“No. I mean, yes.” Charlotte sighed unhappily. “I’m sure I did, but I was too nervous to pay much attention. Mama told me that it was very important that I learn to feel more at ease about the earl. I do hope I can.”

Anna wondered if Charlotte bleated about “Mama” in every sentence when talking to Greyley. “The earl is quite taken with that pile of rocks. He was not happy when I suggested the foyer needed a mural.”

Charlotte’s blue eyes grew wide. “Was he angry?”

“I daresay, but he doesn’t bite. At least not that I’ve ever seen. And if he had the least inclination to snap at someone, it would be me.”

“Doesn’t he like you?”

“No. In fact, I’m quite certain he detests me.” Or he did whenever he wasn’t trying to lure her to his bed. She sent a guilty glance at Charlotte. “I daresay it’s a good thing I’m leaving soon.”

“Because he frightens you?”

“Heavens, no. Greyley doesn’t frighten me in the least. If anything, his high-handed manner makes me want to provoke him even more.”

Charlotte sighed. “I wish I had your spirit. Mama says I mustn’t act frightened when Lord Greyley calls, but he’s so large and he…he growls.”

Anna had to laugh at that. “Yes, he does. Rather like a bear.” She took Charlotte’s hand and patted it just as she would have done Elizabeth’s. “Don’t let Greyley frighten you. Give him some time and you’ll get used to his ways.”

“Do you think so?”

“Absolutely.”

Charlotte squeezed Anna’s hand. “I’m so glad I met you! You are the first person I’ve been able to talk to about—” She reddened. “I’m glad you came.”

So was Anna. Charlotte wasn’t anything like the hard-faced fortune hunter she’d expected. Anna tried to picture Charlotte at Greyley House, facing down Anthony’s overbearing manners, Lady Putney’s acid tongue, and the children’s rambunctious manners. It simply would not do.

Still…Anna looked carefully at Charlotte. At least the girl seemed kind-hearted and though she was obviously naive, intelligence shone in her soft blue eyes. “Charlotte, may I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

“What are your expectations for this marriage?”

“I’m honored that Lord Greyley has chosen me as his future countess.” Charlotte’s answer sounded as if she’d rehearsed it for hours.

Anna frowned. “So you want a title.”

“Mama says having one will be the nicest thing. And then there’s Lord Greyley’s standing.”

“You mean wealth?”

“I’m not supposed to talk about—”

“Yes, yes. What else?”

Charlotte blinked her eyes. So blue they made the sky look pale, and fringed with thick lashes, they made Anna uncomfortably aware of her own rather colorless gray eyes.

Charlotte frowned. “Besides the title and the standing, what else should I expect?”

“Children, respect, love…” Anna waited, staring intently at Charlotte’s face.

“Mama says one should never mention such vulgar things as love. As for children…” The younger woman cleared her throat, her face blazing red once more. “Of course the earl will expect me to produce an heir for the continuation of the family line. One can only hope that will be all.”