True Love's Deception (book 3) (The Fielding Brothers Saga) (22 page)

Juliana gasped. “He is.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I didn’t think
kind
men went around town violating innocent girls.”

She folded her arms. “Gregg Fielding could not have raped
Maddie
.”

“But Juliana...he did.” Madeline sniffed.

Juliana shook her head. “Gregg couldn’t have. He would have stopped if you told him—”

“Juliana, will you stop scolding your sister? Can you not see she has been through enough turmoil this evening?”

“Of course I can tell she’s been through a lot, but there’s no way Gregg could have done something so despicable.”

Andrew cocked his head. “Are you calling Madeline a liar?”

Juliana cringed. Andrew didn’t know what kind of schemer her sister had been in their younger years. Although
Maddie
had changed in outward appearance, Juliana seriously doubted she had changed on the inside.

Andrew waved his hand. “We’ll discuss this later. Juliana, take your sister to her room. She obviously needs some tender loving care.”

With a heavy heart, Juliana helped her sister off the bed and grudgingly took her to her room. The truth would be discovered one way or another. Juliana was determined to see it through. Still, it crushed her to think Andrew would side with Madeline only moments after they were in a passionate embrace. Perhaps Juliana should
not
give herself to Andrew after all.

* * * *

The bright morning light had Andrew squinting as he stared up at the magnificent manor looming before him. He’d risen early this morning only because he could not put off this errand. Justice would be served if he had his way!

As he entered the gates to the Duke of Ashton’s estate, Andrew awed over the grandeur. Carved gray stone highlighted the two-story mansion.
On the second landing, a white balcony wrapped around the house, giving the place a friendly appeal.

Unfortunately today wasn’t the day for any sort of ‘friendly’ appeal. Andrew had come with one purpose in mind, and he would not leave until the matter was settled. He would show that cocky Mr. Gregg Fielding he could not toy with women’s hearts and violate them and get away with it.

When the coach stopped and Andrew hopped down, he marched up the front steps to the door and banged with his fist. Minutes later, the door opened by a surly butler, obviously angered by the loud intrusion. Andrew hadn’t announced himself with a card first, but
nonetheless,
he
would
get to see the duke even if he had to search through the house himself to do it.

“Forgive me for coming at such an early hour,” Andrew began as polite as he could under the stressed circumstances, “but it’s most important I speak with the Duke of Ashton posthaste.”

The butler lifted his chin in defiance as his gaze combed over Andrew. “It is ill-mannered to expect an audience this early in the morning, sir.”

Andrew shrugged. “I am aware of that, but it’s very important I speak with the duke. His brother, Gregg, has ruined my sister-in-law, and I’ve come to make things right. And if you do not let me in immediately, I shall find the duke myself with or without your permission.”

The older man blinked with wide eyes. With a nod, he opened the door and allowed Andrew to enter. “You will wait in the parlor while I go inform His Grace of your request.”

While Andrew paced the Persian carpets in the parlor waiting, he replayed in his mind the events that happened last night. Strange how quickly the mood had been ruined. He’d been enjoying his privacy with Juliana, and couldn’t wait to make her his wife in all sense of the word. Yet
Maddie
had inadvertently ruined it.

It angered him first to think the wonderful, glorious moment had been ruined, but then once Juliana started defending Gregg, that angered Andrew even more. It also made his heart ache with jealousy. Was there something more between Juliana and Gregg even though she’d assured him otherwise?

He hoped not. His heart had been so full of emotion last
night,
he could have told Juliana he loved her. He almost did, in fact. But would it have been a lie? He desired her beyond any woman he’d ever met. Love was a strong word...a committed word. Was he ready to say it?

Probably not.
Especially if Juliana had feelings for another man.

Then again, if Gregg was the true man Juliana wanted, why did she agree to make love to Andrew last night?

Andrew’s heart lifted in small degrees. Perhaps she did love him and not Gregg?

After an hour of waiting, heavy footsteps pounded on the hard wood floor in the walkway, and Andrew spun around to greet the person entering. A tall, dark haired man walked toward him. At first Andrew thought it was Gregg, but when the man stepped into the light, he could tell this man was older, and more refined. The man actually radiated gentility.

The Duke of Ashton.

The man held no pleasant expression. Instead, his face hardened as he glared at Andrew.

“I am certain you are aware how ill-mannered it is for you to barge into my home without a scheduled appointment?”

Andrew nodded. “Indeed, but this is a matter that could not wait to be discussed. I assume you are the Duke of Ashton?”

“You assumed correctly.”

Andrew bowed, remembering his learning. “It is a pleasure to meet you, finally.”

“My butler informed me you wanted to talk to me about my brother, Gregg.”

“Indeed I do, my lord.”

Nicholas Fielding, the Duke of Ashton, motioned to the sofa. “Then please, have a seat and we shall discuss this most important matter.”

“If you don’t mind, I would rather stand.”

Nicholas shrugged. “
Do
whatever you wish, but I shall sit.” He walked to the winged black leather chair and sat, linking his fingers across his middle. “Now what is the urgency that involves my wayward brother?”

“Your Grace, please forgive the urgency of the situation, but a grave injustice was done last night by your brother, and I have come to set things right.”

Nicholas’ eyes narrowed and he tilted his head. “Have we met before, sir?”

“I do not believe so.”

“What is your name?”

Andrew cleared his throat, preparing to tell another one of Juliana’s lies. “I am Andrew Lawrence, Your Grace.”

“Lawrence? Are you by chance related to Matthew Lawrence, Earl of
Grenwick
?”

Andrew shrugged. “I do know I’m related in some manner, but distantly, I am certain. I’ve lived in Scotland all my life.”

Nicholas tapped his chin with his finger. “It’s remarkable, you know. For being a distant relation, you resemble Matthew perfectly.”

“Indeed?” Andrew raised his brows. “Then I will have to meet this man in the near future.”

The duke nodded. “And I will be most happy to introduce you. The earl and his wife do not socialize much any longer, so I would have to arrange a meeting.”

“Indeed? I wonder why.”

“About seventeen years ago, their only son was kidnapped while in the company of his governess. I fear Matthew and Annie have not recovered from the tragic ordeal.”

“How very sad for them.”

Nicholas waved his hand. “We have gotten off the subject. Now tell me this great wrong my brother committed last night.”

Andrew took a deep breath, hoping not to lose his temper. “Last night at my wife’s birthday ball, your brother rescued my sister-in-law, Madeline, from being attacked by another man.”

The duke’s eyes widened. “And this was the terrible crime he had committed?”

“No,
Your
Grace. After he had rescued Madeline, he took advantage of her plight, and during his comforting, he seduced her and violated her himself.”

Nicholas’ jaw hardened and he jumped out of the chair. “The devil, you say. My brother would never rape a woman.”

Andrew folded his arms across his chest. “That is the story my sister-in-law gave me, and I have no reason to doubt her. You should have seen her torn dress, her dirt-smudged face, and the swollen eyes from crying.” He lifted his chin. “She had been raped, Your Grace.”

The duke walked to the side counter to the brandy decanter and poured him a drink. “This is very upsetting news, Mr. Lawrence.” He tossed back the drink, gulping it down quickly. “However, I think my brother needs to be brought in on our conversation so he may defend himself.” He turned toward Andrew. “Do you not agree?”

“Of course,
Your
Grace. I will be satisfied to discuss this with him as well.”

Nicholas called to his butler then instructed him to fetch Gregg and bring him to the parlor, posthaste. It amazed Andrew how well the duke handled things, and how well he held his composure under these times of duress.

During the wait, the duke asked questions about Andrew’s past, which he tried not to talk
about.
He didn’t want Nicholas guessing the lie both he and Juliana were telling.

Finally, after forty-five minutes of pure torture, Gregg entered the room, looking as if he’d just been awakened—except for the crisp wrinkle-free clothes he wore.

Nicholas motioned for his brother to come in further. “Gregg, we have a problem and I seriously hope you can straighten things out.”

When Gregg recognized Andrew, his eyes widened. Andrew grinned, victory within reach.

“What is so important that I was forced out of bed at this ungodly hour?” he said, walking to the couch and sinking in the cushions.

“Mr. Lawrence has made some shocking incriminations, and I would like to know the truth.”

Gregg arched a brow. “And what, pray tell, was I suppose to have done,
Mr. Lawrence
?”

Andrew gritted his teeth. He could not like that man. “My sister-in-law, Madeline O’Neil—my wife’s stepsister—was raped last night, and she named you as the man who violated her.”

Gregg jumped to his feet, his hands balled into fists by his side. “That is a lie! I did not rape her. I saved her from being raped by Lord Edward.”

Andrew cocked his head. “So are you saying you never even touched her in an improper manner?”

The expression on Gregg’s face turned from anger to a flush of embarrassment. His Adam’s apple bobbed. “I did
not
rape her,” he said again with a calmer tone.

Nicholas glared at his brother. “
Gregg,
did you or did you not touch the girl in an improper manner?”

“I didn’t violate her in any way, if that’s what you mean.”

“That is not, and you well know it.” The duke took a deep breath and released it. “Gregg, perhaps you should tell us what exactly happened last night between you and the O’Neil girl.”

Scrubbing his hands over his unshaven chin, Gregg marched to the liquor tray and poured himself a healthy glass of whiskey. He gulped it down, then turned and faced his brother.

“Last night while at Mrs. Lawrence’s birthday ball, I was walking the gardens when I happened upon a couple. Clearly the woman was struggling, and I stepped in to help. After sending the vile creature who tried to harm her person on his way, I did comfort Madeline, which she appreciated and accepted wholeheartedly.”

“Blazes, Gregg,” Nicholas growled. “Did you or did you not deflower the girl?”