Free The Spy Who Loved Her: Once Upon an Accident, Book 3 by Melissa Schroeder

enough to discern from their expressions.
    “What is going on?”
    Mr. Francis stepped forward. He was a wonderful man, just two years older than she. He was the son of a wealthy merchant who aimed to step into his father’s shoes one day and run their spice business. But his father believed in giving back to the community, and so he had volunteered his time to handle their money.
    “My lady. I did not hear of this until I showed up this morning.”
    He cut a cold look at Miss Richardson, one of their teachers. Her spine stiffened. “I did not see the reason for bothering anyone about it this morning. Mrs. Markham and I were sure the watch would not come down here in the middle of the night and Lady Anna had a board meeting to attend to last night.”
    She sighed. “I will contact my brother to see what can be done. But I am afraid Miss Richardson is correct. The watch will do nothing unless something happens.”
    “So they wait until someone is hurt, then they do something.” The disgust dripped from Mr. Francis’s voice. He had led a sheltered life, perhaps more sheltered than her own. While not a stupid man, there were things he was a bit naive about.
    She offered him a shrug. “I am sorry, but that is the way of the world. Thankfully, we have the power of my brother. We will definitely make sure there is someone to take care of things. Now I am sure that all of you have duties to attend to.”
    Everyone filed out of the room except for Mrs. Markham. The matron closed the door behind them.
    “We will have to keep an eye on those two.”
    Anna paused in sitting down. “Who? Miss Richardson and Mr. Francis. They cannot stand each other.”
    The older woman laughed. “Where there is emotion there is something else beneath it. Both of them have been at each other the last few weeks.”
    Anna pulled out a piece of paper to write a note to her brother. “I trust that the children have not witnessed any arguments.”
    “No.”
    “Well, hopefully it will blow over.”
    She chuckled. “The only thing that will help that blow over is a good roll in bed.”
    Heat filled Anna’s face. “Really, Mrs. Markham.”
    Even after all these years she was not accustomed to her matron’s frank talk. Anna guessed that was what happened when you hired a former working girl to be the head of your orphanage.
    “I am just speaking plain.”
    “I do not think it is any of our business. So why don’t we discuss what is going on. Do you have any idea why someone would try to break in? I can’t see a reason around here.”
    “That is what is puzzling me, my lady. Most of the residents would never allow someone to even knock on the front door. It had to be someone new, or someone not from the area.”
    “Hmm. Well, I will send a note to my brother. I am sure we can get someone to watch the area at night to make sure. He can also bend the ear of a few friends and see if we can get more watch patrols.”
    “Not likely, especially at night.”
    She smiled at the woman. “It is worth a try.”
    Mrs. Markham chuckled. “You are always so optimistic. Do you never see the bad in the situation?”
    Anna shook her head. “I see the bad. I just think that there is some good in all people.”
    “I hope you keep that idea, my lady.”
    Several hours later, Anna hid behind a smile as she finished a country dance. She knew this would happen. Her mother would make her attend more soirees after she attended Cicely’s ball. There was not much she could do about it. Complaining would not work, and whining was beneath her. It was little to ask of her. Her family had been very patient and understanding after what she had done. And she thought it might be a good place to raise funds.
    Unfortunately, she had been besieged by young men since she had stepped into the ballroom. Young men who did not have control over their fortunes, and most of them could care less about the orphanage. Most other men did not care either, but they were married and