True Love's Deception

by Marie Higgins

  He patted her hand. “Why would she lie about this? What could she gain?”

  “Attention, perhaps.” She shrugged. “I just know that Gregg Fielding would not rape her. He’s known for his reputation of seducing married women. Not young innocent girls.” She scooted closer to him. “I believe Lord Carlston attacked her. That would have explained the torn dress, but Gregg would not have raped her. He would have stopped if she had told him.”

  Andrew shook his head. “I just don’t know, Juliana. I’ve always been suspicious of that man from the first day I saw him with you at the Tea Shoppe.”

  She laid her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry I did that. All he is to me is a friend. We had not seen each other in quite a long time, and I thought it would be pleasant to talk about our lives over tea.” She stroked Andrew’s arm softly. “I never thought it would hurt you.”

  He lifted her chin with his knuckle until she met his gaze. “Indeed? There is nothing between you?”

  She shook her head. “Nothing but a past friendship.”

  “Then why did you dance so many dances with him?”

  She caressed his face then slid her fingers through his hair. “Once again, I’m sorry for hurting you. Last night I was trying to make you jealous.”

  He grinned. “Why?”

  “Because I was jealous of all the attention you were giving to my sister—and the other women at the party.”

  He shrugged. “I only did that because I didn’t think I could have you.”

  “Oh, Andrew.” She smiled. “I promise I shall never hurt you again. From here on out, I will show you what a loving wife I can be.”

  “Umm...” He kissed her forehead. “That’s an excellent plan, my dove.”

  He turned and took her in his arms. She slid her hands over his chest as her fingers toyed with the buttons on his waistcoat.

  “I can think of another idea.” She wagged her brows.

  “Does it have anything to do with finishing what we started last night?”

  She grinned. “You read my mind, my darling.”

  Releasing a soft groan, he pulled her face to his and pressed his mouth against hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him hungrily.

  Last night, he had awakened emotions inside her she hadn’t thought existed. Now, she wanted him to do it again. This time, there couldn’t be any interruptions.

  She plucked at the buttons of his shirt until one by one they opened for her seeking hands. Sliding her palms along his neck and chest, she marveled over his muscular frame, hoping she would never have to stop touching him.

  He pushed her down on the sofa, looming over her. He kissed her so tenderly...so passionately she thought she’d cry with happiness. But when a knock came upon the door, she knew she’d cry from frustration. Andrew froze, and she cursed under her breath. He shifted, but she grabbed his shoulders to keep him in place.

  “Don’t say anything and maybe whoever it is will go away,” she told him.

  He grinned. “Or they might come in and catch us.”

  She scowled, and pushed him away. He stood and quickly buttoned his shirt while she smoothed her hands down her gown to help with the wrinkles.

  The knock sounded again.

  “Who is it?” Andrew asked.

  “Mr. Lawrence? It’s I, Wilbur. Ye have some guests in the parlor.”

  Andrew glanced at Juliana who stared at him with wide eyes. “Who is it, Wilbur?” Juliana asked.

  “The Duke of Ashton and his brother, Mr. Fielding.”

  “What rotten timing,” she muttered.

  “What was that, lassie?” Wilbur called through the door.

  “Umm...tell them we shall be there shortly. Also, inform Madeline we request her company in the parlor as well.”

  “As you wish.”

  Andrew sighed and pushed his fingers through his hair. He chuckled. “I’m beginning to think I will never be able to make you my wife.”

  She stepped over to him and in his embrace. “Stop thinking in such a way. When the time is right, we shall be together.” She kissed his chin.

  “I certainly hope the time will be right soon. I cannot stand the wait.”

  WITH JULIANA’S HAND hooked on Andrew’s elbow, he walked them into the parlor to greet their guests, feeling like the luckiest man alive. He didn’t know why Juliana’s attitude had suddenly changed, but he wasn’t going to question. Not now when everything had been turning out perfectly...except for when they tried to make love.

  But that would eventually happen.

  The Duke of Ashton and Gregg stood by the mantel with a drink of brandy in their hands. It relieved Andrew to know the butler had accommodated them.

  “Good afternoon, Your Grace.” Andrew bowed to the duke. “May I introduce my wife, Mrs. Juliana Lawrence?”

  Nicholas stepped to Juliana, took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Lawrence.”

  She curtsied. “Thank you, my lord.” She straightened and looked at Gregg. “How are you faring this day, Mr. Fielding?”

  He rolled his eyes. “Unfortunately, I’ve had better afternoons.”

  The rustle of slips against a woman’s gown brought everyone’s attention behind Andrew and Juliana. With her head down, Maddie entered the parlor, looking as drab as any young girl could. Wearing one of her modest gray dresses, she appeared as if she could have been going to a funeral. Then again, she probably felt that way since Andrew had told her about this morning with Gregg.

  Andrew pulled away from Juliana and took Maddie’s hand, leading her to the duke. “And may I present my sister-in-law, Miss Madeline O’Neil?”

  Nicholas took her hand. “Nice to meet you, Miss O’Neil.”

  Without meeting his gaze, she curtsied. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

  “Shall we sit?” Juliana asked, motioning to the sofas and chairs.

  After everyone had sat, Nicholas cleared his throat. “Gregg and I have talked at great lengths about the unfortunate situation that occurred last night between him and Miss Madeline. Gregg has decided he will marry the young Madeline.”

  Maddie’s shoulders wilted and she kept her gaze on her clasped hands. Andrew frowned. Why wasn’t she as excited as her sister had been? According to Juliana, Gregg was a great catch. So then why didn’t Maddie feel it, too? Anger struck a bad chord in Andrew’s heartstrings. He’d only been doing the best thing for Maddie. Why couldn’t she see that?

  “Gregg and Madeline,” the duke continued, “will announce their engagement in four days hence when the bans are posted. They will be seen together at a few functions before the announcement, one being a ball my wife has arranged for tomorrow evening. After that, Gregg and Madeline will be seen together for three weeks before the wedding.”

  Nicholas looked at Juliana. “My wife would love to help with the wedding preparations.”

  Juliana smiled. “I would be happy to have her help.”

  The duke’s gaze moved to Andrew and he arched his brow. “Is everything to your satisfaction, sir?”

  Andrew nodded. “You have planned everything perfectly. Thank you, Your Grace.”

  Nicholas switched his attention to Maddie, who still hadn’t looked up or said anything. “What about you, young Madeline? Have you anything to add?”

  Maddie nodded and lifted her chin. She didn’t look at Gregg, but met the duke’s stare. “I would like to ask if my sister and her husband may be our chaperones until Gregg and I are wed.”

  Andrew glanced at Gregg, whose expression was most comical. He looked at Maddie with a grin and arched eyebrow. Apparently, the lord thought her comment to be humorous as well.

  The duke nodded. “Of course, Madeline. You are still quite young, and I think having your sister and brother-in-law by your side is a splendid idea.”

  Andrew grimaced. He didn’t think that was a very good idea at all. He glanced at Juliana who watched Gregg with a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. Somet
hing was going on between those two. Andrew’s jealous heart just knew it. But his mind argued, telling him that he must make Juliana his. For real. And he must do it soon before he lost her.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Andrew sat in his room as Wilbur fussed with his evening attire. The old man acted as if attending the Duke of Ashton’s ball had been the best thing to happen to him. Ever.

  Grinning, Andrew realized Wilbur had assumed right. Although attending the duke’s ball was a glorious event for a stable hand like Andrew, the best thing in his life really happened when he’d met Juliana.

  Wilbur picked out a deep blue coat and waistcoat to compliment his white silk shirt, and black trousers that fit his legs perfectly. Andrew did indeed feel very important and sophisticated wearing such finery. He couldn’t wait to see the look on Juliana’s face either.

  Maddie was a different story. Ever since the duke and Gregg left their house yesterday, she had sulked in her room. Andrew thought it would give him and Juliana more private time, but Juliana was determined to help her sister any way she could.

  He smiled. It proved to him Juliana was indeed changing.

  He left his room and walked downstairs and into the parlor. Maddie stood by the window wearing a beautiful green gown. No longer did she resemble a young girl. Not with the way the bulk of her hair hung provocatively down her back in a large curl, only the sides pulled up and away from her face. The bodice dipped daringly low. If Gregg hadn’t been smitten by her beauty by now, the man would certainly become so tonight.

  She turned and met Andrew’s stare, then smiled. “You look very handsome.”

  He nodded. “I will say the same about you. I don’t think I’ve seen you look prettier.”

  She walked to him and clasped his hands. “I wore this for you,” she whispered.

  Inwardly, he cringed. Not again. “Madeline, you must cease this way of thinking. I’m married to your sister, and you are soon to be engaged to Gregg Fielding.”

  She scowled. “But I do not want to be. I want you.”

  “Maddie.” He breathed deep. “You must stop this. I love your sister.”

  “Andrew, no.” She squeezed his hands and stepped closer. “She will never make you happy. I can. I will. She will never love you as much as I.”

  “But Gregg—”

  She shook her head. “I don’t care for Gregg. I will never care for him.”

  “Madeline,” he said in a stern voice as he took his hands away from her, “you must forget about me. Gregg will be your husband. He is the one who took your virginity. It’s the honorable thing for him to do.”

  Huffing, she folded her arms across her bosom. “Although Gregg did take my virginity, it was not him who stayed in my mind. The man in my mind and heart that night was you,” she ended in a whisper.

  Rolling his eyes, he left her side to get a glass of brandy. Maybe he’d have the whiskey instead. With Maddie around, she was sure to drive him insane.

  The clicking of heels outside the marbled hallway brought Andrew’s attention to the door. In walked Juliana, looking more beautiful than he had ever seen.

  Wearing ice blue satin that draped over her body in an elegant fashion, she looked like a princess. Her sleeves billowed at the shoulders, but then tapered down to a tight point at her wrists. Diamonds sparkled on her bodice, but not overly so, just enough to draw attention to the heart-shaped neckline. The sides of her wavy hair were pulled away from her face and attached to her head with diamond combs, leaving the fullness to cascade down her back.

  His mouth turned dry. His drink wouldn’t be able to quench his thirst now. Only holding his wife and loving her would. Speechless, he could only gaze over her once again. His heart hammered in quick rhythms. His fingers remembered how soft her skin had been the other night, and his lips could still taste her sweetness.

  Soon she stood before him with a wide smile. Her turquoise eyes twinkled.

  He stroked her cheek and let his thumb trail to her bottom lip. “You will make the duchess very jealous, my dove.”

  Her cheeks turned a dark pink. “And you will be the envy of every man there, including the duke.”

  Sliding his arms around her, he brought her up against him. She rested her hands on his chest.

  “My dove, I say we skip the ball tonight. I can assure you our privacy will be more exciting.”

  “As much as the invitation tempts me, I do think we should go to the Duchess of Ashton’s ball tonight. Maddie needs us.”

  He needed Juliana more...but that, too, would have to wait until later.

  “Indeed you are correct. Forgive me for being selfish.”

  She leaned in closer and touched his chin. “I don’t mind your selfishness, as long as it includes me.”

  From behind them, Maddie cleared her throat. Andrew closed his eyes and groaned. He’d forgotten about her.

  Juliana pulled away and moved to her sister. “Maddie, you are breathtaking tonight. Gregg will fall over his tongue when he sees you.”

  Maddie chuckled. “Probably not, dear sister. Not after he sees you.” She arched a brow.

  Andrew seethed. Why did Maddie have to remind him of his insecurities when it came to Gregg Fielding? Now Andrew would have to be on guard and make certain that man acted accordingly while around Juliana.

  Andrew offered his arm to his wife. “Shall we leave now?”

  She slipped her hand around his and hugged his elbow. “Yes, we shall, my darling.” Juliana grinned.

  The ride to the Ashton’s estate tortured Andrew. Juliana sat next to him and bumped against him constantly. Maddie kept quiet most of the ride, but he would catch her staring at him with dreamy eyes every so often. How could he get it through that girl’s head he did not return those feelings?

  The guests who were at the Ashton’s ball doubled in attendance from the ball Juliana had the other night for her birthday. So many more couples dressed in their finery. So many more names he had to remember—but knew he’d forget. And so many more men vying for Juliana’s attention. Of course with that breathtaking, alluring gown she wore, who would blame the men for wanting to be next to her. Andrew would just have to work extra hard to win her heart.

  After the butler took their wraps, they were announced. Immediately, everyone turned their gazes in their direction. Andrew’s heart sank. Hopefully he wouldn’t have to answer any more questions about his so-called relatives who lived here in London. Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to meet any either.

  “My dove,” he whispered to Juliana. “We have created a spectacle. Do you not agree?”

  She smiled up at him. “It is because you are so devilishly handsome, my darling.”

  “Or, it’s because they cannot believe you are lovelier than the duchess.” He winked.

  Right away, the duke and duchess came over to greet them. The duke took his wife by the hand and brought her forward. “I would like to introduce you to my wife, the Duchess of Ashton.”

  “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” Andrew said, and he took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles.

  Lady Ashton was a very beautiful woman. She was small, like Juliana, but instead of blonde locks, the duchess had brownish-auburn hair, and amazing blue eyes. Andrew thought she looked perfect standing next to the duke. They complimented each other well.

  Gregg stepped forward and shook Andrew’s hand, then took Juliana’s hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. Andrew balled his hands into fists and controlled himself from striking the other man. When Gregg turned to Maddie, his grin widened as his gaze swept over her body. Andrew’s anger cooled slightly.

  “My dear Miss Madeline,” Gregg said and he kissed her hand. “You leave me breathless by your beauty.”

  Maddie smiled, but it wasn’t full. “Thank you, Mr. Fielding. You’re looking exceptionally well tonight also.”

  He held out his elbow. “May I escort you to the dance floor?”

  She nodded. “That is a lovely idea.”

&nb
sp; After Gregg led Maddie away from Andrew, he sighed. Maybe the evening would be better than he thought after all. Perhaps he would finally have Juliana all to himself tonight.

  MADELINE KEPT QUIET the first part of the dance. She dared not look directly into Gregg’s eyes because she didn’t like the strange flutters that happened in her chest whenever his gaze darkened. Although she didn’t look at him, she could feel his heated gaze upon her. Out of the corner of her eyes, she witnessed his wide grin, too.

  “Miss Madeline, I must say you are not the woman I recognized from the other night.”

  Against her will, her cheeks flamed. She took a deep breath and lifted her gaze to his. “Why do you say that, Mr. Fielding?”

  “Well, the first night—out in the shadows—I couldn’t see you very well at all. Then yesterday you wore a drab dress that would put the servant’s attire to shame. Now you are looking more alluring than I could have ever imagined.”

  “Thank you for the compliment.” She quickly looked away when her heartbeat quickened.

  His hand tightened around hers as he swished her around the dance floor.

  “You know, my dear Madeline, if we are a couple who will soon be wed, should you not look at me as if you enjoy my company?”

  She shrugged. “I suppose.” But she didn’t meet his eyes. Instead, she searched for Andrew, who was now dancing with Juliana. She seethed. When would he ever look at her like that?

  “You know, I was wondering a couple of things,” Gregg said.

  She lifted her gaze to his. “What is that, Mr. Fielding?”

  “First, why are you not calling me Gregg? The other night you had no problem saying my name, especially when you were sighing in passion.”

  Heat surged to her face and she quickly looked away.

  “And second, why did you tell your family I had raped you, when we both know you were a very willing partner?”

  Inwardly, she groaned. She should have known he would ask her that. “I actually had not planned to say you raped me, but when the moment was upon me, it just came out. Once it did, I couldn’t take it back.”