Page 16 of Duke of Bronze
Elizabeth shook her head, amused. "That would only encourage them, Anna. You know how they thrive on scandal."
Anna resisted the urge to shred the offending paper. "Well, it is a baseless scandal. An invention."
"That may be, but now that you are the latest object of society's scrutiny, I would advise you to be cautious. One can never be too careful."
Anna met her cousin's gaze and found no teasing there—only genuine concern. And though it rankled her to admit, Elizabeth had a point.
She sighed, and her posture softened. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Lizzy. I shall be mindful."
Elizabeth nodded. "Good. And if it is any consolation, they shall move on to their next victim soon enough."
"Not soon enough for my liking."
"You just wait until the next ball."
After Elizabeth's departure, Anna cast a glance at the clock on the mantel. There was still ample time before dinner.
Without wasting another moment, she hurried up to her bedchamber. Once inside, she shed her afternoon frock in favor of something simpler—a plain, dark one that allowed for ease of movement. She reached for her cloak, fastening it securely at her throat, then tugged her bonnet into place, ensuring the brim concealed enough of her features.
Her heart pounded, but not from fear or hesitation. She had done this many times before, and she would do it again. Every day, if she could.
Slipping through the hallways, Anna descended the stairs at the back of the house that led to the servant's entrance, careful to avoid the creaking step near the bottom. She was particularly watchful for her lady's maid. A moment later, she was outside. Tilting her head up toward the sky, she smiled, a sense of freedom brimming in her chest.
There was somewhere she needed to be.
CHAPTER 8
"Ensure nothing is forgotten, Fisher."
Colin did not bother counting how many times he had already issued the command. If he had, the number would be most unflattering to his own nerves.
"When have you ever known me to forget anything, Your Grace? Your afternoon with Lady Anna shall go as planned," Fisher said as he folded a shirt and placed it on a neat pile.
"Oh, I do not know…" Colin tapped a thoughtful finger against his chin. "Only for the entirety of our acquaintance."
Fisher let out a short laugh. "And yet, I remain miraculously employed."
"Yes, it is a wonder, is it not? One might argue thatIam the true mastermind here, considering I must perpetually remind you to perform your own duties," Colin sighed in exaggerated despair.He leaned against the dressing table, affecting the air of a man burdened with far too much responsibility.
"Ah, but that is why you keep me. Not only am I the finest valet in London, but I grant you the rare pleasure of believing you manage me. A most benevolent gift on my part, I daresay."
Colin gave him a long, unimpressed look. "You truly do take liberties, don't you?"
Fisher grinned. "If I did not, Your Grace, you would be insufferably bored."
Colin let out a bark of laughter. "You are dangerously close to testing that theory."
"Oh?" Fisher cocked his head, feigning innocence. "And what would you do? Dismiss me? Find another valet?" He placed a hand dramatically over his heart. "No, never. You cannot possibly function without me."
"Tempting fate, are we?" Colin cocked an eyebrow.
Fisher grinned. "I should like to think of it as a calculated risk."
They both laughed, and Fisher held up Colin's cravat. "Shall we?" At Colin's nod, he stepped forward to tie it. "Speaking of luck, Your Grace…"
"Yes?" Colin waited for him to continue, but his valet appeared to hesitate, piquing his curiosity further. "If you are about to suggest something absurd, do recall that I am in no mood to be trifled with today."
"Nothing of the sort." Fisher's shoulders relaxed, and he continued. "All of society is positively enthralled with Your Grace's good fortune. Why, I daresay they are already wagering on your success."
