Charlotte’s face fell. “I’m not sure my mama would approve. She said Byron is dreadfully wicked.”

“What a pity, for the book is one of Lord Greyley’s favorites.” That was stretching things a bit, but Charlotte would never know.

The girl looked down at the thin book, her worried expression melting into a determined one. “If it is one of Greyley’s favorites, then I shall read it regardless of what Mama thinks.”

“Good for you,” Anna said, applauding this harmless bit of rebellion. Greyley needed a wife who had more than two thoughts in her head. He needed a wife who would meet him argument for argument, thought for thought; one who was well educated and aware of the world. And Charlotte was none of those things.

Yet. Anna smiled to herself as she saw Charlotte reading the opening of Childe Harold, her lips moving soundlessly with each word. “Charlotte, why don’t you read the first part and we’ll discuss it the next time I come to visit.”

“When will that be?”

“Within the next few days,” Anna promised, her mind racing as she made a mental list of all the things Charlotte would need to know. “Perhaps next time, I will bring the children with me.”

Charlotte took a wary step back. “Mama would not like that. Lady Putney says they are wild.”

Anna frowned. “When did you meet Lady Putney?”

“Oh, she comes to visit Mama all the time. They are great friends, you know.”

Anna was developing a healthy dislike for the unknown Lady Melton. “How lovely for your mother.”

“Did the children really catch one of their governesses on fire?” Charlotte asked, her eyes wide.

“No, they just tarred and feathered her dog, which was a nasty creature from what accounts I’ve heard.”

“And the frogs? Did they really let hundreds of them loose in His Lordship’s chamber?”

“More like a dozen,” Anna said in a cheerful voice, determined to undo whatever harm Lady Putney had done. “They didn’t cause much harm, except to frighten the upstairs maid.”

Charlotte shuddered. “Frogs are such slimy creatures. I’m certain I would have screamed, had I found one in my room.”

Anna settled her hat more firmly on her head. Damn Lady Putney. “I hope you enjoy Childe Harold.”

“I’m sure I will. Should I ask one of the footmen to take you home? You don’t want to get lost again.”

“I don’t think it will be necessary. Now that I can see the woods from this angle, I can see the path quite clearly.” She smiled at Charlotte. “I look forward to visiting you soon.”

“Don’t wait too long,” Charlotte said with a shy smile. “All of my friends are in London, having their season.” Her face darkened momentarily. “I’d be having my season, too, but Grandmother died and we are not yet out of mourning. I do so like London.”

“I’m sure you will go often enough with Greyley once you marry.”

Charlotte’s lip quivered a moment before she gave a mournful shake of her head. “The earl isn’t fond of London, so I daresay I’ll be staying here most of the time.”