A Bride by Arrangement (The Bride Series Book 2) Read online

  It sounded like a good plan. Her father was going to be extremely upset with her. Well, she would not be around to see it, Justine thought. Looking over at her mother, she asked, “Is there any way at all that I can avoid marrying Lord Darren today?”

  Shaking her head, her mother said, “I’m afraid not, my dear. In order for us both to go undetected, we must make your escape when everyone is eating. That is the only way.”

  Accepting her fate, Justine said, “Alright. Then let us prepare for the wedding.”

  Justine stood in her wedding dress, looking at herself in her mirror. She looked like a bride. Although she would become a bride today, she would not be Lord Darren’s wife. He had forced her hand in this and she did not think she could bear living in an unhappy arrangement. Leaving her no choice, she would make her run today.

  A quick knock at her door announced her father’s arrival.

  He opened the door and took in a deep breath. His daughter looked stunning. He had never seen a more beautiful bride. This child of his loins. He had never been so proud.

  “Are you ready now, my dear?” he asked.

  Justine nodded. She turned to look at her image one more time in the looking glass. Her face was drawn in unhappiness. There was nothing she could do about that, she supposed. Turning to her father, she said, “Yes father, I am ready.”

  She walked over to him and he offered her his arm. Taking it, she let him lead her into the hallway, heading for the stairs. Justine felt as though she was heading for the guillotine.

  Sensing her apprehension, the General said, “Justine, you may believe that I am an unfeeling tyrant, and I suppose that I am just that. But I am also your father. You have made me very proud as my daughter. Not just now, but throughout your entire life.”

  Oh no, Justine thought. He was choosing now to start acting like an affectionate father?

  He squeezed her hand. “Lord Darren is a good man. I have gotten to know him well over the past months. But you have my word. If Lord Darren proves to be an abominable husband, then I will most certainly welcome you back into my home. Is that clear?”

  Justine nodded. She didn’t believe him. When she was younger, she remembered how her mother had tried to leave their home many times when things had gotten difficult. The General had never let her go. He had said that a wife’s place was with her husband. Justine would go through with her mother’s plan. She was the only one Justine trusted.

  Darren stood at the alter with Father David. The Fletcher’s yard was full of guests who were here to celebrate his marriage to Justine. Decorated militia and the families of the most prominent businessmen in the country were currently gathered around them.

  He had spent the last three months working to ensure that he had solid relationships with each of these men. Nick’s shipping business was rapidly expanding and Darren was determined to keep up with him. He didn’t feel that he was going a great job, but Nick seemed very patient with him. His brother was sure that Darren would be a great resource for his business. Darren certainly hoped he was right.

  The music started and he saw Justine standing at the end of the aisle next to her father. She looked impossibly beautiful in her white gown of satin and lace. A feeling of contentment washed over him. The General started to walk his daughter down the aisle. The older man tried to keep an impassive look on his face, but his eyes kept misting over. Darren watched as Justine smiled and nodded at her friends and family as they made their way closer to him. His blood started to simmer as desire stirred in his loins. As breathtaking as she looked in her wedding dress, he was highly anticipating taking it off of her. Tonight, she would share his bed. In a few moments, she would be his.

  The General and his daughter reached him at the alter. Darren smiled at her, letting her know just how pleased he was with her.

  General Fletcher placed his daughter’s hand in Darren’s and then kissed her cheek. Together, Justine and Darren turned to face Father David.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” Justine’s mind started to wander to the plans that she had made with her mother. She genuinely hoped they would be able to carry it out. The journey to her Aunt Theresa’s would be long and she was anxious to leave before anyone caught on to them.

  Darren squeezed her arm to gain her attention. She looked up to see him smiling at her. He had come here today to promise himself to her. The heat in his eyes showed her how much he desired her. Justine continued to gaze up at him, enthralled by his seductive charm. He chuckled softly. No doubt she amused him.

  When the time came to exchange their vows, she agreed to become Darren’s wife.

  Darren agreed to become her husband and he placed a ring on her finger. It was a medium-sized diamond, but the cut was exquisite. She gasped in shock and her eyes flew up to his. He grinned at her, and said, “Justine, I am honored to become your husband today. I will protect you, watch over you, and care for you, until we are in our old age. I am greatly looking forward to growing old with you.”

  He had caught Justine’s attention when he said that he would “care” for her. She looked into his eyes. Could he really care for her, or was he just putting on a show for their guests?

  Father David pronounced them husband and wife, and Darren drew her in for a kiss. His kiss was one of ownership. He was making his mark on her and even though she knew it, Heaven help her, she still loved the feeling of his mouth on hers. Oh yes, she thought. This man was definitely trouble. She needed to make her getaway as quickly as possible.

  Darren broke off the kiss and turned them to face their cheering guests. Justine looked over at her mother, who nodded. Everything was set to go. Her husband was gazing at her with possessive desire. Her escape could not come soon enough.

  Chapter 4

  Darren and Justine made their way through the throngs of well-wishers. With their arms linked, they accepted the congratulations that were being offered to them. Justine tried to keep her composure as she was speaking with everyone. It was very difficult, because the knowledge of what was to come made her heart pound until it felt like it would explode out of her chest.

  Seeing that Justine was breathing heavily and looking quite nervous, Darren decided to see if he could help ease her anxiety, so that she could enjoy the celebration. “Have I told you how incredibly beautiful you look today?” he asked.

  Justine looked at him. Her beautiful blue eyes looked troubled and there was a slight tremble in her lip. Concerned, he asked, “Is everything alright?”

  She nodded, and said, “Yes, everything is just fine. It’s just nerves, I’m sure.”

  Accepting her excuse, Darren nodded and proceeded to walk her across the lawn, over to the chairs at the head table which had been set up for the bride and groom. He guided her into a chair and knelt beside her on one knee. He was amazed that he was married to such an attractive and desirable woman.

  He slowly drew one finger along her sweet, luscious lower lip. “I’m going to find my brother, Nick. Will you be alright here for a moment?”

  Nodding, she said, “Yes, I will be alright.”

  His parents had been very much in love with each other. They had confided everything in each other and they were partners. Darren had always appreciated the way that they supported each other unconditionally. He hoped that in time his marriage to Justine would prove to be just as wonderful. Looking at her now, he thought it entirely possible that he and Justine could grow to care for each other, in time. She already stirred his deepest desires. If he didn’t watch himself around her, he knew that he would be in jeopardy of falling in love with her, which would take his attention off of his duties at Campbell-Wellington Industries. It was a distraction that he could not afford.

  Darren stood up. He leaned down until he was staring directly into her eyes. He saw her eyes widen and her breath catch as she drank in his nearness. Leaning down to kiss her, he captured her mouth with his and kissed her sweetly, hotly, and with great promise.


  “Now, now. Save some of that for your wedding night,” came a familiar voice behind him.

  Breaking off the kiss with his bemused bride, Darren saw Nick standing there with his lovely sister-in-law. “Nick, Erica.” He acknowledged. “I was just coming to find you.”

  Laughing, Nick said, “Well then, brother, it’s a good thing that we found you before you started a fire over here.”

  Darren joined his laughter. Leaning down to kiss Erica’s cheek, he said, “I don’t know how you put up with him, my dear.”

  Smiling up at Nick, she said, “He is growing on me.”

  Nick returned her smile and leaned down to kiss her lips. “I certainly am.”

  He turned his attention to Justine. Holding out his hand to her, Nick said, “Welcome to the family, Justine. We are certainly pleased to have you.”

  “Thank you, Milord,” she said.

  “Come now, we are family! You must call me Nick.”

  Justine smiled at him, feeling horribly guilty inside. He was being so nice to her and she was about to betray his brother. “Thank you, Nick.”

  Erica sat down in the chair next to Justine and hugged her. “Yes, welcome! I am so pleased to gain a sister today,” she said.

  Now Justine felt even worse. They were all being so kind to her and she was about to betray them all. But she had no choice. She could not suffer the fate that her mother had.

  Justine smiled at her, and said, “I am thankful, as well, for I have never had any siblings, and now I have two.”

  “And that deserves a toast! Come brother, let us go grab some champagne and we can drink to my new sister,” Nick said.

  Justine thought she might be ill. She had no idea that they would be like this. They seemed to welcome her and to genuinely like her. Even Darren… No, she could not take the chance that he would not turn out like her father. He was just as career driven and determined as her father was! The only chance she was going to have to save herself was here and now. No matter how kind they were being to her, she had to go.

  Erica patted her hand and asked, “What is wrong dear? You look so incredibly lost.”

  Justine looked over at the woman who had been an acquaintance, and now considered her to be a sister. “Nothing, really. It all just seems to be a lot.”

  Erica laughed, “Yes, I recall my own wedding day, not too long ago. I was a nervous wreck, as well. Do you know what cheered me up?”

  “No, what?”

  Her eyes twinkling, she said, “Whiskey!”

  Justine was shocked. Erica was such a classy lady. “Certainly not!” she said.

  “Oh, yes. I had only met Nick the night before, and there I was, marrying him the next day.”

  “I remember,” Justine said. “I had always wondered what happened.”

  Shaking her head, Erica said, “Nick saw something that he wanted and he went after it. I had no idea what to expect in our marriage, but all I knew is that I had to marry him.” She smiled sweetly, and said, “And then everything just fell into place.”

  Justine nodded. “I also worry about how my marriage to Darren will be.” She looked at her parents. “It is my biggest worry that my marriage will be cold and emotionless.”

  Erica shook her head, “Nonsense! Darren is not an emotionless man. He is a kind and caring man. He has been the greatest brother-in-law that I ever could have imagined. Nick absolutely adores him. As do I.”

  Justine considered this. He clearly doted on his sister-in-law. That was completely opposite of the way her father treated his sister-in-law. The General was civil to his own sisters, having welcomed them into his home after their husbands had died at war. Both men had been in the military, as well.

  She knew it was her father’s dedication to his profession that made him act the way that he did. Erica seemed to be very happy in her marriage to Nick. Her husband was clearly very much in love with her. Although, Nick seemed to be more at ease in his profession. Darren was known to work twice as hard as Nick. Justine was terrified that her marriage would not be as wonderful as Erica and Nick’s. Then, when she was miserable over it, she would still have to witness their happiness and love. Justine decided that she couldn’t live that way. She would follow her mother’s plan and leave.

  Nick and Darren returned with the champagne glasses for them. Darren offered her his hand and she took it. He helped her out of her chair and then wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her in close to his side. For a brief moment, Justine allowed herself to enjoy the way that she felt, pressed up against him. She felt safe and secure. She felt cherished.

  She noticed that all of their guests had been served champagne flutes, as well.

  “Attention, everyone! May I please have your attention!” Nick yelled. The crowd hushed and Nick raised his glass in the air. Everyone else did the same.

  “I raise a toast in honor of my brother’s wedding.” Turning to Darren, he said, “I consider myself lucky to call you brother. You have made me very proud with what you wish to accomplish in your life. I am delighted that you have found such a sweet and beautiful wife in Justine. I wish you both the very best of happiness and joy.”

  “Here, here!” Everyone yelled.

  “To the bride and groom!” Nick said, and drank his champagne.

  Darren saluted her and he drank his champagne. Justine drank hers, as well, feeling like the greatest fraud in history. This was all an act. Very shortly, she would excuse herself and she would be free.

  She looked over at her mother, who signaled that it was time. Lady Serena went to order the staff to start serving the food.

  Justine smiled at Darren and said, “Before I dine, I do need to freshen up.”

  Darren nodded at her and said, “Very well. I will be hear waiting for you.” He placed his finger under her chin and lifted her face up to his. He gave her one final, drugging kiss that filled her with longing. “Hurry back,” he said.

  Coming up beside her, Erica asked, “Would you like me to come inside and assist you?”

  Justine cleared her head. Smiling at Erica, she said, “Oh, no thank you. My mother is waiting for me.”

  “Alright, then,” Erica said. Smiling at Nick, she linked her arm through his and they found their table.

  Justine took one look around at her guests. They would all be in uproar, soon. But she would be free. Turning away from the celebration, she tried not to hurry as she made her way into the house. Her mother was waiting for her in her room.

  Lady Serena helped her out of her wedding dress, and into her men’s clothes. Justine was to make her journey dressed as a man so that no one would identify her or hassle her.

  Handing her a coin purse that was heavy with coins, Lady Serena said, “My love, you are so very brave. I wish that I could join you, but I cannot at this time.” She sniffled. “Maybe one day I will be able to come stay with you and your Aunt, and we shall be together again.”

  Justine hugged her mother. “Oh, mother,” she said. “I will miss you so.”

  “As will I, my darling.” She leaned back to look at her daughter, who could now successfully pass as a young man. “Natasha has already left. She will wait for you in a carriage down the road. Be very careful that no one sees you.”

  Nodding, Justine said, “Thank you, mother. For everything.”

  Hugging her daughter one last time, Lady Serena said, “Godspeed, my dear. And give my love to my sister.”

  Justine pulled back and said, “I most certainly will.”

  Lady Serena walked out into the hall. Moments later, she beckoned Justine to follow her. “Come, my dear. The coast is clear.”

  Justine exited the home through the cellar and out the door. Silently, she continued to make her way over the property, until her father’s house was a long ways away. She didn’t stop until she saw the carriage that Natasha was waiting for her in. Opening the door, Justine got in and Natasha told the paid driver, “Let’s go!”

  Darren and Nick were deep in conversation wit
h Linnus Campbell. Occasionally, Darren would look to the doorway that his wife had gone into quite a while ago. He was expecting her to walk out of it again. The food had been served and he had saved her plate for her. He knew that a woman’s wedding dress was an enormous hindrance, adding a lot more bulk for her to deal with. Perhaps she needed extra time

  He looked around the yard for her. There was no way that he could have missed her coming out of the house. Darren spotted his mother-in-law speaking with two other ladies and thought it odd. Justine had said that her mother was going to assist her. If her mother was out here, then where was Justine?

  Darren frowned and said, “Excuse me. I’m going to have a word with Lady Serena.”

  Nick’s frown mirrored his own. “Isn’t Lady Serena inside helping your wife?”

  Darren nodded, “Exactly. If she’s out here, then where’s my wife?”

  He left Nick and Linnus and walked across the lawn to speak with his new mother-in-law. He hadn’t had much of a chance to get to know her over the past few months, but he could tell that she didn’t care for him much at all.

  Having reached her, he bowed. Rising, he asked, “Milady, I am looking for your daughter. Have you seen her?”

  Nodding, Lady Serena said, “Why, yes! I was just helping her to freshen up. She said she needed a private moment to, er..” she looked at the two ladies beside her, and leaned in to whisper to Darren, “Relieve herself.”

  Darren nodded. “But where is she now, I wonder? She went into the house just moments before the food was served, and now everyone has finished eating.”

  Looking around in surprise, Lady Serena said, “Oh, goodness! You are right. I have been caught up chatting with our guests, I did not notice that she has not come outside, yet.”