Free Engaged in Passion (A Bridal Favors Novella) by Jade Lee Page A

experience he was gaining right now. All of that would be destroyed if he lost his job now.
    Meanwhile, Penny was still talking, her expression fierce. "You have to be more forceful," she said. "I didn't realize just how much I could do until I was forced to. My parents died and I've got Tommy to look after, but all of a sudden I've found an answer. I can do what I want here. I'm stronger than what they say, and I'm better than what my father thought!"
    Francine sat down slowly on the nearby bench. It was almost as if her knees had gone out, but her attention was firmly fixed on the passionate woman before her. Penny was so strong. It took her breath away.
    "I want to be like you," she breathed.
    Penny blinked, then abruptly ducked her head. "Why would you want that? You have parents, money—"
    "You have independence. Freedom."
    Penny swallowed. "It's hard."
    "You're strong enough." She lifted her chin. "I want to be strong enough, too." She looked at Penny who was busy writing down measurements and then arranging sketches to show Francine different types of slippers. "How do you survive?" she wondered out loud.
    Penny shrugged. "I work. I make these sketches and take the measurements."
    "But that's an apprentice's job. You can't make enough money..." Then she understood, and her estimation of the woman rose a thousandfold. "You make the shoes."
    Penny's eyes widened in panic. "Of course not!" she cried. "Everyone knows girls can't make shoes. They're not strong enough."
    "But I bet you can." She looked at Penny's arms and strong hands. "I bet you've been making shoes for a very long time."
    "Hush!" the woman cried. "It's not true! You can't—"
    Francine grabbed Penny's hands. "I won't tell. I swear! And you can't tell about me and Anthony."
    Penny blinked. "Anthony? Bookkeeper Anthony?"
    Francine grinned and nodded, then pressed a hand to her mouth. "You think we could do it?"
    Penny released a low whistle. "Doesn't he work for your father?"
    Francine nodded.
    Penny didn't answer. She just shook her head and looked down at the shoe designs.
    Francine felt her whole body deflate. "You're right. I can't—"
    "Anthony has been whistling lately. Did you know that? I've heard him come in to do the books. Last two times, he was whistling. He's never done that before."
    Francine looked up, not understanding. "He whistles?"
    Penny nodded. "I knew he was falling in love. I knew it. He looked happy. Very tired, but still happy." Was there a wistfulness in her tone? A quiet longing?
    Francine thought there was. After all, she'd heard it often enough in her own voice. "You fancy him, don't you?"
    Penny sighed, the sound coming from deep within. "Not him, exactly. He's nice and smart and all. Handsome, too."
    Francine giggled. "Very handsome."
    Penny grinned. "Very handsome," she echoed. "But he's not the one for me. He's in love with you."
    "Oh no! We haven't spoken about—"
    "Doesn't matter. I can see it. And do you love him?"
    Now it was Francine's turn to look away. But a moment later, she turned back, her chin lifting in defiance though there was no one here to defy. "Yes," she said firmly. "Yes, I do."
    "Well then, you'll find a way."
    "I will, won't I? I will!" Francine abruptly wrapped her arms around the woman in an impulsive hug. It was clear that Penny was surprised, but she returned the gesture quickly enough. And when they separated, Francine looked earnestly into her new friend's eyes. "Will you do me a favor? Will you bring him in here?"
    Penny looked around. The seamstress Wendy had disappeared a few minutes ago. Mrs. Mortimer and Lord Redhill were in the front talking. If Penny left, that would mean Anthony and she could be alone.
    "All right," Penny said firmly. "But mind he does marry you. Won't help anybody if you get with child before the vows."
    Francine gasped. She shouldn't have. Of course that's what people would think when she had secret meetings with Anthony. And given what they'd already done, it wasn't a