At home, he was changing out of his riding coat when the sound of voices drifted up to his window. He pulled aside the curtain and looked down to see his wards and their new governess dismounting from their horses. Apparently the spirited mare had met with Miss Thraxton’s approval. After dismounting, she lingered by its side and patted it with obvious fondness, saying something to Elizabeth that caused the child to nod and try to stroke the horse’s velvet nose.

The horse lifted its head playfully, pulling away from the child, then just as quickly dipping her head to beg for another pat. Elizabeth laughed, a loud, childish laugh that made Anthony pause.

The children had been with him for several months now, yet how often had he heard them laugh? Rarely, if ever. And never while under the care of one of their governesses.

Anthony wondered if he was, in some way, to blame for this. He wasn’t a jovial, falsely laughing sort of man. He had responsibilities and little time for frivolous pursuits. Still…He watched as Selena giggled at something Thraxton had just said and suddenly a thought hit him. Perhaps in his zeal to correct the children’s behavior, he had overlooked certain things. Like the need for warmth, laughter, friendship…all the things that had made his relationship with his brothers and sister so worthwhile.

The thought sat heavily on his shoulders for several minutes. He would just have to do better, damn it. Perhaps now that Miss Thraxton was here, things would change all around. For the better or the worse, he wasn’t sure. But whatever the outcome, he was reasonably certain he would not be bored. Not in the least.

Chapter 11

What men want more than anything is peace and quiet. Well, that and a glass of good port.

Lord Bristol to his mistress, Lady Clives-Brandley, at his rented house just outside Mayfair

For Anna, the ride proved to be a great success. Once away from the stern and forbidding manor house, the children became more talkative. Anna even won a laugh from each of the girls. If only the boys had been as cooperative—Desford remained openly hostile, while Richard ignored her every word. Except once, at the end, when he’d warmed up just for a second…

She sighed. It hadn’t lasted more than a moment, but perhaps it was a beginning. Anna walked up the front steps of Greyley House behind the children, who scampered quickly out of sight once inside. Anna could hear Mrs. Stibbons scolding about the dusty boots marring her clean floors.

Anna smiled at Jenkins as she walked inside the cool foyer. It seemed abysmally dark after being in the sunshine.

“Did you have a pleasant ride, Miss?”

She dragged her hat from her hair and ran a hand over her tangled curls. “Glorious! The weather is perfect.”

He took her hat and handed it to a waiting footman, who immediately turned to take it to her room. “When you have more time, you should try the path by the river. There are some lovely spots and even a waterfall, if I remember correctly.”