Cage explained he’d stumbled upon him one night three years ago, quite literally, after being in his cups. Susie frowned at this bit, but Morgan apologized and assured her that this was the behavior of his younger self. Caroline raised an eyebrow at that. She remembered all too well coming across him sleeping on a park bench in Hyde Park just a couple of weeks ago.
When they reached Greenhill, Caroline scooted forward to peer around the hood and take in the view. Cage leaned toward her to point to the gate as they approached. “Now, if you were to come for an evening out at the gardens, you would arrive by boat over there. You would climb the steps and walk down the south walk to the supper boxes and the stage. But this afternoon, wewill head for the Spring Garden.” He called out to William. “You can stop just along that arch.”
“Yes, sir.”
Morgan helped them alight from the barouche. Then he tucked her hand through the crook of his arm. Caroline looked over at Susie. “You may walk a bit behind us. But far enough so that we may converse privately.” She exchanged a meaningful look with her maid.
Susie nodded. “Yes, miss.”
Caroline took in the view as they passed through the giant stone arch and left behind the noise of the street. To her right stood a large curved neo-classical roofed colonnade. And to the left, long neat squares of hedge contained a riot of spring color. They strolled down a wide path partially shaded by a row of mature trees. She popped open her parasol and then slid her hand back onto Morgan’s arm. He smelled like lemon oil and a little like horse. Some ladies favored perfumed suitors, but she preferred the smell of fresh hay and horse over heavy perfume any day.
“What was that sigh for?” Morgan asked.
Had she sighed? She tipped her head back to meet his gaze. “I was just thinking how much I miss being able to ride every morning. When we are at Stoneleigh, I can ride to my heart’s content. Here in London, society judges my every move. My brother found out I was riding early morning in the park, and he expressly forbade me to go out alone.” She frowned and turned to stare out at the foliage they passed. “I tried to explain that I took William for protection, but he wouldn’t listen.”
“Your brother is watching out for you. London can be a dangerous place for young ladies.”
She snorted. Of course, he would agree with Andrew.
“I know. I have a younger sister too.”
“You do?” He never mentioned having any family before. “What is her name? Is she here in London with you?”
He was quiet for a long moment. “I’m not sure where Grace is. She ran away from home with a man named Phineas Harlow. I have been searching for her for months.”
Caroline pulled them to a stop and dropped his arm so she could face him. “Oh, Morgan. I’m so sorry.”
He did not meet her eyes but stared out over her shoulder. “I just don’t understand why she left without writing to me first.”
“Are you sure she left willingly? Sometimes things aren’t as they seem.” She reached out to intertwine their fingers, then gave his hand a squeeze. They began to walk again. Morgan didn’t answer her question, but he did not let go of her hand either.
His poor sister. Caroline knew what it was like to be lured away by a silver-tongued man. To be forced against your will. She had only been missing for hours before Andrew found her, but that afternoon had destroyed her innocence. She couldn’t fathom being gone from her family for months. Words she had never spoken to anyone except family left her mouth before she could stop them. “I was kidnapped once.”
Morgan’s head whipped around.
“It’s a secret. My brother did not want any scandal to harm my reputation. No one knows but the family. I was only seventeen. Unfortunately, I was taken in by the man’s flattery and attention. Perhaps your sister was similarly taken in by this Mr. Harlow.”
“Perhaps. I wish I could have protected her from harm. And not knowing if she is all right is killing me.” His hand gripped hers hard, crushing her hand for a moment. Caroline wiggled her fingers, and his grip immediately relaxed. “Sorry, I can be such a brute when I’m upset.” He pulled her hand up to his lips and kissed her fingers.
She smiled reassuringly. “No harm done.”
They had reached a center area with a large fountain at the end. Along the right were several carts with all sorts of merchandise. Flowers, baskets of all sizes, and what must be the meat pasty vendor as the smells wafting down from the furthest cart were divine. “Tell me that is your man. I am starving.”
Morgan grinned. “Yes, that’s Mr. Peters.”
They walked up to Mr. Peters’ cart. “Lieutenant Morgan!” Mr. Peters gave a smart salute, which Morgan returned. “Didn’t know you was back in London, sir.”
“Yes, just.” The two men grinned and shook hands with enthusiasm. No one could call Cage Morgan a snob. “Mr. Peters, I have spoken highly to this lovely lady about your pasties. We will take a half dozen.”
“Yes, sir.” The man snapped his fingers, and an adolescent boy jumped up from where he sat on an overturned crate. The boy began wrapping up delicious smelling pasties individually in brown paper.
“Morgan, do we need so many?”
He turned to Susie, who stood a few feet away. “You’ll have one too, won’t you?” Susie nodded enthusiastically. “And we’ll bring a couple back for William as well.”
Shame warmed her cheeks as she realized she hadn’t thought to see if her maid wanted something to eat. She glanced up at Morgan through her eyelashes as he chatted with Mr. Peters like they were old friends. His consideration for others certainly made him all the more attractive. Each time they met, he melted a little more of her circumspection. Not that she considered herself a cynic, but most men of her acquaintance were pompous snobs that would tell a lady any falsehood if it suited their purposes. Morgan didn’t appear to have an agenda. The ease with which they spent their time together, his interest in her thought and opinions, all surprised Caroline.
Morgan passed her a paper-wrapped meat pasty and one to Susie. Then he gathered the remaining four and led the way to where several benches surrounded the fountain. Susie wandered down to look at the cart with baskets for sale. Caroline settled herself on a stone bench, propping her parasol against the back. She stared down at the pasty, neatly wrapped in the package. How was one supposed to eat this?
