Page 21 of Duke of Bronze

CHAPTER 21

F our days later, Colin tightened the satchel's drawstrings with a decisive tug, his fingers lingering for a moment before he carefully tucked it into the vanity drawer of his dressing chamber. He would revisit its contents later. For now, he had other matters to attend to.

Sunlight greeted him as he stepped outside the manor, but even the promise of a new day did little to ease the pressure in his chest, though he welcomed the distraction the afternoon would bring. It was Tuesday once more, and with it came his now customary trip to the children's hospital.

He settled himself comfortably in a dimly lit pub across the street, watching through the open window and waiting. It was not long before a familiar figure appeared.

The moment he caught sight of Anna, his anticipation stirred to life. There was something about watching her move; the way she carried herself—unbothered, determined—that warmed him deep within, even as the nagging ache refused to loosen its grip.

Had she known? Had she always known about Roderick? Did she hold him accountable for his father's sins?

He pushed the thoughts aside as he paid his tab and stepped into the street, closing the distance between them just as she reached the entrance of the hospital.

"I should have known you would follow again," she said without looking at him, though her lips curled slightly in amusement. But the moment her gaze landed on the package in his arms, her curiosity flared.

"What is that?"

"You shall see," Colin said smoothly. "I did promise the children I would ensure you brought me back, did I not?"

Anna regarded him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. The sight of her, the familiar sharpness in her gaze, steadied something within him, but it did not quell the unspoken questions simmering beneath the surface.

"You are stalking. And trespassing," she said, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation.

"The children would beg to differ," Colin countered as he pushed open the door for Anna.

The reaction was immediate. The ward erupted in delighted squeals as eager voices filled the space, calling his name, their excitement unrestrained.

"You came back!" Charlie exclaimed, practically bouncing in place. "And you brought something!" His wide eyes locked onto the package in Colin's hands with unmasked anticipation.

"I did promise, did I not?" Colin said, crouching down as he set the package on the nearest table.

"What is it?" Kitty asked, edging closer.

"Well, let us see," Colin teased, taking his time untying the strings. "Patience is a virtue, or so I am told."

"Patience is boring," Robbie grumbled, though he was grinning.

Anna shot Colin a knowing look, amusement dancing in her eyes. "You are terribly cruel, Your Grace."

"Ah, but I do so enjoy the dramatics," Colin responded with mock solemnity before finally pulling back the wrapping to reveal an assortment of wooden toys, dolls, and carefully wrapped parcels of sweets.

The children gasped in unison before their excitement exploded into joyous chaos. Little hands reached eagerly, laughter filled the air, and the sheer delight in their faces warmed something deep within Colin's chest.

Fisher had, indeed, outdone himself. The selection was perfect, and the children wasted no time in claiming their treasures.

For the first time in days, Colin allowed himself to smile—truly smile.

"My, you are full of surprises, are you not?" Anna remarked, her eyes holding an unusual gleam, as Colin handed the last of the wooden toys to the two little boys eagerly awaiting their turn.

It was evident she had not anticipated this from him, and for once, she made no attempt to hide her surprise. There was also warmth in her gaze... and something perilously close to gratitude?

"That was thoughtful of you," she said at last, quieter now.

Colin merely shrugged, brushing off the sentiment with an ease he did not entirely feel. "A promise is a promise," he replied, though his voice lacked its usual lightness. His gaze drifted over the children, watching as they clutched their new treasures with unfiltered delight. "They deserve far more than this."

Life is an unfair, wretched thing! He had always known it, but never had it felt as glaringly unjust as it did now. His thoughts turned, unbidden, to Roderick. To Lydia.

Fortunately, a small tug at his sleeve pulled him back from the edge of the Abyss. Blinking, he glanced down to find Kitty gazing up at him with wide, expectant eyes. In her small hands was a wooden toy carriage, its wheels now detached from the frame.

"Can you fix it?" she asked, holding up the broken pieces as though they were something precious.

Colin lowered himself onto the nearest bench, accepting the dismantled toy. "It would be my greatest honor, my little lady," he declared gallantly.

Kitty giggled, her curls bouncing as she plopped beside him, watching intently as he worked. Colin set about restoring the little carriage, his fingers working deftly to reattach the wheels.

And yet, even as he focused on the task, he felt eyes upon him. Looking up briefly, he found Anna across the ward in quiet conversation with Nurse Adams. Though her lips moved, her expression had shifted. Theamusement from earlier had been replaced by a grave and thoughtful look.

A strange unease curled low in Colin's stomach, one he did not understand. He turned his attention back to Kitty, offering her a smile as he handed over the now-mended toy. The delighted squeal she gave was enough to temporarily banish his thoughts, though not entirely.

The afternoon had been a success—the children's joy was infectious, and the hospital staff's gratitude was more than evident. And yet, as he and Anna prepared to leave, Colin could not ignore the curious manner in which Anna was regarding him.

For better or for worse, he would find out.

As they rode to Anna's house, the quiet between them stretched. She was uncharacteristically silent, her gaze fixed on the passing streets, her expression unreadable.

Colin found himself glancing at her more often than necessary, a strange unease settling in his chest. The usual fire in her eyes had dimmed, replaced by deep contemplation. He could not decide if he found it intriguing or unnerving.

"Is all well with you?" she asked suddenly, turning her gaze upon him.

Colin straightened, caught off guard. "Quite," he replied easily, offering her a smirk that did not feel at all natural. "Why do you ask?"

She studied him for a moment, as if weighing his words, then merely shook her head. "No reason."

The carriage rumbled on and the silence intensified between them until Anna spoke again.

"It was you, was it not?"

"What?" Colin arched a brow.

"The hospital received an anonymous donation," she elaborated, tilting her head slightly as she regarded him. "A considerable sum."

He remained quiet, contemplating his response. There was no use in denying it. "It was meant to remain a secret," he admitted at last, sighing as he leaned back against the seat. His solicitor had wasted no time in sending out the donation after receiving his letter, and now here was Anna, unraveling his so-called secrecy with alarming ease.

"Well, Your Grace," she said, the corners of her lips twitching, "I am afraid you are atrocious at covering your tracks."

A reluctant chuckle escaped him. "I shall endeavor to do better next time." He shook his head in mock disappointment.

But then her expression softened. "Why did you do it?"

"Why do you engage in such charitable endeavors?"

Anna blinked. "Because I can," she murmured. "Because someone must."

He inclined his head, as if to say exactly . A small smile touched her lips, but it was her eyes that held him captive. "I suppose," she said, "there is still hope for the English aristocracy after all."

A peculiar tightness settled in his chest. She was calling him that hope. It was there, in her voice, in the way she looked at him—not with amusement, not with challenge, but with a quiet admiration that unsettled him more than he cared to admit.

He was not certain he deserved it.

"It was most generous of you, Colin," she said as the carriage rolled to a stop before her home.

Colin forced himself to grin, shifting back into the comfortable role of the careless rake. "Do not speak too highly of me, Anna. It may go to my head."

But as she stepped down from the carriage, he could not stop thinking about the way she had looked at him. Nor could he deny that he rather liked it.

"Have a pleasant evening, Anna."

Colin took her hand and raised it to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss to her gloved knuckles before releasing her.

The moment he was alone again, reality descended upon him with the force of an unforgiving tide. The air inside the carriage was suffocating, and he mindlessly tugged at his cravat. His thoughts, which he had so deftly pushed aside in Anna's company, rushed back.

As the carriage rolled through the streets, he noticed a carriage being loaded with suitcases. An idea took root.

A house party.

Yes. It was precisely what he needed. A reprieve from stifling London and everything it held.

And, perhaps, an excuse to see Anna in a setting far removed from gossip sheets. She would enjoy it, he was certain of that. And, if he was being honest with himself, a reason to keep her close just a little while longer.