Chapter Four
September 6, 1818
It had been two nights since the rout when he’d talked to Caroline beneath the stars as she’d worn the gown that had reminded him of moonbeams. Damn but she’d been a tempting vision. Two nights since he’d observed her within a society event. Two nights since an idea had occurred to him that might see her able to shine, yet that notion was also complete madness. No way would the Storme family would agree to such a thing.
Yet, the thought persisted. Especially since he’d witnessed Caroline’s return from an errand with the countess. They’d apparently been shopping on Bond Street and the afternoon crush of people in the shops, to say nothing of the usual traffic on Rotten Row, had brought about what the countess delicately called an “episode” wherein Caroline had put her hands over her ears and had hummed softly to herself until they’d arrived home.
Now he sat in the drawing room of Hadleigh House taking tea and visiting with Brand and wondered how Caroline fared. Had she calmed abovestairs, found something that might soothe distress? He’d witnessed a bit of the same from her the night of the rout; it seemed she didn’t know how to act in a crowd or with loud noises.
The situation was none of his concern, but he remained worried. Soon, he and Brand would both depart for Ipswich, and while that made him extremely happy, part of him rebelled, for that would mean leaving Caroline behind, with no one to advocate for her. She’d return to hiding—as she’d said in her own words—and he couldn’t help but know sadness for that. The woman had so much potential; she merely needed the freedom and space to explore all she could be, and she needed someone to support her.
When a biscuit flew across the low table and glanced off his cheek, John yanked himself from his thoughts. He glared at Brand. “What the devil is wrong with you?”
“Me? You’re the one here but not here.” Concern creased the captain’s brow. “What ails you?”
“I’m thinking.”
“Always a dangerous prospect.” One of Brand’s eyebrows arched. “About?”
“Your cousin Caroline, if you must know.” There was no embarrassment involved, simply a sense of duty and protectiveness.
“Why?”
“I feel she’s being repressed here beneath the earl’s care.” It was a bold statement to be sure, but he couldn’t help it.
Brand glanced over his shoulder at the open door. No doubt he feared his brother would come sailing into the room at any moment. “You should count yourself fortunate Drew is busy with his duties to Parliament right now. He’d have your head for speaking such things against him.”
“Then he should take care of Caroline better.” Would she come down for tea? Had she even been informed he and Brand were in residence? Perhaps they should have taken tea at Major Storme’s house—Brand had chosen to stay with that brother while in London—and that had been the plan, but Brand had to bring a parcel to the earl’s home, so here they were.
“I don’t know that you should be mucking about in his personal affairs.” He stuffed a whole seed cake into his mouth and chewed furiously, washing it down with a hearty swig of tea. “Besides, what should he do about Caroline anyway? She’s not right in the head.”
Hot annoyance stabbed through John’s chest. “I rather think that’s not true. She’s as well as anyone else in this connection, but her mind works a tad differently than other people’s. Why label her as insane when she’s anything but?” He loved his best friend, truly, but the man’s attitude regarding his cousin rankled.
“Why do you care?” Brand’s eye narrowed. “You know nothing about her.”
“Apparently, neither do you, or any of the Stormes, really.” The more he talked on the subject, the more he realized Caroline didn’t deserve the life she’d been handed. “Regardless, I want to come to understand her, perhaps help her reach her dreams.”
“Again, why? As near as I can tell, she’s content.”
John snorted. “Then you haven’t looked deep enough.”
“Oh, and you have?” The captain’s fingers tightened on his teacup.
“I’m beginning to, yes.” He rubbed a hand along his jaw. It was time to share his idea. “Since my father is in London, his Surrey property is empty. I would like permission to take Caroline on a short holiday there, where she can enjoy the quiet and the fresh air. Perhaps with a bit of freedom, she’ll be more apt to discover who she truly is away from the Storme fold. Once she does that, perhaps we can come up with a plan to move her forward so she won’t feel like such a prisoner.”
Brand’s lower jaw dropped. He returned the teacup to its saucer with enough force that John feared the china might crack. “You want to take my cousin away.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes.” Slowly, he nodded. “It would do her good.”
“You are invested that much in her future and well-being?”
“Of course. It’s slightly offensive that her own family is not.” Why was Caroline always forgotten or bundled up and kept on the sidelines when she had so much to contribute? Just because her viewpoint was different didn’t mean it was wrong.
“I’ll be damned. Dressed down by my best friend in the nicest possible way.” Brand grunted. Finally, he shrugged. “I don’t mind, but we will need to apply to Drew. You cannot just kidnap a woman, and my brother’s the type to prosecute.”
“At least you’ve agreed. You’re the only Storme whose opinion I value.” John chuckled. One obstacle down. “Perhaps I can talk to both Caroline and the earl about it tonight since I’ve been invited to dinner.”
“Please promise me that you don’t have an ulterior motive. I won’t have my cousin compromised or molested, even for you.” Warning rang clear in the tone.