Page 24 of Duke of Bronze

CHAPTER 24

A nna froze, panic flaring sharply in her chest, but Colin acted swiftly. Grasping her wrist firmly, he pulled her quickly down the hallway. They dashed around two sharp corners, Anna's heart hammering wildly, until they stumbled breathlessly into a dimly lit, empty hallway.

Anna collapsed back against the wall, her chest heaving as exhilaration coursed through her. She glanced sideways at Colin, whose own breathing was uneven as well.

"Very discreet of you, Colin," Anna remarked dryly, a lingering sense of amusement warming her voice.

Colin grinned, still breathing heavily. "One does one's best to preserve reputations."

Anna rolled her eyes, shaking her head slightly, though her smile stubbornly remained. "Indeed. And speaking of discretion—I noticed your note regarding the fourth date." Her voice turned teasingly accusatory as she arched an eyebrow. "Am I truly to believe this entire house party was arranged solely for my benefit?"

He leaned in slightly, his eyes holding that elusive glint that always unsettled her. "And if it was?"

Warmth crept up Anna's cheeks, and she silently scolded herself for blushing. She lifted her chin defiantly, determined to regain composure. "Then I must question your grasp of subtlety, Your Grace."

He chuckled softly, the sound sending an unwanted shiver through her. "You accuse me of lacking subtlety, Anna? I rather think it is you who needs to revisit the definition of ‘surprise.'"

Anna reached out impulsively, lightly tapping his arm with her fan. "Impertinent as ever, Your Grace."

His laughter was rich and genuine, drawing forth her own reluctant smile. But she quickly remembered where they stood and straightened, offering him a pointed glance. "Do you not have guests awaiting your attention?"

Colin's expression sobered a little, though his eyes retained their playful sparkle. With a slight, exaggerated bow, he replied, "As always, Lady Anna, your counsel is impeccable. Until later."

Anna watched him retreat down the hallway, her heart fluttering annoyingly at the confident ease of his stride. Their shared laughter echoed faintly in her ears, stirring an unfamiliar warmth within her chest. Gathering her skirts decisively, she turned toward the ballroom.

Her lips betrayed her with a persistent smile as she navigated the elegant rooms, nodding politely at familiar faces. This feeling had nothing whatsoever to do with Colin Caldwell, she firmly told herself. And yet, even as she asserted this belief, a quiet voice within whispered with maddening clarity:

Liar.

Anna halted abruptly, her heart hammering painfully as a new wave of confusion washed over her. Blast the man!

Colin paused at the threshold of the music room, arrested by the delicate strains drifting into the hallway. For a moment, he stood perfectly still, captivated by the graceful figure seated at the pianoforte. Fiona's slender fingers danced effortlessly over the ivory keys, coaxing forth an enchanting melody that filled the air with warmth and elegance.

Before he realized it, Colin had stepped quietly into the room, drawn by the gentle, soothing tune. Fiona suddenly stilled her hands, sensing his presence, and turned abruptly. Her eyes widened, and she swiftly rose from the bench.

"Oh! Your Grace," she stammered, cheeks flushing prettily. "Forgive me, I did not mean to disturb—indeed, I had no right?—"

"Pray, do not trouble yourself," Colin interrupted gently, waving off her concerns with a reassuring smile. "Your playing was delightful, Miss Fiona. Far from disturbing; it was most welcome."

Her blush deepened, and she clasped her hands together nervously. "You are very kind, Your Grace. I confess, I could not resist. Such a magnificent pianoforte, and yet it seemed quite lonely."

"Indeed," Colin agreed softly, stepping further into the room and glancing briefly around the elegant space. "This instrument sees far too little use, I fear."

Fiona offered a hesitant smile. "Do you not play, Your Grace?"

He laughed, shaking his head lightly, feeling slightly foolish. "Alas, my talents lie elsewhere, I fear. My mother always wished me to learn, but I confess I lacked both patience and aptitude."

Her smile deepened, and she tilted her head gently. "Perhaps your future duchess will breathe life back into this room."

Colin's brows lifted slightly. "Provided she possesses both passion and skill, of course."

Unbidden, Anna's face appeared before him, her eyes bright with challenge. He hastily pushed the thought aside, confused and annoyed by its intrusion.

He cleared his throat lightly. "And do you play only the pianoforte, Miss Fiona, or are you adept with other instruments as well?"

"I do favor the harp and violin as well, Your Grace," Fiona admitted softly, her voice gaining strength as she spoke. Her eyes shone with genuine excitement, animating her features beautifully. "Music has always held a special place in my heart. My governess—she was Russian—had the most remarkable gift. She would often play for hours, allowing me to join her and instructing me with great patience."

Colin lingered by the music room doorway, thoughtfully observing Fiona as she continued her explanation, her face alight with genuine enthusiasm. Her graceful manner, the eloquence of her speech, and the delicate poise she naturally carried were undeniably appealing. And as Sterlin's earlier suggestion echoed in his mind.

Word is she would make a fine Duchess. Impeccable breeding, excellent connections, a sterling reputation…

As soon as the idea formed, Colin dismissed it, shifting his weight uncomfortably. It was absurd, truly.

"She insisted I learn not only the pianoforte but also the harp and the violin,” Fiona was saying. “It was she who taught me that music could be one's dearest companion."

Colin smiled warmly. "Your governess sounds a remarkable woman indeed, Miss Fiona. You must honor her lessons by continuing to play."

Fiona's gaze dropped modestly. "You are very kind, Your Grace. Perhaps one day this room will once again echo with regular performances."

"Perhaps," Colin murmured distractedly, his eyes drawn to the tall windows overlooking the garden, where laughter drifted up to meet them.

He stepped closer to peer out, instantly recognizing Anna. She stood with two other young ladies, her friends, engaged in spirited conversation. Her laughter, light and infectious, seemed to brighten the scene below. Colin felt an unfamiliar warmth spreading through his chest as he watched her animated gestures and the ease of her smile.

"She possesses an enviable liveliness," Fiona said quietly from beside him, clearly following the direction of his gaze.

Colin started, briefly embarrassed to be caught staring. "Yes," he agreed, clearing his throat. "Lady Anna is quite vivacious."

Fiona glanced sidelong at him, a faint smile curving her lips. "Indeed, Your Grace. Her spirit seems rather infectious."

Feeling an uncomfortable warmth creep into his cheeks, Colin adjusted his cravat, quickly regaining composure. "Shall we join them?" he suggested smoothly, offering Fiona his arm.

As they approached, Anna glanced up, her bright laughter fading into something softer, less certain. Colin found himself smiling gently in response, heart lifting at the sight of her, though he swiftly suppressed the emotion.

"Your Grace," Lady Nancy greeted him cheerfully, breaking the tension. "Your gardens are simply delightful. Almost as lovely as this afternoon."

Colin inclined his head courteously, though his eyes lingered briefly on Anna's face before addressing Lady Nancy. "I shall certainly pass your praise along to my groundskeeper, Lady Nancy. He will be most gratified."

"I should greatly enjoy exploring them further," Lady Nancy enthused warmly.

"Indeed," Lady Fiona agreed softly, casting Colin an expectant glance. "Perhaps we might also venture into the village beyond the estate?"

Colin smiled easily, inclined to indulge her suggestion. "I see no reason why you should not enjoy both, ladies. My property is entirely at your disposal."

Lady Fiona clasped her hands with evident delight. "Excellent! And I daresay your servants would be grateful for a brief respite from our demands. A short absence from us might offer them some much-deserved peace."

Colin found himself genuinely pleased by her thoughtful remark, appreciating her consideration for those who served quietly behind the scenes. "That is exceedingly thoughtful of you, Lady Fiona," he complimented warmly, noticing the delicate blush spreading across her cheeks.

Turning slightly, he addressed Anna, who had been unusually reserved throughout their exchange. "Would you not agree, Lady Anna?"

Anna lifted her gaze, her expression composed, though Colin sensed an underlying tension. "Indeed, very thoughtful," she acknowledged, managing a faint smile. "A stroll through the village would certainly provide a refreshing diversion."

Colin's brow knitted slightly. There it was again—the subtle distance that had settled over her since he had arrived with Lady Fiona. His heart tightened with an inexplicable discomfort. Leaning slightly closer, he began quietly, "Anna, are you quite?—"

"Your Grace." His butler, Graves, appeared at his side, clearing his throat respectfully.

Colin straightened instantly, turning towards the servant. "Yes, Graves?"

"You have a caller, Your Grace," Graves announced solemnly. "He refuses to give his name. Rather insistent, I am afraid."

Colin's curiosity piqued sharply, and a sense of unease prickled along his spine. He nodded briskly. "Very well, Graves. Show him into my study. I shall be along presently."

He turned back to the ladies with an apologetic smile. "Please excuse me, ladies. Duty calls."

As he moved swiftly toward his study, Colin's mind raced with speculation. Who could possibly arrive unannounced, refusing to provide a name?

Pushing open the door, Colin stopped abruptly, shock freezing him in place. Standing in the center of the room, looking unusually grim and entirely out of place, was Roderick.

"Roderick," Colin said stiffly, shutting the door firmly behind him. "To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?"