Page 23 of The Moonstone Hero
“They will, Ella.”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, I do. You will find the love you seek.” The comment appeared to sadden her. “You don’t believe me? Did I not admit I am an arrogant know-it-all? So, trust me. You are a catch, and any man who has been in that meat market they call the Marriage Mart will know it. This is why you have no shortage of suitors.”
“But my heart does not seem to be responding to any of them.”
He cast her a wicked grin. “Because you really do not want a perfect gentleman.”
She took a sip of her lemonade and then set down the glass. “But I do not want a rake, either.”
“What you want, my sweet Ella, is a reformed rake. Someone a little dangerous, a little exciting, but also ready to be faithful to the right woman when he meets her.”
Perhaps this was him—he did not know yet. Time would tell.
However, he did know that if anyone could bring out the best in him, it was Ella.
“We are holding a recital here tomorrow. Lady Dowling—”
“Ah, the villainess who tried to steal me from you.”
Ella rolled her eyes. “Lady Dowling has a beautiful singing voice and also plays the pianoforte very well. She is a favorite among the soldiers. She’ll be holding a recital here tomorrow at noon. Do you think you will be able to get out of bed and join the others?”
“Will you help me?”
She nodded. “I’ll find a pushchair for you, since I don’t know if you can walk to the assembly room on your own even if you use your crutches. It is a long walk to the other side of the hospital.”
“I don’t think I can yet. Today was my first day up and about. I could only make it a few wobbling steps from my bed without tiring or stumbling. When I was shot in the leg, the ball must have also shattered bone. It is still healing. I would do better if I could properly lean on my sticks,” he said, nodding toward the crutches in the corner, “but my broken wrist interferes with my ability to hold the left one.”
“Plus that crack to your skull must still have you off balance.”
He nodded. “I suppose, but I only feel a little dizzy when first standing. It passes after a moment, thankfully.”
“Oh, dear. Caden, you are a mess inside and out. Head. Ribs. Leg. Wrist. And who knows what else? Tomorrow will be better. I’ll make sure to set aside one of those pushchairs for you. Elmer can help you dress. I assume you have some clothes with you. Otherwise, I will ask Uncle Cormac to lend you some of his and bring them over in the morning.”
“Not necessary. I have clothes.”
“If it is a beautiful day, we can sit outdoors instead of in the crowded assembly room. We’ll hear the concert just as well from the garden because the windows will all be thrown open to allow in the sea breeze. It is so much more pleasant to sit outside and listen to the music while we look out over the water. Besides, I think you need a strong dose of sunlight to help knit your bones.”
“Is this what the doctor ordered?”
She shook her head. “No, just me. There’s nothing more soothing than the sun on your shoulders and a beautiful seascape to excite your soul. There is something quite fascinating about the movement of the water, the waves washingin and out of the cove, and the way the sun strikes the water so that it sparkles like diamonds.”
“And one must not forget your moonstones.”
“They only shine when there is true love. But the sunlight on the water… You will never find anything like it in London. Nor will you ever find weather as perfect as here. London gets hot and grimy. Here, the breeze is fresh and surrounds you with cool, salty air.”
“Sounds delightful. Bring more of Mrs. Halsey’s cakes and we’ll make a picnic of it.”
Ella’s eyes brightened. “Caden, that is a lovely idea.”
She spoke of the sun sparkling on the sea, but Caden could swear her eyes had captured much of that sunlight, for they were shimmering as she smiled at him.
Perhaps therewasmagic in this place. There certainly was magic in this girl. Who else had fairy eyes like hers? Or lips as soft as rosebuds?
He silently berated himself.
He needed to stop thinking of Ella, not only for her sake but for his. He had sent off an angry missive to his superiors, and they were not going to let him get away with his insubordination.
