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

fish.”
    Anna held her nose and laughed, but Lizzy might have a point. Yet, could she do it? How many times would her heart break before he discovered his mistake, or she fell into his arms and made the worst mistake of her life?”
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    By the time their party reached the Brook Inn in Seven Oakes, Anna had decided she would be completely herself. That should soon send Sebastian running back to London to look for another lady to be his wife. Fortunately, acting the way she normally did would not be difficult. Except recently, when she had been trying to hold him at arm’s length, she’d never pretended around Sebastian. He merely hadn’t seen her lately anywhere but in Town where she conformed to the role expected of her.
    Sebastian helped Anna and Lizzy down from the coach. “I have to say I’m glad for the outriders,” he said. “They make us look respectable.”
    â€œI don’t think I’ve ever been anything but respectable.”
    â€œI can think of several episodes you engaged in.”
    â€œWell, since I’ve come out I mean. One cannot count my childhood antics.” The smugglers might be a different issue.
    He cocked his head at an angle. “True, you always appear perfectly demure in London.”
    â€œYes, well, ladies don’t have much of a choice.”
    He stared at her for a few moments, before glancing up. “Have you an objection to my arranging our rooms?”
    She wondered what he’d really been about to say. “If you wish to be useful, I shall require one room for myself with a trundle bed for my maid and a private parlor, as well as rooms for the coachman and outriders. While you’re doing that, I’ll organize the baggage and consult with the landlord’s wife about dinner.” She pursed her lips. “You’re welcome to dine with me.”
    He bowed. “A comradely gesture. Do you intend to keep your maid with you during dinner?”
    â€œOf course,” Anna replied. “You need have no worries over the proprieties.” Or lack of them as the case may be. There was no way she’d be caught in a room alone with him.
    They retired shortly after ten o’clock and left early the next morning.
    It was late afternoon, almost dark, when they turned into the drive of Marsh Hill. Anna leaned forward to glimpse her family’s early Georgian house built of white stone. The manor was designed in a square U . A large portico graced the front, and the last rays of sun glinted off the long casement windows of the west wing, her wing. She used to share it with Harry, but now she was alone. Which was a good thing as no one watched her comings and goings.
    The coach drew up to the front door. Ledster, her father’s butler, greeted her warmly.
    â€œWelcome home, miss. We’re happy to have you back.”
    Anna grinned. “I’m happy to be home. How are my father and aunt?”
    â€œEveryone here is well.”
    â€œJust as it should be. I’ve told Lord Rutherford he may dine with us. Will you please tell Cook?”
    â€œYes, miss, I’ll send a message to her. You should change for dinner. The master and your aunt, Lady Tully, are already in the drawing room.”
    â€œYes, of course. Please take Lord Rutherford to a chamber. He’ll want to wash and change as well,” Anna said, as Rutherford walked into the main hall.
    He greeted the butler. “How much time do I have until dinner?”
    â€œNot long at all, my lord.”
    Anna ascended the main staircase with him. They parted in the hallway. “I’ll see you in the drawing room.”
    She left as Sebastian bowed. He’d never been so polite to her before when they were in Kent. Was all this courtesy part of his courtship plan?
    When she arrived in her room, Lizzy was directing a groom as to where to place Anna’s trunk, then rummaged through it and took out an evening gown and shook