Page 54 of The Moonstone Hero
He listened patiently, for had he not unburdened himself last night? Cried tears in front of Ella’s uncle. He supposed everyone needed a trustworthy friend in whom to confide their thoughts and fears. Having gone through his own experience, he hoped to help others and be that trusted confidant for them.
The hospital usually quieted by evening, but there was a bit of a stir tonight, since many of the patients were curious tosee Caden and the several other officers declared fit enough to attend the dance all dressed up in their military finery. Fionn’s wife, Lady Chloe, had come by in their carriage to take Fionn, Caden, and these other officers to the inn.
Caden climbed into the carriage with only the slightest difficulty. But to his dismay, he required assistance stepping down from the carriage. The timing could not have been worse, for Ella had just arrived with Imogen and her aunt and uncle. They were all standing at the entrance to the inn watching him struggle as he attempted to climb down.
Blast.
Some hero he was.
But Ella’s smile was genuine as she came over to greet him once both his feet were securely planted on the ground. “I’m so glad you made it, Caden,” she said quietly. “I was concerned you might not attend. Elmer told me you had a difficult morning, although it is not surprising after everything we did yesterday.”
“I was not that bad,” he said, his pride taking charge rather than his common sense. “I saw you tending the flowerbeds earlier.”
She nodded. “I was tempted to stop in to see you afterward, but Mr. Hawke came by with his wagon earlier than usual and needed to get back to Moonstone Cottage. I did not wish to delay him.”
“Well, you are here now. You look beautiful, Ella.” She wore a pearl silk gown and had a strand of tiny pearls beaded through her upswept hair. Her necklace was a simple teardrop pearl that drew his eyes to her slender throat and seemed to point downward like an arrow to her cleavage. It took a monumental effort to draw his gaze away. “Truly beautiful.”
This was Ella, understated and elegant.
She blushed at his compliment. “Need I say how magnificent you look? I am sure you will have all the ladies in a swoon.”
“Assuming I don’t trip over them,” he joked, glancing at the crutches that supported him.
He should not have done, but he asked Ella to remain by his side as he moved through the room and greeted her family and many of the local villagers who had approached him on his sojourn into town the other day.
Cormac drew him aside a moment. “Once the dancing gets underway in earnest, come into the card room. Fionn, Cain, and I want to talk to you.”
“The Duke of Malvern is back?”
“Yes, a day early. I told him a little about our discussion. He is eager to hear more. Claymore is going to join us as well. He is also interested.”
“All right.”
Ella regarded him curiously once her uncle strode off. “I don’t know what you said to him, but I haven’t seen him this enthused about a cause in quite a while. He is happily settled here, but I think he misses the excitement of London sometimes. Especially those shouting matches in Parliament.”
“There will be plenty of those once I am through with my England tour.”
“You’ll be leaving soon,” she said, her voice hardly audible now that the first dance was starting and the musicians struck the lively opening chords.
“Yes, Ella.” He was afraid to say anything more to her, for he was already too much involved and needed to break away, at least for these next few months.
He watched the guests in attendance, and noticed Cormac and Phoebe dancing. It amazed him how smoothly Phoebe managed to fill in with a dip or a twirl to make up for the lack of her husband’s arm. Fionn was dancing with his wife, his slight limp not noticeable as they moved along the line with the other couples.
Ella pointed out Cain, the Duke of Malvern, and his wife Henley. He was a big bear of a man, and his wife was slender and delicate. The same could be said of Daire, the Duke of Claymore, and his wife Brenna. She was Elmer’s cousin. He noticed the Angel resemblance in the brightness of her eyes and curve of her smile.
How would he fit into Moonstone Landing?
Assuming he returned, which he would if Ella was still here. However, she was likely to be back in London by the time his tour was finished. Wherever she was, he wanted to come back for her and seriously court her.
She was right for him. He felt it in his heart.
A gentleman he did not recognize came up to Ella and asked her to dance.
“Oh…” She glanced at Caden.
“I’ll be fine on my own,” he assured her, although inside he was suddenly that wild ape wanting to toss furniture and punch this stranger.
“Lord Mersey,” Ella said, before clearing her throat to regain his attention, which had immediately moved on to what else he might do to this stranger for attempting to take Ella from him, “may I present Lord Fielding, a good friend of the Duke of Malvern.”
