Read The Spy Who Loved Her: Once Upon an Accident, Book 3 for Free Online Page A

green eyes. “I will have to see what I can arrange. We do every year.” She opened the book. “Why don’t we find out just what Mr. Crusoe is up to today, shall we?”
    By the time luncheon rolled around, Anna had read two chapters, dealt with a couple of young ladies found out in the cold the night before and sent a summons around to Dr. Timms to come check them for frostbite.
    “I hear the children are abuzz about going to the park,” Mrs. Markham said.
    Anna smiled. “I could not help it. I know we have weeks left before we can go.”
    “My lady, I rarely step in to say anything…”
    “But?”
    “Well, you should not get their hopes up.”
    “Who said their hopes will be dashed. If we have to walk them there, we will get to the park. But I doubt it will come to that. I can usually squeeze some money here and there, and if not, I will use my own money. There needs to be more frivolous activities. And you know that I seem to find a way every year.”
    The older woman frowned, trying to act the matron, but she broke down and smiled. “I hope you can do it, my lady.”
    “I intend to.” Even she heard the determination in her voice. These children deserved that much.
    She walked to the door to her office. “I think I will get some paperwork done before heading home for the day.”
    “Oh, my lady, there is a gentleman in your office.”
    She paused. “One of the benefactors?”
    “No. This one I have not seen before, but I recognized the name.”
    She handed Anna the card.
    Lord Daniel Bridgerton .
    Her pulse jumped, as did her heart. Oh, bother, what was he doing here today? She was still tired from the night before, exhausted from the constant chatter and nonsense of the ton activities. She’d barely slept a wink before rising to attend to her normal activities at the orphanage. The idea that she had to now pull herself together to face Daniel was almost too much to bear.
    Mrs. Markham cleared her throat, bringing Anna back from her musings.
    She offered the matron her best smile. “He is a good friend of the family. I guess I will have to see what he wants.”
    She straightened her shoulders, drew in a deep breath, and turned the knob.
    Standing by the window, with the weak winter sun blazing around him, was Daniel. She said nothing for a moment and took time to study him. He was the epitome of the well-dressed gentleman. This was not the man she had met years ago. He’d been really little more than a boy, just ten and eight, full of himself and ready to take on the world. Still, with all his arrogance, he had been kind to her. That was why his behavior when she had arrived in town hurt so badly.
    With some effort, she pushed those feelings aside. She wasn’t the girl she was then.
    “Daniel?”
    He turned and his golden gaze traveled down, taking in the serviceable gray bombazine dress she wore. It wasn’t at all fashionable, but she didn’t volunteer at St Mark’s to be fashionable. She needed sturdy clothes to be able to do the work. But for once, she wished she had worn something fun and frivolous.
    By the time he brought his attention back to her face, his eyes had darkened. It was the same look that he’d had the night before…and it had the same effect. Her pulse raced and she felt slightly faint. There was something about the study that made her think he knew exactly how she looked without her clothes on. Even just the thought had her blushing. She opened her mouth to say something but he stepped forward, formality in his movements.
    “Lady Anna.”
    She wondered at his formality when she realized Mrs. Markham was standing behind her.
    “Could you check on when Dr. Timms will be here?”
    Mrs. Markham eyed Daniel as if he were the devil incarnate then looked at Anna. “If you insist.”
    She closed the door behind her leaving the two of them in uncomfortable silence.
    “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised to see you here.”
    For a moment, he said nothing. He just kept