The Wedding Deception by Adrienne Basso

made her nervous.
    - You can not always receive what we demand. I needed a Jay and her husband needed a wife. Given this, we decided to marry.
    - However, my crazy brother caused the biggest stir. - Lord Fairhurst straightened his hat brim Claire, further exposing the face her to his gaze searchingly. - Still need a husband?
    Claire shuddered. His face was calm, his gaze intense. He would offering to assume the role of husband? His heart beat faster strong. Marriage to Jay out a practical agreement. With Lord Fairhurst would be completely different for reasons that she dared not understand.
    - I got married in order to hold myself from a modest inheritance from my grandmother - Claire explained. - And to avoid the advances of a persistent Hidalgo village. Actually, it was Jay who warned me of the danger the man represented. Lord Fairhurst smiled.
    - My brother has an admirable talent for saving endangered maidens. Now it's my turn to play the hero. - A bright inexplicable His eyes lit up. - You would think the possibility of becoming my wife?
    Fortunately, Claire was sitting. Otherwise, your knees would bend.
    - And Miss. Manning?
    - Rebecca saw fit to break off our engagement.
    - Sorry.
    - No need. - Lord's voice sounded almost gleeful Fairhurst. - Commented on a possible divorce and she considered absurd marry a divorced man. I can not blame her. I consider myself the idea also means stodgy.
    - I understand. - Claire was disappointed. Lord Fairhurst was nothing more than a practical man. Now that was no longer committed to Miss. Manning, the simplest way to avoid scandal, would continue married her.
    - If you accept, you can use a legitimate title of Lady Fairhurst. One day you will become Countess of Stafford. Furthermore, you are entitled a considerable portion of my fortune.
    - And Jay? How can I leave it like that?
    - You're not leaving. If Mr Beckham is correct, you never been married to my brother.
    "My relationship with Jay was special. From the outset, we agree live separate lives away from each other. And whatever too?
    - No. I do not want a marriage of convenience. As firstborn and heir, have greater responsibilities than my brother. I want one woman not only to drive home, but also to meet commitments social.
    - I do not feel qualified - Claire protested. - I have no practice and no clearance required for living in aristocratic circles.
    - Nonsense. You're a lady of good character, intelligent and good family. My mother and my sister to teach the most delicate and complicated rules of high society. I have no doubt that you will be a great success.
    The His confidence was encouraging. But there were other aspects of the proposal that should be clarified. Claire took a deep breath and suddenly felt short of breath.
    - Do you want children?
    - We have to think about it. - He smiled and his face cleared. - Jason is my heir, so that the lineage of Barrington's secure. But I confess I never thought I would need an heir a good reason for having children. The decision to have children should be taken by mutual agreement. I am not opposed, but would leave the discussion for the future, once we know better.
    Claire gripped the edge of the stone bench. The proposal was not bad. Jasper was offering him more than she dreamed. He liked to live in London, at least during part of the year, and was eager to explore the refined world of the aristocracy. And his feelings for Lord Fairhurst? It would be foolish to believe that one day they would have a wedding in fact, based on friendship, respect and affection? Arrive to have children?
    Claire licked her dry lips.
    - I need time to decide. I have to think carefully about everything you said, my lord.
    - Sure. It is an important step. - He smiled, looking relieved by she did not reject him immediately.
    - First, however, I must confess something to you.
    - Yes
    Claire felt a lump in my throat. For a moment, no sound came out, but with effort, pulled the words.
    - I'm no longer a