Page 84 of The Moonstone Hero
“And not her dowry?”
Caden shrugged. “Perhaps there was a little of that, but they are not paupers. As for me, I would have proposed to her whether or not she had a shilling to her name. They might not have, though.”
Stafford returned his gaze to the ladies. “Well, the point is irrelevant, since her heart belongs to you.”
Caden looked over and smiled at her.
She smiled back.
His heart desperately needed her.
When the dancing was done, Ella and Imogen split up and made their way to each seriously injured soldier’s bedside to ask how they felt and whether they needed a letter sent to their wives or sweethearts. Caden knew they would stay into the evening to write those letters rather than disappoint any of these men. But they had a musicale to attend this evening, so he needed to make certain they left in plenty of time to prepare for it.
With Ella and Imogen quietly talking to the most severely injured, Caden now claimed the attention of the others. He gave a brief speech and then made note of their complaints.
Three hours later, they left the hospital to return to the Stockwell townhouse. Ella and Imogen were tired but invigorated. “That went well. Don’t you think so, Caden?” Ella asked.
“Yes, the two of you easily won every soldier’s heart.”
“But you look worried.” Ella had been leaning her head against his shoulder as they relaxed on the ride home, but she now sat up and studied him.
“I am worried,” he admitted. “I have no idea what those reporters are going to write. My grandfather may still get to them.”
Imogen regarded him in dismay. “I hope not. I am too young to be disillusioned by men and their petty behaviors.”
Ella invited him in when his carriage drew up in front of the Stockwell home, but he declined. “I’ll see you tonight at Lady Mayberry’s musicale. There’s to be dancing afterward. Save the supper dance for me.”
Ella laughed. “You ask this of me at every affair. Who else am I going to accept but you?”
He tipped a finger under her chin and gave her a light kiss on the mouth. “Just hoping to keep my spot secure.”
After kissing her again—a deeper kiss on those soft lips that tasted like mint tea and raisin scones—he saw them to the door, then returned to his carriage and headed off to his next appointment.
He had much to get through before this evening and Lady Mayberry’s affair.
*
Ella and herparents were already at the Mayberry townhouse when Caden arrived later that evening. He spotted them speaking to some elderly friends of Lord Stockwell and began to make his way through the crowd toward them.
But Caden had barely taken two steps forward when he began to hear whispers about Ella. What in blazes?
Lord Fielding came over and drew him aside. “Mersey, you need to be made aware of what is going on.”
“Tell me. I’m already noticing everyone’s stares and hasty exchange of comments. What has happened?”
Fielding told him of the lies being spread about Ella’s visit to the Scottish regiment this morning. “I’m doing my best to dispel the gossip, but I wasn’t there and no one will listen to me.”
Caden was not surprised his grandfather and ever-present toadies were describing Ella’s visit in the most unflattering terms. He could also see the change in her expression as the unkind whispers reached her ears. Since she was standing beside her parents, they got an earful as well.
Caden could see they were distraught, especially her father, who wanted to protect his little girl.
“They are calling me brazen and a shameless flirt!” Ella cried as he approached.
He took her hands in his. “Ignore the comments. This is what thetonis all about, humiliating and bringing down their own. They are nothing but jackals. It is only a few jealous dolts who are trying to cause mischief. I was there. I saw your magical influence on those soldiers.”
“It is horrible how everyone prefers to believe the worst. Oh, Caden. This is so hard for me.”
“I know, love. It is all my fault. Perhaps I should have continued to keep away from you.”
