Page 57 of Duke of Bronze
When a new round began, Anna and Colin partnered together, playing with surprising skill. Victory was theirs, and the tavern keeper, in high spirits, presented them with celebratory drinks.
"In honor of our triumph," Colin declared, offering her his hand, "may I have this dance?"
Anna laughed, placing her hand in his. "In celebration of our little victory? How could I refuse?"
What began as a simple dance soon transformed into a revelry-filled country jig, the room filling with lively music—flutes, bagpipes, stomping feet, and laughter. Anna danced without restraint, her cheeks flushed with mirth, her heart impossibly light.
Alas, the night had to end eventually.
Colin returned her home in the carriage, his expression unreadable as they pulled to a stop before her house.
"This is your final destination for the night, my lady," he murmured.
Something inside Anna rebelled against the finality of it. Acting on impulse, she leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. "I had the most marvelous time tonight, Colin. Thank you."
She turned to exit before her courage failed her, but his hand caught her wrist, halting her retreat. Her breath hitched as their gazes locked.
Without a word, Colin lifted her wrist and brushed a slow, lingering kiss to the delicate skin at its inner side.
"Goodnight, Anna," he murmured.
Her pulse thrummed, her skin burning where his lips had touched. Barely finding her voice, she whispered, "Goodnight."
She stepped from the carriage, but the warmth of his touch followed her all the way inside.
CHAPTER 23
Anna,
I trust this note finds you well and appropriately wary. Prepare yourself, for my amusements at Copperton Hall are not for the faint of heart. Do try not to faint from shock—I am certain your dogs would never forgive me.
—Colin
She folded the note briskly and slipped it back into her reticule, her brows drawn tightly together. It had come alongside a house party invitation for her family.
Infuriating man!Yet a peculiar warmth spread through her chest, entirely at odds with her annoyance. How very like Colin Caldwell to assume she would be thrilled by such a cryptic promise.
The carriage rattled to a stop, and she hastily smoothed her skirts before descending onto the gravel driveway once the door opened. Copperton Hall rose grandly before her, its façade imposing, yet undeniably beautiful, surrounded by manicured gardens that she immediately wanted to explore.
"Magnificent," Elizabeth breathed, stepping beside her.
Anna nodded faintly, her eyes wide with reluctant admiration. "Yes, I suppose it is."
As they ascended the steps, the large doors swung open, and a kindly faced butler greeted them. Before Anna could utter a polite greeting, Colin appeared from an adjoining room, striding toward them with a confidence she found both admirable and maddening.
"Welcome to Copperton Hall," Colin said smoothly, inclining his head in a manner that made him look more handsome than he deserved. His gaze rested momentarily on Anna, and the corners of his mouth lifted into a familiar smirk that made her heart jump.
"You have a remarkable home, Your Grace," Anna said with practiced politeness, hoping her voice concealed the slight catch in her throat.
His smirk deepened. "And it is about to become far more remarkable now that you have arrived."
Anna's breath caught, though she managed a dismissive roll of her eyes. "Flattery, Your Grace? You must be desperate indeed."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice just enough that only she might hear. "Not desperate, merely determined."
Her heart gave a traitorous flutter. Before she could compose a suitable retort, he straightened and turned his attention back to the rest of her family.
"Aunt Petunia, you are looking positively radiant today," Colin greeted warmly, charming Anna's aunt so effortlessly that she blushed like a young debutante.
