Page 27 of Duke of Bronze
"Anna!"
Small feet pounded across the floor before a little girl hurled herself into Anna's legs, clutching tight. Anna looked down into Martha's beaming face just as John and Abraham followed suit, nearly knocking her over in their excitement. Their chatter overlapped, words tumbling out in breathless bursts as they all vied for her attention.
Laughing, Anna ruffled John's unruly curls. "One at a time, you little rascals! How is a lady meant to understand anything when you speak all at once?"
Martha tugged on her cloak, her blue eyes wide and hopeful. "Did you bring us any sugarplums?"
Anna arched a brow. "And what if I had not?"
Martha's lower lip trembled most dramatically. "Oh, that wouldn't be a problem."
Rolling her eyes, Anna reached into the basket she carried and retrieved a small box of sweetmeats. The delighted shrieks nearly deafened her as the children darted off to share their prize.
"You spoil them."
Anna turned to see Jane wiping her hands on her apron, shaking her head even as a smile tugged at her lips.
"Do they not deserve to be spoiled?" Anna countered with a grin.
Jane let out a quiet huff of amusement. Anna set the basket down on the table and retrieved a porcelain bowl, pressing it into Jane's hands. "Lydia's liniment."
Jane's eyes widened as she traced the delicate floral design. "This looks far too fine to be holding liniment."
Anna shrugged. "Then display it on the mantle when it's empty."
Shaking her head, Jane helped unpack the basket. Anna pulled out wrapped parcels and set them aside. "I had planned to make Lydia some broth myself, but time did not permit. I brought meat and bones, so we may prepare it together."
Jane's breath hitched as she took in the fresh bread, cheese, and jam. Tears shimmered in her eyes, but before she could speak, Anna held up a hand.
Jane laughed through her emotion. "You do not even know what I was going to say."
Anna smiled, her voice gentle. "I know." Then, with quiet conviction, she added, "We are friends. And besides, Roderick saved my life. That is a debt I will never be able to repay."
Jane scoffed. "He only pushed you out of the way of a carriage."
Anna lifted a brow. "A carriage that was speeding. The horse could have been mad."
That, finally, made Jane laugh. But the mirth faded as she glanced toward the closed door leading to Lydia's room. Her voice lowered. "She is not improving." Jane swallowed. "When she coughs, there is blood." She paused, as if steadying herself. "The physician says we must ensure she is comfortable."
Anna's heart clenched. Without thinking, she pulled Jane into an embrace. "Everything shall be well."
Jane sighed, her worry settling upon Anna as they held onto each other.
They turned to preparing the broth, working in companionable silence as they filled a pot with water and hung it over the fire. As Anna stirred, she asked, "Where is Roderick?"
Jane sighed. "He has a fight today."
Anna arched a brow. "A good thing I brought extra liniment."
Jane let out a breathy chuckle. "He will need it."
As the broth simmered, they settled at the table with cups of tea. Jane regarded Anna carefully. "And how fares life among theton?"
Anna rolled her eyes. "Uneventful as ever."
Jane smirked. "Roderick fights again tomorrow. You should come watch."
"I shall consider it." Anna tapped a finger against her teacup.
