“Anna, I…”

“No. We’ve said enough.”

To her disappointment, he only nodded. “We can discuss this later.”

Anna curtsied, then turned and made her way back to her room. Once there, she shut the door and leaned against it, her breath uneven. Good Lord, what had come over her? Whatever it was, it would never happen again. Never.

She’d taken this position intent on bringing order to Greyley House, not to disrupt her own life. And that is what would happen if she allowed the physical bond that fired between the earl and her every time they were alone.

Perhaps that was the answer—she would never be alone with him again. In a large household, populated by a virtual army of servants, that shouldn’t be too difficult. Anna prepared for bed, yet she continued to mull over that impetuous kiss. It had proven one thing—Greyley was not as immune to her as he pretended. It wasn’t much of a sop to her tattered pride, but it was something. Something indeed.

Anna managed to avoid being alone with the earl for two entire days. Not that it was difficult, as being with the children took all her time. But they proved to be challenging enough. Desford was alternately sullen, resentful, caustic, and rude. The other children tended to follow his lead, though less often as the hours passed.

But it still took its toll, and by the end of the second day, she was so weary all she wanted to do was fall into her bed. Grandpapa took one look at her and ordered her dinner to be sent to her room. Also, he didn’t once press her about joining the family for dinner, but had talked quietly, then dropped a kiss on her cheek before leaving her in peace.

Too tired to think, she changed into her gown then climbed into the huge bed. The pillows and luxurious bed coverings enveloped her tired body. She fell into a dreamless sleep and remained that way until something brushed against her leg.

Anna was wide awake in the blink of an eye. She waited, breath held…but nothing stirred. She had just convinced herself that she’d imagined it when it happened again. And this time there was no mistaking the feel of dry, slithery scales against her bare ankle. With a loud screech, Anna bolted from the bed, scrambling madly to free herself from the heavy tangle of sheets and comforter.

Grandpapa burst into the room, resplendent in a purple robe. “What’s wrong?”

Anna kicked at the counterpane and a small black head stuck out from beneath the lace edge.

“Oh dear,” Grandpapa said, his lips twitching slightly. “A lizard.”

“I-it was in my b-bed.” To her horror, tears welled in her eyes. “It t-touched me.”

Grandpapa was beside her in an instant, patting her shoulder. “There, there. No harm done. It’s a harmless little lizard, and not even a big one at that.”

She shuddered. “Do they bite?”

“Not enough to hurt you.” Grandpapa stared at the lizard thoughtfully. “I wonder how he got in here? It’s strange it was attracted to the linens. They usually hide in the woodwork.”