The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh by Ella Quinn

Harry.”
    â€œNo, they wouldn’t have. We worked for a small department in the Home Office.”
    Anna glanced up. “You said his ship went down. How do you know he died?”
    It was killing Rutherford to tell her all this. “Sweetheart, there were no survivors. No pieces of the ship found were larger than a plank. Harry was sailing from the tip of Brittany into Portsmouth.”
    She swayed; Rutherford caught her. Her voice caught on a sob. “Washed into the ocean.”
    â€œYes. We searched for days, for anything.”
    â€œPlease, you have to tell Papa.” Anna turned and tugged on his coat. “He’s planning to go to Town next week to try to find the truth.”
    He nodded. “I’ll talk to him. Anna, are you all right?”
    She sniffed, fighting not to give in to the tears. “I’ll be fine. It is only—I feel as if I’ve lost him all over again.”
    Rutherford took his handkerchief out and blotted the corners of her eyes. “Do you want to go now or stay for a while longer?”
    â€œWould you think me a coward if I wanted to put off going home?”
    â€œNo. We’ll tell him when we return.”
    Anna and Rutherford walked along the cliffs, the wind whipping their warm cloaks around them. He told her about Harry’s role during the war. When she asked about Rutherford’s, the only thing he didn’t tell her about was his current mission.
    â€œI wish I would have known, Sebastian.” She stopped to face him. “I’m so very proud of you. You took such risks.”
    â€œWith Mama, the girls, and my other responsibilities”—he pressed his lips together—“it was the only way I could think of to serve and not be gone for months at a time.”
    Anna was quiet for several minutes. “That was important to you . . . serving?”
    Rutherford glanced at her. “Yes.”
    Her gaze was intent, almost belligerent. “I think service is important as well.”
    What did that look mean? He shrugged it off and urged her forward. “I didn’t tell you. I ran across Marcus on occasion.”
    â€œDid you? How interesting it must have all been.”
    They strolled back to the horses and returned to Marsh Hill shortly before the noon meal.
    â€œStay for luncheon please,” Anna said. “We can talk to Papa after we eat.”
    Another conversation Rutherford was not looking forward to. He nodded. “If you wish.”
    Anna smiled. “Yes, and thank you. I feel as if I know my brother better. Why he did what he did.”
    Rutherford wanted nothing more than to drag her into his arms and kiss away all her pain. Instead, he followed her into the house and into the family dining room.
    â€œPapa, I’ve invited Rutherford to dine with us.”
    Sir William smiled. “You know you’re always welcome here.”
    Rutherford bowed. “Thank you, sir. It’s a generous offer.”
    He, Anna, and Lady Tully made small talk until they’d finished eating. When Sir William stood to leave the room, Rutherford said, “Sir, I’d like to speak with you about Harry.”
    Sir William stilled and glanced at Anna.
    â€œPlease, Papa. Rutherford has some information I think you’ll find interesting.”
    â€œVery well. My study?”
    â€œYes.” Rutherford glanced over at Lady Tully. “My lady, if you wish to join us?”
    She smiled. “Thank you, but no. I think this is a time for the three of you. I’ll be here if there is anything you wish to discuss later.”
    Rutherford followed Anna and her father into the study and closed the door. Sir William indicated a chair, and Rutherford sat after Anna had taken a place next to her father.
    â€œSir William, I want to tell you that I’m glad you know Harry didn’t die at Badajoz. Though I’m sorry to tell you, he did die, just much closer to home.”
    They spent the