Marian snorted. “Then who was it that made such a racket that Miss Tateham pulled over in her curricle and offered to get a doctor?”

“That’s because I screamed,” Selena said. “But I didn’t cry.” She sent a pleased look at Anna. “I screamed very, very loud. Lots of people came to see my hurted bottom. Would you like to see it?”

“I’m sure it has already been thoroughly examined by now. Are you feeling better?”

Selena nodded regretfully. “It only hurts if I sit.”

Mrs. Stibbons bustled up and clucked her tongue. “Poor thing! I’ll fetch a nice soft cushion for you to sit upon. You’ll be just like a princess.”

“Princesses have hurted bottoms, too?” Selena asked, impressed.

“All the time, on account of their being so delicate.” Mrs. Stibbons gathered the children. “Come and eat, loves.”

Elizabeth started to scamper off, then paused. “Are you coming, Miss Thraxton?”

“Not right now. Desford is still working on his morning lessons.”

“Des, you haven’t finished yet?” Marian asked, incredulous.

Desford straightened his thin shoulders. “No, and I told Miss Thraxton I’d be damned if I would.”

Elizabeth gasped. “You said ‘damned’ to Miss Thraxton? And she didn’t wash your mouth out?”

Desford smirked. “No.”

“That’s because I didn’t hear you say it,” Anna said calmly, pinning the child with a no-nonsense look that made Anthony grin. “Furthermore, you gave your word not to curse in front of your sisters. Have you forgotten?”

Desford flushed. “No.”

“Don’t forget again,” Anna said in a milder tone, as if recognizing the boy’s honesty. “Children, go ahead and eat. Desford will be along when he finishes.”

With Mrs. Stibbons leading the way, the children moved on down the path, chattering loudly and leaving Desford to glare after them.

The housekeeper settled them at the table, made sure everyone was served, then returned down the path to Anna. “What about you, miss? I’m sure you’re hungry.”

“Desford is, too. Perhaps you could bring us a tray in a few moments? We’ll just eat here.”

“Yes, miss,” Mrs. Stibbons said cheerfully. “I think you’re going to be very happy with lunch today. We have shepherd’s pie, one of Master Desford’s favorites.” She offered a warm smile to the boy, then bustled off.

Silence reigned once more, broken only by the low talking and the occasional outburst of laughter from the table on the terrace. Desford kicked at his fallen book, his mouth turned in a sullen frown. Anna sewed quietly, occasionally lifting her face to the gentle summer breeze.

Anthony watched her, aware of a deep ache of dissatisfaction. She was a conundrum, fire one moment, then sitting contentedly in the sun the next, completely at peace with herself and her surroundings. He wondered what she would do if he joined her in the garden, sat with her on the bench, discussed the day’s events with her…A strange peace stole over him.

He wanted more than a short affaire de coeur with her. He wanted her all to himself—days, nights, afternoons, mornings…perhaps if he were patient, she would agree to take a house nearby. That would serve them all the better.