There she was, balancing on one leg, her foot halfway in, but unable to go any further. She tried to pull her foot out, but the garment tangled about her ankle and she lost her balance. She hopped wildly, trying to regain her footing, but it was impossible. Within moments, she tumbled to the ground, right onto her rump, her left elbow catching the edge of the dresser.

Afterward she lay staring at the ceiling, her pantaloons wrapped about one foot, waiting for the ache in her behind to subside. That was it. Today was the end of this little war. Anna peeled the pantaloons off her foot and climbed to her feet. She’d best hurry if she wanted to get to the nursery before the children.

Anna was sitting in the chair by the fireplace when Lily brought the children in. They peeked at her, giggling as they did so. Desford had apparently shared his little trick, for they were all grinning from ear to ear.

Anna refused to admit that anything was wrong. She greeted them gaily, asked about their breakfast, and settled them down to work. They kept exchanging glances and she could see that they were wondering what had gone awry.

She kept them busy for the next hour working on a variety of things when she turned around to find Greyley standing in the doorway. Her heart gave a strange leap. “Lord Greyley. What a pleasant surprise.” Why did he have to appear now, of all times?

“Miss Thraxton,” he returned, his jaw tight. “I sent a note this morning asking to meet with you.”

“So you did. But I’m very busy right now,” she said, glancing at the children. “Perhaps another time.”

Anthony noticed that she seemed uncharacteristically restless. He frowned. “It has been three days. You, Miss Thraxton, owe me a schedule.”

“Of course. You’ll get one as soon as I have it ready.” She walked toward the door as if anxious to get him to leave. “Thank you for coming, but the children and I are very busy today.”

Anthony pulled to a halt. She was far too anxious to get him to leave. “I think I will stay for a while. Just to see how things are progressing.” He found the largest chair the nursery offered and seated himself. He then crossed his arms and leaned back with the air of a man settled for the duration.

Thraxton did not look pleased to have him there. For several minutes she looked as if she might say something, but finally she shrugged and turned away. Moments passed, during which Anthony noticed that the children seemed uneasy. They glanced at one another and watched Miss Thraxton warily.

Anna finally broke the silence. “Desford, would you bring Richard a new sheet of paper?”

Desford went to rise, but fell back in his chair. He sat, stunned, then scowled and tried to rise again. Once more he fell back into his chair.

Elizabeth blinked. “What is it?”