

- Yes, it was a very short courtship.

The heart was beating wildly as Claire, but she forced herself not to lower their eyes. Jasper is suspected of any weak point would not have pity, and she was determined not to betray the trust of Jay.

- Novels like this happen - Meredith intervened.

- Yes, of course - the Countess agreed. - But I'm upset that Jason did not tell us anything about his intention to marry. - She sighed. - Could you at least have written to us. After all, he knew he longed to see him married, established.

- Well, I think Claire has already shown us everything he could about this marriage - Meredith said, turning to his brother and marido. "She is unable to answer questions about details that are not their knowledge. As an example, why the name of Jasper contained in the certificate. It seems to me obvious that only Jason can explain exactly what happened.

- We need to get in touch with him immediately. - The countess looked at Claire. - Do you know where it went?

- I do not know, unfortunately. I thought he was here. Jasper stood up and walked nervously around the room.

- Why Jason used my name? What he meant?

- It really makes no sense, but the important thing now is to know which one is her husband, legally speaking - considered the countess. - What is your opinion, Mr. Beckham?

The lawyer cleared his throat before speaking:

- Marriage by proxy is rare nowadays, but it is a legal act and requires the agreement of both parties. In this case, there is insufficient evidence that Mr. Jason represented his brother and married in name of Lord Fairhurst.

- How is it possible? - Jasper screamed. - How does a proxy marriage without the consent or knowledge of the groom?

- The law is complicated, my lord. - Beckham gave a nervous smile as if to mitigate the impact of his words. - You can only prove that marriage is a farce, if you have not given authority to his brother to represent him. However, it is his legal heir, and it changes the aspect of the case.

- There must be a possibility of cancellation.

- I need to study carefully the question. I must warn that the process requires the approval of the Regent and Parliament, and that takes time. Long.

- If my brother claim his rights as husband, be free of responsibility?

- It will help a lot if Mr. Jason stated that really had intentions to marry this girl - said the lawyer. - Even so, there will be enough. If your name is registered in the documents, legally you are the husband.

Jasper took a few steps across the room before stopping again in front of the lawyer.

- Are you telling me, Mr. Beckham, I'm married to this lady? And that, soon, there is no possibility to cancel this ridiculous farce?

For a moment nobody spoke. No one dared even breathe.

Beckham finally released his breath noisily, before answering:

- This is the exact situation, my lord.

Chapter III

Alone, walking restlessly from one side to another in the living room, Jasper listened to the babble of voices and the constant opening and closing the front door. The guests started arriving, and he was not in the hall with the other family members to welcome them. This was not how I imagined that night so important.

Hours earlier, sent a servant to the residence of Manning with a message to Rebecca, requesting his presence in that room for a private conversation before the party. Probably, the poor girl thought he would be waiting for a romantic time alone, perhaps with a jewel as an engagement present.

Now, not even Jasper knew the engagement happen. Due to the lack of discretion of the irresponsible brother.

From the door of the room, the butler announced the arrival of Mr. Charles Manning and his daughters, Anne and Rebecca.

Jasper felt a twinge of annoyance by Rebecca failed to appear alone at the meeting. On the other hand, appreciated the prudence to keep his name and reputation cleared, which came only strengthen his conviction that his wife Rebecca was appointed to be his wife.

- Good night, my lord - she greeted with a smile. - I'm happy to review it. Jasper took her gloved hand and bowed.

- Thanks for answering my request. I hope you have not bothered with the message at the last minute.

- I was more surprised than upset my lord. Women are very curious. His message was urgent and mysterious, an almost irresistible combination for any woman. Jasper led her to a chair. Rebecca sat up and looked at him with curiosity, but as a girl was carefully educated, waited respectfully for him to speak first. Standing, staring at her, Jasper started:

- I should the unfortunate task to inform you that due to circumstances beyond my will, you can not announce our engagement this evening, as we wanted. However, I hope that the setback that came unexpectedly interfere with our plans would be clarified at the earliest date possible so that we can continue our commitment. Rebecca paled.

- How ... Are you saying that we should postpone our engagement? - Her eyes filled with tears. - You changed your mind?

Anne approached his sister and hugged her.

- No, Rebecca. You should not have got it right. Fairhurst Lord is a gentleman, he would never commit an undignified attitude to the girl who promised to marry. Jasper gritted his teeth to hear the challenge cleverly disguised as a compliment.

- You are right, Miss. Manning. I intend to make my wife Rebecca, but my brother Jason was recently married, and there seems some doubt as to the legality of marriage.

- What does this have to do with his marriage to my daughter? - Charles Manning reacted quickly.