True Love's Deception (book 3) (The Fielding Brothers Saga) (24 page)

He held up his hands. “Not this again.”

He tried to turn away, but Juliana grabbed his arm. “Andrew, please listen to me. Why do you always take
Maddie’s
side? Why can you not hear me out first?”

When he nodded, she took his hand and led him to the sofa. They both sat and she kept his hand in hers.

“When
Maddie
and I were children, she used to always make up stories—mainly to get me in trouble, which worked most of the time because I was the one with the temper. But rarely did
Maddie
ever tell the truth. I believe that’s what is going on now.”

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 though 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 satisfactory, 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. Something 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 get it 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.”