Anthony unlatched the window and threw it open, then stood leaning out, breathing deeply from the garden below. He’d stood in this same window not a month before and watched Anna perform her magic on Desford. Though far from perfect, the boy’s behavior was improving daily. All of the children had blossomed under her touch and so, in all honesty, had Anthony.

And now he was going to lose her. He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against the window. If Rupert was right and Anna returned his regard…He pushed away from the window and turned to his desk. He would show Anna how false her feelings for Rupert were. It was impossible that she could react to Anthony’s touch and be in love with another man—he refused to believe it.

Perhaps he needed to remind Anna of the fire between them. The idea took hold and grew. He would show Anna how he felt, show her in a way that would leave no room for anything else.

A thumping sound from the hallway preceded Sir Phineas into the room. “Greyley! How are you today? I left my book on the table and I’ve come to get it—” The older man stopped when he saw Anthony’s expression. “Good God, no one has died, have they?”

“No. I was just thinking about—” What? Seducing your granddaughter? Anthony managed a thin smile. “It’s nothing.”

“It has to be something,” Sir Phineas said, closing the door and then limping into the room. He found his book on a small table by a chair that sat beside the fireplace, then he lowered himself into the chair and looked at Anthony with an expectant gaze. “What has you looking like a thundercloud? Not Anna, is it? She has that effect on some people.”

Anthony looked into Sir Phineas’s bright blue eyes and wondered how much he could tell the old man.

As if he read his thoughts, Sir Phineas smiled. “Come, boy. You’ve no one else you can trust. None of your brothers is here.”

That was true. Besides, what did Anthony have to lose? “I’m at a loss and it’s not a feeling I relish.”

“None of us do. Tell me about the matter and maybe I can think of something.”

“I don’t know if you are aware or not, but I’m engaged to Miss Charlotte Melton.”

“So I’ve heard.” The old man pursed his lips thoughtfully. “Don’t think I’ve seen the announcement in the papers.”

“We haven’t posted the banns yet. She is in mourning for several more months.”

“I see.”

“At the time I offered for her, she seemed perfect. She’s young and unspoiled by London life. A very gently bred young lady.”

“Sounds like a paragon. But you don’t look elated.”

Anthony smiled without humor. “I’m not. Since I made the offer I’ve changed my mind. I do not wish to marry her.”

“May I ask what has changed your mind?”

Anthony met the old man’s inquisitive look with a steady gaze.