The Wedding Deception

by Adrienne Basso

  - Mlle. Manning?

  - Ah, you know my name! Richard insisted that the ignorant, but I had sure did.

  - Richard? - Claire murmured still confused. The air of superiority Rebecca disappeared.

  - Fidalgo Dorchester, for you.

  The Claire's heart began to beat uncontrollably. Her head hurt terribly, and her body was so heavy it could hardly move. But she had to fight to stay conscious.

  - We're going to meet the gentleman?

  - What do you want to know?

  The short-pitched laugh frightened her to Rebecca. Claire did not want believe he was being kidnapped in exchange for the payment of ransom. Rebecca had reason to dislike her, but certainly not planned that action alone. Apparently, the plan's author was Richard Dorchester, and was the involvement and intentions that it scared her. The carriage stopped at the entrance of a park.

  - Go down.

  - No - Claire challenged it.

  Cursing, Rebecca took a pocket knife on the cover. The blade flashed menacingly in the gloom of the interior of the carriage.

  - Get down! - Rebecca repeated.

  With Reluctantly, Claire obeyed.

  - Come get me at the time and place combined - Rebecca ordered charioteer, throwing him a purse full of coins. - And you will receive the remainder. After collect money, the driver dropped the reins and the carriage disappeared.

  - Keep going. - Rebecca pushed the knife in the back of Claire, forcing it to enter the park.

  The place was deserted and silent. They skirted some trees who made a clearing. They crossed a lawn, then down a elevation which ended on the shores of a lake. Claire looked around. There was nobody around. With a little luck, Rebecca could disarm e. ..

  From Suddenly, a woman's voice ended his hopes.

  - You are late, young lady.

  Rebecca Claire and turned toward the voice.

  - What are you doing here? - Rebecca screamed.

  - I ask the same thing, dear little sister. You told me would take ice cream in Gunther.

  Claire felt a glimmer of hope. Imagined encounter with the odious nobleman And Dorchester, however, was before Anne Manning.

  - Wherever I go, it's not your problem - Rebecca yelled. - Stop watch my steps and disappear out of here!

  - Not without Fairhurst lady.

  Rebecca completely lost control.

  - Bitch! Go away before it spoils everything!

  - How will I mess something I planned it?

  The Rebecca Anne's words shook. By drawing breath, she stared the older sister as if he did not know.

  - What nonsense are you saying?

  Anne laughed. In her eyes had a glint of madness.

  - For the first time, my sister, I'm in control. As I am satisfied to have it wrong! Now you will listen and do what I say.

  With slowly, Anne came over and gave a slap in the face of her sister, knocking it over.

  Pressing reached the face, Rebecca's eyes widened.

  - You beat me.

  - Thank for being just that. - Anne took an object from the pocket of dress. It was a small pistol, made for the delicate hands of women. - If you make me mad, do not hesitate to use it. - She rubbed the gun in the nose of his sister. Claire shuddered, but Rebecca still did not realize the magnitude of danger. Still with his hand on hit face, stared at Anne.

  - I'll say one last time. Go away immediately. This matter does not concerns him.

  - I'll stay.

  Rebecca looked around.

  - The gentleman will be furious to find here. I will not ask for you. In fact, I'd love to watch his punishment when he knows that you beat me.

  Anne laughed.

  - I saw the bruises that you try to hide, Rebecca. Why was he mind if anyone assaults? Or is this privilege is his alone?

  Rebecca winced, then stood upright.

  - Their ignorance has sealed his fate, Anne. I will not do anything to save her. Nothing. Richard will laugh when you see that your gun ridiculous. And then he'll beat you til you bleed and ask for mercy.

  Anne not intimidated by the threats of his sister.

  - You're starting to annoy me. - In an unexpected gesture, she He raised his arm and reached Rebecca's neck with the butt of his revolver.

  The Her knees buckled. She stumbled, fell forward and lay still. Anne nudged the inert body with the toe of his boot. There was no reaction. Laughing, she turned to Claire.

  - You seem frightened, my lady. I do not know why. My sister and her lover it would cause him great pain. I would never do anything so cruel.

  - Never think that about you, Anne. But he spoke the truth about Rebecca the gentleman. He is very violent. Let's get out of here immediately, before it arrives. Anne laughed again.

  - Do not be afraid of Dorchester. I've seen to him.

  Taking Claire's hand, Anne took her to the trees. Indeed, it Richard had a way. He was sitting under a huge oak. Gagged, hands and feet tied and his head lying in a strange angle.

  - Is he dead? - Claire asked a tiny voice.

  - Not yet. - Anne drew a long breath. - I never killed anyone. You'll be the first. After Dorchester. Finally, Rebecca.

  The blood to the head of Claire and a loud noise filled your ears. He struggled to keep the poker face and steady gaze, but could not control the fear that kept her from thinking, His only chance of survival was to gain time.

  - You told her sister that was his plan.

  - Yes, I planned everything in detail. I'm proud of myself! And everything went better than I expected.

  - Really?

  Anne confirmed with a nod, eager to tell his story.

  - You see, I needed to surprise her, but could not alone. So Rebecca and wrong, without knowing, she helped me.

  - How so?

  - I sent a message to her, with instructions to bring it here, falsifying the letter and the signing of Dorchester. Although difficult, I knew Rebecca would find a way to get her home without being seen. It is completely fascinated by the noble and would do anything to please him.

  - And how you managed to attract Dorchester far?

  - With a fake letter from Rebecca. - Anne made a dismissive gesture with hand. - They used to meet here. One afternoon, I I followed and saw the shores of Lake fornicating like two wild animals.

  Rebecca declined to comment on anything. But Anne was important to keep talking.

  - That's why you want to kill them? By disapproving the relationship them?

  Anne threw back his head and laughed. The sound startled her to the bone.

  - My sister and the gentleman were made for each other. Form a double evil. Not worth living. - She pointed the gun at Richard. - He tried pick a fight with Lord Fairhurst at the ball of the duke. And my sister was unforgivably cruel when the Lord tried to explain how, suddenly, found himself married to you.

  - I assure you that these incidents did not bother my husband. The Anne's face was closed.

  - You do not understand. I'd been content to be his sister, living in the shadows, only to receive the affection of a brother. For me, it would be enough. He would be part of my family, a part of my future, but the idiot My sister's not even that failed. As spellbound, Claire saw the tears shining in the eyes of Anne.

  - I do not want to hurt her - she continued. - But I have no choice. I do whatever is necessary to be near him. If you die, Milady, he had me look in your pain. - Anne drew a long breath, and a distant look, dreamer, appeared in her eyes. - And then after the period of mourning, I will be lady Fairhurst.

  The Marquis sent a message to Bow Street, and about half an hour later, Investigator George Harris entered the office of Lord Dardington.

  - It has some news about the gentleman? - Dardington asked, dispensing greetings. The researcher gave some sheets of paper the marquis.

  - As always, I recorded everything he considered important.

  - We want to know where the gentleman is right now - Jasper intervened, dismissing the report.

  George Har
ris cleared his throat.

  - I suspect that is still in Hyde Park, unless they have returned the hotel while I was here.

  With patience utterly exhausted, Jasper grabbed his jacket.

  - And why not given this information immediately? The man tried extricate himself.

  - The gentleman usually meet the lover in the park. I did not think necessary make special mention of those intimate encounters.

  - Her lover? Are you referring to Miss. Manning? Jasper ------he asked, releasing the man's jacket.

  - Yes Miss. Rebecca Manning.

  - She was there today?

  - Not that I have seen. But I can take them to the place.

  - Come on. - Jasper said, since leaving office.

  - Wait! - The marquis shouted. - We need weapons.

  Lord Dardington opened the wooden cabinet and removed several handguns. He handed them to the twins, and placed two at the waist. After each men hid a knife in his boot.

  E more like a band of pirates than three English noblemen, they ran to the door. George Harris took three men to the path of twigs at the end the park.

  - Dorchester usually get off the train here and makes the rest of the way walk - he said. - Miss. Manning also.

  - It's getting dark and the forest is dense - observed the Marquis. - Has sure it's right here?

  - Yes.

  - So, take us to the place of dating, Harris - Jasper he asked. In silence followed the researcher who walked fast through the trees. In the clearing, Harris confirmed:

  - Actually, this is where they practice their sexual activities outdoors. Impatient, Jasper stopped beside him. Jason grabbed his brother by the arm, and pointed toward the edge.

  - It's Claire?

  Jasper sharpened eyes in the darkness and viewed a feminine silhouette parade at the waterline.

  - I think not. Claire is higher. Rebecca, maybe.

  - Can you see anyone around? - Asked the marquis, taking a revolver waist.

  - No.

  - It should not be alone. Let's split - the Marquis suggested. - I'll take this side and one by Harris. You and Jason are approaching the mysterious woman.

  - No gun - Jasper ordered to see his brother getting the gun. - We do not want to scare her. Moreover, in the darkness, a bullet lost could reach the wrong person. Jason agreed. Side by side, the brothers crossed the clearing. A Gore moonlight illuminated the path.

  From back, the woman did not notice their approach. Arriving well near Jasper recognized it. He stopped, appalled.

  - Heavens, is Anne Manning - he whispered to his brother. - What it is doing here?

  - Will is also involved with the gentleman?

  - I find it difficult but not impossible.

  The sound of voices warned Anne. She turned with a look of shock and unbelief. But recovered himself quickly.

  - Oh, gentlemen, you scared me! - She said, her eyes fixed in Jasper.

  - Are you alone?

  - Yes, my lord. - She wiped a tear imaginary. - Good I found, my lord. I'm terrified. I was riding and my horse was startled by a rabbit. He reared up and I fell. Fortunately, I was unhurt, but he fled. I figured that would come looking for me so they found the horse. There are many people looking for me?

  The two brothers looked at each other in silence. Anne seemed sincere, but were some details that did not fit into your explanation.

  - You were riding alone in this isolated place where the horse got scared? - Jasper asked. - And your groom?

  - I sent him home. I know it is not convenient, but consider this piece of park so calm, so serene. I usually ride alone to have the impression of being on the field.

  - You say it's always here, however, is not wearing riding habit, Jason said sternly. Anne slightly shrugged his shoulders, but said nothing. That time, Harris and Marquis approached, coming from opposite sides.

  - I think I might like to know what I found, my lord. - Researcher pointed the finger to a tree. - Miss. Rebecca is there on the floor. Is unconscious, but breathing.

  - And I found the gentleman - said the marquis. - It's cold, and all tied up like a Christmas turkey.

  - Claire? - Jasper muttered.

  Harris Marquis and shook his head in a negative gesture. Jasper gave a step toward Anne.

  - Looks like you have many explanations to give us, Miss. Manning. - Clenching his fists, asked in a threatening tone. - Where is Claire? What did you do with it?

  - I have no idea what you mean, my lord. I see no lady Fairhurst lord of the dance from Jordan, three days ago.

  - You're lying. - He held her by the shoulders and squeezed them. - Where is she?

  - I told you. I do not know. Please ...

  - Ali - Jason yelled. - In the middle of the lake! There's something moving!

  Dropping Anne abruptly, Jasper looked at the lake. Jason was right. Some considerably thing was floating in the middle of the lake. A body?

  - Claire!

  - It can be a tree trunk - risked the marquis, but not Jasper heard. Taking his coat and boots, he plunged in and swam to the spot. The Darkness enveloped him. With precise strokes, he swam, but did not find nothing but leaves and twigs. Began swimming in circles, aware everything.

  - Wait, Jasper - cried the brother. - You are creating waves and chop. Stay still for a few minutes.

  Jasper obeyed.

  - I thought. The forty yards to his left. Again, Lord Fairhurst followed the instructions of his brother.

  Swam to the location and dove. Arms outstretched, looking blindly to touch something solid. A body. Claire.

  Gathering all his forces, took her to the surface and swam to the margin, taking its precious cargo. As we near the shore, Jason entered the water, boots and all, and helped his brother to carry Claire to the grass.

  - She's not breathing and his pulse is weak - Jason said with a worried voice. - I think she swallowed too much water.

  Jasper left the lake and ran into the side of his wife. Turning it carefully face down, pressed her lungs. Nothing happened.

  Desperate, repeated the process several times.

  - Breathe. Please, breathe.

  Finally, Claire groaned and spewed large amounts of water. It was the most satisfying sound that Jasper had ever heard.

  He the sat and embraced her. Claire began coughing and shivering. Jason took his jacket and handed it to his brother. Jasper quickly put it on her shoulders.

  - You're hurt?

  Tremendous and chattering teeth, Claire leaned her head on the chest of her husband.

  - I prayed so much for you to find me - she whispered. Jasper departed wet hair from her face and kissed her forehead.

  - I feared not arrive on time. Thank God, a servant saw the chariot Rebecca. Otherwise, we would have no clue.

  Claire more curled up in his arms.

  - It was a horrible nightmare. Anne is completely unbalanced. We always believed that the gentleman was a threat, but it was me who watching, watching me, waiting for the opportunity to get rid of me.

  - It's my fault ...

  A woman's scream interrupted the sentence of Jasper. They turned and saw sisters Manning scrambling out. Both fell and heard a noise strong when the bodies hit the floor, one above the other.

  - My God! - Exclaimed the marquis.

  - Rebecca regained consciousness - Jason explained, kneeling down side of the two. - Harris brought her here, and seeing her sister was furious and attacked. Rebecca made a move to get up but fell back.

  - She is bleeding profusely. - Jason took her up in Anne and lay the carefully on the grass. He took out his handkerchief and pressed it injury. - She needs immediate care.

  - Lord Dardington went for help. - Harris focused on the Anne's body. - This does not need more care. Broke his neck.

  - Oh! - Claire put her hand to her lips and turned away. - God have mercy on his soul.

  - The delegate will be very busy trying to unravel this mystery. - Harris took a deep breath. - And will ask many questions to
you and the lady Fairhurst.

  - Tell him I'll talk tomorrow. - Jasper helped Claire get standing. - I'll take my wife home.

  Claire closed her eyes, delighting in the warm bath. Mainly because be sharing the tub with her husband.

  Jasper grabbed a cloth and handed it languidly by the shoulders and breasts of Claire.

  - Let stand until water cools.

  Seated between his legs, she felt perfectly the strength of your erection pressing her back. The feeling was incredibly erotic.

  - You mean Anne Manning expected me to look for if I stayed widowed?

  - That's right. My death would be the only way for her to get her goal.

  - Rebecca suspected, due to the disruption of my commitment, but never suspected of Anne.

  - No one suspected. What happened to the gentleman?

  - Seeing him, Rebecca was hysterical. Started screaming and accusing him everything imaginable. Although seriously wounded, feigned Dorchester ignore it, but who watched the scene, said he was badly shaken.

  - I bet he will leave London as soon as possible. But I believe that the news of his disgrace will not need to come to Wiltshire. And when that happens, no longer considered an influential man. I doubt he has the support of someone in our community.

  - He'll get what you deserve. - Jasper kissed her neck and hoarse voice, murmured:

  - Let's change the subject?

  The Claire's heart soared.

  - What do you want to talk, my lord.

  - I brought you a ring.

  - A ring? But I've got the wedding ring.

  - I know. Is that ... Well, it's just ... - He shook his head and muttered: - God, I'm all messed up!

  Claire heaved a sigh.

  - Just tell the truth.

  Jasper meant that she sat in the tub, facing him. Took her face in his hands trembling, and finally opened his heart.

  - I love you, Claire. My heart is yours. My soul is yours. My life is yours. And I sincerely hope that the rest of our lives, you never stop looking at me with that sparkle in his eyes.

  The Claire's chin trembled. A tear trickled down the corner of his eye.

  - Oh, my love. I will love you forever.

  She hugged him and inebriated with that sweet intimacy. Jasper was the man she loved the man she wanted, the man in your life. Lifted head and their lips met in a gentle kiss, passionate, which revealed a lifetime of possibilities. Lord Fairhurst, a man and had known for arrogance, by the strictest standards morals and customs embraced his wife and, after a hungry kiss and passionate, not afraid, nor the embarrassment of confessing again: