Anna found Mr Finnegan in a disgusting inn with vomit and beer splashed
on the steps, named The Wounded Dog. The man at the bar looked mildly surprised
when she inquired about Mr Finnegan and pointed to a corner where a man was
slumped in a chair his head bent and a stiff brandy in his hand. Annabel moved
towards the table and took a deep breath.
“Mr. Finnegan?”
“Ahh what now?” the bent head growled and Anna stared at him taken
aback.
“I’m sorry for disturbing you sir but I have some
questions if you don’t mind.” Finnegan looked up and Anna felt her chest tighten at
the sight of his face. He was younger than she had imagined, late twenties
early thirties perhaps and he was stunningly handsome. Despite the rough short
beard that covered half his face the man had brilliant blue eyes a cool blue
with flecks of grey and his hair, over grown around his ears, was curly.
“What do you want woman?” Finnegan demanded and Anna frowned at the distinct
upper class tone in his accent.
Lowering her voice and leaning down slightly Anna met Finnegan’s eyes
“I wish to discuss the A.S”
Finnegan rolled his eyes muttering under his breath
“Who doesn’t. You’re the second chit
I’ve had barging into my privacy
nattering and nosing into the A.S’s business.”
“Well, that’s nothing to do with me.” Anna said bluntly sitting down without permission. “I find myself in need of someone with inside knowledge
about codes and spy work etc.”
“Is that right?” Finnegan sat back tipping his brandy glass slightly
evident boredom on his face. “Then find yourself
a gentleman spy and leave me alone.” Anna frowned in
irritation at Finnegan’s dismissal and as
he raised the glass to his lips she deftly took it from his grasp and held it a
distance away. “Ay! What do you think you’re doing missy, hand that back!” Finnegan exclaimed but Anna was bold.
“I cannot talk to you while you’re more interested in this drink than myself, and you
shouldn’t drink so it’s highly unsavoury.”
“I don’t give a damn what it is!” Finnegan cried “I’d punch a man square in the face for less than what
you’re doing.”
Anna arched a perfect brow
“And you shouldn’t be so aggressive.” she said before
tipping the dark liquid into a nearby dying plant. Finnegan swore and glared at
Annabel who wondered if he were about to strike her before he sank back again
into the chair.
“You shouldn’t even be in a place like this.” Finnegan said abruptly “What the hell do you think you’re doing out at
this time in a brothel no less?”
“I beg your pardon but you are
in here, and I have no doubt in my mind that the house brandy is not the only
wares of this hovel that you’ve tried.” Anna said eyeing Finnegan with distaste daring him to
deny it. He didn’t, instead the man regarded
Anna for a moment a small hint of a smile playing at his lips and nodded.
“You’re right enough.” he said and Anna
glanced around wrinkling her nose as a man pulled a whore onto his lap and
sloped a kiss onto her mouth.
“It’s disgusting what men so easily take part in while
expecting women to be the epitome of respect and virtue.” Anna said pulling a face.
“I suppose despite your evident
distaste in the rules of society that you yourself are an example of the
epitome you speak of?” Finnegan asked
mockingly
“I most certainly am!” she said indignantly, then conscious that Finnegan
may think to take advantage of her innocence Anna went on “And I did not come here alone, I have two very big,
very strong men outside.”
Finnegan laughed aloud at Anna’s threat and ran a
hand through his hair.
“Have no fear wench I’m not accustomed to taking young virgins in their
finery. Now hurry up and tell me what you want so I can get back to my drink.” Finnegan sighed “and don’t hand me any codes to break because the A.S change
them and as I recently discovered I can’t read them.”
“I merely wish to know more
about the A.S.” Anna began “however what I have to tell you is a great secret, I
must trust you to keep it.”
“Do you want my word in
writing?” Finnegan said sarcastically
and Anna huffed in irritation.
“There’s no need to be so rude.” she exclaimed “I’ve shown you every curtsey and if you will help me I’ll pay you.” Finnegan snorted
at this and Anna’s anger rose.
“I don’t need your money wench.”
“Anna! My name is Annabel
Bloomswood. Lady Bloomswood.”
“Fine. Lady Bloomswood.”
“I don’t know quite how to say this.” Anna began but Finnegan tutted clearly fed up of the
conversation already.
“Say it quickly and shortly I
won’t give you much more of my
time.”
“Oh well your time is clearly
so well used.” Anna said sarcastically,
Finnegan was unconcerned by this remark and barely even looked at Annabel. “You’re not taking this
seriously at all.” Anna said
forlornly.
“No I’m not. You’re a young, foolish
girl who thinks she’s onto something
that will turn into nothing. You’re stupid enough to
gallivant in here where your person and reputation are at stake and take
offence when I’m reluctant to indulge your
whims. Rich girls like you are always the same.” An edge of bitterness rang in Finnegan’s voice and Anna sat back disappointed and irritated by the speech that
had been flung at her. Standing Anna held her hat in her hands and curtseyed
silently before turning and making her way across the room.
Finnegan watched her go and saw the man’s grabbing hands before Anna did. A gentleman turned monster in such a
place took hold of Anna’s arm and she
turned and cried out in surprise as the man tried to pull her onto his lap.
“Aren’t you a pretty girl.” he said as Anna fiercely tried to pull away.
“Unhand me you oaf!” she cried but the man only pulled harder a hand
gripping Anna’s tiny waist. “Release me!”
“I’m having this one!” the man called out
to the amusement of his friends “Landlord get me a
room.” The man’s laughter was cut short when Finnegan gripped the
back of his coat and hauled him across a table breaking glasses and causing a serving
woman to scream as they darted out of the way.
“Ere what do you think you’re doing?” the man’s friend slurred as he drunkenly tried to punch
Finnegan but missed and stumbled. Finnegan gripped Anna’s upper arm and pulled her with him across the room
and out of the doors ignoring the words and stares of the punters.
Anna tried and failed to shake Finnegan off and once they were outside
he swung her around the cold air tingeing her cheeks pink in the dim light from
the windows.
“You see why you shouldn’t be here?” he growled his
hand clutching Anna’s arm in a stiff
grasp. “You see what happens in places
like this?” Anna trembled in fright and
Finnegan released her arm, his eyes flashing angrily. “Where are your very big men now?” he demanded and Anna looked around and saw her
carriage silhouetted with the two men sat atop deep in conversation.
“I made a mistake in coming.” Anna said “but you have no
right to lecture me on decorum. You saved me just now and I thank you, such an
act assures me that there are more morals in that heart of yours than I first
thought. That however doesn’t change the fact
that you’re in such a place, you’re nothing but a drunk yourself who wastes his life in
a dirty hole. How you were ever a great spy I cannot imagine I doubt there is
any brain left in your head, you’ve clearly thrown
yourself away long ago.” Anna breathed
deeply surprised at herself and Finnegan stared in shock, Anna’s words had clearly hit a nerve and he for a moment he
looked hurt.
“I’m not a foolish girl.” Anna went on her eyes bright “I’ve struggled and taken pains and all while being a
mere girl. That makes me stronger than you think.” Finnegan’s eyes narrowed as he regarded
the young woman full of youth and beauty and ignorance.
“You still don’t appreciate the danger you’ve put yourself in do you?” he demanded
“I would have handled the
situation in there.” Anna said
stubbornly “I appreciate your help but I
would never have been taken from that room, I would have managed.”
Richard huffed in disbelief. “Oh really?” taking two steps
forward Richard swiftly took a hold of Anna roughly pulling her soft curvaceous
body against him and muffling her cry with his mouth. Richard meant it to last
a second just enough to scare her but the feel of Anna’s pouting lips stirred desire inside of him and he
held her closer more loosely. Anna eye’s closed without
thought and she stopped struggling as her treacherous body enjoyed the feel of
Richard’s persuasive mouth and rough
beard. Shocked with herself and her sudden carelessness Anna pushed against
Richard’s hard shoulders and he
released her catching his breath in steady gulps. Anna stared at him in horror
and disbelief more confused with her own reaction than angry with his conduct.
“I’m sorry.” Richard said when
he had caught control of his voice “I only meant to
frighten you, it shouldn’t have gone that
far.” Even as he spoke Annabel was
retreating stepping back her arms wrapped around herself protectively.
“You succeeded well enough sir.” she said her voice shaking before turning and running
to her carriage where she shouted angrily at the coachman and dived through the
door. Richard blinked watching as the carriage went away, despite the delayed
fear, Richard had felt Anna’s almost immediate
response to him. He knew instinctively that she had never been kissed before,
therefore her compliance to his embrace was surprising as it was enjoyable.
Shaking his head Richard returned to the inn signalling for a new drink, when
it came he found himself staring into the glass for a long time unable to put
it to his lips. Almost afraid of washing away the feel and taste of the young
woman that had obtrusively entered his life.
That young chits words had unnerved him. A drunk who wasted his life in
a hole. That sounded all too true, he had been wallowing in self pity and
neglecting his duties for too long. The Stewart who took care of his late
brothers estate had visited Richard numerous times begging him to come and take
his role as rightful Duke of Deanworth. As Richard sat in his corner brooding
the image of Anna’s beautiful face
evolved in front of his eyes replacing the dark scratched wood of the table
with soft skin and bright brown eyes. What was another girl getting involved in
the A.S for? With one last steady look at his untouched drink Richard stood up
and pushed the glass away. It was time he returned to his life and he was determined
to discover what Annabel Bloomswood was up to.
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