Page 98 of The Moonstone Hero
He took Ella’s hand and held on to it dearly.
She glanced at their clasped hands, then looked up at him. “You are not your grandfather, Caden.”
He gave a mirthless laugh. “Can you promise me this?”
She smiled at him. “I’ll chase you around with a broom if you ever behave like him. Is this what has you so worried?”
He nodded.
Would he turn into a greedy beast just like his grandfather?
Chapter Nineteen
Caden stared downat his grandfather, seriously worried.
Two days had passed since his heart attack, and the old man had yet to wake up. In another few days, there would be no chance of his recovery. Without water, a person could last no more than four or five days.
Caden took a damp cloth and dabbed drops of water onto his grandfather’s lips to moisten them, but it was not the same as swallowing liquids, which he had not yet done. Nor was he capable of swallowing anything while lying unconscious.
Frustrated, Caden set the cloth aside as Dr. Farthingale walked in shortly before noon. To his surprise, Ella followed close on his heels. He was pleased to see her and rose to cross the bedchamber to greet her. “Ella, is everything all right at home? I did not expect your visit.”
She looked like an angel, her golden hair soft and shining, and her eyes filled with concern. Her gown, a dark green merino wool, was elegant and understated in its style. She looked exquisite. Perhaps it was just him responding with heat every time he set eyes on her. The lace about the collar and sleeve cuffs, and the prim way the gown buttoned to her slender throat, never failed to get his heart pounding and turn his blood hot.
“It is terribly forward of me, I know,” she said as though worried he might toss her out. Lord, he just wanted to pull her into his arms and hold on to her forever. “I had to see how youwere doing. Have you eaten? Or slept at all? You help no one, least of all your grandfather, by wearing yourself down.”
“I know. But I have no appetite.”
“Maybe something light will do, a broth and a little bread. I asked Mrs. Nance to bring up a bowl for you when she mentioned that you hadn’t been taking anything.”
He cast her an affectionate grin. “I don’t need you mothering me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be—it’s nice.” He took her hands in his. “I haven’t thanked you for taking over my hospital visits.”
“None required. Imogen and I are happy to help out. She and Mr. Stafford are waiting in the carriage for me now. We are off to that new seamen’s home just opened in Southwark. We’ll be fine. Do not fret.”
He frowned. “Don’t stay too long. You mustn’t be in that part of London after dark.”
She nodded. “I have received this same lecture from my father and have every intention of obeying. Unlike you, I do not bridle at instruction from others, especially when it is sensible. Is there anything in particular you wish me to convey to the seamen?”
“No, just good wishes from me and that I will come by as soon as I can. I don’t think they will miss my presence once they set eyes on you and Imogen. But do make note of their needs, write down what they deem most important to them and what is least important.”
“All right. I took copious notes on yesterday’s visits and will do the same today. What should I do with these notes once I have them in coherent order? Send them over to you?”
“No, love. I’ll come by your home before supper this evening. But I won’t stay long. Please tell your mother not to set out a place for me. I wouldn’t be good company even if I were to stay.”
“Oh.”
He could see she was disappointed, not only because he was brushing off the dinner invitation. They had yet to speak about their wedding plans, and he still was not ready to discuss them. No doubt this was troubling Ella, although she was too sweet ever to raise the matter.
He knew for a certainty it was irritating her father.
Well, it could not be helped. How was Caden to know what might be required of him while his grandfather was in a coma and on the verge of taking his last breath? All would be clarified within the next two or three days.
“Well, see that you take a little sustenance,” she said, glancing at the bowl of broth Mrs. Nance had just brought up and quietly set beside him. “I had better be on my way.”
“I’ll walk you out.” But he took his time leading her down the long hall toward the stairs. He liked being with her and was reluctant to see her go.
