The Wedding Deception (4 page)

The truth put Jasper in a position indefensible, but he could not hide it.

- There is a small chance that the woman who married my brother is my wife.

- What?

No choice, Jasper repeated the statement.

- Damn! - Charles Manning shouted angrily. - How dare you play with the feelings of my daughter? Do you have an appointment with Rebecca, my lord, a commitment that I intend to force him to comply. I will not let no misfortune fell upon our name, anything that denigrates our reputation!

- Daddy, please! - Anne yelled, trying to calm his father. Charles's face was flushed, his breath was panting, and he could barely contain the anger. Rebecca, however, never seemed so fragile and delicate. She was pale and his eyes showed confusion and fear. With quivering lips, she laid her hand on the forehead, completing the image of maiden abandoned.

At this time, Jasper remembered that she had never kissed his bride. The two had never shared the smallest of the secrets, which could not be otherwise, since he was a gentleman and respected the woman who would become his wife. Jasper insisted on marrying a girl demure, shy, even a little dull. Rather she did not have attributes that arouse his desire. I had the feeling that this would give more meaning to their relationship, forcing him to control his passionate nature. But suddenly he found himself wondering if that was what he wanted for himself. Grace, dignity and decorum would be sufficient for a whole life together?

Moving away from the disturbing thoughts, turned his attention to the drama he faced.

- We must allow the Lord to explain Fairhurst - Anne suggested. - Dad, sit down, please. By Rebecca.

Charles Manning told.

- Please, my lord, tell us what happened - asked Anne. Jasper summarized the events of that afternoon, highlighting his instructions to the lawyer to find out which of the brothers was married to Claire.

- None of this would have happened if his brother had a bit of responsibility within that useless head! - The indictment of Mr. Manning echoed around the room.

- Restrain yourself, sir. - The lines around the mouth of Jasper deepened, showing its displeasure, and with difficulty controlled the tone of voice. - I agree it was a big shock and I understand their anger, but I warn you to be careful with the way you talk to my family.

Jasper looked at Rebecca, wondering what feelings were hiding behind the lovely blue eyes. Undeniably, she was suffering, but whatever they were feeling, I knew very well disguised.

- Come, my daughters - ordered Mr., Manning. - Let's go home.

- There are no comments attend the dinner - Rebecca murmured.

- Let the explanations for Lord Fairhurst. I want you right away when they discover that evil tongues no announcement of their engagement.

With his father and sister Rebecca escorting, Jasper had no opportunity to offer a word of comfort or an apology. He did not remain anything other than admire the composure of Rebecca to leave the room, a little shaky, but with the steep chin and nose and shoulders erect.

Watching her from behind, Jasper could not see the glow of rage and revenge in the eyes of Rebecca. The woman he thought were so controlled and gentle shaking with anger and humiliation. Despite the apparent dignity and proud posture, she was determined not to forgive that infamy.

Dorchester Richard Hidalgo was furious to learn of the news.

- How, lady Fairhurst traveled? - Screamed the servant frightened. - Traveled to where?

- In London, sir - poor James replied in a faint voice.

- And what she was doing in London? Fairhurst came back and took her away?

- No, sir. Lady Fairhurst traveled with her aunt, Mrs. Humphrey. The gentleman turned up his nose.

- That witch nosy. I think I died.

- No, it was her sister, Ms. Hathaway, who died last winter. Quietly, James began to move away from the table, fearing the angry reaction to a nobleman. If you do not have to support her mother, elect would have dropped that job. It was horrible to work in a house where there was no consideration for the servants, forced to long hours of exhaustive dedication, with a salary and a regime unworthy of constant fear. Not to mention there is violence to the gentleman with the staff. Richard Dorchester lived by their own rules. It was rude, tyrannical, temperamental and overly womanizer. Over the years, become involved with women of all classes, but was too smart to let the shadow of a scandal or news of misconduct tarnish his name. It was a loathsome villain who could keep secret the treacherous side of his nature. Few knew the unfeeling heart beating under the guise of a man handsome and gentlemanly manners, and the servants remarked that the gentleman would kill to anyone discovering this facet of his character.

- When Fairhurst lady gone? Earlier today, at dawn? James hesitated. The news reached the ears of the created three days before, but nobody had the courage to tell the gentleman. The information would probably cost a bruised face, a bruised lip or broken nose. So James decided to lie:

- I do not know, sir. - His hands shook.

- Idiot! Discover! - Dorchester raised his arm, but James shot at the door. Richard Dorchester, Dorchester or gentleman, as he was called by the villagers, he noticed the boy's career with interest. Perhaps she was being too lenient with the staff. But at that moment, he saw no need to punish the boy. Wait until he comes back with the information, then yes, you apply a good dusting, a concealer that also serve as an example to other employees.

He thought of Claire and her anger increased. He was obsessed with her. Claire had invaded his soul and his thoughts. For a brief moment, cursed by his own body to want it so much.

Resented by the rejection, tried to convince herself that she would be a disappointment, like many others they had been before her, but secretly did not believe it. And so the obsession grew and grew.

Since adolescence, women practically throwing themselves into his arms. Slept in hundreds of different beds, but it was all simple sexual adventures without any emotional involvement.

Smiling, Dorchester examined his reflection in the mirror over the fireplace. He admired the cut of the jacket, the quality of the tie, the soft fabric of his pants. Everything perfect, as he demanded.

To keep your wardrobe always according to the latest fashion, the gentleman sent tailor their clothes in London. It was not cheap to stay fashionable, but their financial conditions permit such extravagances. Their farms were run by a faithful servant, dedicated and conscious that would be fired, without references, to betray the trust of his employer.

Richard was tall, strong, muscular, and beyond the physical beauty, had a magnetism that attracted both men and women. Everyone liked him, and this popularity gave him a sense of power and importance. However, these same people who worshiped there certainly would be shocked if they knew he was lying with the same ease with which he breathed.

He poured himself a shot of whiskey and took a long sip, feeling the fluid burns your throat and join the fire that burned inside. Just thinking about Claire, her body throbbing with desire. Claire ... The only person who avoided their harassment, which had dared to reject him.

He drank another swig of whiskey, letting the bitter memories came back to mind. Just like his own family of Claire's family lived in the region for many generations. She was a respected and noble lineage, and the mother was in a position of leadership in the peculiarly local community. The father was a gentleman of moderate possessions that provided a comfortable living for his wife and three daughters. Richard met Claire at a party in the village when she was a girl of sixteen, and he, a grown man of twenty-three. There were other beautiful girls at the party, but when they touched her hand, felt a strong emotion and unknown, as never before experienced. At that moment, I knew that I wanted, and not just as a hobby. Sure that she would feel honored to be courted by a gentleman, Richard came to visit her. But Claire did not feel flattered. He refused to see him, sending the mother has apologized to him. Frustrated by rejection, sought to know everything about her, and discovered he had a boyfriend.

Fortunately, the kook who had won the hearts of Claire had ridiculous ideas about their obligations, and felt honored to serve the motherland. The military connections of Richard proved to be helpful, and soon the boy was sent to the battlefield, somewhere in the Peninsula. Less than a year later, was killed in combat. With his rival out of the way, there was no need to rush. Indeed, Richard thought it better to wait the time pass by Claire begin to fear being a spinster. So then, yes, it would be easier to accomplish their goal.

But nothing went according to plans.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the hall, and the gentleman moved away quickly from the mirror.

- What you have discovered, its useless? - So asked the waiter entered the room. - About Lady Fairhurst.

- Nothing yet, Hidalgo. Dorchester raised an eyebrow.

- So why come here to harass me?

- You have a visitor. - The waiter cleared his throat. - Is Mrs. Clayton. Lydia? He did not send it! Moreover, the rapid burning and their romance had ended months before.

- You said Mrs. Clayton that I was not at home? - Richard repeated the standard response that the household was instructed to offer to any woman who sought not invited.

- Yes, sir. Three times, I explained that you had left and had no curfew. But she is very insistent and said he would wait as long as necessary.

Richard snorted, annoyed. What was happening to his servants? Actually, he was being too lenient. First, the lack of information about Claire, and now Lydia manipulating wretch! Later, he would go to the servants' accommodation and punch the head of each wall.

- I was not able to get rid of Mrs. Clayton, wait fifteen minutes and drive it up here - he ordered the gentleman.

The boy nodded nervously and left the room.

On the wedding day with Lord Claire Fairhurst, Richard began his seduction game with Lydia. He needed distraction and Lydia was different from most of his achievements. He was younger and was in love with her husband. Was inhibited and did not have much experience, and he felt a perverse sense of power to transform an innocent young man and a woman insecure in earnest.

But as in all relationships, Richard soon got tired. Disagreeing with the end of the novel, Lydia has attempted to reoccupy it, but was cruelly rejected. Since then the search is not over.

Until now.

Fulfilling orders from Hidalgo, fifteen minutes after introducing Mrs. James Clayton in the room. Richard did not hide his annoyance.

- I will not say I'm happy to review it because it would be a lie, Mrs.. Clayton. Lydia held his gaze.

- I would not have come if not absolutely necessary.

She sat down without waiting for invitation and for a long time, Richard stared in silence.

- Why did you come? - He asked finally. Lydia took a deep breath.

- I think ... I think not, I'm sure ... I'm pregnant. I'm afraid to consult a doctor or midwife, but I'm all signals. - Again, she took a deep breath. - I believe that a child will be born in autumn.

Despite the confusion, Richard managed to smile.

- Congratulations. Certainly your husband is proud and excited by the arrival of the firstborn.

- He does not know yet. The child is not his, is yours.

- Do not be ridiculous. Our affair ended months ago. You can not know who the father is. When a married woman becomes pregnant, her husband is legally the father of the child, regardless of how many men she slept.

Lydia blushed at the insult.

- I see you've changed nothing. Remains coarse and mean. Richard laughed.

- If you're saying, princess ... Mr. Clayton seems to be the kind of man who expects his wife to give him a dozen children - he said in a condescendingly. - If you know the right play, he probably will cover the gift to hear the good news. The muscles of the face of Lydia contracted.

- My husband told me before we married, have children who can not, in consequence of an illness he contracted as a child.

- And yet you married him. Very noble of you, Lydia.

- If I tell him that I hope a baby will know that he was unfaithful. Will be furious and would probably leave me. My family will be embarrassed and did not offer me any support. I can not support me alone, let alone with a child to raise. Richard let out an exaggerated sigh.

- Still do not understand what I have to do with this problem.

- The child is yours, Richard!

- While it is true, for me it makes no difference. - He shrugged. - If so unsettling to confess his sins to Clayton, get rid of the baby.

- What?

- What you heard. Get rid of the child. There are potions, herbs, medicines you can take to solve this. If the idea of doing this not to like, then you need to go away before their condition becomes apparent. Invent a story or an extended visit to a sick relative or something, and give birth to her son away from here. After birth, give it to someone or leave it in an orphanage and return to her husband.

- How can you suggest something so monstrous? - Lydia shook her head in disbelief.

Richard opened his arms in a theatrical gesture.

- Having a child, get rid of his son, telling her husband not to tell her husband. What you decide will not affect me. Lydia. Like I said, the problem is not mine. Lydia crossed her arms as if to protect the child in her womb, and so remained for a long moment, then looked back at Richard. His face was pale.

- And if I do that the problem is yours, Richard? And if I get involved in a scandal, revealing to all of our novel and the consequences of this illicit liaison?

- Keep your voice down.

Lydia's eyes darkened, threatening.

- You would not like it one bit, is not noble Dorchester? Facing embarrassment, losing its prestigious position in our tiny village, to be exposed so that everyone knows who you really are, an ordinary adulterer, a man with no sense of morality, no conscience and lackluster.