Page 11 of Duke of Bronze
Victoria chose that moment to let out a delighted babble, her tiny hands clapping in unknowing approval.
"See? Even little Victoria agrees," Peggy added with a triumphant grin.
"Agreeing with your motheragainstme, Victoria darling?" Anna peered down at her baby niece, feigning a look of utter betrayal. "Oh, the treachery. You wound me, you little petal."
She pressed a flurry of kisses to the baby's chubby cheeks, drawing forth a string of delighted babbles. The child wriggled happily in her lap, tiny fingers grasping at the lace trim of Anna's sleeve, and she could not help but laugh. Victoria was utterly guileless, and yet, in that moment, she seemed to take great pleasure in conspiring with Peggy against her.
Peggy chuckled, watching the scene unfold with fond amusement. "It appears she has chosen her allegiances well."
Anna sighed theatrically. "Alas, betrayed by my very own family. What is left for me but sorrow?"
Another round of laughter filled the room, light and easy, before Peggy's expression sobered slightly. "But tell me truthfully, Anna; are you truly well with this arrangement?"
Anna let out a breath, adjusting Victoria against her. "I assure you, I am quite well."
Peggy arched a brow. "That is not quite an answer."
Anna hesitated, but only briefly. "As a matter of fact, the Duke called upon me this morning, and we have come to a mutual understanding."
Peggy's brows lifted. "Mutual understanding?"
Anna nodded, affecting an air of indifference. "It is all quite temporary. He is simply claiming what he rightfully purchased at the auction. Nothing more, nothing less."
Peggy hummed, clearly not convinced.
Anna, desperate to steer the conversation elsewhere, pressed on. "Papa was rather hopeful this morning," she admitted, her voice softening. "And Aunt Petunia called during breakfast as well. I fear she is only fueling his delusions." She let out a breath. "Iam notgetting married."
Peggy regarded her cousin for a long moment before shaking her head with a smile. "You must understand, Anna dear, it is now public knowledge that the Duke is in need of a duchess."
"A duchess he shall find, soon enough—just as soon as he has exhausted his purchase of my time," Anna said swiftly, hoping to put an end to whatever thought was forming behind Peggy's knowing gaze.
"Will he now?" Peggy mused, her brows lifting, lips curving just so, as if she already knew the answer.
Anna's eyes narrowed. "And what, pray, isthatsupposed to mean?"
Peggy took her time responding, absently smoothing a crease in her dress. "Only that perhaps you ought to keep an open mind as you go through with this arrangement. Do not think of it merely as a transaction from an auction."
Anna's jaw slackened. She stared at her cousin as though she had just proclaimed an undying love for turnips. "Notyoutoo, Peggy," she finally managed, then swallowed.
She had come here seeking a distraction, not yet another person entertaining absurd notions about Copperton.
Had she miscalculated in coming here after all?
CHAPTER 6
"You seem to have secured the most coveted catch of the season, Copperton. I must say, Lady Anna is quite the acquisition," Morgan Down, the Duke of Giltford, drawled as they rode through the bustling streets of London. His tone was one of unrepentant amusement, but then again, Morgan never missed an opportunity to tease.
Colin sighed, keeping his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "You make it sound as though I have already made an offer for the lady."
Morgan smirked. "Wouldn't it only be a matter of time before that follows suit?"
Colin scoffed. "I am merely taking what little pleasure I may before I am forced to produce a duchess for Copperton."
It was no secret that he required a bride. Ever since his father's passing, the pressure to marry had increased tenfold.As Marquess of Broughton, he had lived as he pleased—his time had been his own, his adventures unrestrained. But now, with the title of Duke upon his shoulders, his duty loomed ever closer, a beast lying in wait. He had precious little time left before the shackles of matrimony closed around him.
Morgan cast him a sidelong glance. "And you imagine this ‘last adventure' will be found by flinging an obscene amount of money at a charity auction?"
Colin grinned. "It seemed the most efficient way to acquire five afternoons of amusement."
