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

he’d first met Miss Juliana, he thought she was one of the servants, or one of the women from the neighboring estate because of her glorious mane of reddish-blonde hair blowing wild around her head—not proper in a tight bun like most ladies would have it. That afternoon by the pond, he never suspected she’d have such a fierce temper. Then again, with the last name of Beaumont, he should have expected she would be a well-to-do refined woman.
    Grinning, he admitted he enjoyed watching her squirm, both at the pond and this afternoon. Although the meeting confused him, it was worth watching the pampered lady fidget. She’d probably never crossed paths with a man like him, and more than likely she didn’t speak so boldly, either. He brought out the worst in people, especially women. He never did take kindly to the upper class lifting their well-bred noses and wiping their wealthy, leather shoes on him.
    Miss Juliana’s conversation really turned humorous when she mentioned employing him to be her hired-husband, and he couldn’t keep his laughter contained. At first, he thought it was some sort of prank, but the lady was serious.
    Why was she so determined to find a husband? The thought was absolutely appalling. Her parents couldn’t possibly know. Or was the old sick woman who owned the estate her only relative?
    There would be no way he could pretend to be a husband. All of his life he longed for a real family—a close family as he’d seen others have. If he planned on being any kind of husband at all, it would be the kind who was married in a church—and legal. Andrew wouldn’t have it any other way.
    The wood from the fireplace popped and startled him, bringing him temporarily out of his thoughts. A log fell in the hearth and broke apart. As he swiped his hand over his freshly shaven chin, he grinned. He really should have let Miss Juliana speak her mind just to see what she really wanted, but her obnoxious words were too degrading and he couldn’t take her rudeness any longer.
    Yet it was his station in life to take it. That’s probably why he could never settle in one place. Before too long, the owners of the estate would dismiss him for his manner of speech. Even now he wondered how much longer he’d be staying. And for some odd reason, he wanted to set that woman in another dither and enjoy watching it happen.
    She was really very beautiful with her eyes alight with fire. He usually didn’t notice the color of women’s eyes, but Juliana’s were different; a lovely blue and at certain times a green. Or were they turquoise? She had a nicely shaped mouth, lush and full lips, except, of course, when she opened it to speak. Long, blonde hair streaked with red tones hung down her back and had been pulled together with a matching ribbon.
    But why did she want to hire a temporary husband? She was a beautiful woman, and it surprised him she wasn’t married by now. His curiosity must be satisfied. Neither Wilbur nor Pearl had time to say anything to Andrew after Lady Priss left the parlor, because he found the nearest exit and had gone about his duties. Now he regretted it.
    Andrew decided to retire for the night. There were many chores awaiting him on the morrow. He stood, walked to the fire and reached for the poker to break the logs. A small knock on the front door stopped him.
    When he opened the door, he blinked, not believing what he saw. Miss Juliana stood on the rickety step, her hand raised to knock again. Her eyes widened before her gaze combed over him in a leisurely manner. Pink highlighted her cheeks before she lowered her lashes. Behind her stood the buxom maid, Pearl.
    Miss Juliana cleared her throat. “Mr. Dean? May I speak with you for a moment?”
    This must be it. She must have decided to come fire him herself. Casually, he leaned against the doorframe and folded his arms. “It’s yer property. Ye can do anythin ’ ye wish.”
    She squared her shoulders, lifted her chin and met his gaze.