Page 59 of The Moonstone Hero
“Yes, to tend the garden. However, she can do little with the constant rain we’ve been having, so she spends extra time with the injured soldiers instead.”
“So do I. Why haven’t I seen her?”
Fionn shrugged. “She comes by early and leaves early.”
“To purposely avoid me. She knows mornings are when I do my exercise regimen,” Caden muttered, raking a hand through his hair.
He was the one at fault, for he could have asked anyone about her. He could have sent word to her at Westgate Hall. For all the thinking and writing he had done these past few days, he had not even bothered to write her a quick note.
Perhaps she was right about him, that he did not care for her as much as he claimed. But his heart immediately rebelled at the notion.
No, he loved her.
Truly and desperately.
But he had been too caught up in himself and what he needed to do, so he had ignored her feelings. “I must talk to Ella before my grandfather and his entourage show up.” He still needed his crutches and could not simply walk over to Westgate Hall. “Can I borrow a horse?”
“No. First of all, I have no idea whether Ella returned directly home. She could be anywhere in town or off at Moonstone Cottage or St. Austell Grange. Second, the weather is miserable, and I will not have you running around in it just when you need to be at your fittest to undertake your tour.”
“And what is your third reason? You are obviously not through giving me a piece of your mind.”
“Ella is my third reason. You have already done a thorough job of breaking her heart.” Fionn held up a hand when Caden meant to protest. “I know you did not do this on purpose. You made her no promises—she was quite adamant in defending you on this point. But it changes nothing. You need to leave her alone. Do not speak to her. Do not approach her unless it is to make that commitment and offer her marriage.”
He knew Fionn was right.
So he spent the day brooding and scowling at everyone, even snapping at poor Elmer, who had the kindest soul of any person Caden had ever met.
His dreams were particularly fierce and unsettled that night.
Come morning, the sky was finally clear of those dark gray clouds. The sun shone, putting the sparkle back in the water. The oppressively wet air they had all had to endure these past few days was finally drying out.
Elmer came bounding in with his usual vigor. “Good morning, my lord.”
“Morning, Elmer. Why did you not tell me Lady Ella had been coming here every day?”
The boy shrugged. “You did not ask me, my lord. Was it my place to mention it?”
“No, sorry. Is she here now?”
“No, it’s much too early,” he said with a shake of his head. “I expect she is just waking up, but she’ll be along later.”
Caden sighed. “Let’s get to my exercises.”
“Not today, my lord. I have been instructed to get you properly groomed for the guests you are to receive today.” Elmer held up a strop and razor blade. “Shall we get to it, my lord? I have no idea when they will arrive, and you must look your best.”
“All right. Elmer, you know I am going to be in need of a valet during my travels. Do you think your father would allow you to come with me on my tour?”
“No, m’lord. I am still in school. Not that it does me any good, but every once in a while, something sinks in. Besides, I am going to take over as constable from my father someday. If I leave with you now, he’ll think I do not want the position or do not care to live in Moonstone Landing.”
“I see.”
“My place is here—at the hospital, that is. Those injured men are in desperate need of my assistance. All I would do for you is help you wash and shave. Now that you are mostly healed, you really don’t need me for that. And I wouldn’t know how to take care of your clothes. The hospital laundresses have been doing this for you all these weeks. I merely hand your clothes over to them. So, you see, I would not be a very good valet.”
Caden smiled at him. “Elmer, I think you are going to be excellent at anything you do. All right, help me get ready now.”
It was a good thing Fionn had sent Elmer earlier than usual. Caden was in his dress uniform, his boots shined to a bright polish, medals pinned to his jacket, and crutches propped beside his bed, when he heard a flurry of activity. He took his crutches, then considered setting them aside again. He could do without them…mostly. But he also wanted to remind everyone that he had been badly injured and was still recovering.
Better keep them. All part of the hero role he was undertaking.
