An Honorable Wish

Chapter 3

Juliet wanted nothing more than to hide. From everyone. She should never have let Mr. Bartleby get the better of her temper. She should have stiffened her spine instead of running off like a child. She glanced over at Tony, talking with Nathaniel by the fire.

Tony was still the most handsome man in the room. Tall and rugged, with the bluest eyes. She imagined the ocean would be that color, if she ever saw it.

"Still pining for Tony, I see," Sophia said, coming up behind her. "I thought you were over your infatuation with him."

"I am."

"Then you shouldn't sneak glances at him when he isn't looking." Sophia laughed softly.

"I've caught you looking as well," Juliet whispered back. "He's very handsome."

"Even in Town, few young ladies could resist looking at Tony." Sophia came around and took a seat beside her sister. "He is a beautiful man, isn't he? I love the new styles for men, don't you?"

"I hadn't really noticed."

"Liar."

"He does have beautiful eyes." Juliet couldn't keep the wistfulness from her voice.

"So you do still care for him."

"Mr. Matthews is family—we have to like him."

"Do you think I could win him again?"

"I don't understand why you must fling yourself at any eligible bachelor in the vicinity. If you must do so, please choose Mr. Bartleby."

"Mr. Bartleby is a poor steward," Sophia said with a sniff. "Besides, Nathaniel has selected him for you."

Juliet closed her eyes and wished for divine intervention. She didn't want Simon Bartleby. He was arrogant and pompous and very full of himself. Not to mention short. The man was barely taller than she.

"What are you two ladies discussing so secretly?" Tony said, coming over to their part of the room.

"We were discussing when Mr. Bartleby would propose to Juliet. I say it will be before the month's end. What do you think, Tony?"

Juliet felt her face flush. "Sophia, please."

"It's a good match, considering Mr. Bartleby has no funds but good connections," Sophia continued. "And Juliet has funds but no connections."

"We have the same connections, Sophia."

"Indeed we do not, Sister dear. We barely move in the same circles."

"Still planning to marry a man with a title, Miss Townsend?" Tony said.

Juliet snorted. She covered her mouth with her hand and met Tony's laughing eyes. Oh, God. His eyes. She looked away quickly. She had to stop allowing herself to be captivated by him.

"Well, that's better than marrying the younger brother of some impoverished viscount," Sophia spat.

"I will not be marrying Mr. Bartleby," Juliet mumbled.

"Why not, Miss Juliet? He seemed like a nice enough chap for a steward," Tony said.

"An impoverished steward," Sophia sneered.

"I'm not a snob, Sophia. If I had feelings for him, it would be different," insisted Juliet.

"And I am a snob?" Sophia said.

"If the slipper fits," Juliet responded.

Tony laughed loudly, drawing the attention of Lady Danford and Anne.