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

softness in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. She gave herself a shake. If only he could accept her as she was. Anna found herself leaning closer, then stopped. That wasn’t good. She wished he’d taken himself back to Town.
    â€œYes?” His brows rose.
    She shook her head. “Nothing.”
    Rutherford called to the girl to order another pie.
    While she was waiting, Anna gazed out the shop window. A strange man lingered near the Fish and Line across the street. He wasn’t from here. Yet, there was something about him that was familiar. “Rutherford, look. Do you know that man near the inn? There’s something about him that’s not right, but I can’t place it.”
    Rutherford turned around and peered out the glass. “Yes, I see what you mean. He is out of place. Everything about him is medium, ordinary, but . . .” He shook his head slowly.
    â€œI know I’ve seen him somewhere.” Anna said. “I don’t think it was here.”
    â€œNo, you’re right, not here. London. Yes, that’s it. I’ve seen him in Brook’s.”
    The clothes the man wore made him appear, at first glance, more like a merchant than a member of the ton . The way he carried himself unsettled her. “I wonder what he’s doing in Thanport and dressed like that.”
    â€œI don’t know.” Rutherford rubbed his chin. “We’re not likely to find out standing here.” He finished his coffyn. “Let’s go back to the inn.”
    Rutherford questioned one of the ostlers. It was the second time the strange man had been in town, but other than that, they knew nothing. Anna shrugged. “Oh well, maybe it’s nothing. We’d better go if we are to be properly dressed for tea.”
    She led Thunderer to the mounting block. If Rutherford placed his hands on her once more today, she’d fall off the horse and into his arms. That she could not do. He only thought he knew her. What would he do when he found out about the smugglers? Her whole body had prickled and tingled the last two times he’d touched her. She’d never had that reaction to him before. Why did it have to happen now?
    They rode more slowly back to Marsh Hill than they’d left it. Anna trotted in first and slid down from her horse before Rutherford could offer to assist her. “No need for you to dismount. I’ll see you in a bit,” she said with an airiness she didn’t feel.
    He glanced at her curiously, but inclined his head. “I’ll be back after I change.”
    Anna summoned a smile. “Maybe I can watch you throw Percy into the fountain.”
    Rutherford shook his head, but his well-molded lips curved up. “Vixen.”
    She stared after him as he rode out of the yard, before turning toward the house. This was not turning out at all as she’d planned.
    When she got to her chamber, Lizzy was waiting for her.
    â€œI got a message from Kev. That gent’s back. He wants to meet with you. There’s more cargo coming in for the next two nights, and Kev wants you to be there when it arrives.”
    So that was who the man was. Who said the country was quiet? Anna nodded. “Very well, tell him to plan the meeting with the London gentleman for three nights from now. I want to make sure the cargo is in and stored before we have any strangers poking around. Tell Kev I don’t want anyone else to know about the man until I’ve made a decision.”
    â€œYes, miss,” Lizzy said. “I’ll let him know.”
    â€œGood, now I have to bathe. I smell of the stable, and Lord Rutherford is coming to tea.”
    â€œWhatever for, miss?” Her eyes widened. “You just spent all morning with him.”
    Anna had indeed, and despite her good sense, was looking forward to seeing him this afternoon. She gave her maid a wicked grin. “He is going to rid me of Mr. Blanchard.”
    Lizzy let out a