The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh (28 page)

R
utherford's arms were around Anna when he woke. She slept boneless against him. His chest tightened when he thought of losing her and her trust. He'd been feeling more and more uneasy about not telling Anna about the shipment. It didn't help that Harry wasn't on his side. Still Rutherford couldn't risk her safety.

Anna stretched against him and mumbled. “What is it?”

“Nothing.”

“You're tense.”

“Just a bad dream. Go back to sleep.”

Lizzy's voice came through the door. “Miss, it's time to leave.”

Rutherford pushed aside the hangings with a silent curse. Daylight. He must have fallen back to sleep. “Anna, wake up.”

“No.”

He pushed the covers back, and she cuddled into him. “Come, my love.”

She opened her eyes.

He smiled as Anna pouted, something she so seldom did, and shrugged into her wrapper.

“One week?”

“One week.”

Less than an hour later, Anna grinned as she gazed around the table. Breakfast with his sisters was a noisy affair.

Sir William raised his quizzing glass and said, “I suppose someone will eventually tell me why we have all of the Priory here.”

Harry glanced at Anna, who replied, “Papa, Lady Rutherford needed to visit a sick friend in Town, and it would not have been proper for Miss Spencer-Jones to remain at the Priory.”

“Ah well,” Papa said. “You know I always enjoy the children.”

“Mama joining us?” Harry asked.

Sir William glanced around as if just discovering his wife was not there. “She should be.”

Harry motioned for a footman. “See where Lady Marsh is.”

“Yes, sir.”

A few minutes later, Lady Marsh entered the room. “My dear, you wanted me?”

Harry said. “I wanted to tell everyone at the same time. Miss Spencer-Jones has agreed to be my wife.”

Lady Marsh's jaw dropped. “Isn't this a little sudden?”

Harry grinned. “What you don't know is that we met as I was traveling to London. She helped me get my memory back.”

“Well, then. How wonderful.” Mama hugged him and then Emma. “I wish you both very happy. Have you decided on a date?”

“If the special license arrives in time, we plan to marry at the same time as Anna and Rutherford.”

“We have a lot to consider,” she said, and then said not another word.

“Mama, Emma is used to living with a large family,” Harry said.

“Of course you'll live with us,” Sir William said as he accepted another cup of tea. “Where else would you live?” He addressed Anna, “My dear, you need to decide what you want to take with you to the Priory. We can have it all packed and carted over.”

“I'll make a list today.” Anna finished eating and rose to leave. “Rutherford?”

He rose. “Yes, I'll join you.”

Miss Jynkins took the girls up to the schoolroom, and the two couples walked up to Anna's parlor.

“That was strange,” Anna said. “I wish I knew what was going on between Mama and Papa. I thought they'd worked everything out.”

“If your mother is concerned, I'll try to take over. . . .” Emma said.

Harry shook his head. “No, it can't be that. She's let Anna run the house since before I left.”

“Better than fighting the inevitable,” Rutherford said under his breath.

“Did you say something, my love?”

“Me? No, not a word. I was just thinking.”

“I say we leave it to them and go on as we wish.” Anna frowned and turned to Harry. “What has Papa been working on lately?”

“I'm not sure. He's received a number of letters, but he hasn't discussed them with me.”

Anna shrugged. “What do we want to do today?”

“Why don't you take Emma around the Hill and get her acquainted with the staff,” Harry suggested. “I'll do some estate work and see if I can figure out what Papa's about. Rutherford?”

“There are a few matters I need to attend to. Do you wish to meet for luncheon here or at the Priory?”

“Let's meet at the Priory,” Anna said. “Afterward, we can show Emma around town and you”—she looked pointedly at Harry—“can tell the vicar you are marrying. Give me just a moment and I'll be back. Emma, you'll find a pad and pencil in the desk.”

Anna walked into her bedchamber. “Lizzy?”

“Yes, miss?”

“Have you heard anything from Kev? We should know about the shipment by now.”

“Not a word. I'll check on it today.”

“Thank you. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. Harry is marrying Miss Spencer-Jones.”

“How in the world did that happen?” her maid exclaimed.

Anna told her about Harry and Emma's trip to London.

“Oh, miss, that's so romantic.”

She laughed. “I think you're a romantic. I'm taking Emma around this morning as she'll be taking over my duties. Lizzy, please make a list of what needs to go to the Priory.”

When Anna walked back into the parlor, Rutherford drew her into his arms. “I needed to kiss you before I leave.”

She tilted her head up. “I'm ready.”

He smiled. “You only think you are.”

Sebastian captured her lips and laid siege to her senses. He tasted fresh, with just a hint of tea. Her body was flush against his; she moaned. The exciting, now familiar need shot through her body. She wanted him. He lifted her with one hand under her bottom. And stopped.

“What?” Anna asked. Her body trembled with unfulfilled need.

“Someone's coming.”

Sebastian slipped into his room as one of the tweenies entered.

 

Rutherford found Harry in the main hall. “What is it?”

“Are you still determined to keep the shipment a secret from Anna?”

“Yes. I'm too afraid she'll be injured.”

“I understand you want to keep her safe,” Harry said. “But what if she finds out and shows up?”

Rutherford stopped walking. The possibility of Anna's just appearing while the delivery was being made was too horrible to think of. His mind went blank.

Harry raised his brows. “It could happen, you know. She's not at all stupid.”

Passing a hand over his eyes, Rutherford groaned. “I didn't even think of that.”

“I'll see you later.” Harry strode down the side corridor.

Rutherford drove his curricle to the Priory. There were no good choices. How best to protect her?

When he reached his office, a letter sat conspicuously on the table. Who now? Rutherford picked it up and looked at the seal. Jamison. No postage. It had to have come by special messenger. He broke it open and spread the paper out on the desk. Help was on the way. They'd arrive in Dover tonight, five men and coaches for the packages. Rutherford opened the door, asked the footman to summon Griffin, and closed the door. A minute later it opened. “Yes, my lord?”

He held up the letter. “When did this arrive?”

“Just now, my lord. I was preparing to send it to Marsh Hill.”

“Miss Spencer-Jones and Mr. and Miss Marsh will join me for luncheon.”

“Very well, my lord. Does Cook know you are expecting guests?”

“No, please tell her. Give Cook my apologies as well.”

Griffin bowed and left.

Rutherford attempted to work, but couldn't get his mind off Anna. He walked to the French windows and gazed out over the terrace and park. Something gave him an ominous feeling about his betrothed, as if he were about to step into the fens without a guide.

Harry was right. Anna wasn't stupid, and she
was
a managing sort of woman. What were the odds she'd forget to ask about the shipment? No, that was a wager he'd refuse if someone else offered it. Then the question became what to do if she accused him of trying to keep it a secret?

Shortly after noon, Anna breezed into his study, bringing a cold, fresh scent with her. But the smile on her lips didn't reach her eyes.

He drew his brows together. “Is there something on your mind?”

Anna tilted her head and met his eyes. Her pretty lips formed a
moue
. “Well, I hadn't heard anything about the shipment, so I had Lizzy ask Kev. He'd sent a message to Harry two days ago. I don't know why Harry didn't tell me.” She opened her eyes wide. “Do you know?”

Before Rutherford could answer, she looked down at her hands, then back at him again. “It wouldn't have anything to do with you trying to protect me?”

There was a shrewd look in her wide blue eyes.

He hadn't expected such a direct attack. “Yes. Anna, I can't let you risk yourself and possibly our child. You could be breeding.”

“Even if I was, I'm not going to be down on the beach. I'll be safe where I always am.”

Her jaw clenched as she started to pace the length of the room, her skirts kicking up with each step. Her hands balled into fists. He had to make her understand.

“Do you remember,” she said in a raw voice, “when you told me you needed to serve?”

He nodded, curtly. “What does this have to do with that?”

“This was my only way to serve. Not only my country, but my brother's memory.” When he didn't answer, she continued. “Do you think only men feel that need?”

Why was she being so difficult? “Anna, it's not the same. Ladies serve by caring for their families.”

“Men have families as well. Some women need more. I needed more.” Her tone softened. “I've worked with these men for over two years. They trust me. How would you feel if you were taken off a mission before the end? Don't you see? I have to finish this.”

Sebastian attacked his hair. Nothing mattered but her safety. “No. It's too dangerous. You're mine, and you'll do what I tell you to.”

The minute the words were out of his mouth, he knew he'd made a serious mistake. Anna's jaw dropped, then snapped shut. She stared at him like he'd betrayed her. By pretending to go along with the plan, had he? Did it matter? She was angry, but that wouldn't last. The most important thing was Anna's protection, even from herself if need be. This mission had become too dangerous for her to be involved.

Her chest rose and fell with barely suppressed fury. Then her expression changed from anger to determination. She briefly closed her eyes and gave a small shake of her head. “I'm sorry you feel that way. I find we do not suit, my lord.” She turned and walked to the door. “Good-bye, Sebastian.”

“Anna, wait! What if you're breeding?”

When she glanced back at him, her face was deadly calm. The same as when she'd negotiated with the spy. “I'll let you know. I plan to leave in a couple of days. Don't try to follow me.”

The door shut with a click behind her.

He wanted to run after her, but his feet wouldn't move. Sinking down on to a chair, he groaned. “Oh, God. What have I done?”

Damn himself for being a stupid prig. All he'd wanted to do was keep her safe, and now she was threatening to run off, who knows where. Despite what she said, he had to find her. Make her see reason. Make her marry him.

Harry burst through the door. “What's going on? I just saw Anna walk out the front door. She said the wedding is off.”

“She says she's leaving.” How could Rutherford face his best friend or her family?

“The devil she did,” Harry roared. “What if she's carrying your child?”

Rutherford shook his head. For the first time in his life, he was lost. “I don't know what to do.” He bit down hard on his inner lip to keep the tears at bay. “Harry, how do I get her back?”

“Grovel. And you'd better do a damn good job of it.”

Anna reached the stables and started to saddle Thunderer. She could barely see through the blur of tears. Just when she had everything she'd ever wanted in life, it had all fallen apart, like a sand castle on the beach. Thank God she'd found out before they married.

She was at the end of a lane when she found herself on the way to the cottage. At least she'd be alone there. Her family, Mama especially, would not be happy about her decision. Still, she was one and twenty with her own funds. She needed to go someplace far away, perhaps Italy. She sobbed again. She'd miss her family, but if she remained here, she'd have to marry Sebastian, and she couldn't live with being ordered around. If he was trying to stop her from doing what she had done for over two years, what else would he forbid? For her, life was more than just home and family. She couldn't tie herself to a man who couldn't accept that.