Page 69 of Duke of Bronze
A sudden burst of mirth broke through her reverie, bright and unrestrained. A little boy and girl ran past her, their carefree giggles filling the air as they chased one another with wild abandon. Anna halted mid-step, drawn to the scene despite herself. Such unguarded joy—so simple, so unburdened.
"Would you like a sample, dear?"
The gentle voice pulled her attention to a nearby stall, where a middle-aged woman stood behind an inviting display of jams, fruit preserves, and marmalade. A small spoon extended toward her, a warm smile accompanying the offering.
Something in the woman's kindness softened the tightness in Anna's chest. She accepted the sample, pressing the spoon to her lips.
The taste was nothing short of divine—a perfect balance of citrus and sugar, bright and full of warmth. Her brows lifted in pleasant surprise.
"My, this is indeed the most magnificent marmalade I have ever tasted," she declared, unable to suppress her delight.
And for the first time that day, the lead in her chest eased just a little.
"You are too kind," the woman said with a demure smile, her hands deftly arranging the jars before her.
"I do mean it. It is delightfully rich," Anna assured her, still savoring the lingering taste of citrus and sugar. "Might I ask the price?"
Before the woman could answer, a bright, youthful voice interrupted. "Goodness, if it is not Lady Anna!"
Anna turned toward the speaker, a young woman with eager eyes and a face alight with recognition. Yet, for all her enthusiasm, Anna found herself at a loss. There was no familiarity in the girl's features, no recollection stirring in her memory.
"Oh, you must not remember me," the girl said, reading Anna's expression with an easy laugh. "But I do recall you well."
Anna tilted her head in polite curiosity. "Do you?"
"Yes, my lady," the girl continued, her words quick with excitement. "My cousin is a nurse at the foundling hospital in Town. I stayed with her last year, assisting where I could, and I saw you there often. Every week, without fail."
Comprehension dawned. Anna's lips parted in mild surprise. "I see. Forgive me, I truly did not recall."
"There is nothing to forgive," the girl assured her, waving away the apology with an easy grace. "I never expected you to remember me, my lady. You were always so busy tending to the little ones."
At that, the stall owner's head lifted sharply. "A nurse at the foundling hospital, you say?" she repeated, her gaze shifting between her niece and Anna.
"Yes, Aunt," the girl confirmed, smiling. "Ellen is the nurse."
The woman's eyes softened with unmistakable warmth as she regarded Anna anew. "Then you are the lady my daughter has spoken of so often."
Anna hesitated, momentarily caught off guard by the woman's reverence. "I only did what I could," she said quietly.
"What youcould," the woman repeated, shaking her head with a knowing smile. "My daughter has told me much of your kindness, my lady. Of how you gave not only donations but your time—how you sat with the children, held them, read to them. That is not the work of a woman who merely does what shecould. That is the work of a good heart."
Anna felt heat rise to her cheeks, unsettled by such open praise. "You flatter me undeservedly."
"Nonsense." The woman plucked a jar of marmalade from her stall and pressed it into Anna's hands. "I shall not take a penny from you."
Anna blinked, startled. "But I could not possibly?—"
"It is a gift," the woman insisted, gently pushing Anna's hands back when she made to return the jar. "Even before we met, my Marjorie has sung your praises. If this is but a small token of our gratitude, then you must allow me the pleasure of giving it."
Anna hesitated, torn between gratitude and the discomfort of such generosity. But the woman's expression was firm, her kindness resolute.
At last, Anna inclined her head. "Then I thank you, most sincerely."
"It is rare to come across such kindness from one of your station," the woman remarked, shaking her head as if still marveling at the notion. "In fact, besides the Duke of Copperton, I have never met a noble possessed of such compassion."
Anna blinked. "The Duke?" She could hear the surprise in her own voice.
The woman nodded. "Indeed, my lady. His Grace is the benefactor of our foundling home here in the village, as well as several others in the neighboring parishes. His patronage hasprovided shelter, medicine, and education. Why, I daresay we could not have managed so well these past years without him."
