The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh (17 page)

“I want your shirt off.” She pushed it up. He pulled it over his head. Her hands were touching and exploring his chest and back. No other woman's touch had ever heated him like Anna's. His shaft was harder than it had ever been and being rubbed by the soft muslin of her chemise.

When they were both naked, Rutherford swept Anna up in his arms and placed her on the bed. “I love you, Anna Marsh.”

She was exquisite. Slowly he placed soft kisses down her neck and over her soft, creamy breasts. Stopping at each one to nibble and sup. He licked her taut belly. One he hoped would soon hold his child.

He'd known her for so long, but had never truly seen her before now. She was his to love and protect. Marcus was right, when a man truly loved a woman, there was no sacrifice in saying it.

Sebastian shouldered her legs apart and licked her already wet curls. When she arched her hips, he held her down, entering her with his tongue. She tasted like sweet honey and the sea.

Rutherford placed two fingers into her hot, wet sheath. Anna sobbed, urging him deeper. She cried out in pleasure as she contracted around him.

“I want to make love to you,” he whispered.

Her eyes opened and gazed into his. “That's what I want. I want you to make me yours.”

“Banns tomorrow?” he asked.

She nodded. “Yes. Banns tomorrow.”

Though he'd never taken a virgin, he'd heard enough about it. It killed him that he'd have to cause her any injury. “This will hurt, but only once.”

She nodded. “I'll be all right.”

He entered her as slowly as he could. She was so tight, but there was no resistance. Her legs were lean and muscled. Sebastian stopped when she tensed. “Anna?”

“I'm fine. Go ahead.”

She took deep breaths. When she relaxed, he buried himself into her, then withdrew and entered her again. Using long, slow strokes, he brought her to a frenzy. She shattered, bringing him with her. He pressed deeper to prolong her orgasm, hoping to give her more pleasure than pain.

Rutherford gathered her to him. His throat ached. He knew he'd never truly made love before now. With Anna, everything was different, deeper, better. “You're mine now, forever.”

“And you're mine.” She cuddled closer as he pulled the blanket over them. “I'm so happy. I never knew it would be like this.”

Anna pressed her head against Sebastian's chest to feel the deep rumble when he spoke.

“No, nor did I.” He stroked her hair. “I wish we could stay here all afternoon, but we need to talk to our families and find the vicar.”

Turning her head, she found his nipples and licked one. “What would we do, if we stayed?”

He breathed in sharply. “With any luck, I'll show you tomorrow.”

“Shall I bring the book?” Anna asked.

Sebastian's chest turned into a quake as he broke into laughter. “If it's the same book I think it is . . . Yes. Right now, we need to dress.”

Anna stayed under the covers and watched him as he donned his clothes. She loved his broad chest, covered with soft dark curls that reached down to his member. His stomach was flat and his thighs all muscle.

He was so strong, yet he'd held her so tenderly. “You're beautiful. Like one of the Greek statues.”

Sebastian grinned. “One with a head, I hope.”

Anna laughed. “And a face.”

“Your turn.”

Once she was dressed, they searched for the hairpins that had fallen out. She took out the rest of them and shook out her hair to rewind it into a knot.

Sebastian came up behind her. “Tomorrow, I'm taking all the pins out. I love how your hair curls around your shoulders and down your back.”

Anna's contentment spread. Perhaps she would enjoy being married to him. If only she'd been allowed to make the decision herself, rather than having it forced on her, everything would be perfect.

After Sebastian banked the fire, they left the cottage. “Do you think Percy will be a problem again?”

His smile left him. “If Blanchard is smart, he won't. Unfortunately, I place no dependence on his intelligence.”

When she landed on Thunderer, Anna cried out in pain.

Sebastian looked at her sharply. “Does it hurt?”

“A little,” she replied. The pain receded a bit, but the ride home was not going to be pleasant.

“Drat, we need to find a carriage for you.” His brows drew together, and he looked up at the sky. It's almost noon. Let's go to the Hill. You can change, and I'll ask your father if we may use his gig.” Sebastian's gaze came back to her. “I must have rocks in my head. If you'd like, I'll procure a special license. We can marry as soon as I get it.”

He was not going to rush her. Besides, she wanted what was left of her family there. “No. We cannot. My mother's not here.”

She smiled when he smothered a curse.

“You're right, and my mother is making a trip to Town to fetch her goddaughter.”

“Sebastian, let's go. We can't make any firm decisions until we discuss it with our families.”

They rode slowly into the stable yard. She smiled gratefully at him when he lifted her down and helped her to the door.

“I'll have Ledster put me in a parlor,” Sebastian said. “I assume you want us to meet your father together.”

Anna nodded. “I'll be as quick as I can. If anyone asks why we want the gig, we'll tell them I fell off my horse.”

Sebastian snorted. “When was the last time you fell off a horse?”

Anna grimaced. “A long time ago. Think of something else if you can.”

She kissed him quickly and tried to hurry up the stairs, but found she was a little stiff.

Lizzy was in her room when Anna walked in. “How fast can you get a bath ready?”

“There's usually warm water in the kitchen. I'll have one set up in a few minutes.”

“Thank you. You may wish me happy. Lord Rutherford and I are to marry.”

“Oh, miss.” Lizzy hugged her. “I'm so happy for you. I'll get that bath right away.”

A half an hour later, Anna, dressed in a bronze carriage gown, opened the door to the small front parlor. “Ledster is dying of curiosity.”

“How can you tell?” Sebastian asked. “I've never seen him change his expression.”

“It's the way he's hovering. Come, my father is in his study.”

They walked hand in hand down the corridor. Anna knocked on the door and entered. “Papa?”

Next to her, Sebastian bowed. “Sir William.” He turned to Anna, and asked, “I think I ought to go first, don't you?”

Anna waved an arm. “Oh, very well. Do your duty.”

Sir William glanced at them and sat back in his chair with a smug smile.

“Sir, I'd like to ask for Anna's hand in marriage.”

“Just the news I wanted to hear,” he said. “I've been expecting this since you returned. Anna, tug the bell pull. We shall celebrate.”

Ledster opened the door before Anna finished the first pull. “Yes, Sir William?”

“Please ask Lady Tully to attend to me and bring champagne. Lord Rutherford and Miss Anna are marrying.”

“Wonderful news, sir,” Ledster said and left.

“What will you wager,” Anna narrowed her eyes, “he was waiting outside the door?”

“Not a farthing,” her father replied. “I'd be surprised if his ear wasn't at the key-hole. Rutherford, I suppose you'll want to discuss the settlements?”

He sat on the sofa with Anna. “Anna and I have already discussed them. I'd be obliged to you if you would arrange to have all her property put into a trust for her benefit.” Sebastian grinned at her. “She and I still need to decide what her allowance will be and how much will be set aside for daughters and younger sons. If you'll give me a list of any other items you'd like us to consider, we'll make time for it.”

A footman brought the champagne. After handing a glass to Anna, Sebastian took a sip. “We'd like to have the banns read tomorrow, so we must chase down the vicar today and, of course, inform my mother.”

“Papa,” Anna said firmly. “Please write Mother. She must be here for my wedding.”

The happy sparkle left her father's eyes.

“Yes, of course. I'll write her immediately.”

Aunt Lillian entered the room just ahead of Cook, Ledster, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Ledster.

“I told you he was excited,” Anna said quietly to Rutherford.

“Hmm.”

“What have we here?” her aunt asked, smiling broadly.

“We're going to have a wedding,” Papa responded.

Aunt Lillian embraced Anna and Sebastian. “I am so happy for the two of you.”

Ledster, his wife, and Cook hugged Anna and sobbed. Anna did her best not to laugh at the expression of dismay on Sebastian's face when he thought they'd embrace him as well. Instead, the women bobbed curtseys and wished him happy.

“Sir, may we use your gig?” Sebastian asked Papa. “Anna didn't want to meet with the vicar and my mother in her habit, and there is not enough time to ride home and bring my curricle.”

She gave him a sidelong glance, and whispered, “Well done.”

“Yes, of course.” Papa glanced from her to Sebastian. “When is the wedding?”

“As soon as possible after the last banns are read,” Sebastian replied hopefully.

Anna nodded. That would give her mother time to arrive, and give Sebastian and her time to work out any of their differences.

Papa pulled his date book toward him. “The thirtieth of November. I suppose Lady Rutherford will want to hold a ball in your honor?”

Sebastian's jaw tightened. “I would say that is extremely likely.”

“Good.” Papa said. “Let us have a bite to eat before I send you on your way.”

“I believe luncheon will be ready shortly,” Ledster offered.

As they discussed what the settlements should include, it was clear to Anna that Sebastian had been giving them a good deal of thought. He'd come a long way since that day at Charteries. Perhaps her dreams really would come true.

Once they'd finished eating, he said, “If you are ready, my love, we need to be off.”

She rose and gave him her hand. “I'm ready.”

All except for telling his mother. Anna was not looking forward to seeing Lady Rutherford.

Rutherford escorted Anna into the church, followed by his mother, sisters, Sir William, and Lady Tully. They all sat in the Rutherford pew. He was pleased to note his senior staff was present and as many of the lower members of his household as could be there.

He cast a warning glance at Percy, seated with his mother. The man looked like a gang of thugs had beat him. If Percy said a word, Rutherford would cut the fool down where he stood and carry Anna off to London to marry by special license. He almost wished for the excuse.

He appraised his own family. His sisters were behaving, and his mother appeared resigned.

The banns were read before the service began. After the service had ended, Rutherford and Anna stood outside the small church, besieged by people wishing them happy.

“That went well, don't you think?” Anna asked.

“Yes, though I half-way expected Percy to make an objection.”

“On what grounds?” she asked. “Besides, he wouldn't dare. If you didn't kill him, I would.”

He grinned. “You're fierce.”

“Yes, well, I do not like anyone threatening my family.”

“It's one of the things I admire about you.”

Anna was quiet for a few minutes. “I wonder when my mother will arrive.”

Rutherford put his hand over hers. “Don't worry about it. At least
she'll
be happy we're marrying.”

“Yes. She's wanted us to wed for a long time. It's as if she thinks she'll get Harry back if we do. Sebastian, he's been on my mind so much lately. I wish I knew why.”

“Maybe because you've only recently learned the truth of his death.”

“No, it's something else. A strange feeling—as if he's trying to get my attention.” She shook her head. “I wonder what it means.”