The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh Read Free

a good friend getting married. I’ll go after the wedding.”
    Jamison rose and held out his hand. “Thank you. I know you don’t have to do this.”
    Rutherford clasped his former chief ’s hand and smiled. “I’ll accept your thanks. You’re likely the only one to offer them.”
    â€œRutherford,” Jamison said, “let me know if you need reinforcements.”
    â€œYou can be sure that I will.”
    Damn Harry Marsh for going off and getting himself killed. Who the devil did he find to take his place? A mental review of the men in his area capable of handling the task came up with nothing. Two years ago, they had all either been too young, gone off doing other things, or incompetent.
    The only good thing to come of this was that he would be able to escort Anna home after the wedding ceremony. He wondered how she’d take that bit of news and decided not to tell her until they were already at Marcus’s family’s estate.
    Â 
    Anna entered her bedchamber to find Lizzy packing. “Did you send the note off?”
    â€œYes, miss, I had a footman take it.” Lizzy said. “Told him it was a letter from me to home.”
    â€œGood. We’ll be traveling home after the wedding.” Anna looked at the clothes spread around the room. “You’ve no time to lose. Everything must be packed this afternoon. I shall make arrangements for the courier to pick the trunks up in the morning.”
    â€œYes, miss. I have to say, I’ll be glad to be home.”
    For the first time that day, Anna relaxed. “Yes, it will be good to be back in Kent again. Do you want me to help you?”
    Lizzy grinned. “No offense, miss, but you’re no hand at folding. I’ll have it done in a trice.”
    â€œVery well, then,” Anna replied. “If you’re sure you don’t need my help, I have some shopping I should complete.”
    â€œNo, miss.” Her maid shook out a gown. “You go on.”
    Anna found a footman to accompany her, left a message for her mother with the butler, and walked out the door in the direction of Bond Street. She had several items of clothing she needed to fetch and a new hat to buy, as well as silk stockings and other small items she’d not find anywhere closer than Dover.
    Two hours later, pleased that she’d found all she needed in such a short amount of time, she returned to Marsh House in time for tea.
    Her mother handed her a cup, and Anna helped herself to some of the various biscuits as well as a scone with clotted cream and jam. “I’ve finished my shopping, and Lizzy is packing. The carter will pick up my trunks in the morning.”
    â€œI hope you have a wonderful time at the wedding, my dear,” Lady Marsh said. “I was so pleased to hear that Lady Phoebe is finally marrying. She certainly has taken her time settling on someone.”
    â€œYes, Mama. We are all delighted for Phoebe.” Mama had in no way approved of the license Phoebe had been given and could not fathom any lady’s waiting for a love match. Mama’s match had been arranged, and she and Papa had got along very well until Harry died. Then it all seemed to fall apart.
    Lady Marsh frowned. “I don’t understand why Lady Phoebe had to pick the most eligible gentleman available this Season. Really, Anna, I think you could have done something more to interest him.”
    Anna valiantly forbore sighing. Lord Marcus Finley, Phoebe’s intended, had been the topic of conversation since early September. “Mama, I’ve told you. He formed an attachment for Phoebe years ago,” Anna said. “The only reason he danced with me, that one time, was to aid her. I never had a chance, and I would have looked ridiculous trying to set my cap at him.”
    â€œPlease do not use that vulgar term,” her mother replied. “There is Rutherford, my love. He is very eligible, and his