Page 11 of Moonstone Angel
She cast the elderly woman a smile. “Indeed, Your Grace. Every moment with you has been a pleasure.”
The duke continued to regard her pensively. “I see. And my sisters did not like this blossoming friendship between the two of you.”
His grandmother rolled her eyes. “They did not give a care about me in all the years you were away. It was only as I grew ill that they began to sniff around. They were determined to be rid of Cara, now viewing her as competition.”
“For your affection?”
“They have no affection for me. That’s the sad fact of it. They were worried I’d leave her my estate, what little of it is not tied up in trust. The thought had crossed my mind because your sisters really are quite odious in their greed. But Cara would not hear of it.”
He glanced at her before returning his gaze to his grandmother. “Is that so?”
His grandmother frowned at him. “Yes, it is so. Cara has not asked a thing of me and never would. But your sisters did not believe my assurances. So, how better to be rid of her than accuse her of theft? That’s how the nonsense about a stolen necklace came about, I’m sure.”
He frowned. “I was home for several months between Napoleon’s first exile and his final defeat at Waterloo. Why did I not see Cara then?”
“Are you suggesting I purposely fled from you? It was nothing of the sort. I had no idea you were returning to England, or I would have stayed and met you. I had to return home to take care of fixing up this cottage. My aunt and uncle had moved out, and they were urging me to sell it and invest the proceeds. I needed to see this place again and decide for myself.”
“Obviously, you chose not to sell.”
“I couldn’t bring myself to sign the papers. Well, my Uncle Joseph is my guardian, and it would have been up to him to sign. But he loves me and would never go against my wishes. As I walked through this cottage, I had that same feeling again. Thatwrongnessstopped me from taking the final step. Although this time, I hadn’t taken it as far. No contract was signed. We never contacted a land agent, although several sought us out. I just knew the moment I walked through the door that I had to keep this place.”
His grandmother nodded. “As I became weaker, we decided I should come here for the summer. It has done me good, Rowan. I have no wish to return to London yet. I’ll let you know when the time is right.”
“Grandmama…” he groaned.
“I know, my love. But it will all work out as it should.” She reached her hand out to him. “Come, escort me onto the veranda, and we shall watch the sunset together.”
“All right, sweetheart.” He rose and helped his grandmother out of her seat. As he led her to one of the outdoor chairs, he realized Cara was not following them.
“I let Mildred go home early tonight.” She cast him a wry smile. “So, I am left to clean up the remains of our supper.”
He shook his head. “Leave it, Cara. I will help you afterward.”
“You?”
He arched an eyebrow and grinned. “You look as though you are about to faint in shock. Dukes can do anything, don’t you know?”
“Including wash dishes?” She stared at him in amazement. Honestly, this man had her completely puzzled. He was arrogant and curt over insignificant matters, yet kind and helpful when it counted. “Do you know how to wash a dish?”
“Why don’t you try me and find out?”
Chapter Three
Rowan stood onthe veranda, while the ladies took seats in time to watch the sun set over the water. He’d seen some beautiful sights in his life, and surprisingly, Moonstone Landing’s scenic splendor was right up there among them.
He could see why his grandmother was thriving here, for the air was fresh and sweet. The tranquil sea, now bathed in sparkling golds and pinks from the sun’s reflection on the water, had a way of soothing one’s soul.
“Your Grace,” Cara said softly, coming to stand beside him. “I’m going in to fetch Duchess Anne her sherry. Would you care for a glass?”
“No, I’m fine.”
In truth, he was not fine. The years of battle had taken a toll on him, although he refused to admit it. But standing here, watching the day pass into evening and listening to the quiet rush of waves upon the sand beach, had him at peace for this brief moment.
He had forgotten what tranquility felt like.
He turned to watch Cara go into the cottage, his attention now fixed on the door, waiting for her to return.
“It is easy to like her, is it not?” his grandmother said, shaking him out of his musings.
