The Nanny. Judith Stacy

      “My kiss lacked something?”

      His eyes widened. “You think my kiss lacked something?”

      A little crease appeared in her forehead as she considered his question. “Well…yes.”

      He sat up in the chair. “I suppose you’ve been kissed so many times that you instantly know a good kiss from a bad kiss?”

      “No, I haven’t been kissed that many times, at all, if it’s any of your business,” she told him. “But the kiss definitely lacked…passion. Yes, that’s it. Passion.”

      “My kisses have plenty of passion, I’ll have you know.”

      Annie shrugged. “Perhaps you’re just out of practice?”

      Well, he couldn’t argue with that. Still, it irritated him to no end.

      “So, you’re sorry you kissed me?” she asked.

      Josh’s attention turned back to Annie as she gazed at him, and instantly he knew he wasn’t sorry he’d kissed her. Not sorry at all….

      Praise for Judith Stacy’s recent works

      The Blushing Bride

      “…lovable characters that grab your heartstrings…a fun read all the way.”

      —Rendezvous

      The Dreammaker

      “…a delightful story of the triumph of love.”

      —Rendezvous

      The Heart of a Hero

      “Judith Stacy is a fine writer with both polished style and heartwarming sensitivity.”

      —Bestselling author Pamela Morsi

      THE NANNY

      Harlequin Historical #561

      #559 THE OVERLORD’S BRIDE

      Margaret Moore

      #560 CIMARRON ROSE

      Nicole Foster

      #562 TAMING THE DUKE

      Jackie Manning

      The Nanny

      Judith Stacy

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      Available from Harlequin Historicals and JUDITH STACY

      Outlaw Love #360

      The Marriage Mishap #382

      The Heart of a Hero #444

      The Dreammaker #486

      Written in the Heart #500

      The Blushing Bride #521

      One Christmas Wish #531 “Christmas Wishes”

      The Last Bride in Texas #541

      The Nanny #561

      To Margaret Marbury, my editor,

      for your hard work and support.

      To Judy, Stacy and David

      for always, always, always being there.

      Contents

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Chapter Thirteen

       Chapter Fourteen

       Chapter Fifteen

       Chapter Sixteen

       Chapter Seventeen

       Chapter Eighteen

       Chapter Nineteen

       Chapter Twenty

       Chapter Twenty-One

       Chapter Twenty-Two

       Chapter Twenty-Three

       Chapter Twenty-Four

       Chapter Twenty-Five

       Chapter Twenty-Six

      Chapter One

      Wisconsin

      Summer, 1840

      “Mind your own business.”

      Annie Martin mumbled the words to herself, forcing her attention on the sprouting weeds stretched out in front of her. She was lucky to have this job tending the gardens at the home of the wealthiest man in the settlement. No, more than lucky, Annie reminded herself. Darned lucky. Even if she was seeing weeds in her sleep.

      Even if she could hardly keep her mind on her own business and her opinions to herself.

      The rich earth turned over beneath her hoe as Annie worked her way down the row of tomato plants. Her gloves, trousers and shirt were a little big—better suited for a man. Her wide brimmed straw hat protected her face from the sun. But nothing kept the sound from assaulting her ears.

      The baby.

      Annie’s gaze drifted to the rear of the big white house that belonged to Josh Ingalls, her employer. Windows stood open, letting the gentle breeze cool the interior. Curtains billowed. And the heart-wrenching cries of the baby floated out.

      “Mind your own business,”