Beauty for Ashes. Dorothy Clark

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СКАЧАТЬ so—I believe that may be your intended bride.”

      Justin turned. A woman in a blue wool, fur-trimmed cloak stood just inside the door looking about.

      “Are you still determined to go through with this ridiculous marriage?”

      The judge sounded less than enthusiastic. Justin nodded. “I am. As long as my conditions are met.”

      The judge sighed. “Very well. I have said all that I can say.” He rose slowly to his feet.

      Justin moved to join him.

      The older man shook his gray head in negation. “You wait here. I want to talk privately with this woman to assure myself she fully understands the conditions of this preposterous union. Unless I do, I will have no part of it.”

      Justin frowned. “You leave me no choice.”

      “As was my intent.” The judge gave him a fatherly pat on the shoulder and walked away.

      “How may I serve you, madam?”

      Elizabeth fastened a wary gaze on the proprietor. “You may tell me if a gentleman has been making inquiries about—that is, if anyone has inquired—”

      “I believe I’m the one to answer that question.”

      Elizabeth jumped and spun about. A portly, prosperous-looking older man of medium height gave her a brief nod. “I am here on behalf of the gentleman you were asking about. I am Judge William Braden.”

      Judge? The law! Reginald had set the law on her to force her to honor the betrothal contract her father had signed! Elizabeth darted a panicked glance at the door beyond the judge, gauging the distance to freedom. It was too close to him. She’d never get the door open before he seized her. She looked back at the elderly man, who was still talking.

      “The gentleman you were asking after has engaged my services to handle the legalities of this…er…situation. And, as the matter is of a delicate nature, we have arranged use of a private room. If you will come with me?”

      Elizabeth cringed as the man picked up the bag that had fallen from her suddenly nerveless fingers, then grasped her elbow. Her stomach roiled. He’d found her. Reginald had hired a judge and—Reginald. She gazed frantically about as the judge ushered her into a small room. There was no one waiting there.

      Relief stole the strength from her legs. She collapsed onto a hard wood chair, watching as the judge closed the door. There was no bolt. She might yet make good her escape. Oh, if only she weren’t so weary! If only she could think!

      Elizabeth straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin as the judge came to stand in front of her. One thing she knew. She would not go back. Jail would be better than marriage to Reginald Burton-Smythe.

      “To begin, let me say that I do not approve of the action being taken by my client.”

      The judge’s deep, authoritative voice cut across Elizabeth’s dark thoughts. Her heart leaped with hope. If he didn’t approve, would he help her escape?

      “However, such actions are perfectly legal.”

      The abrupt words plunged her back into despair.

      “As for you, I want to be certain, in my own mind, that you fully understand the seriousness of what you are doing before this…this escapade goes any further. In light of that, I feel it best if I review the circumstances of your position. After I have done so we can discuss any consequences that might depend from it.”

      Consequences? Shock streaked along Elizabeth’s nerves. Perhaps she would go to jail. She clasped her hands tightly in her lap to hide their trembling.

      “Shall I proceed?”

      She gave a polite nod.

      “Very well.” The judge clasped his hands behind his back and cleared his throat. “As you know, my client stands ready to marry the woman that meets the qualifications set forth in his published Article of Intent.” His voice sharpened. “My purpose, is to make certain those qualifications are understood and met. The first being, of course, that you agree to a marriage of convenience only.”

      Elizabeth lifted her head and stared at the man standing before her. Whatever could he be talking about?

      “Well? You do understand what is meant by a marriage of convenience, do you not?”

      The words cracked through the air. Elizabeth jumped. “I believe I do.” Her cheeks warmed. “However, I’m not certain—”

      “A marriage of convenience is one in which both parties agree to fulfill all the duties and responsibilities of a marriage except those of an intimate nature. It is a marriage that is never consummated.” The judge scowled down at her. “Now, do you understand?”

      “Yes.” Elizabeth’s cheeks burned. She could not force herself to meet the judge’s direct gaze. She took a deep breath and focused her attention on his chin. Her pulse quickened as he reached for a chair, then sat facing her.

      “You would agree to such a marriage? A marriage of convenience?”

      “Yes, I would.” Elizabeth made her voice very firm. She didn’t understand why he should be asking her opinion, but after last night that sort of marriage sounded wonderful to her.

      “Very well. My client has signed a legal document outlining such a stipulation. If all other particulars are met, his bride will be required to sign also.”

      It was a mistake! The thought sizzled through Elizabeth’s mind, stiffening her back. It had to be a mistake. Reginald Burton-Smythe would never countenance such a situation or put his signature on something she’d see before a wedding. Last night proved that. Clearly, this matter had nothing to do with him—or her.

      Elizabeth drew in a deep breath as the tightness in her chest released. She had only to explain the misunderstanding and she would be free to flee the city. “Sir, I believe you have made an— Oh!”

      The judge reached out and pushed the hood back from her face. Elizabeth recoiled, turning her head so the bruising on her left cheek wouldn’t show.

      The old man’s expression softened as her hood fell away. “How old are you, child?”

      “E-eighteen.”

      “Eighteen. And you would be willing to enter into a relationship without intimacy for the rest of your life?”

      “I would.” Elizabeth winced at the soreness in her shoulder as she reached up and pushed at the curls that had popped free of her hair combs. How unkempt she must look. She pulled her hood back in place. “I don’t care about intimacy. And I don’t want to…to be consummated. Ever! But I—”

      “That is sufficient answer. I do not wish to hear intimate details.”

      “But, sir, you don’t understan—”

      “Not another word! We shall proceed.”

      Elizabeth stared at him, taken aback by the sharp, censorial tone in his voice.

      “What СКАЧАТЬ