An Honorable Wish (A Lady's Wish 2) (7 page)

This was one of those times he wished London wasn’t so damn far away. He’d love to have someone dig into Bartleby’s background. “Do you know anyone in York, McDonald?”

“I might. Why?”

“Can you send out some inquires about Bartleby? I want to know why the man is a land steward here of all places.”

“I’ll send a note this afternoon,” McDonald said. “The man might have true feelings for Miss Juliet.”

“Bartleby left marks on her yesterday, gripping her wrist so tight,” Tony growled out. He’d hurt her. He’d do it again, Tony was sure of it.

“I’ll let you know as soon as I have an answer.” McDonald looked down at his stained buckskins. “I think I’ll rinse off the farm before tea. Wouldn’t want Miss Townsend to have another reason to avoid me.”

Tony chuckled. He needed to do the same. He made his way to his room, anxious to get out of his filthy clothes. He smelled like the farm.

 

Sophia must be stopped. Ever since she had discovered the naughty books in Juliet’s bedroom, Sophia had been lording it over her. Enough was enough.

Tony’s room was the perfect hiding place. He was away with Mr. McDonald and would probably be gone until past teatime. It would be an easy thing for Juliet to sneak into the room and slip the books into the bottom of the cupboard without being discovered.

Juliet gathered the two small books and walked determinedly to the other side of the house, where Tony’s room was. She opened the door and slipped inside, closing it behind her.

“Tony!”

Juliet clutched the books to her chest. He was shirtless. She couldn’t look away. Her mouth went dry.

“Juliet, what are you doing in here?”

“I—uh—eh.” She gulped. “I thought you were out with Mr. McDonald.”

He was the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. His chest was muscular and broad, sprinkled with hair. Hair that trailed down in a nice tidy line into his pants.

Tony moved closer, forcing her to back into the door. “What are you doing in my room?”

She closed her eyes, hoping that not seeing him would allow her brain to form words again. “I need you to hide these books.”

“Books? Let me see.”

Juliet opened her eyes and looked up at him. He was so tall. “I need to explain.”

Tony laughed. “Nonsense.” He pried the books from her hands.

“Tony, no!”

Tony took the books and stepped away from her as he flipped through the pages. He turned one of the books to look at the pictures. Then he looked at her with heat in his eyes. “These are worse than the one you were reading in the library. You naughty thing.”

Heat crept into Juliet’s cheeks. She made a grab for the books. “I told you I had them.”

He dodged her. “I thought you were joking.” He turned another page and tilted his head.

Juliet swiped at his arm. This was too much. She needed those books back. “Oh, come, Tony. I’m certain there is nothing in those books that would shock you.”

He paused and gave her a long look. “You might be surprised. What were you planning to do with these?”

“Hide them on the floor of your cupboard where the maids wouldn’t find them,” Juliet grumbled.

“Why?”

She didn’t want to tell him the truth, so she shrugged instead. Surely that was answer enough.

“Does this have to do with your behavior last night?”

“Was something amiss with my behavior last night?”

Tony shook his head. “You know better than to lie to me. Tell me what’s going on.”

Juliet crossed her arms. “Nothing is going on. Can I not enjoy the company of a gentleman without raising suspicion?”

“So you admit to liking Mr. McDonald?”

Juliet glared at him. “Mr. McDonald is a friend, nothing more.”

“You seemed a great deal more interested in him than friendship would account for.”

“That’s not true! Give me those. I’ll find another location to keep them.” Juliet reached for the books, but he held them high in the air where she couldn’t reach them. “Please return them.”

“Not so fast. Why are you looking at these?”

She poked him in the chest. “Why is it that men are allowed to look at such things while we women aren’t even allowed to ask questions?”

“Jules, don’t get angry with me. I just asked a simple question.”

“May I have my books back, please?”

“On one condition.”

“What is it with this penchant for conditions? First Sophia and now you.” Juliet stomped her foot.

He chuckled, clearly enjoying teasing her.

“What is the condition?” she asked.

“You learn to ride a horse.”

Juliet could feel the color leave her face. “Not that. Tony, please, not that.”

“Jules, it will be fine. There’s nothing to be afraid of.” He tucked a stray hair behind her ear.

“I can’t do it.” How was she going to get out of this?

“We’ll take it slow. In fact, wear your breeches. It will be easier than riding sidesaddle.” His voice was gentle.

“I will do anything, Tony. Anything but go near horses.” She hated the pleading tone of her voice.

“Then tell me why you’re so curious about these books,” Tony said as he picked up the smaller of the two and flipped through it. “Especially this one.” He opened the book and showed her a picture. “Explain.”

“Anything but that.” It was either die by horse or embarrassment. “I have several married friends and I was simply curious about what they were talking about.”

Tony showed her another picture. “You were curious about this?”

“That one is odd to me.” Juliet didn’t think her face could get any redder. Maybe the horse wasn’t so bad. “It looks like she’s kissing him on his—uh, privates? Why would someone do that?”

Tony snapped the book shut and turned away from her.

“Do people really do the things in that book?” she couldn’t stop herself from asking.

“Some do, yes.”

“So that picture you showed me is something a wife would do?”

“I wouldn’t know . . . but I doubt it.”

“Please hide the books for me? I don’t trust Sophia not to grab them and show them to Anne. I will never hear the end of it if Anne finds out.”

“I’ll hide them.” He studied her for a long moment. “But you will get on a horse.”

Juliet shook her head. She looked up into his face to tell him so but became lost in the warmth of his eyes. They were dark, almost a stormy blue gray. “Tony?”

He moved close again, and this time she refused to back up. He was trying to intimidate her.

His chest brushed her crossed arms. His skin was warm. She looked up at him and raised an eyebrow.

“It’s quite dangerous to enter the bedroom of a man, Jules.” His voice was gruff, rumbly and low.

“You weren’t supposed to be here.” Her pulse picked up its pace.

Tony cradled her face with his hand, rubbing his thumb on her skin. “I think I should kiss you again.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.” His lips brushed softly against her mouth.

Juliet’s hands curled into the hair on his chest. His skin was so warm, the muscles hard beneath. She raised up on her toes to better fit her mouth to his, his hard body pressing into her softer one.

His tongue touched hers and she opened her mouth further and mimicked Tony’s actions. Her heart pounded in her chest as he turned his head and deepened the kiss.

His hands captured her hips and pulled her closer, molding her to his hard body. She melted against him, soaking up his heat.

Who knew this could feel so good? None of Juliet’s married friends had mentioned this tingly feeling, or the sheer warmth of it all.

“We have to stop, Jules. Make me stop,” he said.

She reluctantly pulled away, her heart racing, her body screaming for more. Looking at the naughty pictures just made it worse. She could imagine doing those things with Tony.

“If you keep looking at me like that, we’re going to be in a great deal of trouble.” Tony’s voice sounded rusty.

Juliet never wanted trouble more in her life, but this sort of trouble would end up breaking her heart. Again.

This time it would be a thousand times worse because now she knew Tony’s touch, his kiss. She knew what she’d be missing. She stepped back from him, removing herself from temptation. “We need to stop this, Tony, before one of us gets hurt.”

He opened his mouth to say something, but Juliet was afraid to hear it. She didn’t want to know that he was playing with her. The consequences for her were too great. She bolted from the room as if the fires of hell were on her heels.

She had to protect herself from getting hurt. She had to find a way to avoid Tony Matthews.

T
ony swirled the brandy in his glass. Juliet had asked him not to kiss her again. He wasn’t convinced he would be able to comply with her request. He couldn’t explain why, but he needed to kiss her, needed the feelings that flowed through him when he was with her. Feelings of home, of affection, of lust. He had no idea how to explain it, but he couldn’t just stop.

“Bartleby came by today to call on Juliet. I thought he would propose to her,” Nathaniel said from his seat at the dining room table.

The ladies had already left them to their brandy and smokes. Now that Tony thought about it, Juliet had been unusually quiet at dinner. She’d sat between him and McDonald. Now Tony could feel McDonald’s eyes on him. “She said nothing to me.”

“I’m sure if she accepted his proposal, we’d know,” McDonald said. “Ladies like to be engaged.”

Something inside Tony twisted. She wouldn’t accept Bartleby, would she? Surely not after the way he had treated her yesterday. “I don’t think it’s such a good match. What made you think of it, Nathaniel?”

“He’s the younger brother of the Viscount Northam, from a very old family,” Nathaniel said defensively.

“Reading
Debrett’s
again?” Tony quipped. Surely Juliet wasn’t interested in this type of loveless pairing. “What do you know of the man?”

“Bartleby?” Nathaniel shrugged. “He’s your typical gentleman. He’s not wealthy, so I’m sure Juliet’s dowry drew some interest. He seemed to genuinely care for her.”

Tony exchanged a look with McDonald. “If she likes him well enough, I’m sure she’ll say yes.” He shot a look at Nathaniel. “She will have a choice, won’t she?”

“Anne 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 sighed. She wanted what Anne had—a man who loved her. “She recommends marrying for love.”

“I heard Bartleby called today, Juliet,” Nathaniel said. “Did he propose?”

“Yes, he proposed, but Juliet said no. Mr. Bartleby left here angry,” Sophia said.

“That’s too bad. He really cares for you, Juliet,” Nathaniel said.

“I doubt he’ll be too upset about it for long. I don’t think his feelings run that deep,” Juliet said curtly.

“Maybe he’ll try again,” Sophia said. “You could still change your mind.”

“Doubtful.”

“Are we playing music tonight, Mrs. Matthews?” Mr. McDonald asked.

“I’m not in the mood for dancing tonight,” said Juliet.

“Cards?” Sophia said. “Perhaps a game of whist?”

Juliet continued to gaze at the fire. She wasn’t in the mood for any of it.

“I, for one, am glad you turned that buffoon down. He thinks he is so much better than the rest of us,” Lady Danford said with a sniff. “I cannot abide that sort of condescension.”

Juliet turned and flashed a smile at Lady Danford. It was nice to know she had someone’s support.

“I don’t understand why you don’t like him,” Nathaniel said.

“Dear, you wouldn’t. Juliet doesn’t love him,” said Anne.

“Don’t worry, Nathaniel. I promise not to live with you forever,” Juliet vowed.

“That’s a relief,” Nathaniel said.

Juliet jumped when Tony bent his head down to her and whispered. “Someone’s been keeping secrets.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

What could he know? He knew about the books. He knew about Penelope. What else was there?

“Meet me in the library in fifteen minutes.”

His voice was low, rumbling along her spine. Juliet fought the shiver of awareness. She nodded. She looked up and found Mr. McDonald watching her.

Juliet rose and went over to Mr. McDonald to ferret out what Tony was talking about. “How was your day today, sir?” she asked.

“You mean following Tony around on a horse all day?” Mr. McDonald quipped.

Juliet glanced around, uncertain of how to steer the conversation.

“You appear to have something on your mind,” Ian said.

“Tony said something about me keeping secrets. Do you know what he meant?”

Mr. McDonald had the grace to blush. “I might have told him about your dowry and your talent for investments.”

“What?” Juliet lowered her voice. “Why?”

“We were talking about Bartleby and his interest in you.”

“You think the only kind of man I can get a proposal out of is one like Bartleby?”

“That is not what I meant.”

“Perhaps you could explain what you do mean, because the way I understand it, the only man who would be interested in marrying me is one who is after my dowry.”

Mr. McDonald threw up his hands. “I cannot win this debate. Tony simply wanted to know why you would keep it a secret from the family.”

“It’s no one’s business but my own. I really thought I could trust you.”

“Juliet, it just slipped out. Really, he would have found out regardless.”

“What do you mean?”

“When you finally marry, your funds become your husband’s property. The man you marry will no doubt be crowing with joy.”

Juliet had to acknowledge that fact. What did Tony want, then? “Was he angry?”

“No. Not even surprised. He knows you too well.”

 

Tony paced the library, waiting for Juliet. He wasn’t sure what he was going to say to her. Maybe ask why she kept her talent a secret. It wasn’t just the money. He was fascinated by her ability to amass a small fortune just by reading his brother’s journals. He read them religiously, but nothing similar had ever occurred to him.

Along with the twinge of guilt he felt, he didn’t like the feeling of Jules keeping secrets from him.

For some reason, seeing her again here, in her natural environment, forced him to see Juliet Townsend in a new light. They’d been friends for years, but now he wanted more. He wasn’t sure what
more
was, but he wanted to pursue it.

“Tony?” Juliet closed the library door behind her. “You wished to see me?”

“Why didn’t you tell me you had amassed a fortune?”

“Excuse me? I hardly see how it affects you.”

Her hair glowed dark red in the bit of light provided by the fire. Her skin was pale. She was so pretty. She pushed her spectacles back up her nose nervously. Tony forced himself to focus.

“Where did you learn to invest?”

“From books and journals, mostly. The library has a wealth of information.”

“Does Bartleby know?”

“No.”

“There has to be something else, then, that is causing Bartleby’s interest in you.” He knew it was the wrong thing to say the instant the words escaped his lips.

Juliet remained perfectly still, and she was never still. “No. I understand. You mean the only reason any man would be interested in marrying me is because of my fortune. Honestly, Tony, the amount is a pittance.” Her voice was calm but her eyes stormy.

“You are twisting my words.”

“No, I completely understand your meaning. Thank you for being honest with me. Now, if you will excuse me, I’ll return to the parlor.”

“Jules, stop. I’m an idiot. I’m sorry.”

“If men are only interested in me for my supposed fortune, then why are
you
so suddenly interested in me?”

Tony took a step back. Nothing he could say would be right, and he couldn’t tell her the truth because he didn’t know what that was. He only knew he was drawn to her in a way he’d never been drawn to another woman.

So for a moment he said nothing and simply watched the pain chase across her pale features.

“Jules, please.” He grabbed her arm and she winced. He released her immediately. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

She grimaced and rubbed her arm. “It wasn’t you.”

“Let me see your arms.”

“That is highly improper.” Juliet backed away from him.

“Now,” he demanded. He reached for her and pushed her shawl from her arm. Deep bruises encircled her arm. “Is the other like this?”

She nodded.

“Mr. Bartleby must have been severely disappointed with your answer to his proposal to hurt you this way.”

Juliet removed his hand and pulled the sleeve of her dress back down.

“Does he know about your dowry?” asked Tony.

“Probably. I don’t understand why he was so angry.”

“I’ve visited the tenants and they all say the same thing about Bartleby. They think he’s demanding higher rents and pocketing the extra.”

“Penelope was right, then.” Juliet pushed her spectacles from where they’d slipped down her nose.

“What did she find out?”

“She heard her father arguing with Mr. Bartleby about raising the rent. She confronted Bartleby because she was worried about her father. He was still healing from the accident. Bartleby attacked her.”

“Did he rape her?”

“No. Aaron came and pulled Bartleby off her. She is terrified of him.”

“You are trying to protect her. He could hurt you too.”

Juliet shot him a hard look. “He wouldn’t dare.”

“Desperate men do desperate things, and he has already hurt you twice. Next time, it could be much worse.”

“None of this makes any sense. Why would he do this? He is ill suited to be a steward. He considers the work beneath him. He considers all of us beneath him.”

“You need to tell Nathaniel about this, Jules. He needs to know what Bartleby did to you.”

She shook her head. “I can handle Bartleby.”

Sharp anger speared through him. “No!”

“If I tell Nathaniel, he’ll keep me here at the house. I can’t abandon Penelope. I won’t abandon her.” Her voice held a note of desperation.

“Better that you are safe.” He pulled her into his arms. “The man knows your habits. He knows where you walk, what days you go calling. He’ll be waiting for another chance. If he compromises you, you’ll have no choice but to marry him. Have you thought about that?”

Juliet shuddered in his arms.

He tipped her face up to his. “I will protect you.”