The Wedding Deception (16 page)

Tried turn to face him, waiting for a kiss, but the gentleman kept it prey.

- We must be careful - she said gasping. - Anyone can come and surprise us.

- I thought you liked it, Rebecca. Someone's watching. She closed his eyes, abashed, recalling the meeting earlier in the week. The servant of a gentleman, a groom, hidden in the shadows, watched it being stripped and assembled by the boss, as taking a stallion the mare.

The inhibitions of a lifetime noise had easily cleared recently awakened by his desires. When I was with Richard, their needs, their desires, their instincts dictate his actions.

- It was just that time - she defended herself. - Just because you agreed I asked. Just to please him.

- Is what you say. But we both know the truth, right? You more than I liked. Leaning, He nibbled her neck. Rebecca shivered. But tried to hide. If Richard realized how much she wished it would stop with the caresses immediately, just to punish her.

He raised the silk skirt, kneading it. Rebecca did not care. To tease her, slipped her hand between her legs. Rebecca moaned.

From Suddenly, he pushed her. She muttered angry and frustrated. Richard ria. A sound harsh, ugly.

- You're hot for me. But you need not have as do not do what I want. Rebecca lifted the cheese in a gesture of defiance.

- Why should I wait? You should do everything to please me, waiting I do the favor to fulfill your request.

The Hidalgo gritted teeth.

- Do not push my patience! I'm not willing to listen to provocations. Rebecca deep breath.

- What do you want?

In His eyes came a triumphant glow. Rebecca came over and lifted head. Richard kissed her on the mouth. It was just a brush of lips, so light, so fast she thought she would have imagined.

- I want to attract lady Fairhurst this refuge, and then let alone here. Rebecca shook his head.

- How do I perform a task so ridiculous? Because of our history Last Fairhurst lady and I avoided each other. Actually, never were formally presented.

- If you're so worried about the rules of good manners, search someone to do the presentations.

Rebecca looked at him with puzzled expression.

- Why is it necessary that Lady Fairhurst come here? Hidalgo put his hand on the nape of Rebecca, squeezing it.

- Think, you idiot! His goal was not to humiliate Fairhurst? What best way to get revenge on the woman to commit to him? Imagine the scandal surprise Fairhurst lady in a dark corner of the garden in the arms of a man who is not her husband?

- Are you planning to seduce her? - Jealous, she tried to extricate himself, but the gentleman did not let go. - I will not!

- Its extremes of emotions are too tedious. - Richard squeezed more fingers at the nape of Rebecca. - Put an end to this fit of jealousy immediately. Rebecca shook. I wanted to tease him that he felt the same rage and hurt he poisoned the blood. But he restrained the impulse, fearing consequences. Up even in his moments of anger, he felt attracted to this man. Richard was an enigma to her, but so trapped in their webs, not could get rid of that crazy fascination for him.

- You will do exactly as I say, and my plan will work. - With surprising gentleness, the gentleman has relieved the pressure of the fingers, and kissed her lightly on the neck. - Arguing is a waste of time, and cause of my patience. Got it?

Even thinking of denying, Rebecca nodded her head.

- Great. I'm glad to find that, after many weeks together, you finally realized that I always get what I want.

By return to the party, the first person I met Rebecca, was his father with a glass of whiskey in his hand. From his expression, just noticed that he had drunk too much and his humor was not the best.

- Where have you been? - Charles Manning said angrily. - I sent her Sister looking for her for over an hour.

- Daddy, please, talk down.

- Where have you been? - He repeated.

- Dancing - Rebecca lied. - First with Lord Hartley, and then with Mr. Drummond.

- Hartley talked to for ten minutes, and he did not say anything. Rebecca felt a chill in the stomach, but disguised fear.

- It was just a dance, Dad. One of the many who danced with other couples. I'm sure that Lord Hartley thought it was so unimportant that neither remember to mention. Charles Manning squinted suspiciously.

- I do not know why I get the feeling that you're lying, Rebecca. He grabbed her wrist, squeezing it tightly. Rebecca was afraid, but to remember Richard, almost smiled. The punishments were not the father nothing compared to the discipline of a nobleman.

She pulled by hand.

- I already said where I was the father. If you have difficulty accepting the truth, that is your problem.

- Here's how to talk to me, young lady! I demand respect! Charles Manning moved so threatening, but Rebecca was not intimidated. While yelling, rampage and often harm their daughters, the place and time demanded control of behavior. Like Rebecca, Charles Manning understood very well the need to keep up appearances.

- Oh, are you there? - Anne approached them. - I came from another side of the room wondering what you've been here with Dad.

The voice was firm, but by the trembling hands of his sister, Rebecca realized Anne had heard that discussion. He sighed with relief. Cash needed their anger on someone. Anne was the ideal person.

- Have you ever wondered Anne on their travels this evening?

- Why should I? - He took a swig of whiskey, draining some of the liquid from the corner of his mouth. - I know that Anne sat in a corner all night. I doubt that someone had invited her to dance.

Rebecca looked at his sister and smiled wickedly. Blushing, Anne lowered eyes. Rebecca took the handkerchief from his jacket pocket and wiped his father's will mouth. Then he took his arm and whispered:

- I did not mean to cause you problems, dad. I've always been a daughter obedient, trusting in his trial and given their orders. I that you should worry more about Anne, Dad. What we do with it? She needs your help to find a husband.

- Do not need daddy's - Anne defended herself. Rebecca lifted eyebrow ironically.

- Oh, really? Did we'll be miraculously surprised by the statement of a gentleman?

We can expect an official announcement soon?

- This is my business! - Anne replied in a tone outraged.

- Stop arguing, girls - Charles rebuked them. Rebecca gave shoulders. Willing to calm the father, ordered to his sister:

- Go get something to eat daddy. He'll love the delights Ansley lady's kitchen.

- Do not worry. We are already going away - Charles announced. - Immediately.

- But Dad, it's still early - Rebecca protested near panic. No could leave without first complying with orders from Richard. - We can not waiting for the fireworks? The burn will begin at midnight.

- You can see them from the carriage window.

- I see them the flag.

- No. - Charles stared at her daughter, emphasizing the features contrite the strength of its decision.

Rebecca also was determined not to yield. Looked at the father with a smile forced.

- I promised the gentleman next dance Dorchester. I can not go without meeting my word.

- Send a note of apology tomorrow morning - Charles suggested.

- That would be an unforgivable discourtesy. The gentleman has been a companion attentive. You should feel grateful for the kindness of it.

Charles launched an incredulous look for Rebecca.

- Have not heard any proposal of marriage from his lips. No I gladly accept your request. With your looks you can achieve a better party than a nobleman's interior.

- He is a rich man of respectable lineage - Rebecca replied, defending her lover. - It would be a good husband to me.

The Charles Manning's eyes flashed with anger.

- I do not mind the weight of his pockets. He is not Fairhurst. His wealth does not compare to the viscount, his title is simply a courtesy.

- Fairhurst is a scoundrel. He may have more noble lineage, but family He does not have good reputation in certain circles. Believed he were different, but to my sorrow, I found that is so cruel as their ancestors. I believe a lot not realizing union with such a family. Are superior to these people.

- Fairhurst bonds in society and business have been sensible to me - Manning lamented. - Now that he is lost, we must provide an applicant the same, or rather to you.

- How will I ensnare a husband has not attended the event appropriate? - Rebecca asked already about to lose patience.

- Since we attended the party today. - Charles handed the empty glass to a passing waiter. - Now let's go.

- But no sooner started the festivities!

- We are here for hours, more than enough time for you to see and be seen. Moreover, interest in your company will be greater if you are not so accessible. Charles walked away. Feeling on the verge of despair, Rebecca lost control of the tongue.

- Stop acting like a silly blockhead!

She repented as the words escaped her lips. His father was violent when angry. And usually it was not so careless, but his mind was focused on finding Fairhurst lady and take it at the place marked by Hidalgo.

Charles stopped and slowly turned to her daughter with troubled expression.

- Nobody talks about what I should do. Mainly my kids stupid. Got it? - As Rebecca was slow to respond, he shouted: - Understand?

- Got it!

With tight chest and legs heavy, Rebecca followed her father. For a moment considered the possibility of trying to get lost in the crowd, but the father walked so close to her that it would be impossible to escape.

Richard would be furious, but she had no choice. The misery of Lady Fairhurst would have to wait until another day.

Strolling by Lover's Walk, Lord Fairhurst remembered the game of hide and seek that both had engaged in youth. The silence was total, broken only by the sound of his footsteps, the rustle of leaves over high. From time to time, a woman's laughter echoed through the darkness too.

No doubt there were many couples hiding in the shadows, taking the privacy that the garden offered. He tried to avoid them, knowing that nobody was especially interested in being "discovered."

From Suddenly a woman came out of the darkness. He looked from one side to another, and then, with quick steps, he made his way back to the hall, without note the presence of Lord Fairhurst. Even at a glance, Jasper acknowledged Lady Sandra Norton. Seconds later, a man came out of that place. Jasper recognized him. It was his twin brother.

Jasper cleared his throat. Twice. Jason turned and faced his brother.

- Did something happen?

- Not yet, Jason. But it will happen if you continue so reckless. You will not rest until he carries scars caused by sword of a cuckold.

- Better a sword than a gun in my back while I do my wedding vows. If I can not date married women, only will remain the marriageable maidens and their mothers unbearable. These, I avoid at all costs. - Jason straightened his tie. - No be impressed with the air of innocence of Lady Norton. She came to me willingly, knowing exactly what would happen next.

- This justifies their behavior? You could not devote his attention to young widows, instead of married women of the nobility? And if another the person surprised? Lord Norton has a strong personality and, in addition also is skilled with the sword and pistol. Jason shrugged, and Jasper tensed. The last thing we wanted, was arguing with his brother. And thinking about keeping the peace between them, gave to rebuke him. Taking a deep breath, he resumed walking. His attitude Jason confused.

- That's all I'll say, my lord? It will not accuse me of destroying families, to be a big disappointment for everyone? - Jason straightened hair with his hand. - God, my brother, if you do not play in my guy that I behaved like a brat, it's because you really is getting old!

- No need to say more, Jason. You understand perfectly the dangers of their behavior. We can only wait to see what his next crazy.

It's Really? - Jason laughed. - Why should I always do I did? The two of us we always have, that is, until you change radically, and become almost a saint. - The laughter ceased. - I continued my life as a shameful fate, rarely interspersed with some good thoughts and good deeds.

- You is not so, but what is being decided.

- No, Jasper. This is the role given to me. You are Fairhurst, and one day will be Earl of Stafford. And I ... well, I'm the twin light-headed, the man who cultivates scandals and whose antics become subject conversation in the most traditional and aristocratic living rooms London. The man who is living proof that the veins of Barrington always run the blood that has marked generations of libertines, Ba and scoundrels. Jason kicked up a stick and, after a brief pause, he continued, in a serious tone

- We are two halves that form a whole, Jasper. So remember that, if I were not so bad, you do not have the opportunity to be as good.

- This is just an excuse for being irresponsible, Jason.

- Maybe. But for me it's ok.

From Suddenly they heard the noise of fireworks. The two brothers looked up and saw a cascade of colorful sparks lighting up the sky. They walked silent for a long moment, each lost in their own thoughts.

- Where is Claire? - Jason asked.

- With Mom and Meredith. - Another battery of colored fireworks night. - I better go back. We intend to leave as soon as the fireworks ended.

- I'll stay a little longer - Jason commented. - Let's see what other pleasures the night holds.

- So, let's go together to the pavilion. At least for you to say goodbye the mother. - Jasper thought for a moment before asking the question both intrigued. - There's one thing I ask from you returned home. - Still walking, he looked at his brother. - Why did you use my name to marry Claire?

Jason pursed lips, and then cleared his throat.

- For some inexplicable reason. At the time, I thought it was a good idea. But I want a ray falling on my head if I remember the which led me to make such a decision Jasper gave him an agonized look. His twin brother did not even the good sense to feel guilty.