A/N: An insight into Jacob's mind. He is a complicated young man. He is a bit deluded about things. Have patience he has a great deal to learn.
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Chapter 9
JPOV
I followed Jasper into his study and paced while he poured me a snifter of his finest brandy. I was fuming. I had trusted Alice and Jasper to have a care with Ness. After all, I had been instrumental in easing the way for Jasper with Alice. I had cajoled and connived to allow them time together, and I had spent countless hours playing intermediary for their romance.
"Explain yourself friend, now, before I lose what is left of my civility," I growled.
"Take a seat, Jacob, and have a drink," Jasper said dismissively.
"I want an answer, Jazz! Why would you be unkind to someone for whom I asked you to care? She was crying. What did you do?"
Jasper took a seat in his wing-backed leather chair and put his feet up on its matching ottoman. "Alice will smooth it all over. I simply wanted to ensure that you had not been ensnared by a fortune hunter who would rob you blind. Embry told me what happened last evening at Mrs. Cope's. I could not believe my ears. Did you really spend ten-thousand pounds for her?"
"I'd have paid twenty had Mrs. Cope proved difficult," I said sinking into the companion seat.
Jasper whistled low and shook his head. "I had no idea that you had fallen so hard. Why have you never mentioned the girl before?"
I leaned forward as his words penetrated my mind. "Oh, no, you misapprehend me, my friend. I have known Ness since she was a mere child. I found her bright and funny. I befriended the little imp and saw to it that she received some education. When I heard about the auction it seemed providential. I could rescue my little friend and gain a wife that I knew would give me satisfaction by being the exact opposite of what my father desired," I said with a chuckle.
Jasper's brow furrowed. "So, you feel nothing for the girl?"
"I told you I find her charming. Even more so now that she has grown into such a beauty," I explained.
"Well, she is that."
"I sampled her virtues last evening. She was breath-taking."
Jasper raised a sardonic brow. "And she was a virgin? Or was that simply a sales device of Mrs. Cope to increase her price?"
"Oh no, she was indeed untouched. Still, it took every bit of chivalry I possess not to tupp her until she could not move," I confessed.
"Really? I cannot remember you ever speaking so about any of your past lovers. I can tell you that enjoying the marital act is quite a bonus to societal matrimony. Too many of our friends find bedding their wives a chore."
"So we have heard, repeatedly," I said sharing his humour. "I had not thought about that, honestly, but I must admit the thought cheers me. I cannot imagine having to beget an heir on some pail-faced milk-toast maid of the ton. My stomach roils at the thought. Ness is young and fresh and vibrant. She is curious and vivacious. I enjoy her company, if you can believe that. I actually spent the entire night by her side and did not…" the thought caught on my lips as it penetrated my mind.
"You did not…? What?"
"I have always found myself too restless to remain in the bed of my lovers. I cannot recall ever doing so, but I found slumber with Ness. She even helped me dress this morning. I enjoyed her company." I heard the wonder in my own voice as I acknowledged it.
Jasper eyed me over his snifter. "Still, I do not hear you pledging your undying affection for the girl."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you love her?"
At that question I burst into mirthless laughter. "Don't be ridiculous. Truth be told I barely know her. I haven't seen her in over two years. Had I passed her on the street I would not have recognized her. But when I heard about her being auctioned off… the thought sickened me. She was meant for more than that life, and I would have done just about anything to save her from it. But do not mistake my compassion for sentimentality. There is no room in my life for love. Not now, not ever."
"And why is that?"
"Love is a trap into which I intend never to fall."
Jasper sighed. It was an argument we had had several times over the years, especially when he and Alice were first married. I had had the same discussion with Edward, my other closest companion. They were both besotted with their wives and touted the virtues of finding love in marriage. "Jacob, surely you have outgrown your aversion to love by now."
"I have not, nor do I intend on doing so. I watched my father crumble because he lost his love. I felt the loss of my mother deeply, and swore to myself I would never again care for someone in that way. Love is too easily lost. I want none of it. Friendship, companionship, bed-play, yes, love, no thank you."
Jasper downed his brandy and shook his head. "I wish you luck with that. So, what exactly do you want Alice and I to do for you as regards the girl?"
"I plan to inform my father that I have found a bride. He will most certainly insist upon meeting her before the ceremony. I need a buffer. I also need to be certain that she will pass as a suitable match," I explained. "I spoke with Alice about it and she feels certain that we can invent an acceptable background for Renesmee that will satisfy my father. Ness will also need some instruction on swimming the seas of the ton before I present her in society. Alice said that she was willing to help, after all, I believe you both owe me for the time and trouble it took me to see you wed."
"Indeed." Jasper leaned forward and smiled. "You know, I think your Renesmee is quite lovely. She also has a deep concern for your well-being. When I told her that you could be disinherited if she married you she was determined to free you without so much as a sous in remuneration. I quite admire that."
"You told her what?!" I said jumping from my seat. "You must have frightened her. She hasn't an avaricious bone in her body. Why would you do such a thing?"
"I told you, I wanted to ensure your safety. You are my friend and I was not about to allow you to fall victim to a tart with gold in mind."
A soft knock sounded at the door and Jasper called for the butler to enter. "Lady Whitlock requests that you rejoin the ladies in the sitting room, sir."
"Thank you, Smithers," Jasper said standing. "You see, I told you my darling wife would smooth things over."
We crossed the hall and re-entered the cream and gold room. This was Alice's domain and it reflected her tastes. Things were soft and welcoming. The walls were covered in cream damask accented with golden fleur-de-lis and matched the upholstery on the settee and chairs. As we entered the room I saw Ness seated next to Alice, looking more relaxed and no longer crying. I smiled at her and she returned the gesture which made me feel more at ease.
"Please join us," Alice said standing and indicating that I take the seat she vacated.
I took the seat next to Renesmee and placed my hand at the small of her back. I leaned into her ear and whispered "Are you alright, Sweet?"
She nodded and I pulled her closer. Alice was pouring Jasper and I tea and talking a mile a minute, as was her custom, but I was not truly focused until Alice noticed my inattention. "Jacob, what is our timeframe?" she asked in an irritated tone.
"My apologies, Alice. I was thinking that we should arrange an introduction to my father by week's end. I intend to acquire a special license and should think we can be married in a fortnight."
Alice's eyes popped wide. "Well, in that case I shall require round the clock access to Ness. She will have to stay here. In fact that is probably for the best anyway. She can be married from our house your father will like that."
"Wait, you want her to stay here? I do not think that is necessary. I can deliver her to you as early as you like, but truly…" I had just begun to explore her. I certainly did not wish to be parted from her so soon.
"Oh it is quite necessary, believe me. We need to have my modiste in to make her a wardrobe. I will need time to ensure that she is prepared to meet your father. There are a million little things that need attending to, Jacob. We have room, and will see to it that she is well cared for."
I felt Ness tense beneath my hand. She said nothing, but I could tell she was no more excited by the prospect than was I. "Well then, I suppose you will have two house guests."
"Two?"
"Yes. There are certain things that only I can teach her before she meets my sire. We will need to appear comfortable with each other, and I will need to know the story we weave as well as she does. So I insist on staying with her. It is even more important if you plan on filling her days with fittings and such."
Ness looked to Alice with what I interpreted as hope in her big brown eyes. Alice pursed her lips and gave me an assessing stare. "Alright, if you insist. Now let us begin to devise the best tale to tell your father."
Ness bit her lip and frowned. "I am not an accomplished liar," she confessed.
"Then we shall have to keep our story as close to the truth as possible."
We told the Whitlocks the story of our meeting and subsequent friendship. Renesmee lit from within as she told them of what she deemed my 'unfailing kindness' toward her. It was funny, I had never thought of the attention I paid her as kindness. I enjoyed her lively mind and curious chatter. She amused me and that fact alone was why I had chosen to spend time with her.
Alice and Jasper listened intently and when we had finished Alice smiled broadly. "I believe I know exactly how to spin this yarn. We shall simply sanitize some of the more colourful details, but I believe your father will be as charmed by your choice of bride as we are."
"Let us hope so," I added. I was determined to move forward with this plan, and Father's acceptance was definitely required.
