He nuzzled the heat of her skin. “I hate that hat. It hides your eyes.”

“I don’t care if you like it or not. I don’t want it ruined.”

“It will be fine,” he murmured, kissing her neck to the delicate line of her ear. “And if it isn’t, I’ll buy you a new one.”

She shivered and he increased his efforts, breathing across her smooth, white skin. “Greyley,” she said, her hands flat against his chest, though she made no move to push him away. “You must stop this at once. Someone might come…”

“We can go to the library if you’d like—”

“No,” she said quickly, her breath ragged in his ear. “I cannot be alone with you.”

He trailed a kiss from her ear to the corner of her mouth. “I must have you.”

A deep, shuddering sigh wracked her before she pushed her hands lightly against his chest. He stopped immediately and smiled down at her. “We cannot ignore what is between us, Anna.”

“There can never be anything between us. I’ve already told you that.”

“You are wrong. I will have you—”

“As what? Your mistress?” She laughed and the bitterness of it wrung his heart. “I will not be made a laughingstock and that is what would happen. I’ve been mocked enough, thank you.”

He tilted her face toward his, admiring the proud way she met his gaze. “No one would dare mock you if you were under my protection. I will take care of you and your grandfather if you’d only let me.”

Her hands clasped his wrists and he saw tears glistening in her eyes. “You know better than that,” she whispered.

God, but it was bittersweet to see the longing in her eyes. “Since when do you or I care what other people think?”

Anna didn’t answer for the longest time, her hands warm on his wrists. Finally, she said, “You don’t know what it is like being a governess. I’ve lost everything; my friends, my position in society, my future. But I still have Grandpapa, and I still have my pride. I will not give up either.”

“I didn’t ask you to. I just offered—”

“You offered an exchange—security and a home for my virtue and honor.” A slow, wracking sigh shook her. “Anthony, I cannot. Please do not ask me again.”

“I will ask you again,” he said fiercely, holding her once more, feeling her slender body firm against his. “And again and again, until you agree. Anna, I want you with me.”

“But not as your wife.”

He closed his eyes, his jaw aching with the hollowness that seemed to grow by the moment. “I can’t. I gave my word and I cannot renege. Anna, please. If you would just listen to what I have to offer—”

“I don’t want what you offer. I’ve taken care of myself and Grandpapa for over a year now, without any help, too.” Her chin firmed and he marveled at the strength that shone in her eyes. “I don’t need you, Greyley. Go and marry Charlotte.”