Page 77 of Duke of Bronze
"Then at least have the decency to make somenoisewhen you do so."
"You are rather jumpy, are you not?" he teased.
Anna scowled. "I should hate to think of you as a ghost."
Colin chuckled. "I assure you, I do not make a habit of haunting unsuspecting ladies."
"Only spinsters, then?" she quipped.
He threw his head back and laughed, and despite herself, Anna felt a reluctant smile tug at her lips.
Without invitation, he strode past her and reached for the decanter she had left atop the sideboard. He poured himself a generous amount, entirely at ease.
"Do you not think it rather late to be indulging so freely, Your Grace?" she teased.
He lifted the glass in mock solemnity. "My excuse is that I am currently hosting half the English aristocracy in my house and require liquid courage."
Anna smirked. "In that case, I shall allow it." She gave an impish little wink before taking a sip of her own drink.
Colin laughed. "I needyourpermission to drink now?"
"Evidently."
They fell into their usual rhythm of easy banter, words flowing effortlessly between them. And for a time, Anna forgot entirely why she had come here at all; why she had sought solace incandlelight and brandy. The weight in her chest lessened, and she let herself enjoy the moment.
Until Colin's expression shifted. The humor faded, giving way to something more thoughtful, more deliberate.
"I see you are well acquainted with the Mighty Stone," he remarked, his voice even.
Anna stilled, fingers tightening slightly around her glass.
Of all things, she had not expectedthat.
Anna was momentarily taken aback by the abruptness of his words, but she schooled her features quickly, masking her surprise with practiced ease.
"Why, who does not know the Mighty Stone, Colin?" she returned airily, feigning ignorance at the obvious implication beneath his words.
Colin did not so much as blink. "Dining together, laughing, taking strolls in the garden—these are not the pastimes of strangers; least of all with a pugilist whose acquaintance has only just been made."
Anna's chin lifted slightly. "Are you stalking me now, Colin? Keeping an account of my every movement?"
His expression remained infuriatingly composed. "Nothing that transpires within my own household escapes my notice, Anna. You ought to know that by now."
There was a weight to his words, an unspoken meaning that sent an odd, restless feeling through her. His gaze was intent—too intent—yet impossible to decipher, as though he had locked his thoughts away behind an impenetrable door.
Anna inhaled sharply, unwilling to let him unnerve her. "Very well," she relented at last, tilting her head in mock concession. "If you must know, I was acquainted with Roderick well before your introduction."
Colin stilled, his brows lifting ever so slightly. "Were you?"
She nodded. "He saved my life, as it happens."
For the first time that evening, genuine surprise showed in his eyes. Anna pressed on before he could question her further.
"I was walking through the streets in Town when an erratic horse broke loose from its carriage. I had neither the time nor the sense to move, but Roderick did. He pushed me aside just as the beast and the cart came hurtling past."
She glanced down at the tumbler in her hand, running her fingers idly along its rim. "And so began an acquaintance," she continued, her voice softer now. "One that extended beyondmere gratitude and into friendship. His family is dear to me, Colin. They have been for the past two years."
Silence settled between them for a long moment.
