“May we swim?” Marian asked, already sliding off her pony.

“Not in those clothes,” Anna said.

“Oh,” Marian said, disappointment in her tone. She looped her pony’s reins over a bush and looked longingly toward the stream. The other children did the same, Desford helping Selena down as soon as his own mount was secure.

“Maybe we can just wade,” Elizabeth said hopefully.

“There is a path you can explore,” Anthony offered as he dismounted. The children were off down the path in a trice, talking excitedly. Desford followed at the rear, casting one or two curious gazes behind him as he went.

Anthony glanced at Anna. “The path only goes a short distance and leads them away from the water. They will be back within thirty minutes, depending on how long they tarry.” He looped his reins over a branch, then returned to Anna. “It appears we will have some privacy after all.”

Anna’s fingers curled tightly about the reins. For some reason she was finding Greyley’s dark glances even more disturbing than usual. “That was devious.”

“Surely not.”

She ignored his outstretched hand. “I don’t like the children wandering through the woods. They could get hurt.”

“They are within shouting distance. Once you dismount, we could wander in their direction. I daresay we’ll meet them coming back.”

She looked down at him, at the way his dark gold hair fell over his brow, softening his stern features. There was a hint of humor about his mouth, and in his dark brown eyes. “You wish to discuss that damnable schedule.”

“Among other things.”

She really didn’t have a choice. To remain on horseback put her at a distinct disadvantage in locating the children. With a barely repressed sigh, she dismounted. Instead of stepping away, he moved closer, clasping her waist with a strong grip. Anna was used to being as tall as, if not taller than, most men, and she noted the strength of him with approval.

Once her feet touched the ground, she glanced up at him. “Thank—”

His mouth descended on hers, warm and commanding. For a startled second Anna did nothing, but savored the feel of a man’s arms about her, of being possessed and cherished. His hands tightened, then moved to her hips, and suddenly it was as if her senses exploded in a flame of searing heat. She forgot where she was, forgot who she was, and melted beneath his kiss.

The kiss deepened and Anna moaned restlessly. She was afire, hot and restless, drained of the will to protest. She didn’t want to protest—she wanted this man in a way she’d never wanted another. The realization shook a path through her bemused senses and she broke free, stepped away, trembling. “You cannot do that.”

His eyes glowed with heat. “Why not?”

“Because you are an earl and I am a governess.”

He smiled then, and captured her against him, his warm body sparking a response deep within her. “You are also a Thraxton while I am a mere Elliot. Your family is far more respectable than mine.”