Page 49 of The Moonstone Pirate
“Because he fell in love with her the moment he set eyes on her. He stayed on to protect her for the rest of her life. When she passed, the three nieces inherited Moonstone Cottage. Chloe and her husband own it now.”
“She and her husband, Major Brennan?”
“Yes, there is a story behind his connection to Moonstone Cottage, too. When we have time another day, I will tell you how he came into the title of viscount.”
“Good grief, another ghost?”
“No, the same ghost. His name is Captain Brioc Taran Arundel, and he died saving the children of Moonstone Landing from drowning. As a matter of fact, the Duke of Claymore’s wife, Brenna, was one of the children he saved. So was her cousin, Cara, the Duchess of Strathmore. And Felicity, too. She is married to the Earl of Bradford.”
“As you have already mentioned,” he muttered. “Two duchesses and a countess? Is that so?” But his question held no trace of mockery. Any man who would risk his life to save drowning children was a true hero and deserved Draco’s respect. Perhaps therewassomething enchanted about this place. How else would commoners such as Brenna, Felicity, and Cara—all of them Angels—have made love matches with dukes and earls?
“This is why there is a memorial to Captain Arundel in the village green,” Imogen said. “Brenna and her cousins were perhaps six years old and on a school trip when they weretrapped aboard a sinking schooner that foundered in a sudden squall.”
Draco, an experienced sailor himself, fully understood how frightening these storms could be. “Go on, Imogen. I’m listening.”
She nodded. “They would have died had Captain Arundel not braved the dangerous waters and rescued them. Sadly, he did not survive. Just after he had placed them all safely on his vessel, he was struck in the head by a falling mast and fell into the water, and”—her breath hitched—“he was never seen again.”
Draco felt a stirring in his heart, for it was a cruel end for someone who had acted so bravely. But one did not tangle lightly with the sea. A superstitious sailor might say that the sea wanted a death and took the captain when he deprived it of those children. “Did they ever find his body?”
“No, not a trace.”
Draco could see the pain in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Imogen. Truly.”
She nodded. “After that day, his ghost haunted Moonstone Cottage. He chased everyone away until Henleigh came along. Then he fell in love with her, and she fell in love with him. This is what I mean when I say true love has no bounds.”
“Imogen, I am not dismissing the notion. But I doubt it will apply to me. My heart is too guarded. I don’t think I would allow myself to believe in instant love, to look upon someone and immediately know I had metthe one.”
Imogen regarded him earnestly once again. “You might feel that way, but you would be too cautious ever to admit your feelings. Not that I blame you. One in your position must be careful because you are so much sought after as an earl. I’ve seen how you are plagued by schemers who only want you for your wealth and title.”
Deandra had been listening in on their conversation and now joined in. “But Imogen is not a schemer, Draco. She is true and honest.”
Draco growled low in his throat, for Deandra and her romantic ideas were the last things he needed. “Gad, don’t start that again.”
“All I am suggesting is that there is a simple way for you to find out whether Imogen is meant for you. Just kiss her on the night of a full moon and see if the moonstones shine. I’ll wager they will shine quite brightly for the two of you.”
He frowned at his young cousin. “I am not going to risk my earldom on some rocks that might or might not shine. Nor am I going to kiss Imogen.”
“They will never shine for us, Deandra,” Imogen agreed, surprising him as she joined in his defense. “You must stop pushing me at your cousin. It will not work. Both parties must be deeply in love for the moonstone lore to come true. As your cousin said, these feelings do not happen overnight.”
“It has been two full days now,” Deandra remarked. “Three if you count half-days.”
Draco laughed. “Ah, yes. An eternity in your mind.”
Deandra frowned at him. “Make fun of me all you want, but love can and does happen instantly. Oh, Imogen, do tell me more about the Moonstone Cottage ghost. Was he very handsome?”
“Yes, and Phoebe’s aunt fell in love with him.”
Deandra sighed. “That is splendid. I hope something as romantic happens to me.”
“Falling in love with a dead man is not romantic, Deandra.” Draco was desperate for an excuse to end this conversation. He already had his hands full with Driscoll’s murder and establishing a connection with the Irishman. He did not need to worry about his cousin foolishly mistaking infatuation for loveand running off with some fortune-hunting wastrel while he was distracted bringing down a rebel plot.
Deandra punched him lightly in the arm. “You are impossible.”
“I am sensible,” he insisted. “Love does not happen in the blink of an eye. Lust, attraction—desire, perhaps. But love is something that must grow over time. Haven’t you heard the adage,marry in haste, repent at leisure? There is a reason it rings true. One might like the look of a person, but it is in getting to know that person beyond a superficial dance or evening’s conversation that matters most. A beautiful woman might quickly grow boring if there is little going on between her ears. Or she might have a cruel and petty nature. Or simply have nothing at all in common with you to bind you to each other. One only learns these things over time.”
He was relieved to see Imogen nodding in agreement. “Truly, Deandra. Your cousin is right. Did you not see how the ladies fluttered around him on the night of the ball? He is a handsome, wealthy, and unmarried earl. Women are going to lie and manipulate, do anything to secure his affections or simply trap him in a compromising situation. He must be extremely careful, and so should we all.”
“I still think you are a match for my cousin,” Deandra said. “Do you not feel it in your heart, Imogen? Aren’t you curious to know?”
