Free An Honorable Wish (A Lady's Wish 2) by Eileen Richards Page B

would have my hide if I didn’t give her sisters a choice,” Nathaniel said. “There just weren’t that many men interested in Juliet. All they saw was Sophia. I think the only time Juliet danced was when she was with you.”
    Tony was grateful for that, for he didn’t like the thought of any man touching her, especially now. He didn’t want to put a name to the feelings churning inside him. It would be better for all if he simply didn’t acknowledge them. Better if he never touched Juliet again. He just didn’t know if he could stop himself.
    “I’m sure Miss Juliet will find her own husband, in her own time,” McDonald said. “She is far from being on the shelf.”
    “What were you doing at the Williamses’ farm?” Nathaniel asked his brother. “Surely Juliet hasn’t convinced you to help her with her latest charity.”
    “She did ask me to help,” Tony replied. “I’m thinking of buying Horneswood. The owner has clearly not taken care of the tenants or the property.”
    “This is a new development,” Nathaniel said with surprise.
    “I’ve been thinking about it for a good while now,” Tony said.
    “I think it’s a good idea,” said Nathaniel. “It’s good to see you taking an interest in something other than gaming hells.”
    Heat crept into Tony’s face. “I do more than visit gaming hells.”
    “Of course. Now, shall we join the ladies?”
    Tony downed his brandy in one swallow. His own brother thought the worst of him. He had to make sure the truth never got out. “Let’s keep this our secret for right now, Nathaniel. I haven’t made up my mind yet.”
    “Understood. I’m glad you’re taking this seriously. I was beginning to fear you’d never grow up.”
    Tony refused to feel guilty for lying to Nathaniel. Better a lie than disappointment and disapproval.
     
    Juliet stared sightlessly into the fire. Tony had kissed her again. She’d felt his skin beneath her hands. Even now she could remember the tickle of his chest hair against her palms. She could remember the pressure of his mouth on hers. She was starting to crave it, like sweets.
    “Juliet, you’re a little flushed. Perhaps you’re sitting too close to the fire,” Anne said gently.
    “I’m fine, really.” Juliet longed to confide in her sister, someone who would understand these mad feelings inside her, but she was too afraid.
    Sophia moved closer to her. “How did your visit with Mr. Bartleby go? Did he propose, as we suspected he might?”
    “That nodcock proposed? I hope you turned him down,” Lady Danford said.
    “He did propose and I refused,” Juliet said, turning back to the fire.
    “I saw him storming out of the drawing room,” Sophia said. “You must have been harsh.”
    Harsh was a good word to describe Bartleby himself. Juliet swore the man took pleasure in causing her pain. “I was polite but honest,” Juliet said. She looked over at Anne. “Please make Nathaniel understand. I’m so grateful for all he has done for us, but I cannot marry Mr. Bartleby.”
    “Dearest, you will marry who you love. If you don’t love him, that’s the end of it. Nathaniel means well.”
    “I think Nathaniel will be happy when both of us are married,” Sophia said. “He was rather put out when I didn’t accept any of the proposals I had in Town.”
    “You’re entirely too picky, Sophia,” said Juliet.
    “You’re a fine one to talk. You turned down your only proposal.”
    “I think a lady should refuse her first proposal. If you say yes to the first man, you might miss out on the right one,” Lady Danford said. “In my day, it was much simpler. Your father made the arrangement for you.”
    Juliet shivered. “I wouldn’t like that.”
    “Neither would I,” Sophia chimed in.
    “Be thankful, then, that you won’t have to do that,” Anne said. “Marry for love. I highly recommend it.”
    “Recommend what, love?” Nathaniel said, coming into the room. He kissed Anne’s hand.
    Juliet almost