The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh (12 page)

He gave her a strange look and grunted.

She probably shouldn't have allowed him to kiss and caress her, yet she couldn't seem to tell him to stop. Being in his arms was the most wonderful feeling she'd ever had. If it turned out it was only for a little while, at least she'd have her memories.

The moon had set, and they rode through the dark with the ease of long familiarity with the land. Over her objections, he helped her dismount in the stable yard. Humphrey led Thunderer away.

“You should go now,” she said. “You need to get to your bed as well.”

Rutherford took her arm. “First, I'll walk you to the side door.”

Anna sighed. She should have known his protectiveness would increase with his commitment to her. “It's only a few feet away.”

When they reached the door she turned to face him and put her hand against his lean cheek. “Good night.”

Rutherford swooped to kiss her upturned face as his hands roamed her body as if he were claiming it. Anna shivered and trembled as small fires lit beneath her skin. She slid her arms around his neck, and she met him, tangling her tongue with his. Wanting to possess him as well. “Sebastian,” she mumbled against his mouth.

“Have I ever told you I only like my name when you say it?”

She giggled softly. “I know you never scowl at me when I say it.”

He broke the kiss and opened the door behind her. “It's late. Go to bed. I'll see you in the morning.”

Anna took his face in her hands. “Good night.” She kissed him one last time and walked in the door. They stared at each other before she shut it.

As she made her way up the stairs, peeking out each window on the way to the first floor corridor, she saw him watch her progress. Her body hummed with delight. She touched her still swollen lips. Her breasts were heavy and tight against the jacket of her habit.

Lizzy was dozing in a chair when she entered her room. “Lizzy, go on to bed.”

Her maid opened her eyes and jumped. “Oh, miss, what time is it?”

“Later than usual. I'll be fine. Go to bed. We've had some developments. You won't need to wait up for me until we work things out.”

Lizzy gazed at Anna. “Are you sure?”

“Of course. It will only be for a couple of weeks.”

“All right, let me hang your habit up before it gets crushed.”

“If you like.” Anna removed the garment and handed it to her maid. Once Lizzy left, Anna gazed at her reflection in the mirror of her dressing table and frowned, trying not to allow herself to be hopeful. When Sebastian had told her he loved her, there was a rightness to it she hadn't expected. His kisses and caresses had thrilled her. Flames still simmered beneath her skin. She wondered how much more he'd show her while she made up her mind whether to marry him.

She unpinned her braids and wondered when Sebastian wanted to start sharing his work with her, and if he truly could do it.

A
nna drove with a flourish into the drive leading to the Priory. “Sebastian, thank you. This has been so much fun. Whether we marry or not, I do want a carriage of my own.”

“I knew you would.”

She smiled and chuckled lightly.

His hand slid around her shoulders and down her back.

She fought to stay focused on the horses. His touch was warm and sent tremors through her. “More bribes?”

“More promises.”

“I see.” She'd reached the stable yard, bringing the curricle to a halt.

Rutherford jumped down and came around to help her. He held out his hand. Anna placed her much smaller one in his. His long, strong fingers clasped hers tightly and seemed to absorb the tremors streaking up her arm.

“Let's go through the side door,” Rutherford said. “I'll show you my study, and afterward we'll find everyone else.”

The room, situated at the back of the house, was large and airy. French windows, flanked by long windows, led to the terrace. The study had two fireplaces, one at each end. His desk was placed close to one of them.

A seating area filled one part of the space, and bookshelves lined the walls. “I love it.”

He stood behind her with his hands on her shoulders. “It's my favorite room.”

Anna turned in a circle admiring the space. “I can see why. What a comfortable place to work.”

“I thought we could buy a partner's desk and toil together.”

She bit her lip. He was going too fast. “Please, don't try to rush my decision. Let's wait for a little while.”

“I want to make you happy. I know you and Phoebe have discussed any number of improvements that should be made on major estates. You shall have a free hand.”

His gaze was earnest. Her fear was that it wouldn't last. “Will I? Are you sure you're able to allow it?”

“I'm not going to tell you we won't have disagreements. You and I are both strong-willed. But I know you. You will always do what's best for our family and the Priory.”

Tears misted her eyes, and she blinked them back. “Sebastian.”

She reached up and brought his head down. She touched his lips gently.

He chuckled wryly. “It's taken me a while. Please marry me.”

She pulled back a little. “Why ask again so soon?”

His gaze heated. “To give me a reason to beat up Percy.”

She burst into laughter. “Sebastian!”

“What? Not a good answer?” He shrugged. “Ah well, it was worth a try.”

“I'll give you that.” He'd probably propose many more times until she said yes. “Let's find your family. You know, as much time as I've spent with you, I don't know them well at all.”

Rutherford glanced down. “You're right. The girls are all young, and our mothers are not particularly close.”

“Is anyone close to my mother now? She's been so difficult since Harry died. She's so rarely at the Hill anymore. I don't know how Papa puts up with it.”

He held her closer. “He loves her.”

She shook her head. “Yes. Even though it was arranged, they did fall in love.”

He drew her in his arms again. “Is that the reason you said love can't overcome all?”

When Anna glanced at him, he looked different somehow. “You're very wise all of a sudden.”

He gazed down at her. “Perhaps I finally understand what's important.”

Anna put her arms around his neck. “Sebastian. We must both be sure this is what we want.”

He kissed the tip of her nose and asked, “What time do you want to meet with our spy this evening?”

Anna hoped the change of subject meant he agreed with her continuing to lead the gang. If not, they would have even more problems. “The meeting is at midnight,” she replied. “We should be there at least an hour ahead of time. I don't trust him.”

He kissed her ear and whispered, “For good reason. If he'll betray his country, he'll betray anything. Did Harry teach you how to shoot?”

She met his gaze. “Yes, do you want me to bring my pistol?”

Rutherford searched her face. “I want you to start carrying it everywhere.”

Startled, she asked, “Do you really think it necessary?”

“I'm taking no chances with you.” He crushed her in his embrace. His lips took hers. She gave, and he took more. His tongue explored her mouth as if to learn every crevice. Anna met him and challenged him, staking her own claim.

When they pulled apart, Rutherford caressed her cheek and jaw. His hand roved down her back. Anna stroked his in return. When he cupped her bottom and pulled her close, she did the same, copying everything he did. Anna matched him move for move until wetness pooled between her legs, and his muscles bunched and hardened under her palm. She'd never realized how strong he was.

When he finally stopped and lifted his head, his heart was pounding and his leather breeches were uncomfortably tight. Rutherford placed a hand on her swollen breast. Anna made a mewing noise and pressed into him.

His voice sounded harsh, even to him. “Anna, my love, we need to stop this. Now.”

Her tone was breathy and warm against his ear. “Where are you leading me?”

“To me, my love. Only to me.”

A knock sounded on the door. “My lord, are you in there?”

They quickly moved apart. “Yes,” he called.

“Luncheon is served, my lord.”

“Please have a place set next to me for Miss Marsh. She will be joining us.”

“Yes, my lord.” The voice sounded baffled.

“Well, my dear, shall we go beard my family?”

“I suppose we'd better.”

He took her hand, and they walked into the dining room. Waving the footman off, Rutherford pulled out the chair on his left for Anna. His mother sat at the foot of the shortened table. His three sisters were spaced between them.

“Mama, you remember Miss Marsh?”

His mother was clearly not happy to see Anna and hesitated before rising to greet her. Perhaps he should have waited until she'd agreed to marry him before bringing her here.

“How are you, my dear?” Mama asked in a strained voice.

Rutherford fixed his stare on his mother. What the devil was wrong with her?

She smiled politely. “Lovely you could join us.”

Anna curtseyed. “Thank you, my lady. I am delighted.”

He introduced his sisters, who stared at her with open mouths. “Make your curtseys,” he said gruffly. “Where are your manners? Do you want her to think you have none?”

Cece looked at him, wide-eyed. “But, Ruhy, why is she here?”

His mother put a finger over her mouth and tried to get his youngest sister's attention. Long used to his mother's machinations, he asked Cece, “Why do you ask?”

With perfect candor, his sister said, “Well, you never invite ladies here, and Mama said she was trying to arrange a match with Miss-Miss—” She turned to her mother, whose face was now bright red. “What was her name?”

“Miss Spencer-Jones,” Althea hissed.

Cece smiled. “Thank you. That's right. Miss Spencer-Jones.”

Rutherford stared grimly at his mother.

She had a wan smile on her face.

“Thank you, Cece,” he said. “You'd be well advised to keep that type of information to yourself. You will be seeing a great deal more of Miss Marsh than you've been used to in the past.” He glanced at his mother. “I expect her to be welcomed.”

Anna smiled at his sisters and greeted them warmly.

“Mama, I'd like a word with you after luncheon.”

Anna pinched him and whispered, “Don't. We have not even agreed to marry yet.”

She might not have agreed yet, but she would. He whispered back, “My love, she has meddled enough. Her goddaughter will be here for some time. She cannot be allowed to wreak havoc with us.”

Anna firmed her chin. “You must do what you think best.”

Rutherford's smile was only for her. “Please trust me to do as I see fit.”

“Of course, she is your mother.”

“True, but I've seen how well you handle your own. Go on here as you would.”

Anna gave him a small shake of her head as he held out a chair for her. Under the incredulous gazes of his sisters, and the rather sickly look on his mother's face, he took her hand and kissed it.

“We're in for it now,” she whispered.

“As usual, you're probably right.”

Eloisa opened her mouth, and Rutherford silenced her. “I will answer one question from each of you.”

Griffin leaned over. “My lord, if you'd like us to serve the family and withdraw?”

“No, not at all,” Rutherford said. “This will all be public soon enough.” He indicated to the impatient Eloisa that she could speak.

“Ruhy, what's going on?”

“I am doing my best to convince Miss Marsh to marry me, but she has not accepted me yet.”

Eloisa drew her brows together. She had something of Sebastian's look when he was younger, and Anna knew that the interrogation was coming.

“Why?”

Rutherford raised a brow. “Why? Because I love her, and I wish to marry her.”

“Has she said yes yet?” Cece asked.

“No. I'm working on that now.”

The rest of the meal continued in near silence. When they were finished, he sent the children back to their studies. “Mother, later we need to speak.”

“Of course,” she said, and left the room.

He'd be damned if he'd allow his mother to berate Anna or stop him from marrying her.

Anna watched Lady Rutherford go. Did she not realize how angry she was making Rutherford and what would happen if they wed? It would be horrible to live in a house where his mother disliked her so. As Anna and Sebastian entered the study, his anger was palpable.

“Sebastian.” Anna put her hand on his arm. “It will be fine.”

“What in blazes is she thinking of, trying to match me with a woman I don't even know? She's out of control.”

“Ever since your father died, she's wanted you to wed. It's as if she's in a race with time.”

“That, and she wants me to marry up, but you are the only woman I wish to spend the rest of my life with.” He pulled her closer. “Anna, tell me you won't allow my mother to sway your decision.”

Anna searched his strong, lean face. Sebastian's jaw had firmed, and his gaze bore into her. “No, I won't allow Lady Rutherford to influence me. I may not be a duke's granddaughter, but I daresay the Marshes have been around at least as long as the Rutherfords.”

Sebastian smiled. “Indeed.”

She stood on tiptoe and gently touched her lips to his. “Now, for the ledgers.”

He opened the first one and started to explain what it was. She stopped him. “These are the tenant accounts.”

“How did you know?” he said, staring at her.

“I've been keeping the books at the Hill for several years now.” She sat and reviewed the columns. “Have you visited Holkham Hall in Norfolk?”

He drew his brows together. “Yes, though I've not instituted many of the changes yet.”

“You should. It is amazing the difference it can make.” He nodded, and she went back to the figures. “I don't understand why your yields aren't greater.”

“What do you mean?”

“These fields”—she pointed at one of the family names—“are right next to ours and about the same size. I know your tenant, Mr. Milkin. He works just as hard as his neighbor on the Hill's land. Yet he produces twenty percent less, probably because part of the field is prone to flood. If you'd build a better irrigation system, it would help not only him, but the tenant on the other side as well.”

Sebastian took out a rolled up map and placed it on top of the ledgers. “Show me where the problem is.”

She traced her finger down one side of the plan to where a stream frequently overflowed its banks.

“You should have the same difficulty.”

“We did, until we built up a berm to contain the water.”

“I had no idea you were so involved in the farming.”

That didn't surprise her. What did he really know about her now? “After Harry died, Papa took no interest in anything, and Mama was gone. It was up to me.” She frowned and glanced at Sebastian. “What did you think I'd been doing?”

“From the way you behave in Town, I had assumed you were interested in fashion, the latest novels, and parties.”

He was partially right. “I do like those things, but I have broader interests as well. Just as I hope your concerns extend past gaming, entertainments, and your clubs.”