The Wedding Deception

by Adrienne Basso

  Copyright © 2005 by Adrienne Basso

  Originally published in 2005 by Kensington Publishing Corp.. ORIGINAL TITLE: The Wedding Deception

  © 2007 Editora Nova Cultural Ltda.

  Scanning: Néia

  Review: Hantchesla - Project Reviewer

  Summary :

  London, 1817.

  Arousing fantasies ...

  A marriage of convenience would seem the ideal solution for Claire and Jay, but ended up causing a huge inconvenience! In deciding to visit her husband in London, without warning, Claire discovers that the man who receives it is not the same whom he married, although it is identical! The only difference is that this makes you feel melt at a glance ...

  Jasper Barrington prepares for his engagement party when a stranger breaks into her home, claiming to be his wife. After the initial bewilderment and a brief family meeting, it is clear that it was Jason, Jasper's twin, who married Claire, using the name of his brother. Now, legally married to one another and boyfriend, Jasper is faced with a serious problem to solve and the most difficult challenge of his life as the seductive Claire reveals much more than a nuisance to arouse sensual fantasies and a craving ... About the author :

  Adrienne Basso is the author of several historical novels. She believes that the period of the Regency is the best time to inspire passionate love stories, when the girls were innocent, inexperienced, and discovering the mysteries of passion and emotions. DUE BY PASSION

  Adrienne Basso

  Chapter I

  London, 1817, End of spring.

  Despite the cold, the movement was strong in the streets of London. Claire Truscott Barrington, Lady Fairhurst, rested his head on the carriage seat and closed his eyes, oblivious to the bustle of the big city.

  A promise made is a promise fulfilled. The old adage hammered into her mind so often that she feared, suddenly, repeat it aloud. He had begun the moment that was forced to agree with the trip, and continued incessantly for two long days' journey. The person responsible for those turbulent times in the coach was there, sitting in front of Claire, napping peacefully. With the crooked black hat on his head, and a lock of gray hair falling on the face, the old lady seemed fragile and innocent, but this was only printing.

  His great-aunt Agnes always possessed an excessive sense of family duty and a strength that gave him the impetus to meet these obligations. Unfortunately for Claire, age has not quieted the temperament nor soften the authoritarian personality. Perhaps out of curiosity, Agnes had decided to stop in Wiltshire, on his way back to London. To visit the family of his nephew, was what she had said and greet the greatniece for the recent wedding. Obviously, the real intention was to assess the qualities of the groom.

  Upon discovering that her husband's great-niece was in London addressing family issues, Agnes did not quit. And arguing that a wife should not get away from her husband, decided to take her to town.

  Claire was startled with the voice of her aunt.

  - It was a nightmare the last time I came to London - she said, tapping his cane on the floor of the carriage, a lilting rhythm. - The roads were so bumpy that almost broke my poor bones, despite the care of the coachman. This time, however, surprised me with good road conditions. I believe we will reach the residence of Lord Fairhurst completely before dark.

  - I hope your driver does not find it difficult to locate the address - Claire lied, hoping the man miss his way.

  - Imagine, darling! Lord Fairhurst lives in one of the most aristocratic streets of London. My driver knows very well the city and have no trouble reaching the residence of her husband.

  - Thankfully, Auntie.

  - I'm curious to know the Lord Fairhurst. - Agnes smiled with satisfaction. - It's about time.

  Claire looked away. Would have to be quick. In thought, in words, and agility, to enter the house of her husband. With Aunt Agnes around, it would be almost impossible.

  - No need for further delaying his return because of me - Claire said apprehensively.

  - The coach will leave me at the door of Lord Fairhurst.

  - What nonsense! A girl of no family goes out alone, even a married woman.

  - But I go to my husband's house! Agnes squinted.

  - Another good reason to be monitored. We can not have a title of nobility, but our family is proud of the generations of aristocrats and honorable service to the Crown. It is important to show all his qualities, dear, especially when it comes to the family of Viscount Fairhurst.

  Claire's lips quivered. Needed anyway to dodge aunt.

  - Of course you can follow me, Auntie. But I figured that it would prefer to cool off and rest from the long trip before I met my husband.

  Claire cast a critical eye to the clothes that her aunt had worn during the trip. Then she sniffed, as if feeling an awful smell. Agnes flushed, just like Claire had imagined. He felt remorse for unjustly constrain the great-aunt, wounding his vanity, which was the weak point of the good lady. But the lie had the desired effect.

  - Well, I guess we can make an exception just this once - Agnes said, smoothing the folds of her tiny skirt. - We will leave tomorrow. So, spend the afternoon together. The three of us. You, and I Fairhurst.

  Since it would be impossible to challenge the decision of his aunt, Claire simply agreed with a nod.

  The carriage turned a corner and began to slow. Claire shuddered. They had reached the destination.

  He sat upright on the seat and folded his hands in his lap, hoping to stop the vehicle. His heart and mind were uncontrolled by anguish. For a crazy, impulsive moment, I wanted to scream the truth to the grand-aunt, explaining why she could not enter that house. But he restrained the impulse.

  Feeling your feet heavy as lead, Claire walked down the steps of the carriage. Dusk, and dots of light shone in the windows of some huge stone mansion. Fearful of losing control, took leave of his aunt and ran quickly toward the door. The servant in charge of baggage hastened to remove their belongings from the trunk. Panting, he stopped next to Claire before the grand entrance.

  - Thanks for the help, Doddson. - Claire pulled the bag from the hand of man. - You can return to the carriage.

  Did not bring many clothes, but the suitcase was heavy. The waiter looked at her puzzled and did not move, but Claire was firm.

  - Thanks - repeated.

  Then with a nod, indicated that he returned to the carriage. If it were prevented from entering the home, rather that no one witnessed his embarrassment. The footman hesitated, but finally obeying the order. Once she was alone, Claire grabbed the brass knocker and knocked on the door. The sound echoed in the silence of the night, moving further with your nerves.

  Someone opened the door, and a gentle beam of light escaped through the crack. Suddenly, she wished that Aunt Agnes was there at his side, to make sure it was allowed to enter the mansion.

  An air steward petulant measured it from head to toe.

  - The family can not receive visitors at this time. If you want, leave your card. Claire lifted her chin and stared at him with determined expressions.

  - I'm not here to visit family. I came to talk with Lord Fairhurst. Before that Butler had time to react, Claire pushed the door with the tip of his boot and went inside.

  - Miss! - The set of eyebrows were raised in alarm.

  In the hall, she turned and looked at him with a serious expression.

  - For more messy and inconvenient as it may seem, I assure you that Lord Fairhurst agree to receive me. Right now, and with discretion. And most importantly, alone. Despite looking calm and confident, Claire Butler hoped the decision on shaky legs. He was evaluated with a critical eye and, after what seemed an eternity, nodded his head.

  - Very well, miss
. I'll check if my lord is at home. Your name, please?

  For a moment, Claire faltered. I could not tell the butler who was Lady Fairhurst! He would put out there at once.

  - The issue came to treat with Lord Fairhurst is delicate and personal nature. Is it better for everyone if I advertise.

  The steward frowned, evidently considering that unusual request. After a brief silence, he finally decided.

  - Over here, lady.

  Claire let out the breath slowly, put his suitcase behind a marble pillar and the servant went to the top floor, a golden staircase handrail and then over half of a wide corridor until it stops abruptly in front of a double door mahogany.

  - The green room, miss.

  Butler turned the brass knob, but Claire held his arm, preventing him from opening the door.

  - The Lord alone?

  The steward looked at her hand on his arm, and Claire saw the solemn face in disapproval, but did not drop it.

  - Is he alone? - Repeated.

  - Yes, miss.

  - Very good. - Taking a deep breath, dropped his arm. - No need to announce me.

  - Neither could do it, miss, since they do not know your name. Claire caught the tone of sarcasm, but did not say anything.

  He straightened his shoulders and waited.

  As soon as the butler opened the door, she took a deep breath and entered. With heart pounding and legs shaking, heard the click of the door being closed. The man sitting in an armchair near the fireplace looked up from her book she was reading. Upon seeing her, stood up and, as a gentleman, cocked his head slightly, showing the refined manners that Claire had always enjoyed.

  She glanced around the room and found that the butler did not lie. Lord Fairhurst was alone.

  - Good morning, Jay.

  Fairhurst not greeted with a wide smile, a warm hug and eyes bright with joy, as he always did. Simply looked at her with a raised eyebrow and wry expression. Claire tried to smile and coughed softly, to disguise the embarrassment.

  - Please forgive me, but the situation completely escaped my control. - She nibbled her lip before continuing: - I promised ... I swore I would never come to London, unless you ask me. Well, I am deeply embarrassed to have broken my promise. Please Jay, understand that I had no way to avoid this inconvenience.

  Instead of answering, Fairhurst took the gold-rimmed monocle, put it in front of the right eye and evaluated with Claire cynical expression.

  Surprised, she managed not to tremble before the scrutinizing gaze. He licked his lips and, fearing to have confused more than explained, he tried again.

  - It started with the unexpected arrival of Aunt Agnes. She came to London and decided to stop in Wiltshire to visit family. Actually, it was her intention to meet you. I explained that you were in town, and before I could express my opinion, Aunt Agnes had already decided to bring me to London to stay together.

  - Got together? - Fairhurst removed the monocle. - Besides you, who else is included in this "get together?".

  - You, of course. After all, we're married, right?

  - Married? Now, my lady, that joke is this?

  - Jay, I do not understand ...

  He raised his hand in a gesture authoritarian and Claire fell silent immediately.

  - Enough! You came here uninvited and unannounced. I should have her expelled from my home but politely heard his speech about Wiltshire, Aunt Agnes, London, husband ... Well, now it's your turn to listen.

  - Sure. Forgiveness ...

  His reaction was amazing. Was acting as though they knew what was at least strange.

  - You know who I am?

  - Jasper Barrington, Lord Fairhurst.

  - Why did you call me Jay? Claire dropped her head and blushed.

  - It's an affectionate nickname.

  - If you're married, like you said, why not live together?

  - From the beginning we agreed that it would not be necessary.

  - Ah, this is a marriage of convenience then? It is not a love match?

  Claire shrugged. Not only was the behavior of Jay that was weird. The questions also. How could he not remember anything?

  An oppressive silence enveloped them. The timing was extremely uncomfortable. Claire ventured a brief look to the lord. His expression was disbelief, as if he had never heard of her, the marriage of the agreement.

  - Any more questions? - Claire asked when the silence became unbearable. He stared for several seconds before answering:

  - No. What I heard was enough.

  Claire does not know what else to say. He felt the heavy body. He went to the nearest chair and leaned firmly on the back to avoid falling.

  - I confess that his performance was perfect, my lady. Declaring yourself as my wife was a bit exaggerated, but I suspect that someone has contracted.

  - Hired? What do you mean?

  - Incidentally, if you cheated to say my name. Only my family and closest friends refer to me as lord Fairhurst. The company knows me as Viscount Fairhurst.

  - I do not ... - Claire's voice failed. - I do not understand ...

  - Yes, yes. I've heard this before. The little bride naive, sweet, innocent, confused. Played very well, my lady. But the joke is over and you go away. I promise to praise her who hired her, and maybe even pay you a bonus for good performance. Claire peered at him with critical eyes. Her hair was shorter, and a more conservative style hairdo, and his face looked a little fuller, but the dimpled chin was still visible. The clothes were elegant and expensive, as always, but more formal and more sober colors.

  Claire had always admired the good looks of Jay. He was tall, straight, with light brown hair, green eyes and striking features. However, despite considering it a fascinating man she had never felt physically attracted. Never ... until that moment. With Jay knew that Claire felt safe and protected. Therefore agreed to marry him. And now here she was, that feeling of opulence and refinement, with the heart beating faster and a strange heat warming the inside.

  Is that possible?

  - There's no point standing there, looking at me with a bleak, milady. You gotta go. My patience is wearing thin. - He went to the door and opened it. - I hope guests for dinner, and I need to change clothes.

  The sound of that voice, rich, familiar, disconcerted her. Claire turned slowly, by a sense of fear. He knew it was the right address, it was the right house. And there was no doubt that this man was lord Fairhurst.

  But while the modes, voice and appearance were similar to the man she had married in the church of Wiltshire, that gentleman charming and arrogant decidedly not her husband.

  Jasper Fairhurst was frightened by the pallor of the unknown. Even the lips were colorless, and it was possible to notice your breathing changed. Her hands clutched the back of the chair so tightly that his knuckles were almost white. He thought of asking the girl to sit down, but changed his mind. I did not want to encourage her to stay in the house. That visit was an unexpected setback during the day is carefully planned. And Jasper did not like setbacks, especially important on a night like that.

  - My butler will arrange a coach - said, reflecting that this would be the best way to get rid of the visitor. - In recognition of his perfect performance, I insist that transportation be by myself.

  Jasper did statement calling the steward, but declined to see the girl sitting in the chair slowly that he had used as support. He kept his eyes downcast, fixed on the carpet, and his face was livid, upset by the expression of incredulity. He hesitated, trying not to be surprised by a more theatrical performance. But the anguish of the unknown seemed authentic. Jasper sighed audibly and somewhat counterfeit, closed the door and approached the visitor.

  She lifted her head slowly, until both eyes meet.

  - I have no where to go - he confessed quietly. - The only person I know in London is my aunt. It dismissed the coach after he left me here. At this point it should already be home.

  - This is no problem, lady. The driver will leave the door of her aunt.


  - I do not know her address.

  Jasper bristled. That game would not end? His patience had reached its limit.

  - If so, give orders to the coachman to drive her to an inn. - Raising an eyebrow, did not resist the temptation to add: - Or just go directly to the Drury Lane?

  - I'm not an actress! - Claire protested indignantly.

  Jasper's reaction surprised and elated, despite the inconvenience it caused this young woman for the first time he watched her with eyes of men. She was tall and too thin for the pattern that he liked, and his face was thin and had bad taste in dress, both in choice of color and the quality of the clothes. While this might be intentional, if the intention was to play the role of simple girl.

  Moreover, its color was beautiful and harmonious, with white skin, auburn hair and blue eyes. Jasper noticed the lips, which seemed ready to be kissed. The heavy traveling cloak not hide your figure and curvaceous breasts. It was a lady endowed with many charms, but that seemed to have no awareness of their femininity. He chided himself intimately. There should be looking at the woman's body. It seemed to her lack of respect and rudeness, not only for that poor creature, but mainly for sweet Rebecca, the lovely young woman who would soon be his bride. Such behavior was reminiscent of the old Jasper, the young rebel who had gone an unfortunate way through the salons of society, gambling houses and brothels of London. A stubborn and irresponsible boy who always mocked the public and conventions. The more outrageous and scandalous deed, the greater its determination to implement it.

  He lived a young passionate and dangerous. This type of unruly behavior was almost expected from a Barrington. Not infrequently, Jasper thought that society would be disappointed if he had not been a reckless young man, if he had not provided snoops and matrons gossip moral issue for comment.

  For years, not known what it was entering a dance hall without hearing muffled babble of tongues or disapproving outraged exclamations. The tone of voices had increased considerably as heads turned to watch him, each hoping to witness the latest scandalous episode in which he would become involved.

  Jasper was the result of a couple of weird and wacky labeled by a narrow and rigid society. His family, of noble lineage and the owner of a vast fortune, and always protected him, knowing this, he became even more cynical and dangerous. Her older sister, Meredith, was virtually ignored by society until she married the Marquis de unexpectedly with Dardington. With support from the father, the Duke of Warwick, slowly, Meredith was captivating and taming the most Puritan matrons and uncompromising in London.