True Love's Deception

by Marie Higgins

  Scuffling of boots on the marbled floor drew her attention down the hallway. Wilbur skidded to a halt beside her, his frail body teetering as he regained his balance. “Ye called, Mistress?”

  “Yes. I need your help...and the help of your devious cousin.” She arched a brow, hoping he’d get the hint.

  He hitched a breath and his jaw dropped, leaving a big gape in his mouth.

  “Wilbur, we don’t have much time,” she continued. “I need you to help me find a man who will masquerade as my husband. And I need your cousin to forge the marriage document.”

  He glanced at Pearl with wide eyes. “Is she in her right mind?”

  “That she is, Wilbur.”

  He met Juliana’s gaze. “Aye. Then I’ll find ye someone.”

  He turned to leave, but she grasped his jacket sleeve. “I think I know where you’ll be looking, but please don’t get someone too...um...appalling. I must present him to my father looking like a gentleman in order for everyone to believe.”

  Chuckling, he shook his head. “I would’na be doing that to me favorite lass.” He tapped his knuckles under her chin and winked. “I’ll find someone worthy of ye; someone I won’t have to worry about hurtin’ ye in any way.”

  She offered an unsettled smile. “Thank you, Wilbur.”

  He hurried out the side door as fast as his lanky legs would carry him.

  Juliana scampered up to her room with Pearl close on her heels. Pointing to the things Juliana wanted packed, she gave orders until she was out of breath. Her heartbeat hammered in a frantic rhythm as she wrung her hands against her stomach.

  This had to work. She couldn’t fail.

  “Pearl?”

  “Yes, me dear.”

  “Grandmama cannot know what I’m doing. Her heart will stop working for certain.”

  The round-faced woman looked up at her and smiled. “Aye, dear. Wilbur and I will keep it a secret.”

  Juliana let out a heavy sigh. “I suppose I can be grateful Grandmama doesn’t like my father and refuses to speak to him. If Father ever let on about my marriage...”

  “She’ll never know, lass. Wilbur and I will take this secret to our graves.”

  Juliana moved beside the maid and threw her arms around her wide shoulders. “You are a rare friend, indeed.”

  THREE MISERABLE DAYS passed in slow increments. Juliana feared insanity would take over her mind completely if she didn’t receive some good news soon. She’d paced the house, hoping to find something to keep her mind occupied, but failed in the end. Her temper, wound tight like a spring, was ready to snap any moment, and she knew anything would set her off.

  Grandmama hadn’t asked questions. Thankfully, the older woman stayed in her room most of the time, heavily dosed with medications.

  Juliana rushed to her own room. Pearl had prepared her things for travel, and assured Juliana the wait would not be much longer. Out the window, she gazed upon the lush green rolling hills and sparse forest that covered her land. Her heart clenched. She couldn’t lose this.

  Dropping to her bed, she covered her face with her hands and moaned. “Time is running out.” She lifted her head and stared at Pearl. “Do you really think Wilbur can find someone? And what if this man takes advantage of the wage I’m offering and tells my father the truth?”

  The maid shook her head. “We’ll find a man grateful to accept yer fine offer.” The Scottish burr rolled off each syllable. “Y’er a beautiful woman. Any man will be privileged to escort the lovely Miss Juliana, who’s legendary in Scotland for her amazin’ turquoise eyes and auburn hair. Y’er a rare jewel, indeed.”

  Juliana drooped her shoulders as she picked at the white lace decorating the fancy stitching on her yellow day dress. “I just don’t know what I’ll do if we can’t find somebody soon. Where else will I get the money to pay off Grandmama’s creditors? I’m all out of ideas.” She frowned. “Perhaps I should tell Father and Constance the truth and have them arrange my marriage. They’ve always wanted to run my life, and I suppose I should start acting like a good child and let them.”

  “Oh posh!” Pearl cupped Juliana’s face in her large hands. “If ye acted like one of those uppity women like your stepmother and sister, ye wouldn’t be the woman I’ve come to love. ‘Sides, lass, ye must have faith in Wilbur. We cannot give up hope.”

  Loud footsteps echoed in the hall. Juliana jumped to her feet, her heart beating with renewed hope. Pearl waddled quickly to open the door. Wilbur’s tall and gangly body stepped inside. He swiped the hat off his head and bowed.

  “Mistress, I’ve been out and about doing yer special errand, and I think I’ve found him.”

  Juliana gasped. “You have?” Her fingers clutched the bedpost. “Where is he?”

  “Downstairs, in the parlor.”

  Juliana practically hurdled the trunks as she dashed out of the room and flew down the stairs. Careful not to trip, she lifted her skirt to her ankles as she descended each step, Pearl and Wilbur hurrying behind. When Juliana stepped inside the parlor, she stopped dead in her tracks and sucked in a shocked breath.

  A man, filthy beyond belief, stood with his back to her. With his hands planted on his hips, she could see sweat stains marked under his arms and all over the dirty gray shirt. At least she thought it was gray. Juliana cringed. Spots of mud splattered his brown pants—and heaven knows what else helped decorate the material. His black, knee-high boots were terribly spoiled, and she wouldn’t be surprised if the horrid man had brought animal droppings into her house.

  Her mind froze. Behind her, Pearl’s soft touch rested on her shoulder. “Mistress? What’s wrong?”

  After a few moments, Juliana’s head cleared. “He’s absolutely vile,” she blurted as she stared unbelieving at the walking pile of filth.

  The man turned away from the expensive paintings on the silver and gold-patterned wall and faced her, meeting her stare. Without saying a word, he arched an eyebrow.

  He’s the man from the pond! She gasped and quickly slapped her hand over her mouth.

  Wilbur stepped forward and cleared his throat. “Um, Miss Juliana? He works in the stables. I bade him to come posthaste and I didn’t give him time to clean himself.”

  Juliana fanned away the stench. “Obviously.” With her heart beating in an erratic rhythm, she stepped closer to him. Why, out of all people, did Wilbur have to find this man? “What is your name, stable hand?” she asked.

  His blue eyes slowly skimmed her attire. Unwanted tingles coursed through her from his bold scrutiny, making her feel almost as uncomfortable as she had when they’d met by the pond. She folded her arms, waiting for his reply.

  Although his appearance appalled her, underneath all of that grime, there had to be a handsome man. She’d witnessed it the other day. His tall frame bulged with cords of muscles against the fabric of his shirt and gave evidence to his worth in her stables. Although his hair was caked in dirt, she knew it to be a darker color, just as his eyebrows, sideburns, and beard.

  He straightened, his chest appearing even broader. “We meet again, Juliana.”

  She groaned.

  Wilbur stepped up to him, wagging is finger under the man’s nose. “She’s Miss Juliana, to you.”

  The stable hand bowed. “Me deepest apologies, again. I’m Andrew Dean, at yer service.”

  She held her chin high, hoping not to reveal how his identity unnerved her. “Mr. Dean? How old are you?”

  “I’m in me sixth and twentieth year.”

  “Are you married?”

  One of his eyebrows rose. “Nay.”

  A smile tugged at Juliana’s mouth as she circled him, eyeing his length carefully. Her mind whirled with ideas, hoping it wouldn’t take long before she taught him to pass for a gentleman. Although unclean and stinking to high heaven, he would do. He would fill a gentleman’s clothing properly as long as she could teach him to speak proper English.

  His gaze followed her, his head whipping around as she moved. “Will
you check me teeth?” His tone was laced with amusement. “Maybe you’d like tae feel me legs for firmness and strength? Or perhaps ye’ll ride me first then decide if I’m healthy enough?”

  Juliana covered her throat with her hand and gasped. Her face heated nearly to the third degree. “Pardon me?”

  “Ye’re checking me out like a horse about tae be purchased. I’m a wonderin’ if ye’re goin’ to follow through with the inspection.”

  Anger ignited in her quickly. How dare he talk to her like that. “You will address me with the respect my position demands, Mr. Dean, and in the future you’ll not be so crude.”

  He arrogantly arched a brow. “Och! Ye think there’ll be a next time?”

  She turned her nose up and ignored his snide remark. “Has Wilbur told you what I need from you?”

  “No.”

  “I need a man to pose as my husband for a few months. I have to return to England and I need to be married, but only as a farce—”

  He threw back his head and laughed.

  She scowled. “What is that manner of rudeness about, Mr. Dean?”

  He shook his head. “I’ve never heard such a ridiculous offer. Perhaps ye’re toyin’ with me for amusement? Is this what ye wealthy women do when bored?”

  Shock was a mild word for the emotion that washed over her. Nobody ever had the nerve to be so openly discourteous to her, especially a servant. She stepped toward him and raised her hand to slap his mouth, but just as quickly as she swung, he grasped hold of it and stopped its progress.

  “I dinna think it’s wise, milady. Ye’ll be makin’ a terrible mistake.” His gaze bore into hers.

  Wilbur and Pearl rushed to them, peeling Mr. Dean away from Juliana.

  The elderly butler held the stable man as hard as his bony arms could probably handle. “Andrew? Would ye please just listen to Miss Juliana? I’m certain ye’d understand her plight and sympathize with her,” Wilbur pleaded.

  Juliana wrung herself away from Pearl. Taking a calming breath, she smoothed the front of her dress and regained her composed stature. “Never mind, Wilbur.” She swept her hair off her shoulder and flipped it onto her back. “I don’t want him anymore. Find someone else.”

  “But Mistress—” The butler’s voice wavered.

  “No, Wilbur.” She held up a hand. “Send this foul-smelling man on his way. Send him back to the hogs where he belongs. Even if he were the last person in Scotland, I would not want him.”

  Andrew pulled himself straight and lifted his chin. “Ditto, Mistress.”

  Juliana threw her hands in the air, huffed and marched out of the room. With each step, her heart broke. She couldn’t stand the one man who might be able to help her.

  She’d never really been a church-going person, although she did believe in God. Now she wondered if this was His way of letting her know she’d made the wrong decision. If she continued on this path, would things work out, or was the worst yet to come?

  Chapter Two

  Andrew Dean relaxed in the worn cushioned chair as he stretched his tired legs in front of the low burning fire. Although he lived in a small cabin, at least he didn’t have to share it with the other servants. One of the benefits of working at this estate was the servants’ quarters separated from the main house. Most of the servants’ cottages grouped down the hill in the flock of trees behind the estate, and although his home was meager, he felt like a king.

  This had been the employment he’d wanted for a long time, and he finally allowed himself to feel free. Right now, he was thankful he hadn’t been let go for the way he reacted to Miss Juliana. Maybe it was too early to feel relief. Perhaps Wilbur was on his way here, now.

  Leaning his head against the cushion, Andrew combed his fingers through his still damp hair. The evening’s bath did wonders for his exhausted state, and he was content to let his mind wander as his eyes drifted closed.

  When he’d first met Miss Juliana, he thought she was one of the servants, or one of the women from the neighboring estate because of her glorious mane of reddish hair blowing wild around her head—not proper in a tight bun like most ladies would have it. That afternoon by the pond, he never suspected she’d have such a fierce temper. Then again, with the last name of Beaumont, he should have expected she would be a well-to-do refined woman.

  Grinning, he admitted he enjoyed watching her squirm, both at the pond and this afternoon. Although the meeting confused him, it was worth watching the pampered lady fidget. She’d probably never crossed paths with a man like him, and more than likely she didn’t speak so boldly, either. He brought out the worst in people, especially women. He never did take kindly to the upper class lifting their well-bred noses and wiping their wealthy, leather shoes on him.

  Miss Juliana’s conversation really turned humorous when she mentioned employing him to be her hired-husband, and he couldn’t keep his laughter contained. At first, he thought it was some sort of prank, but the lady was serious.

  Why was she so determined to find a husband? The thought was absolutely appalling. Her parents couldn’t possibly know. Or was the old sick woman who owned the estate her only relative?

  There would be no way he could pretend to be a husband. All of his life he longed for a real family—a close family as he’d seen others have. If he planned on being any kind of husband at all, it would be the kind who was married in a church—and legal. Andrew wouldn’t have it any other way.

  The wood from the fireplace popped and startled him, bringing him temporarily out of his thoughts. A log fell in the hearth and broke apart. As he swiped his hand over his freshly shaven chin, he grinned. He really should have let Miss Juliana speak her mind just to see what she really wanted, but her obnoxious words were too degrading and he couldn’t take her rudeness any longer.

  Yet it was his station in life to take it. That’s probably why he could never settle in one place. Before too long, the owners of the estate would dismiss him for his manner of speech. Even now he wondered how much longer he’d be staying. And for some odd reason, he wanted to set that woman in another dither and enjoy watching it happen.

  She was really very beautiful with her eyes alight with fire. He usually didn’t notice the color of women’s eyes, but Juliana’s were different; a lovely blue and at certain times a green. Or were they turquoise? She had a nicely shaped mouth, lush and full lips, except, of course, when she opened it to speak. Long, auburn hair hung down her back and had been pulled together with a matching ribbon.

  But why did she want to hire a temporary husband? She was a beautiful woman, and it surprised him she wasn’t married by now. His curiosity must be satisfied. Neither Wilbur nor Pearl had time to say anything to Andrew after Lady Priss left the parlor, because he found the nearest exit and had gone about his duties. Now he regretted it.

  Andrew decided to retire for the night. There were many chores awaiting him on the morrow. He stood, walked to the fire and reached for the poker to break the logs. A small knock on the front door stopped him.

  When he opened the door, he blinked, not believing what he saw. Miss Juliana stood on the rickety step, her hand raised to knock again. Her eyes widened before her gaze combed over him in a leisurely manner. Pink highlighted her cheeks before she lowered her lashes. Behind her stood the buxom maid, Pearl.

  Miss Juliana cleared her throat. “Mr. Dean? May I speak with you for a moment?”

  This must be it. She must have decided to come fire him herself. Casually, he leaned against the doorframe and folded his arms. “It’s yer property. Ye can do anythin’ ye wish.”

  She squared her shoulders, lifted her chin and met his gaze. “You know, I could have you removed from this estate for the way you treated me earlier.”

  Perhaps that’s not why she was here originally. Now his interest had raised a notch. “I’m aware of that.”

  With an unsteady hand, she pulled a stray lock of hair behind her ear. He bit the inside of his cheek, trying not to grin. He couldn’t understan
d why she would suddenly turn shy, but he couldn’t wait to find out.

  “I didn’t come here to belittle you, Mr. Dean. Actually, I have come to ask your forgiveness. My behavior this afternoon was inexcusable. My only rational explanation is that I have been under a lot of duress of late, and my temper has been quite unmanageable.”

  Surprise washed over him and he gaped. Perhaps he needed to clean out his ears again, he couldn’t possibly have heard right. This time, he’d let her speak without interruption. He might even discover her immense problem.

  Andrew stepped away from the door and swept his hand in front of him. Juliana sashayed in as her maid waddled behind.

  He smiled. “Now, ye were sayin’ about yer behavior?”

  Her hands balled into fists and she tucked them in the folds of her skirt. Ah-ha! A performance. Well, two could play her game.

  “I have been under a lot of pressure,” she began, “and I have not been myself. I am truly sorry.”

  He stepped past her and over to his chair. “Would ye care tae sit?” He pointed to the small, worn sofa beside his seat.

  Through creased brows she looked at the dingy piece of furniture and scrunched her nose. Once again, her snobbish upbringing showed.

  “No thank you, Mr. Dean. I’m not going to stay very long. I just came to apologize.”

  Even through her arrogance, he still found her breathtaking. Strange that he’d notice how lovely she looked, but he couldn’t keep from studying her. She wore a different dress than she had this afternoon. The dark material turned her eyes a deeper shade of turquoise. Her hair curled in ringlets around her neck and shoulders. He liked it better when it was straight and gathered with a ribbon at her neck.

  He scrubbed his hands over his chin. “What is yer purpose here t’night?”

  She inhaled deeply before answering. “I—I—I’m here to beg for your assistance in a matter of great importance.”

  “How may I assist ye?”

  She studied the piece of furniture in front of her for a hesitant second, before perching herself on his dingy couch, but as close to the edge as she could. Her back straight, hands folded properly in her lap. “I need a man to portray my husband while I’m in England for a spell visiting with my family.”