Page 39 of The Moonstone Hero
But Caden wanted to be prepared once he left the hospital and began to travel across England. He purchased a few other items that would be useful on his journey. “Have them delivered to the hospital,” he said, not wanting Ella to be stuck carrying packages for him, since his hands were taken up with his crutches.
“Right away, my lord.”
They next walked to Mrs. Halsey’s tea shop, for Ella had warned him to leave room for tea and cakes after their meal. That was not going to be a problem for him. This first time walking around the village had proven too much of an exertion for him. It was only his stubbornness that prevented him from begging for that pushchair. He was still hungry and could have devoured another full meal without difficulty.
He also was in desperate need of a nap, and a long one at that. His legs were in light spasms and his back ached. However, he was not going to admit that to Ella.
Though she must have suspected, for she was staring at him, no doubt taking notice of his breathing and the slightest flush to his face. Beads of perspiration formed across his brow.
He hobbled into the tea shop before Ella could remark on it.
Mrs. Halsey and her daughter squealed in delight and ushered them to their finest table, which was in the corner beside the daintily curtained window. “My lord, we are honored.”
“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you, Mrs. Halsey. Lady Ella said yours was the finest tea shop in England, and I must heartily agree. I have never tasted finer sweets. In truth, it is the brightest part of my day.”
When he ordered a slice of apricot pie, Mrs. Halsey gave him almost the entire thing. He ordered a mint tea to go along with it.
Ella had ordered ginger cake and hot cocoa. The mention of cocoa reminded him of the plantations in the Ashanti territory, the very ones they had been ordered to seize by that idiot territorial governor. But ownership had not gone to the Crown. Instead, a consortium of investors, his grandfather included, had been given the property instead. It was that consortium who received the benefits of the subsequent government contracts for cocoa.
The Ashanti had been willing to sell their wares to the Crown on even more generous terms, but the governor had no intention of allowing them to go unpunished for their unwillingness to line his greedy pockets. So, Caden’s men had to die in a made-up conflict so that his grandfather and his grasping friends could get rich on gold and cocoa.
Ella put a hand on his arm. “Caden,” she said softly, “you are lost in your thoughts again.”
“Sorry.” How could he tell her what her simple order represented?
“Did I say something to upset you?”
“No, Ella. I think I am just tired after my first afternoon out.”
She nodded. “Would you like to go out again tomorrow? Nothing as strenuous as today, I promise. You have now seen the village proper. I was hoping to take you into the countryside next. A ride along the beach and into the lovely hills. We could ride horses or take my Uncle Cormac’s carriage, whichever you prefer.”
“Let’s take the horses. I think my ribs can stand the wear and tear. That sounds nice. Does your uncle have a mount I could borrow?”
She let out a breath. “Yes, several that will do quite nicely. Imogen is going to join us, of course. Uncle Cormac will neverallow me to ride out alone with you. He was not thrilled about my taking you out for a walk around town this afternoon, but it was just a walk, and we remained in sight of everyone.”
“One could argue these villagers served as our chaperones,” Caden pointed out.
“Yes, exactly. Rules are much less stringent here in Cornwall than in London. We have notonSociety, with their frivolous rules and restrictions. Nor are we nearly as cruel. One can be ruined and ridiculed in London just for wearing a gown that is slightly out of fashion. The gossips can be brutal.”
“Then it is a good thing we are in Moonstone Landing.” He cast her a rakish smile as he eased back in his chair that was too small for him. These quaint shops and their seats were designed for a woman’s slender body. “I don’t blame your uncle for being concerned about you. I don’t trust myself with you either. I enjoyed my time with you today.”
Her cheeks turned pink. This girl really did not take compliments well.
“So did I. You were very nice to everyone, even a few ladies and gentlemen who were quite persistent in gaining your notice.”
“The rude louts? And the ladies who tried to slip notes into my pocket?”
Ella was surprised. “They did?”
“Yes. Look.” He removed a few folded papers and tossed them onto the table. “Don’t read them. They are probably lewd.”
“Truly?” She dove on one and read it. “Oh my.” She set it back down, her cheeks now an even brighter pink. “What are you going to do with them?”
“Burn them in the rubbish bin.”
“This is going to happen everywhere you go, isn’t it?”
He nodded. “It would happen even if you were with me, even if you were my wife. But what I do about these propositions is what matters, isn’t it?”
