Page 68 of The Moonstone Hero
Ella did not think they needed to be answered this day, but she went along with it. “What can he possibly do to make me choose him over Caden?”
“I have no idea,” Imogen said. “But I would also add…to what lengths will he go to ensure you choose him over Caden?”
Chapter Fourteen
Caden paced acrossthe elegant suite he occupied in one of York’s finest hotels, the Castle Hotel. Three weeks had passed since he had last seen Ella, and he missed her, ached for her every day. He and his hero tour entourage were to spend another two weeks riding north to Edinburgh before turning south again and heading to London just in time for Parliament to empty out. Most peers in the House of Lords went grouse hunting in Scotland.
He considered delaying their journey south and waiting for the lords to arrive in Scotland, but that would not work either. Most of them had their own private hunting lodges spread across the country, from Aberdeen in the east to Greenock in the west. He would merely talk himself hoarse going from lodge to lodge and repeating the same speech. No one would listen, anyway. They wanted to shoot grouse.
Besides, even if most peers were no longer in London and he had to wait for their return, his time would not be wasted. Ella would be back in London by then. Did he dare see her? Everyone was still watching his every move. The speculation would become frenzied if he were seen escorting Ella around London.
Yet it was not fair to ignore her. This would hurt her too much, to be in London together and he purposely avoiding her.Would it not be better to give in to his heart and openly court her? Well, this was certainly his desire, but was it wise?
He did not want all attention placed on their romance instead of the important work to be addressed once Parliament was back in session. Not to mention his concerns about his grandfather and his toadies doing anything to hurt Ella.
James Stafford stopped by to ask about his York speech, and watched him as he paced. “Your leg is much improved. Why don’t you give up your crutches and use a cane instead? It will be just as effective in promoting sympathy among the masses, and your grandfather is already suspicious about your continued need for them.”
“What does he have to be suspicious about? I am not using these crutches merely as props. That weakness in my leg is real. It will take time to repair the damage to the ligaments. But I suppose I could try using just a cane.” Caden cast Stafford an arch glance. “Are you going to catch me if I fall?”
“Oh, no. You are far too big. However, I will report every detail of your tragic tumble and how valiantly you endured it.”
Caden laughed.
He and Stafford had become friendly over the weeks, but Caden was never going to reveal anything truly personal to this man. As much as he liked him and respected his intelligence, Stafford was a reporter, and his loyalty was foremost to his newspaper. “What is on your mind, Lord Mersey? You are clearly fretting about something.”
“Nothing out of the usual. I am still stewing because my grandfather has designed this tour so that we return to London just when Parliament is out of session.”
“He is a wily fox, but there is still plenty important you can do once back in London. Use those weeks to gather information. Learn about the resources available to soldiers discharged from service.”
Caden frowned. “What resources?”
Stafford regarded him impatiently. “There are some available, mostly through charitable organizations. Get to know which ones they are and who backs them. Point out what has been done right and how it can be duplicated across England. You must also talk to the clerks in the Home Office and Foreign Office. Those underlings know everything and will complain to you at your slightest urging.”
“Sounds delightful.”
“Fine, be sarcastic. I am only trying to help.”
Caden sighed. “Sorry, I know.”
“Learn all you can from these government clerks about the appointment process for these territorial governors. Who nominates them? Who interferes with those nominations? How is the ultimate decision made? Who is the real power behind these decisions? Then talk to the lords who have remained in Town. There are more than a few who will stay on because they cannot abide Scottish food or weather, and cannot stand grouse.”
Caden grinned. “You are going to turn me into a crack reporter, aren’t you?”
“Well, if your cause ultimately fails, you could always apply to theLondon Chroniclerfor a job. I’m sure they would hire you.”
“No offense, but I think I will pass.” He renewed his pacing, then stopped and turned to Stafford again. “How do I keep these issues fresh in the minds of the public until Parliament is back in session? You wouldn’t happen to have any useful dirty secrets on my grandfather and his friends, would you?”
Stafford arched an eyebrow. “Are you asking me to do your investigation work for you? No, I don’t have anything I can give you. Your grandfather’s influence and that of his friends long ago got to all the major newspaper owners. Believe me, I havewanted to dig into their activities but got shot down every time I dared bring them up. What you need is an upstart reporter working for an upstart newspaper to shake things up.”
Caden regarded him dubiously. “Do any exist?”
“Oh, yes. But they are small and struggling. They would leap at the chance to bring down a dishonest politician or two. I’m also sure they would love to smear the powerful establishment papers like theLondon Chroniclerand call them out for being in bed with greedy peers like your grandfather. It is all about the bottom-line profit, isn’t it? My bosses will relent if their earnings are being hurt because they are losing sales to a paper that is printing the truth.”
“Printing the truth—what a refreshing idea,” Caden said, not bothering to hide his sarcasm.
“Well, you could also shake things up by involving the Crown. You know, the king’s silence on this tragic massacre is as good as condoning the injustices rampant in the appointment of these territorial governors.”
“No, inciting anger against the Crown is not what I am trying to do. I’ve seen enough battles to last me a lifetime. I need the Crown on my side, exerting their royal influence to bring about these reforms.”
