Page 112 of The Moonstone Hero
She enjoyed their supper tremendously because the old man could be quite charming when he wanted to be, and apparently, he had resolved to be nice to her. Perhaps it was merely because she loved his grandson.
“Your Grace, you must have been quite the rake in your younger days,” Ella remarked, for he and Caden bore such a striking resemblance to each other.
“I was. All the ladies wanted me, mostly because of my wealth and title. I don’t think any of them really cared for me,” he said with a wistful note to his voice.
“I’m sure many did,” Ella assured him, for he did not need his wealth or title to recommend him to the ladies of his time.
He shrugged. “Perhaps, but I could not tell who was real and who was lying. It was easier for me to follow my father’s wishes and marry the young lady of his choice. It wasn’t a love match.”
“Did you ever regret this, Your Grace?”
“No, not until now—seeing you and Caden together, how certain you are in your feelings for each other and your determination to fight for each other. I’m sorry I did not have this for myself. She led her life and I led mine. I hardly saw her once she had given me a son. That was Caden’s father. My son also married for love, but I would call it a gentler love. He never had the fire in his belly that Caden has. Did he ever tell you about them?”
“No, but I think he does not speak much about either of his parents because they died while he was young. He has very little memory of them.”
“The girl was wealthy and her father was an earl, so I had no objections.”
Ella pursed her lips in thought. “But you objected to Caden’s marrying me. I am not lacking in funds, and my family is titled.”
“It wasn’t about you, Ella. In truth, I admired you from the first. But I objected to everything Caden was doing, mostlybecause he was challenging my authority. We have always been two rams butting heads. However, I think he chose wisely for himself. Don’t tell him I said so, or I shall never hear the end of it.”
Ella grinned. “My lips are sealed.”
“You bring a fine dowry. You are the niece of a marquess. Your debut was a success and you were declared a diamond. You are clever, gentle, and, most of all, you make Caden so very happy. You should have seen his face the moment he first set eyes on you. We were standing together, squabbling as usual, and suddenly you walked into the room. It was as though he had seen a fairy princess. I think he forgot to breathe.”
Ella’s heart fluttered. “I had no idea.”
“I also expect he is leaping out of his skin to get home to you. I hope Palmerston does not keep him too late. He also has his speech to give to Parliament tomorrow.”
“He is ready,” Ella said, feeling quite proud of him. “Are you going to oppose him?”
The duke sighed. “No. Sometimes it takes an old man time to come to his senses. The more I learn of Fulke and Abbott, the angrier I get. Of course, I must shoulder much of the blame for believing Abbott’s lies and going along with his schemes that almost got my grandson killed.”
His eyes began to tear as he continued. “I cannot talk of this, Ella. I was angry when Caden chose the Royal Marines over his duties as heir. That resentment carried through to this day. But no longer. I am very proud of that boy.”
Ella kissed him on the cheek. “And he is proud of you, too.”
“No, I don’t know how he can look at me without his stomach churning.”
“He knows you did your best to raise him and always meant well, whether he agreed with you or not.” She rose to leave, for he had been at death’s door only a day ago and she did not wanthim to overdo it. “Please rest now. All will be well. Goodnight, Your Grace.”
He gave her hand a light squeeze. “Ella, will you call me Grandfather?”
She nodded. “Yes, if you wish. Goodnight, Grandfather. I will see you in the morning. Caden gives his speech to Parliament at eleven o’clock, and I’m sure they will want him there earlier.”
“You must go with him, Ella.”
“I thought I should ride over later with you.”
“No, he needs you with him. I have plenty of toadies to fuss over me. Your place is with your husband, my dear. It will matter very much to Caden. He’s been alone for so much of his life, but now he has you.”
In a way, this saddened her. Both of these Seaton men had been deprived of loving care for most of their lives.
She returned to her bedchamber and readied herself for bed with the help of the lady’s maid assigned to her by Mrs. Nance. “There, m’lady. Don’t you look pretty? His lordship will not be able to resist you.”
Ella blushed, for she knew what was to take place tonight. Of course, this assumed Caden ever returned. “Thank you, Polly. Have a good evening. I shall see you in the morning.”
“Right, m’lady. Bright and early, because tomorrow is a special day for Lord Mersey. Although I’m sure tonight will be even more special for him.” Polly giggled and bustled out.
