Page 109 of Duke of Bronze
Colin gave a quiet sigh and leaned back in his chair.
"Because," Morgan said, voice softening just a fraction, "even a blind man could see that you are thoroughly, wretchedly in love with her."
Colin's grip tightened slightly around his glass.
"I've known you a long time, Copperton. I've seen you charm, flirt, court, and toss aside more than a few hearts. But I haveneverseen you this… undone."
Colin said nothing. Because there was nothing to refute.
Morgan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "So, what's stopping you?"
Colin shook his head once. "She does not want me."
"Says who?"
"Saysher," he replied dryly. "Or at least, it's what she implied. At the house party. On the terrace. She said she didn't want marriage. She said?—"
"She said a great many things, I'm sure," Morgan cut in. "But have you actuallyaskedher how she feels aboutyou?"
Colin opened his mouth, then shut it.
Morgan grinned knowingly. "There it is."
"I cannot simply chase after a woman who has made her wishes clear."
"Oh, but youcan," Morgan said. "Damn the ‘shoulds' and the ‘coulds.' Follow your heart. That's what it's for."
Colin snorted. "Curious. You are the second person to give me that exact counsel today."
"Well, whoever the first was clearly puts their mind to better use than you do," Morgan said, not missing a beat.
Colin narrowed his gaze. "Are you implying that I've misplaced my wits?"
"No, not misplaced. Just temporarily surrendered," Morgan replied easily. "You love her? Then go to her. Say what needs to be said. Do not sit here brooding like some Byronic hero. And for heaven's sake, do not leave the door open for regret."
Colin stared at him.
Was there truly hope for him?
CHAPTER 39
"When you did not respond to Roderick's letter, we feared you might not come," Jane Millard exclaimed as she opened the door, her face positively aglow.
Anna managed a smile as Jane drew her into an enthusiastic embrace. The warmth of it caught her off guard.
"But we prepared in hope, nonetheless," Jane added cheerfully.
"I wouldn't have missed it for the world," Anna said, her voice steadier than she felt.
In truth, she had warred with herself for hours. But in the end, she had pinned a smile to her face, wrapped herself in composure like armor, and made her way to the Millards' modest home.
The moment she stepped through the doorway, the children descended upon her with squeals of delight. Their laughter, their arms thrown around her—so eager and unguarded—drew a genuine smile to her lips.
"I come bearing sweets," she said with exaggerated solemnity, offering them the little parcel she'd tucked into her reticule.
Martha was the first to snatch it, crying out her thanks, while the boys followed with equally gleeful responses.
Once they were distracted with their bounty, Anna straightened, smoothing her skirts with one hand while the other still held the small woven basket she had brought along. She glanced about the room, seeking a place to set it down?—
