Still, it wouldn’t do to scare her off. He needed her at Greyley House. “You have my word as a gentleman that I will not attempt to kiss you…unless, of course, you ask me to.”

“That will never happen.”

Wouldn’t it? It would be interesting to see what exactly would happen. “Are you ready to leave?”

“Yes. My portmanteau is in the hallway, as is a trunk.”

Anthony went to the door and opened it wide. “After you, Miss Thraxton.”

She swept forward, head held at a regal angle, her stiff skirts rustling noisily as she went. Anthony leaned forward as she walked past. She was so tall, the top of her head was at a level with his eyes. It was unusual that he had such access to a woman and he couldn’t help but inhale her scent as it wafted by. She smelled of lemon and rose, a tempting combination that made him want to linger near.

He watched as she pulled on her pelisse and briskly ordered her servant to place her things on the carriage. Then, without so much as glancing behind her to see if Anthony was following, she marched outside. He grinned and took his time meandering after her. Perhaps this was indeed the woman to tame the hellions who had invaded his house.

Despite her misgivings about her employer, Anna couldn’t help but appreciate the luxurious coach. Large and well-sprung, it boasted all the comforts available. No creaking, lumbering conveyance for the Earl of Greyley. This handsome vehicle would never rattle through a tollgate or cause the occupants’ legs to lose their feelings from lack of springs. And even more attractive was the lively black gelding that was tied to the back of the carriage.

Anna felt Greyley’s approach and she wondered why she let him infuriate her so. He was being deliberately irksome and she detested the way he lagged behind, watching her with that amused, sleepy glint in his eyes that made her yearn to box his ears. But she was a Thraxton and the Thraxtons had never met an enemy they couldn’t subdue.

“Anna.” Grandpapa’s voice came from directly behind her. “Are we departing already?”

Anna turned. Grandpapa stood at the bottom step, elegantly clad in black traveling breeches and a frock coat of blue superfine, clutching his gold-knobbed cane in one hand. At his feet sat a portmanteau.

Anna looked at the portmanteau. “We?”

“I’m coming with you,” he said, beaming amiably. “After much thought, I’ve decided that a few months in the country would do me a world of good.”

Good God, no! He had to be teasing…but one look at his face made Anna’s heart sink. “You want to come with me? But…you’ve never asked before.”

“It’s too cold in this drafty house.”

“Yes, but…it’s August.”

“The nights still bring a chill.” He smiled brightly. “Perhaps I might be of assistance in the nursery. I’m very good with children, you know.”

“You’d be bored to tears. None of your friends will be able to visit and—”