Page 45 of Duke of Bronze
Anna straightened, a frown tugging at her brow. A caller? Here? Who would possibly?—
Her breath caught as Colin strolled into the room with the ease of a man accustomed to being welcomed wherever he went.
"Colin," she gasped, her voice a whisper.
The sight of him in such an unexpected setting sent her pulse racing. His presence here was not coincidence. It could not be.
"Did you follow me again?" she hissed, stepping closer, her voice low, but unmistakably sharp.
Colin had the audacity to shrug. "It is Tuesday."
Anna narrowed her eyes. So now he knew her schedule? The nerve of him.
Swallowing her irritation, she turned to the children, all of whom were staring at Colin with varying degrees of fascination. The hospital staff looked equally astounded.
"Everyone," she said, forcing a measure of calm into her tone, "allow me to introduce His Grace, the Duke of Copperton."
A hushed murmur swept through the ward.
Robbie, never one to be shy, stepped forward and surveyed Colin with wide, curious eyes. "So this is what a duke looks like. I've never seen a duke before."
Laughter rippled through the room, and even Anna found herself unable to suppress a chuckle.
"I should hope I meet your expectations," Colin said, inclining his head with exaggerated solemnity.
Robbie tilted his head. "You're taller than I thought."
"An unfortunate trait, I am afraid," Colin replied dryly. "Difficult to go unnoticed."
Anna shook her head, still unable to fathom his presence here. But before she could question him further, his gaze landed on the book in her hands, and an amused glint entered his eyes.
"I had no notion you were so studious," he remarked, lips curving ever so slightly.
Anna arched a brow. "It is for the children."
"Lady Anna always reads to us," Kitty chimed in, beaming up at her.
Anna ruffled the girl's carroty hair fondly. "This is Kitty," she introduced.
Colin's expression softened ever so slightly. "What a pleasure to meet you, Kitty. Would you like me to read to you?"
Colin's sudden offer sent a ripple of surprise through the room. Anna, the children, even Nurse Adams—all turned their attention to him with varying degrees of skepticism and intrigue.
He crouched before Kitty, his gaze warm but playful. "What say you, little one?"
The girl pursed her lips, her bright eyes narrowing as she assessed him with grave importance. "Lady Anna reads best," she finally declared, her small voice unwavering in its conviction.
Colin clutched at his chest in mock despair. "My, you haven't even given me a chance. You wound me, little miss." He reached out and ruffled her carroty curls, eliciting a delighted giggle.
"How about a little bargain then?" he suggested, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
"I want in too!" Robbie chimed in, practically bouncing in his seat. A chorus of eager agreement followed from the other children.
"Very well," Colin said, settling himself in more comfortably. "Here is my proposition: if you do not enjoy my reading, I shall owe each of you a gift."
"And if we do?" Robbie asked, his brow furrowed in thought.
"Do we have to give you the gifts, then?" Kitty asked hesitantly.
