Beauty for Ashes. Dorothy Clark

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      “Of course. I love children. But, sir, truly I must explain—”

      “No need. That is sufficient answer. And the last condition that must be met.” The judge locked his gaze on her eyes. “That leaves only the settlement to be arranged before I call in my client and perform the ceremony.”

      “Ceremony!” Elizabeth leaped to her feet.

      “Of course, ceremony. I told you this is to be a legally binding union.” The judge leaned back in his chair, studying her. “This will be a true marriage in all but intimacy.” His voice emphasized the point quietly. “I thought you understood that. If you did not—it’s not too late to refuse my client’s offer.”

      Elizabeth’s mind reeled. He was offering her this strange marriage proposal from a man she had never met. Had never even seen! Why, such a deed was out of the question. And yet—he’d said it would be a legal marriage without consummation. She would be protected from Reginald and her parents by— No! She couldn’t possibly. Could she?

      Elizabeth sank back down onto the chair. If she accepted this strange offer of a marriage of convenience she would be safe. She would be legally protected from Reginald Burton-Smythe by marriage. Safe! Her mind locked on the word.

      “Do you wish to refuse my client’s offer?”

      Elizabeth stared down at her trembling hands, then, aghast at what she was about to do, lifted her gaze to the judge’s face and shook her head. “No.”

      “Very well. Then let us get on with the matter. There is still the settlement to discuss.”

      “The settlement?”

      “Yes. The generous provision my client agreed to bestow on the woman that met his qualifications. He wishes the matter settled before the ceremony, and has empowered me to discuss it with you to decide upon an amount that is mutually acceptable.”

      Elizabeth gaped at him. This situation was becoming more and more confusing. She had heard of a bride’s dowry, but she had never heard of a groom’s settlement. She went very still as a glimmer of suspicion flickered through her mind. “Tell me, sir, is this ‘groom’s settlement’ customary?”

      A look of disgust passed fleetingly across the judge’s distinguished features. “No, it is not. My client is making the settlement as a token of his good faith.”

      “I see.” A sick, sinking feeling hit the pit of Elizabeth’s stomach. It all made sense now. The judge’s client—whoever he was—was buying a wife. And they thought she was that woman.

      Elizabeth swallowed hard, bowing her head and fighting back tears of shame. She would have to allow the misconception to continue, but at least she could refuse the man’s money. She lifted her head. “If this is not customary, sir, but is merely a gesture of your client’s good faith, then I shall accept it as such—as a gesture.”

      “Of course. And the amount?”

      She shook her head. “You mistake me, Judge Braden. There will be no amount. Your client has made a gesture which I have accepted. The money is not necessary. The offer of it is sufficient to establish good faith.”

      The judge’s features went slack with shock. Elizabeth sat up a little straighter. “I understand that your client had no knowledge of the manner of person with whom he would be dealing. But—” Her voice broke. Tears of humiliation flooded her eyes. She lifted her chin and spoke with quiet dignity. “But I do not wish to feel purchased.”

      Her words faded away. There was dead silence in the room. It was broken by the sound of the judge’s chair scraping backward on the floor as he rose to his feet. He inclined his head.

      “My dear, I pray you will accept my apology on behalf of my client and myself. It was not our intent to insult you.” He straightened and smiled down at her. “You are correct in your assumption. We had no idea of the manner of person with whom we would be dealing. You are a very pleasant surprise.”

      Elizabeth managed a shaky smile. “I pray your client may find me so.”

      The judge smiled and crossed to a small writing desk by the window. Elizabeth watched with trepidation as he removed some papers from his waistcoat pocket, spread them out, then selected a quill and dipped it into the ink pot. “Your full name, my dear?”

      She took a deep breath. “Elizabeth Shannon Frazier.”

      The judge’s hand froze in midair. He swivelled his head around, giving her a piercing look. “Did you say Frazier?”

      Did he know her father? A spasm of fear closed Elizabeth’s throat. She gave him a tremulous smile and nodded. For a long moment he studied her, then, to her immense relief, he turned, inscribed her name on one of the papers and reached for another.

      She began to breathe again.

      “What is he doing in there?” Justin drummed his long fingers on the table. “If he thinks he is going to keep me from—”

      “Oh, hush!” Laina threw him a withering look and banged the teapot down onto the table. “I’m weary of hearing about this. What you’re doing is wrong! You are a coward, my brother. You’re willing to risk your money, but not your heart. Well, you’re welcome to do so. But remember—if you can buy her, she will not be worth the price!” She slammed his cup down in front of him. Tea sloshed over the rim into the saucer and splashed onto the table.

      Justin grimaced and reached for his napkin to mop it up. “Laina, I know you feel strongly about what I am doing, but—”

      “But you are determined to ruin your life. I know that, Justin. I know, also, that you are far too stubborn to listen to me.” Laina’s face tightened. Her gaze shifted to a point somewhere over his right shoulder. “The judge is beckoning.”

      “Finally!” Justin dropped his napkin onto the table and rose, stepping over to assist his sister from her chair. She laid her hand on his arm.

      “Justin, I’m asking you one last time—I’m begging you—for your own sake, do not do this! It’s not too late to change your mind. Give this woman whatever amount of money she and the judge have agreed upon and send her on her way. You can well afford to—”

      “Buy an open, honest relationship based on greed.” Justin heard the cold harshness in his voice and made an effort to soften it. “We’ve discussed this already, Laina.”

      “So we have.” She drew herself up to her full height. “Very well, since you are determined to play the fool, Justin, do it quickly. I’m at the end of my patience!”

      With a swish of her long skirts, Laina whirled about. Her boot heels clicked angrily against the wide plank floor as she walked across the common room.

      Justin took a deep breath and followed her. He hesitated for a moment in the doorway of the little room as he caught sight of the hooded, cloak-draped figure of his intended bride standing in front of the judge, then, squaring his shoulders, he stepped into the dimly lit room and walked forward to take his place at her side.

      Chapter Three

      E lizabeth sat alone in СКАЧАТЬ