Worse was the realization that she was right. He did need to be more careful how he spoke in front of the children. The admission was galling, and he glared down at her. She met his gaze with a frank one of her own, uncowed by his scowls, her figure outlined in that damnable riding habit, a faint dimple resting beside her delectable mouth, one strand of lush red hair curling over her ear. She appeared calm and proud and damnably impudent, and he was assailed with the desire to shake her from her certainty.

But he knew where that would lead—to another kiss, just as hot and passionate as before. He’d be damned if he made that mistake again. He turned and strode to the safety of his desk. “I don’t need any advice from you, Thraxton. You are here to see to the children and nothing else.”

“That’s too bad, for I daresay I could do you a great deal of good.”

What the hell did she mean by that? But before he could ask, she was sailing toward the door, her hips swaying gently beneath her skirts.

He watched, mesmerized by the thoughts of the long legs that the skirts hinted at. For the fortieth time that day, he remembered the feel of her long, firm body against his when he’d kissed her. He’d wager his best stallion her legs were nearly as long as his. The thought settled into his groin and heated him thoroughly.

Unaware of the torments he was facing, Thraxton reached the door and turned to toss a gay wave in his direction. “I’m off to the stables to see this horse you have for me. I do hope she has some spirit, Greyley, or I will have to make them saddle another.” With an impudent wiggle of her fingers, she disappeared out the door.

Chapter 10

A man in possession of five unruly children must be in want of a good wife. Either that or a very fast horse.

Mrs. Oglethorpe-White to Lord Bristol during the second intermission of the new play

Anthony stared at the door and then slowly sank back in his chair. Good God, what force had he unleashed on Greyley House? It was true Thraxton had temporarily vanquished Lady Putney, and far more quickly than he’d hoped, but that she would dare assume she could correct him?

Worse was the realization that she had no intention of adhering to the schedule. And that simply could not be borne. He mulled over all the things he should and could say to her, yet none of them seemed forceful enough. Perhaps she’d follow written instructions better. Yes, that was a possibility. He pulled out a sheet of starched vellum and started to write a pithy note outlining Miss Thraxton’s duties, when he realized he was wasting his time.

Miss Thraxton was a woman who would appreciate only direct, face-to-face confrontation. He doubted she’d comprehend anything so subtle as a list of her duties, no matter how plainly written out.