Content for the moment just to watch her, Anthony let her have her way. She was amazing with the children, speaking to them as if they were adults. She calmed Elizabeth, who had developed a fear of Marian’s pony because it tried to nip at her, convinced Selena to be firmer with her stubborn mount, and then adroitly soothed Richard’s wounded feelings when Desford decided to ride ahead.

Finally, there was nothing more to be done—the children were settled, enjoying the ride and the feeling of the crisp air and the bright sunshine. Anna returned to ride by his side.

Anthony nodded toward Desford, who rode just ahead. “I remember very little about being that age.”

“Even if you did, it wouldn’t help you to understand Desford. Poor child, he doesn’t have anything of his own. Not really.” At Anthony’s surprised look, she waved a hand. “Oh, I don’t mean clothing and such. I mean personal items. I, for example, have a locket that belonged to my grandmother. It isn’t very valuable, for Grandpapa bought it for her at a fair. But it is dear to me all the same and gives me the feeling of belonging somewhere.”

“Surely he has something of his father’s?”

“No. Not a thing. I gather the children were collected from their home and brought here in a rather abrupt manner.”

Had they? Anthony’d sent Dalmapple to bring the children to Greyley, but he couldn’t remember telling anyone he was in a hurry. Oh, he might have told someone not to dawdle, but surely—He caught Anna’s accusing stare and frowned. “I never intended that they leave anything behind.”

“That’s not the impression they were given.”

“I shall remedy that as soon as possible.” Ahead, Desford was engaged in a loud argument with Marian about the quality of their mounts. It reminded Anthony so much of himself and Sara at that same age that he almost smiled. “I was about Desford’s age when my stepfather gave me my first knife. I have it still. Perhaps I should pass it on to him.”

She slanted him an interested glance. “Your sister once told me that you were fond of your stepfather.”

“I try to live up to his name every day.

Anna tilted her head to one side, a fat red curl coming to rest on her collar. “I think you are far more St. John than Elliot.”

“Miss Thraxton, you unman me.”

“If it were that easy, Lady Putney would have done it long ago.”

He had to laugh. “Indeed she would.”

Anna smiled and they rode in silence for a way. The sunlight dappled her hair with a lacy pattern and caressed the white line of her cheek. She had the smoothest, most perfect skin of any woman he’d ever seen, white as cream and silken to the touch.

The increasingly loud sound of rushing water interrupted his thoughts and they came to a large clearing beside a stream. “We should stop here,” he said just loud enough for the children to hear him.