Brand clapped a hand onto John’s shoulder. “I’m coming too. I couldn’t help Caroline before, but I sure as hell can now.”
How much did he love his best friend’s loyalty? John sighed, and his shoulders drooped as he regarded the captain. “I can’t guarantee your safety, my friend. You must think of your own little family.”
“I’ll keep myself intact. Don’t you worry about that, but I have been itching to land my fists into something. Miss the action I had in the navy. Your rotted father will do nicely.” His eye flashed with anger.
John nodded, but felt rather grim and defeated. “Glad to have you by my side. I think this night will not end well, and I pray we reach Caroline in time.” He glanced at Finn then at the earl. “I don’t know what I’ll do without her,” he said in a choked voice.
“Then go out and prove to her that you are her knight in shining armor after all.” For the first time since John had married Caroline, the earl grinned. “You’ll have marvelous stories to tell your grandchildren. Hell, you might even give Finn or Isobel fuel for future books.”
“Thank you. If I might have use of your carriage?”
“Of course.” The earl looked at Finn. “Tell that sorry excuse for a butler to have the vehicle brought ’round.” Once the other man wheeled himself about, Hadleigh sighed. “You are exactly who Caroline needs in her life, and this might not matter right now, but you are nothing like your reprobate father. Never have I met a more patient or strong person. I… I envy you that.”
“Thank you.” There was nothing else to say. As a knot of guests appeared in the corridor beyond, he cleared his throat. “We should be going. Do what you can to mitigate the scandal.”
Hadleigh snorted. “Isn’t there always something when a Storme is involved? Let us hope the family as a whole will mellow now that we’re all married and settled.”
As John made his way to the curb once more, he tamped down hard on the emotions rising in his chest. Above all, he would keep Caroline safe. After that, he could make no promises.