Page 80 of The Moonstone Hero
“I love you too. So very much, Caden.”
He smiled affectionately. “I’m sure I loved you first. I knew it even before my regiment shipped out of England. My feelings were confirmed the moment I saw you again in the Moonstone Landing hospital. I will love you forever, Ella.”
She brushed aside a tear as it fell onto her cheek. “I want to throw my arms around you and kiss you with every ounce of my being.”
“I won’t complain,” Caden said.
Imogen sidled up to her and poked her in the ribs. “Honestly, you two. You are turning the temperature up in this room, and it is becoming unbearably hot. If I wore spectacles, they would be completely steamed. Everyone is looking at you, especially Papa, who does not know whether to shake Caden’s hand and welcome him as a son or punch him for ogling you like a lion about to devour its prey.”
Ella groaned. “I know they are looking, but do you think they heard what we said?”
“No,” Imogen said with a shake of her head. “But they did not need to hear a word, since the flaming looks you are tossing each other say it all.”
Ella looked up at Caden in dismay. He chuckled. “Stop looking so horrified. Do you think every woman here is not jealous?”
“My father is going to give me a stern lecture.”
“Fine, we’ll save our cooing and inane love words for later. Wait up for me when you return to your townhouse. I intend to speak to your father.”
Imogen squealed and began to hop up and down. “I’m going to wait up, too.”
The remark had Caden grinning again. “Which reminds me… I haven’t officially asked you yet, have I?”
Imogen squealed again and continued to hop up and down.
Caden’s expression softened as his gaze fixed on Ella. “Will you marry me?”
Everyone in the parlor heard the question. Their gazes had already been on her and Caden, not only because Caden had gone straight to her the moment the men joined the ladies, but because Imogen was now bouncing up and down and making noises like an excited chicken.
The room erupted in cheers and clapping.
Ella had not given her answer yet—not that anyone had a doubt what it would be. She threw herself into Caden’s arms, no longer caring what anyone thought. “Yes, I will. But are you sure about this?” He had wanted to keep her as far away from him as possible.
He wrapped his arms around her in a heartfelt embrace. “I couldn’t bear to be apart from you any longer. When I read those lies printed in the gossip rags about my consorting with other women, I knew this was my grandfather’s delightful touch. He meant to hurt your feelings, make you doubt me. I had not protected you from anything.”
“I knew they were lies,” she assured him. “Even if they weren’t, you had made me no promises.”
“They were complete fabrications,” he said with a soft growl. “I’m sorry I waited so long to declare my feelings for you. But I was truly concerned they meant to hurt you while I was off on my tour.”
“Well, you are here now. Elmer’s gifts and notes kept you foremost in my heart.”
He caressed her cheek. “I want you as my wife, Ella. The sooner we marry, the happier I will be.”
He released her, and they spent the next few minutes accepting congratulations from all the well-wishers. Indeed, they spoke no more about his grandfather or his own intentions now that he was back in London.
Lord Fielding appeared wistful but otherwise genuinely happy for them. He ordered champagne brought out and served all around. His mother was thrilled, for this was certainly a coup for her—England’s most eligible bachelor proposing to his lady love at her party. Every family with an unmarried daughter would be seeking an invitation to one of Lady Fielding’s dinner parties.
With the evening now at an end, Ella and her family returned to their townhouse to await Caden. He arrived soon after, bringing along a gentleman Ella recognized as one of the reporters who had come to Moonstone Landing along with his grandfather.
What was going on?
Caden introduced the man as James Stafford, reporter for theLondon Chronicler. Neither she nor her father were pleased to have him in their home.
Caden apologized and began to explain. “Mr. Stafford has been honest in his reporting throughout my tour. In return, I promised him an exclusive story about Ella and me.”
Ella did not like this one bit. “You had to bribe him to be honest? What assurances do we have that he won’t print lies now that he will have his story?”
Mr. Stafford cleared his throat. “You have my word of honor, Lady Ella. I am not a liar or a cheat.”
