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

the stairs behind Juliet. “I’m glad you caught her before she left.”
    “Is this true, Juliet? You’re sneaking out with Tony?” Anne asked with a frown.
    “We aren’t sneaking,” Juliet defended. Sneaking made it sound as if they were up to something nefarious. “He’s helping the Williamses with their farm. You know Mr. Williams had that horrible accident.”
    “I didn’t know Tony was so interested in the neighbors.”
    “You can’t possibly believe her story, can you?” said Sophia.
    “What do you think they are doing?” Anne asked.
    Juliet glared at Sophia. If she told Anne about the book, all bets were off; Ian McDonald would be spending every waking moment in Sophia’s presence. Juliet would lock the two of them in a closet just to make sure of it.
    “Nothing of importance,” Sophia said.
    “I wish you’d wear the nice dresses we purchased for you in Town,” Anne said to Juliet.
    She looked down at her old dress. “There’s nothing wrong with this.”
    “Only if you were going back in time,” Sophia said. “That dress is so old-fashioned.”
    Juliet hated the puffed sleeves of the new gowns she’d been stuck with for the Season in London. “I’ll change, but I must first let Tony know I won’t be accompanying him today.”
    “Please be quick about it,” Anne said.
    Juliet didn’t waste a moment. She could hear Anne’s voice echoing “Don’t run!” through the hallway. The sun was already hot. It was a beautiful day, too beautiful to have to sit inside with the village gossip. She shaded her eyes from the sun and located Tony, already waiting by the cart.
    He looked very handsome this morning, dressed less formally than if he were staying at home. His collar was open at the neck. His blond hair was tousled by the soft breeze.
    “You’re late,” he said with a smile as she approached.
    “Unfortunately, I can’t go with you today. I’m stuck at home with Anne and Sophia. The vicar’s wife is calling.”
    “Sounds like fun,” he said with a chuckle. “We were going to start riding lessons.”
    The last thing she wanted to do was spend time with horses. She didn’t like them and they didn’t like her. It was better if they avoided one another. “I had hoped you would forget about that.”
    “No chance of that; a deal is a deal.” His eyes danced with mischief.
    “I’ve tried before and it’s never ended well for me or the horse.”
    “I promise not to let anything happen to you—or the horse.”
    “I bet you end up saving the horse.” Juliet looked back at the house. Sophia was staring at her from the window. “How long will you be gone?”
    “Most of the day, unless you need me to come back early so we can start your riding lessons. I wouldn’t mind a stroll to the Fairy Steps either.”
    Her gaze met his earnest one. “Gracious, you were serious about your intentions!”
    “Why would I not be in earnest?” She winced as a hurt look chased across his face. “This is me, Juliet. We are friends; family, even.” He stepped forward, took her hand, and pressed his lips against it. “I am serious, Juliet.”
    Could his feelings change so quickly? She would not let herself believe it. She hesitated, uncertain of what to say.
    “When I come back from the Williamses, will you walk with me?” he persisted.
    “I would like that.”
    He grinned that boyish grin of his. “I won’t deny that I might steal a kiss or two, if we happen to be alone.”
    She smiled. She liked kissing him. “I’d be happy to walk with you later.”
    “Sophia is watching us. You’re going to be bombarded with questions when you get back inside.”
    “I will deal with Sophia.”
    “Too bad she’s watching or I’d kiss you right now.”
    Juliet’s pulse quickened. “Shall I meet you later at the Fairy Steps?”
    “I’ll be there.” He kissed her hand once more before departing.
    Juliet walked back inside on a cloud. She couldn’t hide her smile.
    “What is between you and