An Unexpected Wish by Eileen Richards

Author:Eileen Richards [Richards, Eileen]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2015-08-02T16:00:00+00:00

Anne frowned as Nathaniel led Dr. Anderson up the stairs. How dare he act so possessive! Dr. Anderson was a friend. Nathaniel Matthews was only here temporarily.

“Heavens, Anne. I thought Mr. Matthews was going to punch Dr. Anderson when he touched your ankle,” Juliet said, handing Anne a cup of tea. “I think he likes you.”

“Keep your voice down, Juliet,” Anne said. “They’ll hear you.”

“How was it that Mr. Matthews found you?” Sophia asked suspiciously.

“I was walking at the Fairy Steps. He happened to pass just as I slipped and twisted my ankle. Naturally, he accompanied me home.”

“Happened to pass?” Sophia mimicked. “Suddenly, Mr. Worth, Mr. Matthews, Tony, and now Dr. Anderson are fawning all over you. What’s going on?”

Anne sipped her tea slowly. Honestly, this was getting harder to explain with each passing day. She was no good at secrets. “Nothing is going on.”

Juliet also threw her a suspicious look. “There’s something you’re not telling us. You know how bad you are at lying.”

“Yes, Anne. Tell us,” Sophia urged. “Tell me why my soon-to-be fiancé sings your praises when you are near, but returns to normal when you aren’t.”

“Really?” Anne asked. “I hadn’t noticed.”

“I have a copy of the bad poetry to prove it,” said Sophia.

“Ah! Even you agree that his poetry is bad,” Anne teased.

“It’s not so very bad,” Juliet muttered into her teacup.

Anne looked at Sophia and grinned. “Yes, it is.”

Sophia chuckled in return. “It really is.”

“Did Mr. Matthews carry you all the way home, Anne?”

“He did.” She could still feel his arms around her, his mouth on hers, hot and persistent. She squirmed in her seat. He simply had to stop kissing her. It was only a matter of time before they were caught and her reputation was ruined.

“How romantic,” Juliet gushed.

“It wasn’t romantic at all. He carted me home like a sack of potatoes,” Anne said bluntly.

“Potatoes? I would hardly compare you to a sack of potatoes,” Nathaniel said from the doorway. His eyes were twinkling. “You were wiggling too much.”

Anne felt her face flush and set her cup down noisily. “How is John?”

“Broken ribs and bruises,” Nathaniel replied. “Be thankful he has a hard head. I’ve also seen the doctor out. He’ll check on Townsend tomorrow.”

“So John’s conscious?” Anne rose. “Perhaps I should ask him who did this.”

“Stay off your ankle,” Nathaniel ordered.

Anne sat back down with a huff and glared at him. “Did you at least question him?”

“He was hit from behind, so he has no idea who did it.” Nathaniel sat down in one of the parlor chairs across from Anne.

“Who would do this?” Sophia asked.

“I’m not sure, Miss Sophia. The doctor has given him some laudanum for his pain.”

“He’ll be screaming for brandy,” Juliet said. “Or worse.”

“I’ll have some sent from the Lodge,” Nathaniel said. “It will help alleviate the pain.”

“That isn’t necessary,” Anne said. “We can send to the village for some.”

“I insist,” Nathaniel said. “Should I assist you upstairs, Miss Townsend?”

Anne blanched. There would be no way she could hide her feelings from her sisters if he touched her.

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