Page 22 of Duke of Bronze

CHAPTER 22

A nna,

I must insist upon a particular request for our next engagement—dress plainly.

C.

Dress plainly? She read the words again, baffled. Was he beginning his surprises before she even arrived at the destination? The notion unsettled and excited her in equal measure.

When the appointed hour arrived, Anna was met with yet another surprise. Colin himself stood waiting beside the carriage, a rare sight indeed. More striking, however, was his attire, for it was simple and unassuming.

"I was not expecting you to collect me yourself," she remarked, allowing him to assist her into the carriage.

"Did you not request to be surprised, my lady?" he challenged with a gleam of mischief in his eyes.

"I did. Though I begin to suspect I shall regret it." She chuckled and settled into her seat.He smirked, and as the carriage set into motion, she turned to him, her curiosity unabated. "Where are we going?"

"Are you certain you understand the meaning of surprise , Anna?"

She scoffed and gave him a playful shove.

When they arrived at their destination, Anna's eyes widened in astonishment. Before them stood a theatre—not one graced by the aristocracy but a far humbler establishment, its weathered facade alive with bustling energy. This was a place for the common folk, the working class.

She turned to Colin, her heart pounding with anticipation.

He offered her an encouraging nod, leading her inside. The moment she took her seat, excitement coursed through her. She did not know what to expect.

The performance began, and within minutes, laughter bubbled from her lips, unbidden and unstoppable. It was a satire, utterly immersive, its wit sharp enough to cut through any decorum. Anna found herself so lost in the merriment that she barely noticed Colin watching her. When she finally turned to share some jest, she found his gaze fixed upon her. A satisfied smile played upon his lips, and there was something else in his expression—something warm, unreadable. The sight sent a flutter through her stomach, heat rising to her cheeks.

She was about to look away when, suddenly, a boot soared through the air, landing upon the stage with an unceremonious thud .

Then a hat.

Another shoe followed, all accompanied by raucous cheers.

Anna startled, glancing around in confusion.

"My, I would throw two hats if I had another! Jolly good show, jolly good show!" a man nearby bellowed, clapping enthusiastically.

Colin leaned in, whispering near her ear, "They throw objects onto the stage as a sign of approval. The greater the performance, the more hats and boots it receives."

Anna burst into laughter at the oddity of it all, only to be met with the amused gaze of an elderly woman seated beside her.

"Are you enjoying the play, child?" the woman asked, nudging her.

Anna nodded, still laughing.

"Then here," the woman said, pressing a small, worn hair clip into Anna's palm. "Toss this. Show them your appreciation."

Anna hesitated. "Oh, I couldn't possibly?—"

"Balderdash!" the woman huffed. "Unless, of course, you are not enjoying yourself?"

Colin's voice came from beside her, low and coaxing. "Go on, then."

With an impulsive grin, Anna took the hair clip and hurled it toward the stage. "Jolly good show!" she called.

Beside her, Colin removed his hat and threw it after hers. "Jolly good show!"

Anna gasped at his audacity before dissolving into more laughter.

The audience erupted, the revelry surging around them like a living thing. In this moment, there were no ranks, no rules, no obligations. Just laughter, joy, and a shared experience unmarred by the weight of society.

She wished she could stretch the evening forever. But all good things must end.

Or so she thought.

Instead of returning her home, Colin led her to a lively tavern, where yet another adventure awaited. They abandoned all pretense of refinement, drinking to their hearts' content as they cheered on an animated game of whist.

When a new round began, Anna and Colin partnered together, playing with surprising skill. Victory was theirs, and the tavern keeper, in high spirits, presented them with celebratory drinks.

"In honor of our triumph," Colin declared, offering her his hand, "may I have this dance?"

Anna laughed, placing her hand in his. "In celebration of our little victory? How could I refuse?"

What began as a simple dance soon transformed into a revelry-filled country jig, the room filling with lively music—flutes, bagpipes, stomping feet, and laughter. Anna danced without restraint, her cheeks flushed with mirth, her heart impossibly light.

Alas, the night had to end eventually.

Colin returned her home in the carriage, his expression unreadable as they pulled to a stop before her house.

"This is your final destination for the night, my lady," he murmured.

Something inside Anna rebelled against the finality of it. Acting on impulse, she leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. "I had the most marvelous time tonight, Colin. Thank you."

She turned to exit before her courage failed her, but his hand caught her wrist, halting her retreat. Her breath hitched as their gazes locked.

Without a word, Colin lifted her wrist and brushed a slow, lingering kiss to the delicate skin at its inner side.

"Goodnight, Anna," he murmured.

Her pulse thrummed, her skin burning where his lips had touched. Barely finding her voice, she whispered, "Goodnight."

She stepped from the carriage, but the warmth of his touch followed her all the way inside.