Page 20 of Moonstone Angel
He nodded and released her, his thoughts unreadable as he watched her. Indeed, she’d seen him glance at her pensively all week long when he thought she wasn’t watching.
What was on his mind?
She resolved to ask him later, for there was much to do today, including preparing for their visit to the Killigrew sisters.
They arrived at Moonstone Cottage shortly after two o’clock in the afternoon.
“This is where your sea captain lived, Miss Angel,” Lady Chloe said, greeting them as they entered the elegant home. This house, although referred to as a cottage, was more of a stately manor than a simple abode.
“Rumor has it this sea captain remained here to haunt the place after his death,” Duchess Anne remarked. “Is that so?”
Chloe nodded. “He did, indeed. But he was on his best behavior after our aunt purchased the house from his estate. He fell in love with Aunt Henleigh and her with him.”
Cara believed in such things and thought it was quite romantic, but she noticed the duke struggling to keep a straight face.
“How do you know he fell in love with your aunt?” he asked.
“He told us,” Lady Chloe replied, casting him an impertinent stare.
The duke eyed her askance. “He told you?”
Lady Phoebe cleared her throat. “Yes, we all saw him. He really did haunt his home. We know he stayed on because of our aunt. She and our eldest sister share the same name, but they spell it differently. H-E-N-L-E-Y is the spelling of our sister’s name. H-E-N-L-E-I-G-H is the way our aunt spelled hers. You appear dubious about our ghost, Your Grace. Do you not believe in love eternal?”
“Perhaps I shall become a believer when I fall in love.”
Cara felt a flutter of disappointment.
It was foolish of her to care for this handsome man who was completely out of her reach. She and the duke may have forged a cordial working arrangement, but there would never be anything beyond it.
Her heart fluttered again when she saw him in conversation with Lady Phoebe.
They looked quite perfect together and were a match in rank. She was beautiful and a very nice person. All the Killigrew sisters were clever and charming, and despite being daughters of the late Earl of Stoke, a man much respected among theton, they were not in the least haughty.
In truth, they were remarkably welcoming to all.
Lady Phoebe was the perfect hostess, and the afternoon passed enjoyably. Cara remained with Duchess Anne, while Phoebe and Chloe showed the duke around their home, pointing out the seafaring treasures held dear by Captain Arundel.
“We wanted to keep his memory alive because he’d done so much for the townspeople of Moonstone Landing,” Lady Phoebe explained once they had rejoined her and the duchess in the parlor. “Miss Angel, you were on the boat that day. I cannot imagine the terror you must have felt.”
Cara nodded. “I will never forget the captain’s bravery. I used to swim in the cove often during the summer. But I haven’t been in the water since that day. It still frightens me. Oh, I’ll walk along the beach and collect shells. On occasion, I might dip a toe in the water.”
She emitted a shaky breath and continued. “But to go in beyond that…I have never mustered the courage to do it. I suppose that makes me a bit of a coward.”
Everyone was now looking at her with pity, even the duke who appeared surprisingly sincere in his concern. Why had she said anything about that day? Even now, merely thinking about it reduced her to tears. She quickly changed the topic of conversation. “When are you expecting your sister back? I hear she went to London. I’m sorry we missed her. Our paths must have crossed as we came out here.”
“We hope she won’t have to remain in London too long,” Lady Phoebe said. “But the Duke of Malvern is with her, and he will look out for her.”
“As he ought to do,” Duchess Anne intoned, sparing a glance at her grandson. “Now that he is duke, he must be thinking of his duty, and I’m certain she’ll make him a lovely wife.”
Chloe giggled.
Phoebe grinned.
The duke coughed uncomfortably. “What makes you think he has any such intentions in mind?”
His grandmother cast him an impatient look. “Henley is a lady. He is escorting her to London. There is no question he intends to marry her, or he never would have offered to take her there. Obviously, he has chosen well.”
He smiled wickedly at his grandmother. “Unlike me? Do not rush me. I know my duty well enough. Neither you nor Miss Angel were too keen on my original choice.”
