Beauty for Ashes

“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 of children?”

“Children?”

“Yes, my client has young children. Babes really. Do you get on with them?”

“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.”