Read Online The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh by Ella Quinn - Free Book Online

well.”
    â€œI know that if I can’t eat all of mine, you’ll finish it for me,” she retorted.
    They walked back to their horses. Anna stood next to Thunderer gazing up at Rutherford as he leaned toward her. Her eyes widened, and she tensed. He stopped. Damn . If he tried to kiss her now, she’d never trust him. What a fix this was. How long would it take him to convince her that what they were feeling was not lust? And what was this nonsense that she wasn’t right for him? She was the only woman he was meant to be with.
    â€œGive me your foot.” That had to be better than touching her waist. The second he touched her boot, lightning streaked up his arm. If this kept up, he’d soon be fit for Bedlam.

Chapter 4
    A nna and Rutherford rode into town and stabled their horses at the inn. She draped the train of her riding habit over her arm.
    â€œYou could fasten it up.”
    She glanced down at her skirt and the large bone button. “I’m just used to carrying it.”
    Unable to take her hand, Rutherford walked protectively close, lightly gripping her elbow. She flashed him a questioning glance, but said nothing.
    It was market day, and the town was crowded with people. Everyone in the countryside must be here. As they turned on to High Street where most of the shops were located, a tallish, gangly man, a few years younger than Rutherford, walked out of the haberdashers and turned toward them.
    Rutherford closed his eyes in pain. The young man’s shirt points were so high he couldn’t turn his head, and he wore a garish yellow jacket and striped pantaloons. His highly polished boots had white tops with gold tassels. Various fobs adorned his person. A beaver hat sat at a rakish angle a-top wavy blond hair. He was so ridiculous even the Dandies wouldn’t have owned him. “Is that who I think it is?”
    â€œYes,” Anna replied. “Percy Blanchard in all his glory.”
    â€œ Bartholomew Baby ,” Rutherford said with disgust.
    Anna gave a little gurgle of laughter.
    â€œYou abominable girl, don’t giggle.” He pressed his lips together as Percy came up to them. “Blanchard, it’s been a long time.”
    Percy scowled. Whether it was because Rutherford was with Anna, or the other man could sense Rutherford’s amusement, he didn’t know.
    Percy bowed, pointedly ignoring Rutherford. “Miss Marsh, if I’d known you wished to visit the town, I would have been happy to escort you as well as my mother.”
    â€œBut, my dear Percy,” Rutherford said. “As you can see, Miss Marsh is with me. Shall we continue on, my dear?”
    Percy shot Rutherford a malevolent look, and he wondered if the fool would be idiot enough to challenge him.
    â€œYes, there is a lot I’d like to accomplish today.” She inclined her head. “Mr. Blanchard, good day.”
    â€œMiss Marsh.” He bowed. “I believe I am accompanying my mother to see your aunt this afternoon. Perhaps I shall see you then.”
    â€œPerhaps.” Anna’s grip on Rutherford’s arm tightened.
    Percy continued his way down the street.
    â€œ Coxcomb ,” Rutherford growled. If Percy thought there was any way he was going to get Anna, he was out of his mind.
    Anna loosened her hold on Rutherford and said, “Indeed. Come, you may help me select some ribbon.”
    â€œWith pleasure.”
    Anna made several purchases before Rutherford complained he was going to starve if he didn’t have something to eat. They each got a glass of cider and a coffyn from the baker.
    Anna finished hers and glanced up at Rutherford gazing down at her empty hand. “What?”
    â€œYou ate it all.”
    â€œI was hungry.”
    â€œYes, but you told me I could finish it,” he said.
    â€œOnly if I didn’t.” She punched him lightly. “Go buy another one. You can afford it.”
    He smiled at her with a