The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh by Ella Quinn Read Free Book Online Page A

slate roof. The Priory had owned it since the late seventeenth century. Rutherford ducked as he went through the low doorway and surveyed the taproom, studying the crowd of men, who turned to look at him. He nodded a greeting before going to the bar.
    The innkeeper, Mr. Norby, wiped his hands on his apron and came around to Rutherford. “Here, here, your lordship, no use you coming to the bar. I’ll have Sally bring you what you want.”
    â€œI came here to talk to you,” Rutherford said in a low voice. “Let’s go into your office.”
    Mr. Norby licked his lips. “If it’s about the profits . . .”
    â€œNo,” Rutherford interrupted, “though we may discuss them later. Come.” He headed toward the back, and Norby had no choice but to follow.
    Once in the small office, Rutherford closed the door. “I want you to tell me what you know about the local smuggling gang. Don’t bother telling me you don’t know anything about them. I am well aware of where your brandy and other wines come from.”
    Norby shifted his eyes away. “No, my lord, you’re mistaken. I got no truck with smugglers.”
    Rutherford raised a brow. “Try again.”
    The innkeeper swallowed. “I’ll swear on me mother’s grave, my lord. I never seen ’em.”
    â€œYou do realize I can terminate your lease in one month’s time, do you not?” Rutherford asked, affecting a disinterested drawl.
    Norby’s mouth opened and closed like that of a fish. “No, my lord, please. I’ve got my family to support, and me mother’s sick.”
    â€œIs this the same mother upon whose grave you are willing to swear?” Rutherford asked humorlessly. “You have a week to get me a contact to the smuggling gang in this area, or you may prepare to find other employment and lodgings. My steward, Mr. Stanley, will be here to look at your books the day after tomorrow. I trust I’ve made myself clear.”
    The innkeeper nodded. “Yes, my lord. I–I’ll get what you want.”
    Rutherford started out of the office and turned. “And Norby, I don’t want it to get around that I’m the one seeking the information. I shall be extremely displeased if anyone finds out.”
    The innkeeper shook his head several times. “No, my lord—I mean, yes, my lord.”
    â€œGood, I’m pleased we have an understanding.” Rutherford gave the man a thin smile. “Send me a message when you have what I want.”
    Rutherford left the office and returned to the tap where he sat with a few of the local men he knew at a long table by the thick glass windows.
    Sally, the serving maid, swung her hips as she walked over to him, bending low to take his order and giving him a good view of her abundant breasts and dark pink nipples.
    Trying to ignore her gaping bodice, he said, “I’ll have a pint of your regular.”
    She smiled and bent a little lower. “Are ye sure there’s not somethin’ else ye might want, my lord?”
    One of the other men reached out to grab her and spared Rutherford from answering. She danced deftly away. “Here now, they ain’t on offer for ye.”
    â€œAh, Sally, just a little feel is all I’m askin’. Be fair now, girl.”
    â€œWhen ye get made a lord, you can have a touch. ’Til then ye can keep them hands to yerself.” She winked at Rutherford. “I’ll get you your ale, my lord.”
    â€œShe’s a bold piece, Sally is,” a man called Kev said.
    â€œHmm,” Rutherford said, not wanting to be drawn into a discussion regarding Sally’s dubious charms.
    â€œYou back with us for a while, me lord?” another man asked.
    â€œYes,” Rutherford replied. “Until late March or April. I need to attend to business here. Have you noticed any problems around?”
    â€œNo, been real quiet here. Not much