Read The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh for Free Online Page A

“There is much to be said for the more forward thinkers in our party. I shall consider all sides before I make a decision.” He took a sip of wine.
    â€œCould you see,” she forged ahead, “your views being swayed by a wife, if she had valid arguments to put forward?”
    He took a drink of wine. “With the right lady, of course.”
    She was not going to let him off that easily. “Do you plan to become more involved in politics?”
    He gave a small sigh. “If I had the proper support. You know it’s impossible for a single man to have much influence. One is not taken seriously until one marries.”
    â€œYou would not marry for that alone.”
    â€œNo. There are other reasons I wish to wed.”
    Well, he’d danced around that very prettily. “Do you have schools on your estates?”
    He stared at her again. Good. Maybe soon he’d leave her alone.
    â€œIt is something I’ve been considering,” Rutherford said. “Though our need is not as pressing as in other areas of England.”
    The soup was served. Anna picked up her spoon. “Indeed, I assume you are referring to the opportunities the children have for employment in our area.”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œI believe education must always be something to be desired,” she responded, “whether it leads to a job or not. It would not be possible for me to condone keeping one’s dependents in ignorance.”
    Rutherford held his soup spoon suspended for a moment before dipping it in the bowl. “I cannot disagree with you. I suppose you would require all landlords to provide schools?”
    â€œI would. Though I doubt the proposal would make it through the Lords,” she said, chagrined.
    His lips tilted up in amusement. “That is a debate I’d like to see.”
    â€œYes.” She sighed. “I, as well. I wonder if it will ever happen, schools for everyone.”
    â€œAn interesting thought. I very much doubt it.”
    â€œI hope you’re wrong. This country cannot properly develop if its people are kept in ignorance.” She’d finished her soup, and it was removed. “Someday, there will be universal suffrage.”
    The silence stretched until the second course was served, when Anna, her father, and Rutherford once again picked up the debate.
    After dessert, Aunt Lillian asked, “Do you gentlemen plan to drink your port in here? Or will you join us in the drawing room?”
    Sir William rose. “We’ll come with you if Rutherford has no objection.”
    â€œPort in the drawing room sounds fine to me, sir.” Rutherford stood and held out his hand to Anna. “Shall we?”
    Anna glanced quickly at the clock in the corner of the room. “Of course, though I’d like to retire early. I’m feeling a little tired.”
    Rutherford did not stay long after tea was served. He thanked Sir William, bowed to Lillian. Anna walked him to the door.
    He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “Thank you for the use of your coach. I’ll have it returned in the morning. Would you do me the honor of riding with me tomorrow afternoon?”
    She wished he hadn’t asked. Surely he could see she was not the wife for him. Anna smiled. “I’d like that. Come for me after luncheon.”
    â€œUntil then.”
    She closed the door after him. Unfortunately, it would be fun to ride with him again. Her groom always went too slow. She wished her horse, Thunderer, was here and not still in London.
    Anna walked back to the drawing room, preparing to make her excuses to retire, but her father and aunt weren’t ready to let her go just yet. It was another half an hour before she could make her escape. She hurried up to her chamber. “Lizzy, what time did you tell Kev I’d meet him?”
    â€œYou’ve got less than an hour, miss,” Lizzy said. “Here, let’s get you out of your