Page 26 of Duke of Bronze
Anna closed her book with deliberate care and lifted her gaze to him with a small smile. "Papa."
"May I sit?" he asked, gesturing to the chaise by the window.
She nodded, shifting slightly as he lowered himself beside her. Titan, nestled comfortably in her lap, stirred only to crawl onto her father's legs before promptly curling up once more. Within moments, the pug was snoring.
They chuckled softly. "A most devoted companion," her father remarked, stroking the tiny dog's back.
Anna smirked. "Fiercely loyal, provided one is warm and unmoving."
He smiled but soon turned solemn. "I must admit, I did not quite anticipate your reaction to the time you are to spend with Copperton."
Anna folded her hands atop her book. "You needn't apologize for agreeing to the auction, Papa. I have already endured one afternoon with the Duke. Four more, and it shall be done."
"I worry about you, Anna. About your happiness." Her father took her hand in his, his expression troubled.
She squeezed his fingers. "I am happy as I am."
He sighed. "There are good men in the world, Anna."
"Of course, there are good men. But none for me," she scoffed.
"You might be surprised at the match you could make," he said gently.
Anna shook her head. "No gentleman would ever understand me, nor the things I value."
Her father hesitated before conceding, "Copperton's reputation is… questionable, I know."
"Precisely," she said, lifting a pointed brow. "And yet, you placed me in his path."
"We are diligent with the chaperoning."
She laughed, leaning forward to kiss his cheek. "Indeed, you are."
Her father smiled but said no more. With a final squeeze of her hand, he rose and left her to her book. She had barely returned her attention to it when a knock sounded at the door.
"Enter," she called.
Miss Watson strode in, clutching a gossip sheet with the sort of urgency typically reserved for actual emergencies. "My lady, you must see this!"
Anna took the paper warily and unfolded it. Her eyes skimmed the words and her stomach tightened with each ridiculous line:
The Duke and the Wild Spinster waltzed at the Duchess of Giltford's ball. How utterly in love they looked! In fact, the Duke was laughing so much one wonders what tales the wild spinster was telling him.
Then, they were seen arriving in Regent's Park the day after, again appearing entirely smitten with each other. The wagers are increasing, and those betting the Wild Spinster will be married before the season's end grow larger in number.
Will there truly be a wedding? Or will this be an unforgettable courtship that finally fizzles into nothing?
With a growl of frustration, Anna crumpled the sheet into a ball and hurled it across the room. "That cankered fool!" she seethed. "Writing and spreading such nonsense! He should be ashamed of himself, whoever he is."
Her breathing came fast, and the very walls felt closer and more suffocating. She needed air.
"Blast it!"
Anna scowled at the slate-gray sky just as a raindrop landed squarely on her nose. Wrinkling it in irritation, she gathered the hem of her worn skirts with her free hand and stepped over a puddle.
Whitechapel's streets were as grimy as ever, but at least they served as a welcome distraction. Anything to keep her mind from drifting to Colin. He had prevented her from sleeping well. He would not prevent her from going about her day.
Anna needed purpose to anchor herself against him and theton'sgossip, and an afternoon spent here might just be enough. She reached her destination and slipped through the door. The moment she stepped inside, delighted voices called out.
