He picked it up, then turned to her, his eyes almost black in the faint light. “Get into the carriage. If you attempt to put your shoe on here, you’ll drag your hem in the muck.”

The street was dirty. And they were blocking the entry, not that anyone else was leaving the ball this early. Plus it was her new gown, and it would be a long time before she could afford another. Anna allowed Greyley to help her into the low slung coach, his long fingers resting lightly on her arm. Agonizingly aware of his presence, she found herself savoring his warm, masculine scent. She settled on the seat and deliberately leaned away. “Thank you, Greyley. If you’ll just hand me my shoe, I’ll—”

A warm hand encircled her ankle. Anna was too shocked to do more than stare. Compared to the size of his huge hand, her stocking-clad foot actually looked…small. Even dainty. It was a heady experience for a woman used to hiding her large feet beneath the edge of her skirts.

Greyley slipped the satin slipper over her toes and pushed her heel into place. It really was a pretty foot, Anthony noted with something akin to surprise. Long and delicately made, it said volumes about the fact that this was not an ordinary governess, but a lady of quality. And that was what Anna Thraxton was—a lady of quality reduced by her circumstances to take on employment.

But that apparently hadn’t prevented her from mingling with her peers. It was something of a shock to see her after so long, looking coolly elegant in pale blue silk that made her eyes seem an even lighter silver than usual, her vivid hair attracting his gaze as surely as a lit flame.

Beneath Anthony’s fingers, the warmth of her skin seeped through her silk stockings. Entranced, he slowly slid his thumb across the slope of her foot, relishing the contact. A slow, low heat began to build, brushing over him and leaving a trail of delicate fire.

“I believe my shoe is on.” Anna pulled her foot free, arranging her skirts so that they hid her feet. “Lord Greyley, thank you very much for your assistance, but—”

“I must speak with you,” he said, struggling to regain his senses. Good God, but the children had indeed driven him to distraction. He was dizzy with relief at finally finding a capable governess. “It’s urgent.” He rammed his hands into his pockets, ignoring the call from the driver of another carriage that had pulled up behind them. “We can’t discuss this here. I will call on you tomorrow and we will talk then.”

Her creamy skin touched with pink. “Lord Greyley, I’m afraid I cannot—”

“I wish to hire you and I will pay well.”

To his chagrin, he thought he caught a hint of something like hurt in her eyes as she said, “I’m afraid I’ve already accepted another position with Lord Allencott. I’m leaving this week.”