The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh Read Online Free PDF

have to smile at her like that? If only she could extinguish her feelings for him like one blows out a candle. Especially now, when she wanted so very much to be held and comforted. “Be ready in half an hour.”
    He bowed. “I’ll be waiting.”
    Anna swept up the stairs to her room. At least he was going on to London, and she wouldn’t have to see him until Christmas, if at all. She opened the door. “Lizzy, are you ready?”
    â€œOne satchel left, miss. The trunks are in the coach. Turn around and let me unlace you.”
    â€œLord Rutherford has decided to escort us.”
    â€œIs there a reason we don’t like his lordship anymore?” Lizzy asked.
    â€œHe is a very nice man,” Anna said, holding back her tears. “But he would not make a good husband for me. Unfortunately, he doesn’t realize it.”
    â€œAh, I see.” Her maid fell quiet.
    â€œWhat is it?” Anna asked.
    â€œWell, I did have some hopes for Mr. Robertson, his lordship’s valet,” Lizzy said prosaically. “But if you’re not going to marry his lordship, I’ll have to give them up.”
    Anna didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She stepped out of one gown and into the one she’d travel in. “I’m sorry to have spoiled your hopes.”
    Her maid shrugged. “Likely I’m not highborn enough for him anyway. He speaks much better than me.”
    â€œLizzy, you’d make anyone a good wife. For all you know he might have learned how to talk like that.”
    â€œDoesn’t matter any way. There you go. All laced up. I’ll just get the bag, and we’re ready to go.”
    Part of Anna wanted to try to sneak out before Sebastian arrived. It was not to be. He stood waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
    Taking her hand, he bowed over it. “I shall add punctuality to your list of accomplishments.”
    Three years ago, her heart would have fluttered if he’d said that to her. Now, it contracted painfully. “Let’s be off. I want to get as far as possible today.”
    After handing her into the coach, Sebastian mounted and ordered the coachman to spring the team. They made good time on the post road back toward London. When they reached Crawley, Anna leaned out of the window to say good-bye to Sebastian. Now that she knew marriage was out of the question, she couldn’t stand his being so close. It abraded her already aggravated nerves. She forced herself to smile. “I bid you a good journey to Town.”
    â€œI’m not leaving. I’m going home as well.”
    If Anna’s jaw hadn’t been clenched, it would have dropped open. This was the worst possible news. He’d always run tame at Marsh Hill, and she’d have to try to avoid him. “How lovely. Do you intend to remain long?”
    He stared at her for a few moments, and she fought not to fidget.
    â€œThat depends on how my plans prosper.”
    He meant her. This just got worse and worse. “I plan to remain overnight in Seven Oakes.”
    He smiled. “Perfect. I’ll see you there.”
    After he left, Anna slumped back against the squabs as they drove east out of town. “I have got to figure out how to stay out of his way.”
    Lizzy glanced at Anna. “From what I’ve seen, he’s pretty stubborn.”
    She nodded. “Yes. He is. If only he’d realize that we won’t suit.”
    â€œWhy don’t you show him?” Lizzy asked.
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    She scrunched up her face for a minute. “Well, if you don’t think you’ll get along, then, if he spends time with you, he’s bound to see it after a while.”
    Anna frowned. “You mean spend time with him so that he doesn’t want to marry me?”
    â€œThat’s it,” her maid said. “Whatever it is that you or he don’t like will come out.” Lizzy grinned. “Like five day old