The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh by Ella Quinn Page A

afternoon talking about Harry and his missions, at least what Rutherford knew of them.
    â€œI still plan to visit Town next week,” Sir William said. “If you’ll give me the name of whom I need to see and a letter . . . I would like to see his service record.”
    â€œYes, sir, I’m happy to do anything I can to help you.” Rutherford had a week to try to talk Anna’s father out of going. He didn’t want to imagine how upset Jamison would be to have Sir William appear on his doorstep, as it were. “I think it’s time for me to leave you. Anna, will you walk with me to the door?”
    He searched her face. Fine lines crossed her forehead and settled between her eyes. Her mouth was pulled tight.
    She rose. “Yes, of course. Papa, I’ll see you later.”
    â€œYes, my dear.” Sir William held his hand out to Rutherford, who took it. “Thank you.”
    Anna and Rutherford walked out a side door. Before she could go farther, he said, “Anna, go rest for a while. You look exhausted.”
    She gazed up at him. “Yes, you’re right. I do feel so weary.”
    Rutherford brought her closer and kissed the top of her head. “Sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    The wheels of a carriage crunched on the drive. “You might want to take the back stairs,” he said. “I think you have company.”
    Anna’s eyes widened and rolled like a horse’s. He laughed. The last time she’d done that her mother had lectured her on manners. “Go now, before they’re inside.”
    Anna turned and went back into the house. Rutherford saw her staring at him out one of the stairwell windows, then walked over to where he could see Percy and his mother enter the house. He waited about five minutes longer before riding out the back way. There was no point in letting Percy and his mother know that Anna, the bane of Rutherford’s life, was avoiding them.
    At least she wasn’t shunning him. After the way she had behaved at Charteries, he’d half expected it. His smug smile didn’t last long before he was reminded that he loved her, and she for some reason didn’t think they’d suit. How was he to convince her that she was the only woman he wanted to marry, and that what he felt was love and not only lust? If only women wouldn’t make life so difficult.
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    Anna reached her bedchamber to find it blessedly empty. She removed her boots, stockings, and habit, carefully draping the former over a chair. She sat on the bed to lie down and stopped to remove her stays. As she slid between the sheets, her mind was in a whirl. Rutherford and Harry, spies . Harry lost at sea. How ironic. He’d always been such a strong swimmer and a good sailor. She prayed he hadn’t suffered much.
    Fresh tears flowed down her cheeks and on to the pillow. She’d been glad Rutherford had told them everything and that he’d been there for her. Ever since she could remember, he’d been a strong, solid presence in her life. Anna had wanted so badly for him to love her. Yet, now that she knew what he really wanted in a wife . . . Why couldn’t he just leave her alone? Why was he so difficult?
    Someone was talking to her. Lizzy. Anna opened her heavy lids. She must have drifted off to sleep.
    â€œMiss,” Lizzy said, “you need to eat before you go. You’ve slept clear through dinner. The master said not to wake you, but you’ve got that shipment tonight.”
    Anna rubbed her hands over her face. “Thank you for waking me.”
    She walked over to the basin to splash cold water on her face. That was much better. Lizzy dressed her and brought a tray. By the time Anna finished her meal, she was fully awake and ready to go.
    When she got to the stable, Thunderer was ready, but Humphrey was not. “Humphrey, what’s wrong?”
    â€œIt’s me chops,” he mumbled as if in