“I knew you were on your way. Besides, the earl and I had a lot to talk about. But now I’m tired.” He stood, yawning as he did so. “If you two will excuse me, I think I’ll take a nap.”

“I thought you needed these,” Anna said stiffly, holding out a pair of silver-rimmed spectacles.

“So I do.” Sir Phineas took the glasses and tucked them in his pocket. “I might want to read a bit before I go to sleep.” He sent a piercing glance at Anthony. “I look forward to speaking to you more later, young man.”

Anthony bowed politely. “I look forward to it.”

Miss Thraxton moved to one side to let her grandfather pass. The light from the window touched her skirts with gold and briefly illuminated the fascinating shape of her legs. Good God, they were endless. Endless and shapely and—

Anthony caught Sir Phineas’s amused glance. Damn it, what was he thinking? He was here to offer the chit a position as governess in his household and nothing else. “Sir Phineas, please feel free to stay. Miss Thraxton and I just have some business to conclude and—”

Sir Phineas waved a hand. “You don’t need me. Anna’s no pink and white miss. She can handle herself.” A sly smile touched the old man’s lips as he opened the door. “If you don’t believe me, ask Lord Northland.”

With this cryptic statement, Sir Phineas left, closing the door behind him. Anthony listened to the sounds of the cane steadily thumping along the corridor. After a moment, he glanced at Miss Thraxton, who stood planted in the center of the room, her back so straight he wondered if she wore a brace. To ease the moment, he asked, “Who is Lord Northland and why do I feel that I should pity him?”

“Lord Northland is of no consequence.” She crossed her arms under her chest, the gesture pressing her breasts upward. “So, Greyley, you need a governess.”

Anthony had to force himself to look elsewhere. Anna Thraxton was far too attractive to be a governess. Or would be, if one liked women who possessed far too many opinions of their own. “Miss Thraxton, let us come to the point. You are a governess; I would like to hire you.” There. Now all he needed to do was find out her salary requirements and—

“I’m afraid I cannot. As I told you last night, I am already employed. However, I would be glad to recommend another—”

“Miss Thraxton, I need you at Greyley House, not some milksop female unable to deal with the slightest upset.”

She jutted her chin mutinously, her eyes sparking with anger. “You may be king of the roost at your house, but here you are nothing more than another person looking for a governess. One of many, I might add.”

He had no doubt that the desperate parents and guardians of London were flocking to Miss Thraxton’s door; he himself was testament to that. But no one needed the best governess in London as much as he for no one had as much to prove. Anthony stifled his impatience. “It doesn’t matter who I am—I need you, Miss Thraxton. And I’m willing to pay.”