Page 46 of Duke of Bronze
Colin chuckled. "Certainly not. If you do enjoy it, I still owe you gifts."
A moment of stunned silence followed before the room erupted into delighted squeals and excited chatter. Even Anna found herself smiling despite her best efforts. He was utterly charming when he wished to be, and—she had to admit—rather adept with children.
She took a step back, allowing herself the rare indulgence of observing him. He had settled by the hearth, the firelight casting a golden hue over his features as he held the book aloft. His voice, rich and steady, filled the room as he began to read, weaving the tale with an ease that held even the most restless child enraptured.
Something warm and unfamiliar curled in Anna's chest, tightening with every passing moment as she watched the way the children nestled closer, utterly entranced by his storytelling.
"They like him," Nurse Adams murmured beside her, her voice touched with quiet approval.
Anna swallowed, forcing herself to keep her expression neutral. "It would appear so."
"You have a good and generous friend in His Grace, my lady," the older woman added, a knowing smile in her gaze.
Anna parted her lips to issue a swift denial—to make it clear that whatever existed between herself and Colin was not friendship. And yet the words would not come.
She had not realized he could be quite so at ease with children. Then again, Colin Caldwell could charm even the very walls if he so desired. The thought sent an unwelcome warmth rushing to her cheeks, and she inwardly cursed her own susceptibility.
"Now, now," Colin announced, snapping the children's book shut with a flourish. "Since you have all been most excellent listeners, I have a small token for your efforts."
Curiosity lit up the eager faces surrounding him as he reached into his coat pocket. A moment later, he produced a small pouch, loosening the strings with deliberate ease. The delighted gaspsthat followed were instantaneous as he revealed an assortment of sweets, distributing them among the children with a flourish.
Anna stared. This was unexpected.
Colin must have noticed her surprise, for he leaned in, his voice a low murmur meant only for her. "You will find that I am a man well prepared, Anna."
He was unbearably smug, and Anna found herself rolling her eyes even as a chuckle slipped past her lips.
Before their departure, Charlie, a shy boy of no more than seven, tugged lightly at the hem of her sleeve. "Lady Anna, will you bring your duke friend again?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Robbie, Kitty, and a handful of others nodded fervently. "We rather like his reading," Charlie added demurely.
Colin let out a rich chuckle, clearly pleased with himself. "My, it seems you have competition now, Lady Anna."
Anna opened her mouth to issue a retort, but before she could do so, Colin crouched slightly, addressing Charlie with mock solemnity. "I promise to make her bring me back, Charlie. Have no fear."
A chorus of delighted squeals filled the room at this declaration, and Anna was forced to swallow the unaccountable warmth curling in her chest.
As they took their leave, Colin insisted upon securing a hackney for their journey back to her home, citing the approaching dusk as reason enough. Anna did not argue; walking alone with him would have been entirely improper—not that riding in close quarters with him in a carriage was much better.
The ride was… something else entirely.
The space within the hackney was limited, and despite her best efforts to maintain a reasonable distance, Anna was acutely aware of Colin's presence beside her. The scent of him—sandalwood and something intrinsicallyhim—curled through the air, distracting her more than she cared to admit.
Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words and something else—something she dared not name.
Before she could dwell on it further, the carriage rolled to a stop before her residence. Colin disembarked first, turning to offer his hand. She hesitated only for a moment before accepting, allowing him to assist her down.
And then, just as she made to bid him good evening, he took her hand once more and, with practiced ease, pressed a kiss to her knuckles.
The contact was brief. Chaste, even. But Anna felt the warmth of it seep into her skin, lingering long after his lips had left her glove.
"Good evening, Lady Anna," he murmured, his voice laced with something that sent her pulse skittering.
She swallowed, attempting to regain some semblance of composure. "Good evening, Your Grace."
With that, he stepped back, inclining his head in farewell before turning on his heel and disappearing into the night.
Anna slowly let out a breath, her eyes dropping to where his lips had just been.
