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

’...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