“That’s because Desford has already gotted it out for me. I just wanted you to see where it was.”

“Oh,” Anna said, smiling in spite of herself. “I daresay you were very brave.”

“Yes, I was. I only screamed a little.”

The little girl beamed so proudly that Anna chuckled and swooped her into her lap. Selena obediently snuggled against her, the faint scent of lemon lifting from the child’s hair.

She rested her cheek against Selena’s curls and watched the other children playing Catch the Cat. It was late afternoon and the sun shone across the lawn, casting long shadows. It was cooler now and all the children wore coats. Elizabeth’s and Marian’s long white dresses fluttered against the deep green grass as they ran. Richard was chasing Desford, both of them laughing loudly. Anna sighed. Her time at Greyley House was at an end.

The children were doing well, even Desford had settled in somewhat, though she still detected an occasional flash of rebellion in his eyes. Lily had worked out well and the children loved her. Usually by the time Anna reached this stage with her charges, she had already found her next employment. But for some reason she hadn’t written a single letter of inquiry. Tomorrow, perhaps, after the children presented the play, she’d start making preparations to move on.

She caught the sound of Elizabeth’s laughter and a feeling of sadness weighted her. In the short time she’d been at Greyley House, she’d grown to love these children—more than she should. She wasn’t sure if it was because she’d been more open to them, knowing they were under Anthony’s care, or if they were just dearer. Whatever it was, it made her throat tighten painfully to think of leaving.

“You’re holding me too tight,” Selena said, shifting in Anna’s arms.

Anna loosened her hold. “Sorry, sweetheart. I was just thinking.”

“’Bout what?”

Anna rubbed her chin against the child’s curls and didn’t answer. As much as she would miss the children, she would miss Anthony more. But as much as it hurt to leave, it would kill her to stay.

“Uh oh,” Selena said suddenly. “Lord Greyley is coming and he appears angry. Do you think he’s remembering all his lost shoes?”

Anna followed the child’s gaze across the lawn. Anthony strode toward her with long, purposeful steps. The dark expression on his face made her heart sink. Oh dear, what has happened now?

He stopped before her, his gaze hot. “I want a word with you.”

She waited.

His gaze flickered to Selena and then back to Anna. “Not in front of the children.”

Anna stiffened at the preemptory voice. “Lord Greyley, as you can see, I’m busy. Selena has a splinter in her hand.”

Always willing to garner attention, Selena held out her finger toward Greyley.

A scowl crossed the earl’s face. “Does it hurt?”

“Not anymore,” Selena answered.

“I’ll give you a shilling to go and play.”

Selena pursed her lips. “Two shillings.”