Page 35 of The Moonstone Major
“Papa might join us. Mama has been feeling a little tired lately, so he said he might stay with her if she isn’t feeling better by then. Uncle Cormac and Aunt Phoebe are busy, too.”
Chloe shot him a cautioning look. “It isn’t far, and Mr. Hawke can drive us, if you don’t mind us taking him from you for the day. You’re usually in town and have no need of him.”
“Of course, it is best that you take him.” He had no idea their mother, Charlotte, had not been feeling well. He hoped it was nothing serious. Obviously, Chloe was trying to distract the girls. “Will it be an all-day excursion?”
“Just for the afternoon,” Chloe said. “The cave isn’t far. We might have a picnic before we explore.”
“Will it be just you three? What about Lord Claymore?”
“No, just us.” Chloe did not explain further, and he did not wish to pry in front of the girls. Even though Claymore appeared to be pressing his suit, it also appeared Chloe had not changed her opinion of him.
“Would you care for company? Mind if I join you? I don’t like the idea of you three wandering alone in a darkened cave.”
The girls cheered. “Yes, please do.”
Chloe’s eyes lit up. “That would be lovely. But do you have the time to spare for us?”
“Yes, the hospital walls need to properly set before we start on the roof. Tomorrow will be taken up mostly sawing beams. I’ll need to supervise those first few beams to make certain they are cut to the exact dimensions. After that, the men will work from those specifications to ensure the rest are all cut properly.”
The girls were excited about the excursion.
Perhaps he should not have offered to accompany them, but he was glad he had.
While the girls ran off to select some tarts to bring home for their mother, he turned to Chloe. “We can discuss all your ideas tomorrow after exploring the cave. I think my men could also do with a diversion before the month is out, perhaps a concert or afternoon tea to reward them for their work. Do you think you could help me plan something for them?”
“Yes! You know I would be thrilled to help.”
He nodded as the girls scampered back. “We’ll discuss this in more detail tomorrow as well.”
“Thank you, Fionn,” she said, her smile soft and exquisite.
They finished their ices and left the tea shop with the girls now excited about tomorrow’s excursion. He saw them into their wagon and then returned to the fort and construction site for a final inspection before riding to Moonstone Cottage.
He had agreed to join the Marquess of Burness and his family for supper tonight and wanted to look his best. Not that he was vain about his appearance, but since Lord Claymore and his friends would also be in attendance, he wanted to make a good show of himself.
He told himself it was for Chloe’s sake, but it was mostly for the sake of his own pride.
The parish assembly ball, which was really no more than a church dance, was also coming up in a couple of days. He had promised Chloe a dance. In truth, he did not want to attend and hoped she had forgotten about the waltz they were supposed to share. He’d talk to her about it tomorrow.
He was lost in his thoughts on the ride to Moonstone Cottage, but his mount knew the way by now and needed no guidance. He remained lost in his thoughts as he washed and shaved, and all the while pondered what to do about his feelings for Chloe.
This push and pull never left him, this wanting her and knowing he was the worst thing for her.
Well, he would see how tonight went. He had not seen her with Lord Claymore in quite some time and was curious about how the two behaved around each other.
All that mattered to him was Chloe’s happiness.
As for himself, he had been on his own all his life. It would not bother him to spend the rest of his days unattached. He was used to the loneliness and isolation.
Nor did he care to seek out female company. No one was ever going to replace Chloe in his heart.
Lord Claymore and his retinue were already at Westgate Hall enjoying the view from the terrace when he arrived. Chloe’s sisters and their husbands were also present. The men had glasses of brandy in hand, and the ladies were sipping sherry.
“Major Brennan, how lovely to see you again,” Chloe said, being the first one to approach him once Melrose announced his presence. “The girls had a lovely time with you today.”
“I’m sure they will tomorrow as well,” Lord Stockwell said, entering just behind him and shaking Fionn’s hand in greeting. “My wife hasn’t been feeling well, and I did not want to worry the girls. Your accompanying them tomorrow relieves me greatly. I need to remain here with my Charlotte. Indeed, I won’t remain down here for long now, since I don’t want to be away from her side at all this evening. Dr. Hewitt is here and taking a look at her.”
“We tried not to make an issue of it for the sake of the girls,” Chloe said quietly. “We told them the doctor had come to look in on me and thought he may as well stop in and see their mother, since she appeared to have a cough and a few sniffles. But we are worried it is a little more serious than that.”
