Page 102 of The Moonstone Hero
Ella immediately assumed her protective Valkyrie stance. “And whose fault is that? You are the one who raised the possibility of a postponement first, Papa. We wanted to marry sooner. You insisted we wait. Then you wanted us to break it off. Then postpone it. I understand that you cannot bear to lose me, your little girl. You and Mama will never lose me. You areoverset, but how dare you be angry that Caden is now taking you up on your suggestion.”
“I am not taking him up on it,” Caden started. “I—”
Her mother emitted another soft cry and sank into a chair. “You are breaking off the betrothal altogether? How could you?”
Everyone now started arguing at once.
Lord in heaven, no wonder the world was such a mess. Not even Ella’s family had the sense to simply hear Caden out. He silenced everyone by lifting Ella in his arms and carrying her out of the parlor. He did not care where else they talked, just as long as they were alone.
They all chased after him.
He sighed and set her down in the center of the entry hall. “Yes, I wish to end this betrothal, but only because—”
Everyone began to shout at him again.
“Because I wish to marry Ella tomorrow!” he shouted back.
“Tomorrow?” Her father’s eyes narrowed.
“Yes, tomorrow. Assuming I can obtain the special license.”
“Why do you need a special license when a common license will do?” he asked.
“Because it willnotdo. I want my grandfather in attendance. The only way we can marry outside of the church and in the Seaton townhouse is with that special license. Will you help me, Lord Stockwell? My hero tour is almost over, and all I have left of importance is addressing the Houses of Parliament this week.”
Ella placed her soft hand on his arm. “The truly important work will begin after that.”
“Yes, I suppose. But I want you by my side as I undertake it, Ella. If I have to travel throughout England again, I want you with me. I should not have left you behind in Moonstone Landing this first time. I thought I was doing the right thing and protecting you.”
“You were,” the marquess said. “There was no telling what your grandfather and his friends might have done.”
“That is true, but I think the threat is no longer. My grandfather is in no condition to continue the fight. Even if he were, I do not think he would ever do anything to harm Ella now.” Caden turned to Ella. “You are wonderful, you know.”
She grinned. “You are not so bad yourself.”
“I am an arse, but one who loves you deeply and sincerely. Will you marry me tomorrow, Ella?”
She nodded. “Anytime, anywhere.”
“I’m sorry if I ever made you feel second to anyone or anything. You are not.” He kissed her lightly on the mouth. “You are the best thing in my life.”
“As you are in mine.”
Imogen must have been watching from the top of the stairs, and now caught their attention by clapping and cheering. “It’s about time! Papa, what are you standing around for? Is there not an archbishop for you to track down?”
The Marquess of Burness laughed. “I’m coming with you. Phoebe will never forgive me if I choose to dine rather than get Ella married off to her true love.”
“True love,” Caden whispered, smiling at Ella. He did not need moonstones to confirm what he felt in his heart. “Yes, how can it be anything else?”
Chapter Twenty
Stafford caught upto Caden as he, Lord Stockwell, and the Marquess of Burness were about to climb into his carriage, their mission to call upon the Archbishop of London for the grant of that special license. “You will never get it,” Stafford said. “The archbishop is not in London at the moment.”
Ella’s father turned to Caden with a scowl. “Did you know this? Were you just putting on a show for my daughter?”
“No, I had no idea. I will still marry her tomorrow under a common license, but it will have to be in church without my grandfather present, won’t it?” In truth, Caden was so tired of all the back-and-forth, and he did not care about wedding plans. He just wanted it done, be told when and where to show up.
He just wanted Ella.
