Read An Honorable Wish (A Lady's Wish 2) for Free Online

that sort of work. Mother is right in that.”
    “I don’t mind the work.” In fact, she’d relished it. The Williams family were struggling, but they were bonded together in a way she’d never experienced. “Lead the way and we’ll get started.”
    “Please don’t be angry,” Penelope begged.
    “I’m not,” Juliet said and gave her a reassuring smile.
    It was all just another reminder that everyone considered her interest in Penelope and her family inappropriate. Juliet understood well how the world worked. In Town, the Townsends were lower on the social pecking order than many other young ladies. You didn’t stray from the sphere in which you were born. But in Beetham, they were the highest-ranking family.
    The sun grew warm as they worked in the loose soil, planting rows of cabbages, carrots, and other vegetables. Penelope had given Juliet a pair of old work gloves that were way too big for her and she finally ended up pulling them off. They chatted about novels and planted without really noticing that the sun was high in the sky.
    The air had warmed, but the cool soil felt good between Juliet’s fingers. She’d had no idea she’d like gardening, but now the miracle of taking a seed and watching it grow into something useful enthralled her.
    Her mind spun through the journals she’d read on agriculture and increasing production. “I read in one of Nathaniel’s journals that if you put just a bit of manure into the soil, it will help the seeds grow stronger.”
    Penelope laughed. “What do you think you’ve been digging in?”
    Juliet quickly yanked her hands from the dirt. “Really?”
    “Nothing goes to waste on the farm,” Penelope said as she tossed a clean rag to Juliet to wipe her hands with. “I think we’re done.”
    Juliet stood, dusting the dirt from her old dress. Neat rows of newly planted seeds lay before her. Small placards marked each row. “Thank you for allowing me to help. I enjoyed it. I may have to try gardening at the Lodge.”
    “I’m certain Mr. Matthews wouldn’t allow his sister-in-law to get her hands dirty in the kitchen garden, Miss Juliet,” a male voice said from the edge of the yard.
    Juliet’s heart lurched and Penelope went pale.
    “Mr. Bartleby, good afternoon. I didn’t know you were expected today,” Juliet said stiffly.
    “This is part of Horneswood, Miss Juliet. If you will excuse us, Miss Williams?”
    “Are you sure, Miss Juliet?”
    “Pen, it’s quite all right.”
    Juliet watched as Penelope walked toward the house, giving Mr. Bartleby a wide berth. She hated seeing the fear in Penelope’s eyes.
    “You should remember your place, Miss Juliet,” Bartleby said as he moved closer.
    Juliet had done nothing wrong and she refused to let Bartleby take her joy from the day. “It’s our Christian duty to help those less fortunate, Mr. Bartleby.”
    “While I admire your charity, I’m quite certain your brother, Sir John, would disapprove of Miss Williams as a friend for you.”
    Juliet could think of nothing to say in response. Her brother would not approve, but her sister Anne might.
    Simon Bartleby moved even closer and took her hand. He rubbed the dirt from her fingers with a gentle caress.
    His touch revolted her. She snatched her hand free and stepped away from him. “You forget yourself, Mr. Bartleby.”
    “We are practically engaged, Miss Townsend. Your brother-in-law has given me leave to call on you.”
    Juliet’s stomach roiled. She was definitely going to have to deal with Nathaniel. “I know what you said to Miss Williams.”
    Mr. Bartleby laughed. “And you believe what she told you?”
    “Of course I believe her.” Juliet raised her chin defiantly.
    “You think me capable of ruining a farmer’s daughter?”
    “I think you capable of a great many things, Mr. Bartleby.”
    He raised his hand as if he were going to slap her, his face florid. Juliet had always suspected Mr. Bartleby was the type of man who struck out in anger.