True Love's Deception (book 3) (The Fielding Brothers Saga)

by Marie Higgins

  “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.”

  Now this was different. He sat in his chair. “Yer family lives in England?”

  “Yes. Kent, to be precise.”

  “Who lives here with ye?”

  “My maternal grandmother.”

  “Why do ye need a husband?”

  “Well,” she paused and gave a light chuckle, “because I need to be married.”

  He arched an eyebrow. Ah-ha. She was in the motherly way, perhaps? “Why, may I ask?”

  “Because if I’m not, my father will arrange a marriage for me, and I cannot have that.” She shrugged. “I enjoy living the way I am now. I enjoy being my own, independent woman. I’m not ready to marry, but I need a man who will act as my husband in front of my father and my family so no one will suspect I’m misleading them.” She cleared her throat. “And there is the fact that I need to be married to get my inheritance.”

  This was not the answer he thought he’d hear. He couldn’t believe it, but the more he learned of her deceitful ways, the more intriguing she became. Most high-class women would never do this, let alone consider it.

  “Why me?” he asked.

  “Admit it, Mr. Dean, you are more husband material than any other man on this estate, and if I take this matter elsewhere, it will cause scandal.”

  Needing to think without looking into her sorrowful expression, he walked to the fireplace, took the poker and moved the logs. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed her gaze roaming over him. Somehow he’d captured her interest, and he rather liked it.

  “Suppose I was tae go along with this little scheme of yers.” He glanced at her over his shoulder. “What would I get out of it?”

  She jumped to her feet. Her stare focused directly on him. “You will be paid a tidy sum.” Her slender neck constricted as if she swallowed hard. “I will pay you three times your wages now, and you will be outfitted to look like a gentleman before we leave. You will also be given a small allowance when we arrive, but that will be all. I’ll pay you half before we go, and the rest once we return. What better offer can be given to a man of your station?”

  He gnashed his teeth. He could have done without that last comment. But she was correct. He’d never get a better offer. And the bargain did sound good. He’d never made that much money, and even if he scraped and saved for the next ten years, he probably wouldn’t earn that amount.

  His heart raced at the mere thought of owning something for the first time in his life. Having his own horse would be good, or he could buy himself his own little parcel of land and start his own stud farm, which had been a dream of his for a while.

  Thinking over the pros and cons, he kept silent. Right now, the only disadvantage was that she would be his pretend wife and he’d have to put up with her vicious mouth. But what about his goal of obtaining a real family? A real wife and being married in a church? If he went along with her scheme, it would ruin everything he’d ever wanted. Then again, having that much money may find him the life he thought he’d never have.

  The bargain sounded good, but Andrew couldn’t give in so easily. He needed to barter just a little more. And he really wanted to see her squirm.

  “I might consider doin’ it if ye pay me four times me wages—”

  “Done.” She smiled and her face beamed.

  “And, I might consider doin’ it if ye promise me somethin’ in return for the favor I’m doin’ ye.”

  The blush he’d seen earlier returned and spread across her face. “And what might that be?” Her voice quivered.

  Should he tease? Although it’d be enjoyable, he’d do it at a later date, and especially, not in front of her maid.

  “Ye have tae promise tae treat me as yer equal. I won’t be made tae look like the Scottish bumpkin who kisses the ground ye walk on. I’ll be yer husband and ye’ll treat me with respect.”

  She lifted her chin a little higher. “And how will you treat me, Mr. Dean?”

  “I’ll treat you as kindly as ye do me. If ye regard me as a precious piece of glass, I’ll do the same, but if ye treat me like I’m kitchen scraps, then ye’ll be treated likewise. Is that reasonable?”

  Uncertainty flickered in her turquoise eyes, and she bit her bottom lip. After a few moments of silence, she took a deep breath walked to him.

  “Agreed.”

  “Then it’s settled...wife.” He grinned.

  She grimaced. “I give you permission to address me by my given name.”

  “Fine then, Juliana...Dean.”

  “No. That’s not right either. You shall use a different name. I think the name Lawrence sounds more believable for the gentleman I’m going to turn you into. From now on your name will be Andrew Dean Lawrence.”

  “Lawrence?” He cocked his head, a strange feeling washed over him. He didn’t like the idea of taking on another man’s name. “Where did that name come from?”

  “There are a lot of Lawrence’s in England, and so nobody would think twice and wonder which family you came from.” She laughed. “You know, for some reason, that name sounds good on you.”

  For the first time since they met, he agreed with her.

  * * * *

  Andrew stood inside the church in the next town over, waiting for Miss Juliana to arrive.

  It took some talking, and he feared the Lord would strike him speechless. Andrew really didn’t want to lie to his employer, but he just couldn’t pretend to be her husband. And the only way he could accomplish to have her pay him, and be her husband, was to marry her—without her knowledge. Thankfully, Andrew knew a man who was a true, honest-to-God clergyman whether the man was crooked or not. Mr. Richens told Andrew he’d perform the marriage ceremony, but it had to be in a church. Wilbur agreed—as did Miss Juliana—and Andrew breathed a sigh of relief. Now as long as Wilbur and the Mistress didn’t know the wedding was real, Andrew’s plan would work perfectly.

  But now as he stood waiting for her to show, dread buried a hole in his gut and guilt gnawed at his conscience. Lying to Juliana was wrong, but it had to be done. He just couldn’t pretend to be anyone’s husband. He had morals.

  Mr. Richens adjusted his clergyman collar and cleared his throat. “Will the bride be here soon? I do have other appointments, you know.”

  Andrew didn’t want to tell the man that he really didn’t have other appointments, but that wasn’t proper. Especially when Mr. Richens was doing Andrew a favor…a favor that cost money, that is.

  Just as he opened his mouth to reply, a buggy pulled up in front of the old church. Andrew rushed out the door as Wilbur was helping Juliana down. Today she wore a lavender gown with white ruffles. Her wide hoop skirt made it difficult for her as she stepped from the buggy.

  When her gaze met his, she did a quick sweep of his attire and passed him a forced smile. Inwardly, he cringed. Why in heaven’s name did he want to marry someone who couldn’t stand to look at him? His conscience fought with his heart, reminding him this was the only way toward a better life.

  Money! He couldn’t forget the small fortune she was going to pay him for his services.

  “Good day, Miss Juliana.” He held out his hand, which she hesitantly took.

  She moved closer, tugging on Wilbur’s coat sleeve to have him join their private conversation as well. “Do you promise this...um, friend of yours won’t say anything?”

  Wilbur chuckled and shook his head. “He’s sloshed most of the time, Mistress. He won’t say a thing, even if he remembers.”

  Andrew grinned. “Me dear, Miss Juliana, our friend, Mr. Richens, doesn’t even know ya. All he knows is that I’m getting married. Rest assured, he won’t open his mouth.”

  Wilbur nodded. “He’s he
lped me with several deeds over the years, and although he’s as crooked as me brother’s teeth, if he says he will keep our secret, mum’s the word.”

  She furrowed her brow. “Then why does he need us here at the church? And why is he dressed like a clergyman?”

  “For appearance sake only,” Andrew responded quickly. “He lives in this rundown church, and if he wants to continue tae stay here, he must at least act like a man of the cloth.” After Andrew said the lie, he quickly gazed up to the sky, waiting once more for the Lord to strike him dumb. As luck would have it, only a few clouds littered the beautiful blue sky and a hint of wind stroked his cheek.

  Juliana pulled away from him and adjusted the ties of her bonnet under her chin. “Fine. Let’s proceed and get this over with. I have a hectic schedule to maintain.”

  He wanted to laugh, since Mr. Richens had said pretty much the same thing, but this time Andrew knew Miss Juliana Beaumont would be the one with the busier life.

  Andrew turned and offered his elbow for her. Hesitantly, she took it and walked with him toward the church. The structure had to be at least hundred years old, and by the look of the pieced together roof and cracked walls, he couldn’t be far off from his guess.

  “Before we leave for England,” she said in a low voice, leaning into Andrew, “Wilbur will take you to buy new clothes.” She glanced at his hair. “And find someone to trim your hair.” Then looked at his face. “And shave. Your scraggly appearance is very unbecoming.”

  Andrew’s ire rose. “Unbecomin’...for a stable hand?”

  She rolled her eyes. “You forget, Mr. Dean, you will not be portraying a stable hand once we begin the charade. As soon as we step foot into the coach, you will be Mr. Lawrence, a well-bred gentleman.”

  His bit his tongue—literally—to keep from mouthing back. She had such a snarky attitude he worried that if he spoke his mind she’ll back out on their deal. This is for a better future, he reminded himself as they walked into the church.

  Mr. Richens nodded to Juliana. “Good day, Miss Beaumont. I’m glad you could make it.”

  She lifted her chin. “As it is, Mr. Richens, I’m on a tight schedule, so I’d appreciate it if you could hurry this up.”

  “If you wish.” He moved to retrieve the marriage certificate. “Mr. Dean assured me you two would not like to exchange vows, but I do need you say a few things before you sign the certificate.”

  “Then you best be getting started,” Juliana snapped.

  Andrew gave his nod of approval.

  “Splendid.” Mr. Richens straightened his shoulders, holding the Bible against his chest. “Do you, Andrew Dean, take Juliana Beaumont…”

  Andrew replied, and was relieved when Juliana responded with the same answer. Then Mr. Richens pronounced them man and wife and handed Juliana the certificate.

  “I’ll need your signature right here.” The clergyman indicated the spot by pointing to it.

  Juliana took the quill from him and signed. Andrew didn’t dare expel the breath from his lungs yet. She handed him the quill and he signed his name above hers. She watched him then elbowed him in the side.

  “Andrew, darling, you forgot your last name.” She arched an eyebrow.

  Now Andrew remembered. She wanted his name to be Lawrence. So, adding to his signature, he scrawled the name. Lawrence. It struck him as odd, but the name had a sophisticated ring to it when repeating it in his head. Almost sounding like a gentle-bred man’s name. He grinned. Perhaps it would work after all.

  Mr. Richens smiled. “Splendid. Now you two have a happy life together.”

  Slowly, Andrew finally released another relieved sigh. The lie had been concluded on paper. Now, he had to actually live it without letting Juliana know they were truly wed in the sight of God. She wouldn’t be too happy about it, Andrew was certain, but he had a little while to convince her that he wasn’t such a bad husband after all.

  * * * *

  In the mirror on the vanity, Juliana watched as Pearl arranged her hair into a chignon, preparing for the journey. Excitement bubbled inside Juliana’s chest, making it hard to sit still, but she folded her hands in her lap and kept from laughing from her enthusiasm. Although she hadn’t seen Andrew since their faux wedding ceremony, both Wilbur and Pearl had kept her informed on his progress. Juliana was confident this visit to her father would go well...and there’d be no doubt Andrew was her husband. Within a few months, she’d return to Scotland with her inheritance and she could pay Grandmama’s debtors.

  According to Wilbur, Mr. Dean cleaned up nicely. The tailor was very proficient with Andrew’s wardrobe, and had his clothes ready first thing this morning. Wilbur also mentioned the barber had done a remarkable job on Mr. Dean’s grooming, trimming his dark brown locks and transforming his ragged appearance, making him look just like a true gentleman.

  Juliana blew out a sigh. This trip would be long, and during their travels, she’d teach Mr. Dean to speak and act like the men her father hobnobbed with. Andrew had to be perfect or her father would see through her scheme.

  “There ye are, lass. All ready to go.” Pearl’s cheery tone made Juliana smile.

  She stood and checked herself one more time in the full-length mirror. She chose to wear one of her finest traveling suits, a dark velvet green skirt and matching jacket over a white blouse with ruffles on the sleeves and collar. Black trim decorated the hem of her skirt and the sleeves of her jacket.

  Pearl placed a green bonnet on Juliana’s head, tied the bow beneath her chin then handed her matching gloves.

  “Are ye ready, lass? Wilbur and Mr. Dean are outside waiting for us.”

  Juliana smiled. “Yes, I am.”

  “I do say, y’er exceptionally chipper this mornin’. Are ya perhaps lookin’ forward to yer visit with yer father?”

  “In a way, I am. It has been quite a while since our last visit, but what I’m really looking forward to is showing him I’m married. It cost me almost all the money I have left, that’s for certain, so I’m praying this will work. When I return from my trip, I’ll have my inheritance, and I won’t ever have to leave the beauty that touched my heart and connected me to my grandmama’s estate again.”

  When Juliana walked out the front door toward the waiting coach, she noticed Mr. Dean right away. He stood with his back to her by the vehicle, so she quickly slid her gaze over him before he could see what she was doing. A coffee brown jacket and cream-colored trousers molded to him elegantly. His hair had been cut, and barely brushed his collar, and her fingers itched to run through those strands that looked too silky not to touch.

  He must have heard her shoes on the steps because he turned and faced her. Now being able to see him fully, she nearly lost her breath—yet at the same time, her heartbeat skipped with excitement. Pearl and Wilbur hadn’t been mistaken when they’d said he’d changed. Mr. Dean had turned out incredibly handsome. The difference between the man who stood in her parlor a couple days ago and the man before her now was remarkable. If she hadn’t known he was the stable hand, she would never have guessed they were the same person. He looked more dignified than most of her gentleman callers.

  He grinned. Without being able to control it, her knees weakened and her heartbeat tripled. No. This emotion was not acceptable. She couldn’t possibly be attracted to him!

  Andrew strode up the steps and stood only inches away. He slid his hand into hers and gave it a squeeze before lifting it to his mouth and brushing his lips across her gloved knuckles. A sigh caught in her throat from his charming, smooth manner. This trip would definitely be longer than she’d anticipated and more difficult than she’d ever imagined.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Lawrence. You look absolutely radiant today.”

  Warm tingles shot through her from the suave, husky tone of his voice. “Thank you, Mr. Lawrence,” she answered in a shaky voice as her cheeks grew hot. “It appears as if you have been very busy lately. You are not only outfitted to look like a gentleman, you also speak lik
e one.”

  “Your words are most kind. I have been mimicking how the wealthy speak all my life. Besides, it’s easy to speak with eloquence when in the presence of such subtle beauty.” The corners of his mouth lifted higher. “This change has actually been easier than I thought. In fact, the words almost flow from my mouth as if I have always spoken this way.”

  “I’m very pleased you’re taking this role so seriously.”

  He took her hand, hooking it over his arm before leading her down the steps to the coach. “I’m being paid quite well, my dear wife. I have never been lax in any of my other duties, nor will I be in this one.”

  “You don’t know how grateful I am to hear that.”

  He helped her into the coach, then climbed in behind, taking the seat across from her. She peeked out the window and watched Pearl and Wilbur climb in the second coach. Once the vehicle jerked into motion, Juliana sat back and looked at Andrew. This would be the perfect time to apprise him of his duties.

  “During this trip,” she explained, “I will be instructing you on the lifestyles of my family and those who are friends with my father. I’m most certain you will take to it splendidly, seeing how remarkable you have done so far.”

  He chuckled. “Your compliments are music to my ears. Tell me, Mrs. Dean…um, I mean Mrs. Lawrence, is it difficult to say such words to the stable hand?”

  How odd his true position had slipped her mind. She even forgot what he had looked like that day in her parlor and at the church. “The truth is, Mr. Dean, the more I see you dressed as a gentleman, the easier it will be for me to treat you like one. As long as you attire yourself in what I expect and act like you are supposed to, I’ll try not to remember your true class.”

  He leaned back in the seat, the smile disappearing as he nodded. His dark blue-eyed gaze wandered over her face. A strange warmth coursed through her, and she quickly snapped open her fan and waved it in front of her, hoping it would cool her heated face.

  “What about you?” she asked.

  “What about me?”

  “Why do you dislike me so? What have I done to cause you ill feelings toward me?”