“This is my troublemaker,” Greyley said. Though the words could have been harsh, they were more a rough caress and the little girl knew it, for she grinned up at him, unabashed. He ruffled her hair, his expression softening slightly. “She looks like a baby, but she’s devil spawn from her topmost ringlet to her chubby toes.”

“I did it all,” she replied proudly, sticking her thumb in the middle of her own chest. “By myself, too.”

“So I’ve been told,” he said with mock gravity. He met Anna’s gaze. “According to Desford and the others, Miss Selena is the cause of all the unrest here at Greyley House.”

Anna looked at Selena. “Even the frogs?”

“I catched them all,” she said in a well-rehearsed voice. “With my fingers.”

“My, how brave! I dislike frogs myself.” She leaned forward. “It’s a good thing they don’t bite.”

Selena’s gaze widened and she looked at Desford.

“Frogs don’t bite,” he said, his brows so low they almost met at the center.

Selena appeared relieved and Anna hid a smile as she straightened. “I am so looking forward to being with all of you. Perhaps we should begin with a ride.” She turned to face Greyley. “What do you think?”

“The children have rides Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Perhaps you would like to ride with the children then.”

“Oh no. I would much rather ride with the children today.”

It appeared Greyley had suddenly remembered something very sour, for his mouth pulled in at the corners. “Miss Thraxton—”

“It’s my first day and I believe it would benefit the children if we could spend a little time together.”

The earl took a slow breath, as if to release some sort of inner pressure. “Thraxton, you and I have to—”

“Who,” said a shrill voice from the doorway, “is this? Greyley, please tell me you didn’t hire yet another governess without asking my advice.”

Anna turned to see a woman walking toward them, her hair dyed an unnatural black, her face highly painted, black silk draperies fluttering about her stout form. Her small blue eyes took in Anna from head to foot, noting the expert cut of her habit with a frown. “Who is she? And why is she dressed in such a way?”

At her militant tone, the earl regarded his visitor with a pointed expression.

The woman’s mouth thinned, but the earl did not reply. Finally the woman said in a testy voice, “I daresay it is the new governess, though why she has on a riding habit is beyond me.”

Greyley’s gaze narrowed. “Lady Putney, allow me to introduce Miss Thraxton.”

“Thraxton? I’ve heard that name before.”

“I’m sure you have,” the earl said smoothly. “The Thraxtons are an important family in Bath. Miss Thraxton is reputed to be the best governess in all of England.”

Anna thought she detected the slightest flicker of something in Lady Putney’s face, but all the woman said was, “I hope she lasts longer than the others.” She turned her back on Anna and began talking to the children. “There you are, my sweets. Grandmama just returned from town with some candies. Come to my room and I’ll give them to you.”