The Wedding Deception (7 page)

- Tell me what to care about, milady.

The countess took a sip and put the glass on his desk.

- I need your help, Mr. Beckham. You are the only trustworthy person whom I would ask this favor. Will you help me? Please ...

- I'll do whatever you ask me, Countess.

- Thanks. You are a true gentleman.

Meredith covered her mouth with his hand to hide her smile. Poor Mr. Beckham! He had no chance with his mother, a master at manipulation.

The lawyer sat down, and the countess also took a few moments to compose herself. Meredith straightened in his chair to watch the next scene of that family drama.

- After much thought, I concluded that there is no tragedy my son is married to Claire

- the Countess said.

- Unfortunately, her son did not use his real name on the marriage certificate, so that Mr. Jason Barrington is not legally married to Miss. Truscott ...

- Sorry to interrupt you, Mr Beckham, but does not want Claire married to Jason. Jasper, Fairhurst is lord who is the husband of Claire.

The lawyer's face was livid.

- But Lord Fairhurst made it clear he wants the annulment of their marriage. He does not want to stay married to Miss. Truscott.

- How can he know what he wants? Jasper barely know the girl!

- Milady, I can not reveal information about my client. - Beckham a crumpled piece of paper showing his annoyance. - I gave my word to Lord Fairhurst who will resolve the issue. In favor of it.

Meredith saw a split second, the conflict of emotions through the mother's face. Surprise, annoyance, and finally determination.

- You got me wrong, Mr. Beckham. I would ask that broke a commitment to ethics. However, it is the right of a parent wanting the best for their children. I just need time. His efforts to resolve this dilemma must continue marital ... in slow steps. Steps snail, preferably. I think that Lord Fairhurst enough about the future and about his future wife. Beckham was visibly uncomfortable with the request of the countess, but has given his word. He could not retreat, unless he was prepared to face an attack of hysteria.

- I suppose I must examine all documents two or three times before performing the procedures - he also said with a hint of uncertainty.

- Excellent. - The countess smiled triumphantly. - I have full confidence in his abilities to lead all the way agreed.

The lawyer rose, giving the conversation ended. Under normal circumstances, his attitude would have offended the Countess, but she paid no attention to the rudeness of Beckham. His victory made him a generous and tolerant.

Jasper had never felt so uncomfortable. He felt awkward and artificial walking down the street arm in arm with Claire. She was taller than most women he knew, and the touch of her hand on his arm was light, almost imperceptible. Trying to break the awkward silence, Jasper began to point a milestone on the road. Claire let out murmurs of understanding, but he had no idea if she was enjoying or totally bored.

- I noticed that changed his clothes. This is one of their new dresses? - He finally asked.

- Yes Renude Lady noted that the dress needed adjusting, but his mother and sister insisted. They're turning me into a fashionable woman. - Claire laughed at the words themselves. - Well, at least, are trying!

- Do not allow them to change too. If you leave on account of them, so you will not recognize it anymore.

- After spending an entire morning in a shop, I admit that you're right. I would like to know other stores, but will learn to set limits and avoid extreme changes suggested by his mother, how to cut hair. - She looked at him. - I appreciate and value the advice of the Countess and the Lady Meredith, but I'm perfectly capable of making my own decisions. Fortunately, I am not a person nor suggestible and weak.

- Will and wisdom are not enough when it comes to my mother. - Jasper paused for a moment and bowed his head toward her, added: - It can become a tyrant at times.

- A peculiarity of the family? - Claire asked staring at him.

- One of the biggest and strongest!

They both laughed, to Jasper, but he remembered he was in public, and recovered himself. He looked around and, relieved, he realized that nobody watched. Then, unable to control himself, he turned to Claire.

Her face was covered with flushing, and the brightness of his eyes caught her attention. She was a very pretty girl and interesting.

Suddenly, Jasper felt
a frisson
that affected his balance in a way peculiar and incomprehensible. His body seemed to awaken to the life pulse of anxiety. The normal reaction of a man and a woman attractive, yet, somehow, it was a different feeling. It was a unique feeling, deep, unfamiliar and confusing.

Typically, Jasper simply expect this attraction evaporate from your body and your mind. It was always the case. He considered it a triumph, knowing that after years of indulging the passions devastating, he finally managed to discipline themselves and control their emotions.

Claire, however, feelings and images were stronger and more frightening. The discovery made his heart beat uncontrollably. It was possible that the attraction does not fade, but rather increased.

But why? What was that woman to shake it so much?

As if trying to escape their own feelings, Jasper quickened his pace. Claire was forced to hold strong on his arm to escort him.

- My coach is the next street - Lord Fairhurst said. - Can I instruct the driver to take her back for several different paths. It's more interesting than you know London shops of Bond Street. Are there any special place you want to see?

- I want to see everything! - She whispered panting.

Jasper knew that the breathlessness was due to the long walk, but the sense of privacy led him to think of others and most delicious ways to provoke such a reaction. He thought about kissing, soft as butterfly wings, but so powerful and able to spark the fire and desire in their bodies. The eagerness, the enthusiasm which stimulated the enchantment, desire, sensuality which he knew would explode between them.

- I will instruct my driver to go the route of Westminster Abbey. You can enjoy the architecture and feel the tradition of the place, even if being viewed through the window of a carriage.

She frowned.

- Are not you coming?

Fairhurst Lord emphatically denied with a nod, not liking the feeling of pleasure he felt in noting the tone of disappointment in her voice.

He held her by the elbow and it would help her climb into the carriage when a female voice called out. A shiver ran down her spine. She turned slowly and met with Rebecca and her sister.

- Ms. Manning. Mlle. Rebecca. - He let Claire's arm and greeted the two girls with a bow.

Astonished, nor Rebecca Anne nor returned the compliment. Claire looked at, of course, guessing his identity. Claire blushed and opened his mouth, but quickly closed it without saying anything.

- Rebecca ...

She took the hand of his sister and both ran toward the car of the father. He uttered an expletive and made to go after it. Claire's voice stopped him.

- What happened to them go well?

Jasper would not need to explain, but for some reason, he said the truth:

- The girl with a blue cover is Rebecca Manning, the woman I wanted to get married.

- And looking straight into her eyes said: - That is, before you become my wife. The moment he sat in the carriage, Rebecca Collapsing.

- What daring! - Furiously threw the bag on the floor of the carriage. - Present yourself in public with that creature after me promise that she would soon leave his life!

And the way you saw them? So close, speaking in a tone of intimacy! I had to call him twice to repair it in me.

- Lord Fairhurst seemed very annoyed at the meeting - said Anne, picking up her sister's purse.

- Sure, you fool! He hated the attention, especially when it involves any event that could harm his reputation. Hopefully other people have witnessed the encounter!

- Not quite. Lord Fairhurst ever ...

- Shut up! If you say a word to defend him, I swear I'll give you a slap. Anne sat up on the bench and did not respond. Rebecca felt the urge to harm her sister in any way to vent their anger. Not expected to react with both jealousy and violence. Actually, not like Lord Fairhurst. Only agreed to the marriage to please his father, and especially to get rid of his authority.

Fairhurst had a lot of qualities she wanted in a husband. He was rich, beautiful, possessed of nobility and inherit better positions after the death of the earl, his father. Most importantly, however, was knowing that the Lord will never love her, and she most certainly will never love him too.

But apparently, this certainly is not to prevent him from feeling possessive. Seeing him with another woman awakened her all kinds of emotions. Happily surprised at the street. Although tantrums were his specialty, never stoop to the public.

- Will my life be like? Forced to swallow anguish and humiliation day after day, Fairhurst while parading around town with this woman?

- He was just helping her climb into the carriage - Anne mused quietly, stroking the hand of his sister. - It may have been a chance encounter.

- My God, you are naive indeed! - Rebecca broke away from the affectionate gesture of Anne. - The coach was his! You did not see the coat on the door?

Anne bowed her head and shook hands, but Rebecca did not notice. She was too busy with more pressing problems. Outside naive to believe the words of Lord the night before. He had not revealed all the truth that surrounded this strange marriage. And taking into account the encounter on the street, she doubted Fairhurst would strive to honor their commitment, after all, was never officially announced. The negotiations had been completed, the financial arrangement had been established, but no document was signed. Acting properly, it could escape the scandal and blame the back of Lord Fairhurst.

Rebecca peered out the window. The storm of emotions began to pass, but the desire for revenge was still very strong. She smiled. Everything would work. The distress he felt initially with the idea of losing Fairhurst disappeared, giving way to strong and intense need to be cruel.

And this matter, she understood perfectly.

Chapter VI

Jasper did not intend to return to the mansion with Claire. Restless and eager to be alone with his thoughts, had planned to put Claire and the maid into the carriage, and then back to the club.

But the unexpected encounter with Rebecca had changed everything. Lost the will. The possibility that some member had witnessed the incident on the street was a risk they would rather avoid. So he reluctantly entered the carriage and remained silent throughout the journey.

The vehicle stopped and Claire peered out the window.

- We?

Jasper only confirmed with a nod.

A waiter opened the carriage door and offered his arm to Claire. She came down and Jasper followed up quickly. Now they come, just wanted to take refuge in the comfort of your office and decide how to fix this mess. Had it repaired. Once we stepped into the hall, the butler delivered an urgent message to Claire. She opened the paper and quickly read the message. His face paled.

- Bad news?

- More or less.

- It's my brother?

- No. It's my great aunt Agnes. - Claire looked at him with concern. - You are eager to meet my husband. In fact, she expects to be received by us two this afternoon. Jasper vaguely remembered Claire have mentioned such a relative the night before.

- If you wish to receive visitors, you can use the golden hall. The chef will gladly serve what you ask. Just ask the butler to arrange everything.

- You will be present?

- No. But convey my respects to Aunt Agnes.

His tone was more harsh than intended. Claire was not offended. She was on the staircase, one step above him, gazing at him, hoping he might change his mind. Jasper was very annoyed with the situation. Was not obliged to help Claire, his brother Jason are best suited to the role of knight errant.

- Aunt Agnes will be disappointed if you do not make an effort to meet her - Claire said after a tense silence. - And also suspicious.

- The problem is not mine.

Claire nibbled his lip. He looked at the message and back to Jasper.

- It will become a problem if your Aunt Agnes suspect, even remotely, of our unusual situation.

Jasper raised an eyebrow, uncertain whether her words would contain a veiled threat.

- Then I suggest you tell him the truth. The sooner the better.

- As soon as she learns the truth, the whole world know.

- Ask him to be discreet. For the sake of the family.

- My dad says to tell a secret to Aunt Agnes is more effective than placing an ad in the newspaper. She is simply unable to keep a secret.

- In that case I will leave you to resolve this delicate situation, since she is a member of your family.

Claire raised her shoulders slightly.

- Even if I were inclined to confide about our situation, what I say to you? I married Lord Fairhurst. That does not mean you're my husband? Or Jay?

Jasper let out an exasperated sigh.

- I am paying a fabulous sum to one of the greatest minds on legal issues of this for me to answer that question. I promise, soon as I know, tell Aunt Agnes. Grumbling, Fairhurst lord bowed and sought the quiet of his office. He opened the folder of correspondence and one half hours, examined the papers without being able to concentrate.

The house was quiet. His mother had not returned, and apparently would not return at dusk. At least Claire had the opportunity to receive the aunt in particular. Try as he might, could not shake the image of Claire's mind. Stopping on the stairs, so good in her new dress, looked lost and hurt him with unkind refusal. Suspecting that he would regret later, Jasper took a deep breath and left the office, heading for the golden hall where Claire was alone with his eyes downcast and hands folded.

- His visit has not yet arrived? Claire looked at him with a distracted air.