The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh Read Online Free PDF Page A

replied.
    â€œDon’t expect to succeed. Ladies need to hear it, often.” Marcus grinned. “Remind me to tell you I told you so.”
    Rutherford glared at his friend. For God’s sake, he’d brought down an entire branch of Napoleon’s spy apparatus. How hard could it be to discover the key to one recalcitrant female, who might not be so comfortable and easily led after all? Perhaps he really didn’t need a calm life. He raised himself to his full height of over six feet two inches. “I have no intention of failing. I am descended from Norman warlords, I’ll have you know.”
    â€œAren’t we all,” Marcus replied dryly. “Just who do you think she’s descended from? Think about it. I must get back to the rest of my guests.”
    After Marcus left, Rutherford stared into the fire, thinking about Anna’s dark curls and creamy skin. God how he wanted to bury his face in her hair, then slowly kiss his way down her neck to her breasts, tasting as he went. He shook himself. Anna had definitely changed.
    He left the library and found the billiards room in time to join a game.
    â€œRutherford, your turn,” his friend Huntley said. “What are you in such a brown study about?”
    â€œNothing. Nothing at all.” Rutherford had the uncomfortable feeling he was going to pay for being so sure of himself with Anna.
    He missed his shot.
    October 27th, 1814, Charteries, Sussex
    The next morning Anna wished Phoebe happy, before taking a seat in the small chapel and watching Phoebe marry. Phoebe’s joy and her love for Marcus radiated from her. He had eyes for no one but her, and when they said their vows, it was as if they were in their own private world.
    Despite what Anna had heard Sebastian say, her childhood dreams were not going away as she wished they would. She wanted the same happiness. She still wanted Sebastian to gaze at her like Marcus looked at Phoebe. Anna’s throat tightened. Perhaps she could have a love like that with Sebastian, but only if he could accept her and her secret. Who was she kidding? He wanted a safe, comfortable wife. One he could order around. Even without her duties to the smugglers, she’d never be that. She smiled through her tears as Marcus kissed Phoebe. A small part of Anna thought there might be hope after all, but her head told her it was a dream.
    A few hours after the ceremony while the festivities were still continuing, she and Sebastian were talking with Phoebe and Marcus when they learned Marcus’s gravely ill brother had finally passed away. Anna watched as Phoebe drew her new nieces to her, and Anna and Sebastian left them to grieve with their family. Now Anna was more than glad she’d already made arrangements to leave.
    They were making their way down a corridor when she turned to him. “Did you know Evesham?”
    â€œNot well. I know he and Marcus were very close.” Sebastian put his hand on her shoulder. “Evesham has been ill for a long time.”
    â€œI know.” Tears stung her eyes. “But that knowledge doesn’t make it any easier when it happens.”
    â€œYou’re right, of course,” he said solemnly.
    Anna glanced at him. “I should go.”
    â€œWhat are your plans this evening?” he asked.
    â€œI will not be here. I’m leaving for Kent.”
    â€œAre you?” He opened his eyes in shock. “I thought you weren’t departing until tomorrow.”
    â€œNo. I’d already made the arrangements. If I remained, I’d feel as if I were intruding.”
    â€œYou know you aren’t. Though, I agree, leaving soon might be a good idea.”
    Why did he have to keep pressing himself on her? “You should stay. I’ll do quite well on my own.”
    â€œNo, not at all,” Rutherford smiled. “I am happy to escort you.”
    She tried and failed to think of a reason he could not accompany her. Why did he