Page 36 of The Moonstone Hero
“Caden, don’t you look handsome?” she remarked, casting him a smile as bright as the sunshine streaming in through his windows.
He grinned back. “I wanted to leave the hospital today and walk around town with you. I needed to make myself presentable.”
“Well, you will have the ladies swooning.”
Elmer was still in his room, so Caden did not take Ella in his arms as he wished to do. He merely shook his head. “You are the only one whose approval matters to me.”
That earned him an approving nod from the lad.
Ella blushed because his compliments still tended to rattle her. “Are you sure you are strong enough to manage a walk around Moonstone Landing on just your crutches?”
“Yes, for certain. I do not need a pushchair, so don’t even think to bring one along. I am eager to see the sights you were telling me about. Dr. Hewitt and Dr. Spencer have allowed it, and Major Brennan signed off as well.”
“All right. I’ll have Mr. Hawke drive us back in the wagon if it proves too much for you.”
Caden sighed. “Ella, I am not a delicate flower.”
“Speaking of flowers…” She reached up and put her nose to his neck. “What is that scent on you? It isn’t lavender.”
He winked at Elmer, who giggled in return. “It is a manly sandalwood. I’ve had enough of smelling like a girl.”
She pursed her lips, and that pretty pucker only made him yearn to kiss her. “Lavender is appropriate for everyone. It is soothing and pleasant to the senses. It is an excellent medicinal. But I suppose you are beyond needing it. The sandalwood is nice on you, too.”
Caden gave her neck a quick nuzzle while Elmer was turned away a moment to collect his nightshirt and breeches for laundering. He inhaled lightly and gave her earlobe a quick suckle for no reason other than he liked to see her ruffled by his touch.
She closed her eyes and moaned softly. “Stop that.”
“I cannot help it. You are sweet temptation,” he whispered, loving her scent, cinnamon and apples that always made him hungry to taste her. Breathing her in was like breathing in an apple pie fresh out of the oven. How could he be faulted for wanting to lick and nibble her from head to toe?
The smolder in his eyes conveyed it. Her cheeks turned the brightest pink. The girl had fair skin, and her slightest embarrassment showed upon it.
He grinned and drew away.
Ella set aside her apron, since she would not need it to walk around town with him, and then collected his crutches. “We mustn’t forget these.”
He nodded. “Here, I’ll carry them for now.”
“Merely carry them?” She looked up at him with big, innocent eyes. “Shouldn’t you be using them? Your leg will tire too quickly if you do not. Don’t be so prideful. You will ruin our outing.”
“All right. I’ll be sensible.” He did not like the idea of having to use his crutches the entire day. However, that was his pride speaking, just as Ella had accused.
They walked out of the hospital together and slowly ambled past the ancient stone fort that had been built on this spot almost eight hundred years ago. Ella gave him a brief history. “Moonstone Landing has always had a desirable harbor,” she said. “It was one of the first defensive fortifications built after the Norman conquest. Possibly built atop an even earlier Roman or Saxon fort.”
Both the fort and hospital overlooked the sea, and the walk from those buildings into town was quite invigorating and scenic. It was also surprisingly grueling for him. Perhaps he had attempted this walk around the village too soon, but the day was beautiful, and he’d longed to be out of his hospital bed.
They took a leisurely stroll, stopping often, but he was exhausted and in a sweat by the time they reached the harbor. Most of the fishing vessels were out to sea, but a few had returned with their fresh catch. The smell of raw fish assaulted his senses.
Fish heads, scaly skins, and blood littered the fish market floor.
“They sell smoked haddock and pasties here. Would you like to stop a moment and have some?” Ella asked.
He shook his head, eager to get away from the pungent odors. “Perhaps on the way back.”
She cast him a knowing smile. “All right. There are other shops you’ll appreciate more. Rotting fish is not to everyone’s taste.”
But as he and Ella made their way through the market and up the high street into the center of town, a remarkable thing began to happen. Men came over, hesitant at first, and asked to shake his hand. Women came over next. Some, often the elderly ones, reached up to kiss his cheek and thank him. They congratulated him.
What had he ever done for them?
