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 notits not too late to refuse my clients offer.
Elizabeths 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 yethed said it would be a legal marriage without consummation. She would be protected from Reginald and her parents by No! She couldnt 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 clients offer?
Elizabeth stared down at her trembling hands, then, aghast at what she was about to do, lifted her gaze to the judges 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 brides dowry, but she had never heard of a grooms settlement. She went very still as a glimmer of suspicion flickered through her mind. Tell me, sir, is this grooms settlement customary?
A look of disgust passed fleetingly across the judges 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 Elizabeths stomach. It all made sense now. The judges clientwhoever he waswas 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 mans money. She lifted her head. If this is not customary, sir, but is merely a gesture of your clients good faith, then I shall accept it as suchas 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 judges 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 judges 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 judges 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 Elizabeths 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. Im weary of hearing about this. What youre doing is wrong! You are a coward, my brother. Youre willing to risk your money, but not your heart. Well, youre welcome to do so. But rememberif 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. Lainas face tightened. Her gaze shifted to a point somewhere over his right shoulder. The judge is beckoning.