Page 60 of Duke of Bronze
Once dinner was over, Anna excused herself to the ladies' retiring room, and upon returning, her steps slowed near an open drawing-room door, voices drifting into the hallway.
"Did you notice the Duke? He scarcely took his eyes from the spinster all through dinner," a woman said in hushed wonder.
"Oh, indeed," another replied knowingly. "I doubt he tasted a single bite. It was as though he was entirely captivated."
Anna's heart lurched uncomfortably, her fingers pressing lightly against her chest as she struggled to steady her breathing. She drew herself up straighter, her chin lifting in defiance at the overheard remarks.Copperton's spinster, indeed!She belonged to no one, least of all Colin Caldwell.
"Anything of particular interest?" came a low, familiar voice behind Anna, sending a startled shiver down her spine.
She jumped slightly, whirling around to see Colin, his expression playful, leaning in as if he, too, had been listening.
"Must you always creep about and startle people?" she hissed, her hand pressed firmly to her chest in an attempt to steady her racing heart.
He tilted his head, an infuriatingly amused smirk tugging at his lips. "Must you always eavesdrop at doorways?"
"That is none of your concern," she retorted, desperately fighting a blush that she felt rising hotly into her cheeks. She glanced quickly toward the slightly ajar door, her embarrassment increasing as she wondered how much of the conversation he had overheard.
"Everything occurring beneath my own roof most certainly is my concern," Colin pointed out mildly, folding his arms with an air of casual arrogance that irritated her further.
Anna narrowed her eyes at him. "And yet you see no issue with skulking in hallways?"
He chuckled softly, leaning closer again. "One might say curiosity is a dangerous thing, Anna."
"Yes," she agreed archly, tilting her chin defiantly. "Dangerous enough to harm even a cat, I believe?"
He raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming wickedly. "Fortunately for me, I am not a cat."
She allowed her gaze to roam deliberately over him, appraising him boldly. "Indeed not, for I have never encountered a feline quite so nosy."
Colin threw back his head and laughed heartily, the sound echoing dangerously down the hallway.
Before she could think better of it, Anna's hand flew up, covering his mouth swiftly. "Hush," she hissed urgently, eyes widening as the voices within the drawing room suddenly ceased.
"Did you hear something?" came a cautious voice from inside, followed by the scrape of a chair against the polished parquet floor.
Oh, dear!
CHAPTER 24
Anna froze, panic flaring sharply in her chest, but Colin acted swiftly. Grasping her wrist firmly, he pulled her quickly down the hallway. They dashed around two sharp corners, Anna's heart hammering wildly, until they stumbled breathlessly into a dimly lit, empty hallway.
Anna collapsed back against the wall, her chest heaving as exhilaration coursed through her. She glanced sideways at Colin, whose own breathing was uneven as well.
"Very discreet of you, Colin," Anna remarked dryly, a lingering sense of amusement warming her voice.
Colin grinned, still breathing heavily. "One does one's best to preserve reputations."
Anna rolled her eyes, shaking her head slightly, though her smile stubbornly remained. "Indeed. And speaking of discretion—I noticed your note regarding the fourth date." Her voice turnedteasingly accusatory as she arched an eyebrow. "Am I truly to believe this entire house party was arranged solely for my benefit?"
He leaned in slightly, his eyes holding that elusive glint that always unsettled her. "And if it was?"
Warmth crept up Anna's cheeks, and she silently scolded herself for blushing. She lifted her chin defiantly, determined to regain composure. "Then I must question your grasp of subtlety, Your Grace."
He chuckled softly, the sound sending an unwanted shiver through her. "You accuse me of lacking subtlety, Anna? I rather think it is you who needs to revisit the definition of ‘surprise.'"
Anna reached out impulsively, lightly tapping his arm with her fan. "Impertinent as ever, Your Grace."
His laughter was rich and genuine, drawing forth her own reluctant smile. But she quickly remembered where they stood and straightened, offering him a pointed glance. "Do you not have guests awaiting your attention?"
