“Perhaps tomorrow,” Anna said, deciding instantly to take the children exploring. If they came to enjoy Greyley’s lands, they wouldn’t feel so discontented with their lot in life. “Thank you, Jenkins.”

The butler bowed. “Shall I have warm water sent to your room?”

“Actually, I could use a hot bath after sitting in the carriage all morning.” She grimaced. “I thought the ride would work out all of my bruises, but I fear I only made more.”

A faint smile hovered over his mouth. “I shall see to it at once.” He bowed once more, then left.

Anna rubbed her shoulder where a stubborn ache persisted, her gaze falling on the suit of armor that stood guard at the foot of the stairs. Greyley had well-developed taste, she decided reluctantly. She might have placed the armor in a less prominent position, which would shift attention to the colorful tapestry that covered the west wall, but other than that, everything was as it should be. Everything except…no, something was missing.

She turned around, slowly staring at each object. It was a beautiful area, spacious and filled with an intriguing assortment of items. If only it wasn’t quite so…dark.

She wondered if Greyley would consider adding a mural on the high ceiling. It would brighten the entire area and make the entryway more inviting. Maybe a sky vista, with a few scattered clouds. Or a group of cherubs, floating on a sea of feathered clouds. “Something brighter.”

“Brighter than what?” came a deep voice behind her.

Anna whirled to see Greyley standing in the doorway to the library, his arms crossed over his broad chest, his dark gaze fixed on her. She pressed a hand to her thudding heart. She wished someone would tie a bell about that man’s neck. It would save her heart countless thuds. “I was just thinking that the foyer is too dark.”

He raised his brows.

“Not that it’s any business of mine,” she said hastily, “though I do think you should move the armor to a less prominent position.”

“You do, do you?” He regarded her with that lazy, heavy-lidded gaze, just like a large cat trying to decide which end of the mouse to devour first.

Anna decided to take his lack of verbal response as encouragement. “Have you ever thought of having a mural placed on the ceiling?”

“No.”

“It’s the first place one sees on entering the house,” she said, warming to the topic. “It would make a wonderful impression and—”

“Miss Thraxton,” he broke in, frustration and amusement warring for a place in his tone. “You cannot stop interfering, can you?”

“I wasn’t interfering; I was making suggestions. Friendly, simple suggestions.”

“Call it what you will. I’m glad I caught you before you went upstairs. We have unfinished business, you and I.”

For some reason, thoughts of their forbidden kiss flashed through her mind. But she could tell by the way he was looking at her that it wasn’t anything that pleasant. What could he want? Surely she hadn’t—oh yes. Matilda. “Ah, yes. Of course. Perhaps after I’ve had a chance to change—”