Be Mine - Thomas Sharpe X Reader (Erotica)

Revelations

As I stare at Mr Elkins dumbfounded, part of me cannot accept what he is saying.
In spite of my rising onset of panic, I try to quell the uneasiness I feel and dismiss it as irrational hysteria.

My Thomas can't be married to someone else, the very thought of it is inconceivable.
So I settle on deciding there simply just has to be some mistake. Perhaps Mr Elkins is speaking of another Thomas Sharpe -- though granted, it's extremely improbable that there's another Baronet with the same name -- but still, this solicitor has to be misinformed.

"Thomas--that is, my husband, can't possibly be married already. Otherwise he wouldn't have married me!"

"On the contrary, I'm afraid I have in my possession a legal document which proves beyond all reasonable doubt that your alleged husband is already married."
Producing a piece of paper with a flourish, he looks at me gravely for a long moment, then pushes it towards me across the table.

With an enormous feeling of trepidation, I force myself to look at it, and as if confirming my worst fears I see that it is in actual fact a marriage certificate. I swallow hard, staring at the piece of parchment as if it's very existence is taunting me.

On closer inspection, I'm able to decipher the elaborately scrawled handwriting and recognise Thomas' name and title, and the shock of it drives the blood from my skin.

The official document states that he married one Enola Sciotti in 1896 and moreover, I recognise the signature as his own.

"Of course, if the lady in question is now deceased then that naturally eradicates the possibility that Sir Sharpe is guilty of bigamy."
I hear Mr Elkins' voice, as if from far away, speaking matter-of-factly.
"However, as yet I have been unable to obtain proof that Mrs Sharpe has expired. That being the case, I trust Sir Thomas would have the necessary documentation. If he cannot provide a death certificate than one can only assume that his wife is still living, thus making him a bigamist and your marriage void."

He gives a smile of sympathetic mockery, which prompts me into forcing myself to concentrate. I have to examine the possibilities logically and stop my thoughts from flying ahead, presuming the worst.

"Y-yes. She must've passed away. That must be it. Thomas wouldn't commit bigamy. It's not in his nature, he's a kind and noble man." I manage, leaping to my husbands defence.

Mr Elkins nods but looks decidedly sceptical. "He hasn't disclosed to you that he's a widower?"

Churlishly, I dislike this man so much in this moment. The resentment is irrational I know, but unstoppable. He's unintentionally turned my newfound happiness into chaos in a matter of minutes. And I loathe him for it.

"No he's never mentioned it." I'm forced to admit. "Perhaps he finds it too painful to think about, or discuss."

Seemingly unconvinced, the solicitor takes the document and places it back inside his briefcase. "I shall need a copy of your marriage certificate, should the matter go to court."

My eyes widen in alarm. "Go to court?"

"Yes. If indeed Sir Sharpe is still married to the former Miss Sciotti, then he'll be charged for illegally attempting to marry again." Pushing his chair back, he stands and looks at me expectantly. "Do you happen to have the marriage certificate?"

I shake my head. "No, we were to collect it today from the old smithy." Standing mechanically, I pull myself together as much as is possible. "I....I better go and fetch Thomas--"