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four years, so mayhap the girl had just matured and now knew her place. Her body had certainly matured into that of a lovely young woman, as her ill-fated curtsey had demonstrated all too clearly. His blood stirred at the memory and he ruthlessly tamped down the inappropriate response.
    The silence dragged on, oppressive, and it settled on his shoulders, weighing them down. Stubborn hoyden . Grey rose and walked to stand in front of her. She tilted her head back and continued to stare at him as he sat on the edge of the desk.
    No. She had simply learned how to control her outbursts better. Now that he had moved closer, it was obvious the chit was shaking with the effort to hold her tongue, and razor-sharp anger sparked in her eyes.
    Her very seductive, mesmerizing cat’s eyes.
    Grey shook his head. That was not the proper direction for his thoughts to wander.
    “I know nothing I can say will make up for all the pain my carelessness has caused, but I do hope, even if you can’t forgive me, you’ll let me at least try to undo some of the damage I’ve brought about.” He paused. “You must believe me, I had no idea — nor did I in any way encourage anyone to treat you or your mother thusly.”
    She lowered her head, and Grey’s eyes followed, his gaze settling on the ample amount of flesh visible above the bodice of her dress. The pale blue made her sun-kissed skin shimmer, and the sight knocked the air out of him.
    The girl stirred, sitting up straighter in her seat. Then she took in a deep breath, expanding her chest. She exhaled and let her gaze meet his. “As you wish, your grace.”
    She stood and Grey followed, taking her hands in his. The gentle graze of her fingers on his palms sent a warm jolt up his arm that pooled low in his belly, and it took him a moment to collect himself so he could speak.
    “In that case, please accept my invitation to stay as long as you and your aunts would like. I will do my utmost to ensure that by the time you return to the country, the ton will be eating out of the palm of your hand.”
    The smile she bestowed upon him made his heart slam against his chest. The dimple-cheeked grin reached all the way to her eyes, making them gleam a brighter golden brown, and the force was so jarring Grey was sure his heart actually stopped momentarily.
    “That is very kind, your grace. How pleasant it is to see you are as kind and compassionate as your father, the late duke. And I accept your invitation so that Lady Charity may recover from her injury.” She glanced at the door. “And I should go check on her, see if she needs anything.”
    Grey released her hands. “Of course. Please let me or the staff know if you need anything.”
    She dropped into a more graceful curtsey than when she had first entered the study, making certain to keep her dress in place, and walked toward the door. A smile lifted his lips when she stepped across the threshold without a backward glance, closing the door gently behind her. He had to admit, he’d expected a hearty slam.
    Once alone, Grey raked his hands through his hair again, cursing himself. He had criticized his brother for wanting to leave. Had ranted like a madman about how disappointed he was that Will would so callously abandon his duties. And yet Grey had done the same thing. Now that his father was gone and he was the head of the family, Regina, along with her daughter, was as much his responsibility as the servants working for him and tenants living on his lands. More so.
    He returned to his chair and tried to concentrate on the ledgers, but his mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of his young houseguest and how she must have felt over the past few years. Next to virtue, a girl hoping to marry held her reputation of utmost importance. Grey would never consider a match with someone who was socially unacceptable, and neither would the other gentlemen of his acquaintance. He needed to set things right so Annabella could have a chance at a decent