Page 24 of Duke of Bronze
As she took in their surroundings, recognition dawned. "Regent's Park?" She turned to him in surprise. "I must admit, I did not expect this choice."
Colin tucked his hands behind his back, clearly pleased with himself. "I thought you might appreciate somewhere serene. A place untouched by society's chaos and prying eyes."
She narrowed her gaze. "You seem quite satisfied with your… thoughtfulness."
He inclined his head, utterly unabashed. "Shall I take that as acknowledgment of my fine planning?"
Anna scoffed. "Are you truly so starved for compliments, Your Grace? You may continue fishing for them, but you shall receive none from me."
"Not yet," he countered with the delight of a schoolboy, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm and leading her forward. Miss Watson followed at a discreet distance.
They walked only a short way before Anna came to an abrupt stop, her eyes widening at the sight before her.
Beneath the sprawling limbs of an ancient oak tree lay the most lavish picnic she had ever encountered. A fine blanket spread over the grass, laden with silver trays and fine china, a selection of delicacies artfully arranged. Nearby, a pond shimmered under the midday sun, ducks gliding across its surface. But whatcaught her attention most of all were the candles. Dozens of them, placed about as though this were some sort of romantic tableau.
Anna folded her arms. "A candlelit picnic," she remarked.
Colin, wholly unruffled, gestured grandly. "Impressed yet?"
She sank onto the blanket with a sigh. "I fail to see the purpose of candles in broad daylight."
His grin was nothing short of insufferable. "Ah, but if they were absent, you might have accused me of a lack of effort."
Anna merely arched a brow, unimpressed. Romance had never been something she cared for, and she was certainly not about to swoon over an excessive display of wax and wick.
Colin's brows lifted ever so slightly, a flicker of surprise flashing across his features before he recovered. "I would not expect you to appreciate the artistry involved in such gestures."
Anna tilted her head, a slow smile curving her lips. "If I did not know better, Your Grace, I might think you sounded… disappointed."
His mouth twitched in what she suspected was reluctant amusement. "I merely find that I am not receiving my due return in admiration and gratitude."
Anna stiffened.Gratitude?Was she to offer effusive thanks now? As though she had requested this extravagant display?
"You purchased my attendance, not my compliance, Your Grace," she pointed out, arching a brow.
Colin's gaze darkened with something akin to mischief. "No, but I daresay I could obtain that without coin."
Anna inhaled sharply, her spine straightening. His confidence—so assured, so unshakable—was infuriating. And worse, entirely too appealing.
Before she could form a suitable retort, he plucked a piece of cheese and an olive, setting them atop a slice of sourdough bread. With deliberate ease, he held it out to her. "Try this."
She eyed the offering with suspicion. "Are you attempting to barter for my compliance with food now?"
He leaned in slightly, his smile slow and knowing. "A gentleman must exhaust every possible advantage."
Anna scoffed. "Then I wish the gentleman the very best of luck. For he shall certainly need it."
Colin's grin widened. "Luck? My dear Lady Anna, I have no need for luck. My charm is quite sufficient to carry me anywhere."
She let out a disbelieving laugh. "You are insufferable."
"And yet, you are smiling." He looked altogether too pleased with himself.
Anna rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "It is luck, nothing more."
"If that is what you must tell yourself," he replied with a low chuckle.
And much to her dismay, she found herself laughing again. Somehow, despite herself, Anna found she had fallen into an easy rhythm of conversation with this insufferable, maddeningly self-assured man. The air between them was lighter now, their banter weaving effortlessly through the afternoon.
