True Love's Deception (book 3) (The Fielding Brothers Saga) Read Online Free PDF Page A

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 helped 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