Page 32 of Duke of Bronze
Anna blinked. "Aunt Petunia, whatever is the matter?"
"The matter?" Petunia exclaimed, aghast. "The matter is that I had to learn of youroutingwith the Duke of Copperton through the scandal sheets!" She gave the paper another dramatic wave before setting both hands indignantly upon her hips, her sharp gaze fixing Anna in place as though she were an errant child.
Realizing there was no immediate threat beyond her aunt's ever-melodramatic sensibilities, Anna released a breath and folded her arms. "Are you just arriving, Aunty?"
"I am," Petunia huffed. "And I came straightaway to learn why you would betray me so."
Anna arched a brow. "A betrayal? Surely you exaggerate."
"Oh, do I?" Petunia shot back, eyes narrowing. "You should have written me the very moment you and the Duke decided upon a day and time."
Anna sighed, rubbing her temple. "It was a mere picnic, Aunty. An unremarkable affair."
Petunia scoffed. "Do not attempt to downplay this, my dear. I hadplansfor your ensemble, your toilette?—"
Anna's stomach twisted. "Andthatis precisely why I neglected to inform you."
Her aunt gasped as though she had been struck. "You wound me."
Anna pressed her lips together, willing herself to be patient. "I shall not be trussed up like a porcelain doll for an afternoon in the park. It was a simple outing, Aunty,nota parade."
And certainly not an occasion upon which I wished to look particularly well for Copperton. Absolutely not. A thousand times, no.
Petunia sniffed. "A lady should always endeavor to be presentable."
"Iwaspresentable."
As presentable as I felt like being.
"Not enough to catch a bee's fancy, I wager. Let alone a devilishly handsome and rakish duke," Petunia declared with a theatrical sigh.
Anna groaned, rubbing at her temples as though that alone might stave off the inevitable headache. "Do you not think your indignation rathermoot, Aunty? The outing has already taken place."
"Mypoint, dear girl," Petunia countered, lifting her chin, "is that there arefourmore yet to come, and we must make the most of them."
Anna stilled, her hands falling away from her face as she stared at her aunt in sheer disbelief. "We?" she echoed, as though the word had suddenly lost all meaning.
"Henceforth, we are a pair in this endeavor, my dear. I shall work behind the scenes, orchestrating every necessary detail to ensure you are as presentable as possible. And you, my love, shall go forth andcharmthe Duke." Petunia's eyes twinkled with delight.
Anna nearly choked on her laughter. "Aunt Petunia, what in heaven's name makes you believe Iwishfor such a thing?" She shook her head, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Rid yourself of thisfairy talenotion. I have no interest in parading myself before Copperton like some trained peacock."
Her aunt waved a dismissive hand. "Details, details. Now, when is the next one happening?"
"I do not know," Anna admitted with a shrug. "Not until the Duke contacts me about it."
Petunia regarded her with the sort of incredulity usually reserved for scandalous socialfaux pas. "Well, in that case, Ialreadyhave the perfect dress planned for you." She clapped her hands together, her delight at the prospect utterly unrestrained.
Anna narrowed her eyes. "You shall do no such thing."
"Oh, I shall, my dear," her aunt declared triumphantly. Then, fixing Anna with a knowing look, she arched a brow. "Youwillinform me the moment the next outing is scheduled, will you not?"
It was not a request. It was a decree.
Anna, not particularly fond of open war, inclined her head in the smallest of nods. Not because she intended to acquiesce—heaven forbid—but because placating Petunia in the moment was the surest way to be rid of her meddling. At least temporarily.
Her aunt beamed at the perceived victory. "Splendid. I shall begin preparations at once."
Anna had barely drawn breath before Petunia added, "And I shall have your father keep a watchful eye on you and your correspondence, just in case you decide torenegeon your promise."
