Page 62 of Duke of Bronze
As they approached, Anna glanced up, her bright laughter fading into something softer, less certain. Colin found himself smiling gently in response, heart lifting at the sight of her, though he swiftly suppressed the emotion.
"Your Grace," Lady Nancy greeted him cheerfully, breaking the tension. "Your gardens are simply delightful. Almost as lovely as this afternoon."
Colin inclined his head courteously, though his eyes lingered briefly on Anna's face before addressing Lady Nancy. "I shall certainly pass your praise along to my groundskeeper, Lady Nancy. He will be most gratified."
"I should greatly enjoy exploring them further," Lady Nancy enthused warmly.
"Indeed," Lady Fiona agreed softly, casting Colin an expectant glance. "Perhaps we might also venture into the village beyond the estate?"
Colin smiled easily, inclined to indulge her suggestion. "I see no reason why you should not enjoy both, ladies. My property is entirely at your disposal."
Lady Fiona clasped her hands with evident delight. "Excellent! And I daresay your servants would be grateful for a brief respite from our demands. A short absence from us might offer them some much-deserved peace."
Colin found himself genuinely pleased by her thoughtful remark, appreciating her consideration for those who served quietly behind the scenes. "That is exceedingly thoughtful of you, Lady Fiona," he complimented warmly, noticing the delicate blush spreading across her cheeks.
Turning slightly, he addressed Anna, who had been unusually reserved throughout their exchange. "Would you not agree, Lady Anna?"
Anna lifted her gaze, her expression composed, though Colin sensed an underlying tension. "Indeed, very thoughtful," she acknowledged, managing a faint smile. "A stroll through the village would certainly provide a refreshing diversion."
Colin's brow knitted slightly. There it was again—the subtle distance that had settled over her since he had arrived with Lady Fiona. His heart tightened with an inexplicable discomfort. Leaning slightly closer, he began quietly, "Anna, are you quite?—"
"Your Grace." His butler, Graves, appeared at his side, clearing his throat respectfully.
Colin straightened instantly, turning towards the servant. "Yes, Graves?"
"You have a caller, Your Grace," Graves announced solemnly. "He refuses to give his name. Rather insistent, I am afraid."
Colin's curiosity piqued sharply, and a sense of unease prickled along his spine. He nodded briskly. "Very well, Graves. Show him into my study. I shall be along presently."
He turned back to the ladies with an apologetic smile. "Please excuse me, ladies. Duty calls."
As he moved swiftly toward his study, Colin's mind raced with speculation. Who could possibly arrive unannounced, refusing to provide a name?
Pushing open the door, Colin stopped abruptly, shock freezing him in place. Standing in the center of the room, looking unusually grim and entirely out of place, was Roderick.
"Roderick," Colin said stiffly, shutting the door firmly behind him. "To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?"
CHAPTER 25
Colin fixed his expression into one of practiced cordiality, carefully masking the unease stirring within him as he faced Roderick.
Roderick hesitated briefly, an uncomfortable pause filling the air before he finally spoke. "I find myself in Kent for discussions regarding potential sponsorships, Your Grace," he explained stiffly. "Upon hearing of your house party, I thought it only proper to pay my respects. I hope you do not find my intrusion disagreeable."
Colin studied Roderick carefully, noting the man's unusual reticence. The explanation seemed plausible yet lacked sincerity—Roderick had never previously shown interest in paying casual social calls, especially not to him. Still, manners dictated he respond in kind.
"Not at all," Colin replied smoothly, despite the suspicion coiling tightly in his chest. "You are most welcome here. Allow me toarrange a room for you. The countryside provides a refreshing respite from Town, as I am sure you would appreciate."
Roderick inclined his head slightly. "That is very generous of you, Your Grace. Thank you."
Colin tugged firmly on the bell-pull, and moments later, Graves appeared at the doorway.
"Graves, see to it that a comfortable chamber is prepared promptly for Mr. Millard. Ensure he has everything he might require."
"Certainly, Your Grace," Graves responded with his usual calm efficiency, guiding Roderick from the room.
As they exited, Morgan appeared at the threshold, nearly colliding with them. His eyes widened in evident astonishment, moving from Roderick's departing form back to Colin, a flash of recognition clearly crossing his features.
"Morgan?" Colin prompted quietly, concern sharpening his voice as his friend continued to stare after Roderick's retreating figure.
