Page 50 of Duke of Bronze
Her eyes skimmed the text quickly, and there, printed in all its florid embellishment, was an account of her parting ways with Copperton outside her home. The gossip sheet had gone so far as to liken them to lovebirds reluctantly separating, their farewell brimming with unspoken affections.
A scandalized sound escaped her lips before she could contain it. "Good Lord."
Elizabeth, ever quick to correct, shot her a look of mild admonishment. "Anna."
Anna ignored her and lifted her gaze to her aunt, who was watching her with barely concealed glee. "And what, pray, was this grand excursion of yours?" Petunia inquired, sounding far too delighted for Anna's comfort.
Anna hesitated for but a moment before swiftly concocting an explanation. "I happened across Copperton while taking an evening walk with the dogs. He merely saw me safely home."
Petunia pursed her lips, clearly unimpressed with such a tame explanation. "For a man to concern himself so with your safety, it speaks volumes, you know."
Anna waved a dismissive hand. "He was merely exercising good manners, Aunty. Nothing more."
Petunia hummed, a wicked smile playing about her lips. "Keep telling yourself that, my dear."
Anna narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "And what, precisely, is that supposed to mean?"
Her aunt merely took another delicate sip of her tea, offering no reply at all.
"I trust you are enjoying your time with the Duke?" her father inquired as they dined. Anna barely resisted the urge to sigh. "The gossip sheets?—"
"Seem determined not to let me breathe," she interjected, setting her fork down with a little more force than necessary.
Sebastian chuckled, shaking his head. "Come now, dear. It is hardly that dire."
Anna met her father's gaze, incredulity flaring in her chest. "They have blown everything out of proportion, Father. Have youreadthe lies they print?"
"It is all harmless," he reassured, reaching for his wine. "It does not matter, Anna."
"Itdoesmatter," she countered, feeling rather like a petulant child, but unwilling to hold back. "Because I do not like it."
Sebastian sighed, his amusement dimming. "Then pay it no mind."
That was the thing—she could not.
Not when the very mention of Copperton sent her heart racing.
Not when every encounter left her questioning the emotions he stirred within her.
She excused herself shortly after, her mind a tangled web of thoughts she did not wish to unravel.
She had nearly reached the sanctuary of her chambers when the butler intercepted her in the hallway, a sealed missive in hand.
Anna frowned. "At this hour?"
"The letter just arrived, my lady."
Anticipation rushed through her. Was it from Copperton? A note about their next engagement?
She took the letter, breaking the wax seal with practiced ease. Her eyes scanned the words, expecting his bold, familiar scrawl.
But it was not from Copperton. It was from Nurse Adams. She had never written to her before. Did something happen? Anna's heart raced, and she broke the seal with unsteady fingers.
My Lady,
I hope this letter does not reach you at an inconvenient hour, but I wished to inform you of something rather extraordinary. Earlier today, the hospital received an anonymous donation—one of such immense generosity that we were left quite speechless.
Forgive my boldness, but I could not help but wonder if it was your doing?
