Retreat From Love by Samantha Kane Read Free Book Online Page B

new dress or a new pair of gloves. She was his responsibility, whether she wanted to be or not. He owed Bertie that. And Brett deserved at least that. No more, but at least the right to take care of her.
    29
    Samantha Kane
    “No, really, you don’t need to, Brett,” Anne whispered. She licked her lips and stepped back. “They were old, not my best pair I assure you.”
    Brett doubted that. She would have worn her best pair with them to go to the village. “Nevertheless, I shall replace what I have ruined.”
    Freddy cleared his throat. “Yes, it will be a good place to start. From there you can take us to whatever other shops your errands require, Anne. We were here a few months ago but didn’t have the time to visit everyone in the village. It is kind of you to take us around.”
    Brett gave a half smile at Anne’s consternation. Trust Freddy to make it impossible for her to say no. He really liked that about Freddy.
    30
    Retreat From Love

Chapter Four
    July 12, 1810
    Anne,

    I should not write these words to you, but I find I have no one else. Some distant family, I suppose, who don’t know me and have no care for me. I think, perhaps, you would care. Am I a fool? The question requires no answer, of course.
    I woke to dreams of Talavera last night. I was sweating as if the fires were licking at my own skin. Then I sat and shook like a palsy victim until, in desperation, I took up pen and paper. And so here I am. As you can see from my handwriting I am still afflicted. But we both know I will never send this letter, Anne.
    Anne, Anne. Your name has become synonymous with home to me. I must force myself not to demand Bertie read your last letter again and again. You and Bertie are all that keep me going.
    Please write, Anne. Never stop writing.

    Brett
    * * * * *
    Anne was in a pickle. How on earth was she to discuss finances with Mr. Howard with Freddy and Brett standing over her shoulder? The proprietor of Howard’s Mercantile had been a friend to them over the years, and had refused payment for items he sent to them last month. Mrs. Goode was unwilling to let him chance the duchess finding out about his generosity. The duchess had forbidden the shopkeepers here in Ashton on the Green to grant the Goodes credit. It was up to Anne to make him accept payment for the goods and that usually meant an argument. She sighed.
    “Are you all right, Anne?” Brett asked solicitously.
    His concern warmed her in places she had no business getting warm. But it had been so long since a man had concerned himself over her. It was a delicious feeling. She shook it off. She couldn’t afford to become accustomed to his protection. He and Freddy would leave soon. And Anne would stay. Anne always stayed. She stood there staring mutely at him, and Brett took a step toward her.
    “Yoo hoo, Miss Goode!” A woman’s voice called from down the main street in the village, and Anne turned to see Leah Westridge’s mother, Mrs. Northcott, and her two grandchildren, Bastian and little Esme.
    “Oh Your Grace!” Mrs. Northcott said in surprise as she reached them. “And Mr.
    Haversham. I didn’t expect to see you here today.”
    31
    Samantha Kane
    Freddy and Brett both gave Mrs. Northcott a restrained bow.
    “How do you do, ma’am?” Freddy inquired as he bowed over her hand. When he stood he smiled in Anne’s direction. “We are escorting Miss Goode this morning. She has been kind enough to offer to introduce us around the village.”
    Mrs. Northcott blinked several times at Anne. “Oh. Well, of course. I didn’t realize you were acquainted. You didn’t mention it the last time you were here.”
    Anne was stung by her surprise. Mrs. Northcott had always been friendly to her and her mother. And yet even she was shocked to see Anne in the company of such esteemed gentlemen.
    Freddy continued to smile. “As Miss Goode was away at the time, there seemed no point.” It was Anne’s turn to look shocked. She hadn’t known Freddy