It also meant he was the spare. If anything were to happen to his older brother, Nate would be the Earl of Kenley and further reason why they’d never see each other once this blasted war was over. Just because Noah married Rosalind, despite the circumstances of her birth, did not mean any other gentleman would overlook the same shame.
“Did you join the foot guards to be away from five younger sisters?” she teased.
“Mother.” He groaned. “She’d keep each of us with her until we are all old and doddering.”
Isabella couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have a smothering mother. She barely remembered hers as she was gone so often. Truthfully, it had been Demetrius, Benedick and Orlando who fed them, often resorting to picking pockets to buy food for the table. It was how her Uncle Osborn had found them in the first place.
“I’m sorry,” Nate said suddenly, stepping in front of her and taking her hands. “I shouldn’t complain about my mother when yours was taken from you.”
She shook her head and smiled. “No. Don’t apologize. It’s wonderful that your mother cares so much, and I wasn’t without parents. Uncle Osborn and Aunt Mary were very much like parents to us. We could have been left with far less.”
The concern on Nate’s face relaxed, and he returned to her side so that they could walk. “And, you and Mary Soares are cousins, of a sort.”
With that, her heart clenched. Would their conversations always turn back to Mary? Did he long for her friend as much as Isabella longed for him?
“But, we’d never met until we were both in France.” She laughed, burying her pain and wanting to create more happy memories with Nate. “Her family is large. Our family is large. It just wasn’t practical to travel so far.”
“Her family is large as well?” Nate asked.
“Not as large as ours,” Isabella chuckled. “But, Mary is the fifth of seven.”
“Does she have an older brother who is a pugilist as well?” There was a bit of tension in his tone and Isabella wasn’t certain what to make of it, unless Nate was imagining such an older brother hauling Major Soares into the ring and beating him.
“No, but she does have three older brothers.”
“I’ve a thought to write them. If any gentleman were to treat my sisters the way…”
Isabella stopped him with a hand on his harm. “You cannot interfere, Nate. You were lucky before.”
“But it’s not right.”
They’d had this conversation before, but it didn’t change the fact that Mary was essentially the property of Major Soares, and there wasn’t a thing anyone could do about it. Isabella just prayed Nate wouldn’t confront the major again. She just got him back and didn’t want to lose him again. Not that he was hers, but she could pretend. At least until the fighting began.
Chapter 5
These quiet days of preparing for a coming battle, but knowing that it was still at least a few weeks off, were some of the most pleasant weeks Nate had spent since joining the foot guards. When he wasn’t at duty, he was seeking out Isabella. They’d walk and talk. He’d learned her favorite flower was the daffodil, the bright color of yellow was hope for a new year and the coming of spring. She loved the deep purples of a sunset on the horizon, and monkeys were a curiosity. Not that she’d ever been near one, but they intrigued her. He had a mind to fill a house with daffodils, paint the walls purple, and buy her a pet monkey once she was his and they had a home.
“What I don’t understand is why she won’t let me escort her into Brussels,” he complained to Mary one afternoon while Major Soares was away. He missed Mary’s company and valued her advice but stayed away when the major was around.
“Her uncle is a vicar, and her father was a missionary. She’s modest, and she probably has never gone anywhere without a chaperone.”
“Of course!” Why hadn’t it occurred to him? No respectable miss would go walking with a gentleman, even in the park, without a maid trailing behind. Except it wasn’t like there were an abundance of maids or companions hanging around the army waiting to be needed.
“Would you go with us?”
Her eyes widened. “Me?”
“I know the major may not approve, but if you were with us, how could Isabella object?”
Mary worried her lip and looked around. “There isn’t much for me to do today.” A smile formed. “Aye. I’d enjoy visitin’ Brussels.”
His heart leapt. Now, maybe he could get Isabella away from the camp.
“If ye just give me time to prepare. Call on Isabella and me in two hours, at her tent.”
Why two hours?
He didn’t voice the question but did as Mary asked. He’d wait three or four hours if it was necessary. As long as they got away from the army for even a short time.
* * *
Isabella glanced up from her book as Mary approached. She was dressed in a lovely light green walking dress that she’d not seen before.
“Captain Storm is goin’ ta accompany us into Brussels,” she announced with excitement, and Isabella’s heart sank. Nate had asked her to accompany him, but Isabella had declined each invitation. Of course he’d gone to Mary. It’s who he truly wished to be with. This was the first day she hadn’t seen Major Soares about. Nate probably hadn’t wasted any time in asking Mary to join him.
“I can’t wait to walk the streets and view the shops.”
“I’m sure you will have a lovely time.” Isabella forced a smile. It wasn’t that she didn’t wish to visit the city, it just wasn’t practical. At least not for one of her station and lack of proper clothing.
“Yer comin’ with us.”
“I can’t.”
“Why ever not? It’s a lovely day and ye’re readin’. What can be so pressin’?”
Isabella’s face heated. “I don’t have a proper dress.” There, she’d said it out loud. Mary would understand, but she didn’t want to embarrass herself by telling Nate that all she owned were dark skirts and drab shirts, most of them permanently stained with blood and mud. To tell him would embarrass her and possibly him.
Mary grinned wider. “Which is why I brought these.” She drew a satchel from behind her back. “That’s why ye’ve turned down his earlier invitations, am I right?”
“What I own is fine for the hospital tents,” Isabella argued.
“I agree, but you need to have a bit of fun, and I guessed that the only reason ye’re not walking with Captain Storm is for lack of wardrobe.”
“And a chaperone,” Isabella offered weakly. Though in truth, she and Nate had been alone, often, over the past few days without another soul around. They were some of the most enjoyable afternoons she’d had since coming to the Continent. His laughter was deep and rich, and it warmed her soul. He had a sharp wit, kind smile, and was an excellent conversationalist. She’d never enjoyed coming to know someone as well as Nate.
“That is why you have me.” Mary grinned.
Mary may think she’d act as chaperone, but Isabella knew that it was a way for Nate to be with Mary without her husband becoming angry, if he ever found out. No. If anyone was going along for appearances, it was Isabella, and she was torn. She did want to see Brussels and spend more time with Nate, but at what cost? It was easy to forget about Mary when it was just the two of them. At least until her name was mentioned, then their topic of conversation turned to her, which occurred every time they spoke. And, he’d gone to Mary for this outing. It was Mary who’d come to her.
Would the two of them go off without her if she declined again?
That ate at her more. Her imagination taking off at what they would do without her, how much fun they’d have, and Nate would be reminded of how much he preferred Mary’s company to hers. If she didn’t go, she’d also be cheating herself out of time with Nate, which was foolish since they had so little time left.
Nobody knew when they’d cross paths with Napoleon, but it couldn’t be much longer, and then there would be war once again. Battles, wounded and dying m
en. She could be injured or worse, Nate could be killed, and she would have given up an afternoon to be with him because of pride. “Very well,” She closed her book and stood. “I’ll go.” She couldn’t keep from smiling. “Provided one of your dresses fits.”
She took the satchel from Mary and pulled out two walking dresses. One of light blue and the other a pale yellow. “Where did you get these?”
“When I met my husband it was durin’ my first season. We left almost immediately for the Continent after we married. My entire wardrobe is buried in the bottom of a trunk.” Mary frowned. “They could be a wee bit out of date or style, but far better than what we usually wear day to day.”
Isabella eyed her. “Entire wardrobe?” She had an idea of what kind of wardrobe was needed for a season. “In one trunk?”
An impish grin formed. “Three trunks. I was goin’ to get rid of them after a year, thinkin’ they were a waste, but my husband wouldna let me, assumin’ they may be needed at one time.” Then she grinned. “And, now they are.”
Chapter 6
Yellow suited her. Isabella was sunshine on any day, and her smile warmed Nate’s heart. The straw bonnet was perched upon her head, shading her face from the sun, thought it didn’t obstruct his view of her lovely features. Mary, on the other hand, had her hair pulled forward and arranged to cover one side of her face, while her hat was tipped in such a manner that shielded her scars from view. It was a shame, really, that she had to hide herself. The scar was barely noticeable, but he knew that she was self-conscious of it, as most women might be. What would be a badge of honor for most men, would be considered a horrible disfigurement for most women. Perhaps if her husband had given her the love and attention she deserved, Mary wouldn’t be quite so self-conscious, but since Soares was an ass, she had no one to compliment her. Unfortunately, it wasn’t his place to do so.
“I’ve borrowed a landau and hired a driver.” He held out an arm to each woman. “Tell me what you wish to see, and I’ll gladly take you there.”
Isabella and Mary shared a look. “We’re not sure.” Mary laughed.
“It’ll be a holiday simply going into town,” Isabella insisted and perhaps she was correct. The two of them had lived with the army for at least two years. Dr. Valentine probably never took the time to show his sister about, as he was always with the sick and wounded, taking his profession with the army with such utmost seriousness that he only allowed himself a break for meals and sleep.
As for Mary, her husband never took her from the camp, when many times he should have.
Nate held the door and assisted each woman inside and then joined them. While he watched them, they looked at the passing scenery, marveling at the sights, from the architecture to the gowns worn by others. Their enthusiasm bubbled over and all he could do was grin, wishing he had gone to Mary sooner. Isabella and Mary should enjoy a bit of pleasure.
No. Not a bit, but mounds of pleasure. Their sacrifice at seeing to the wounded and caring for the soldiers should have been rewarded long before now, but Nate would be willing to bet all of his pay that neither one of them ever considered it a sacrifice.
The driver pulled over as they reached Grand Place, the central square.
After assisting the women from the carriage, he stood by, and they turned and looked about them, taking it all in.
Mary burst out laughing. “Oh dear, Isabella, we are gawkin’ like country girls who’ve first come ta town.”
Isabella matched her grin. “Perhaps because I am.”
“Surely you’ve been to London.” Nate offered his arms to them.
“No. Until I followed Orlando, I hadn’t left Hampshire and have never seen anything so grand.”
This surprised him. “Even with your extensive travel with the army?”
Her face flushed. “I didn’t leave the hospital tents or the sick and wounded.”
And with those words, Nate amended his earlier plans. Before they settled into his home, he and Isabella would travel anywhere she wished to go.
“The architecture is magnificent.” Isabella sighed as she took in the elegance of the houses with their ornately carved stonework and gold decorations.
For the next two hours they walked and took in the sights with Isabella and Mary often stopping and looking into store windows. A few times they’d venture in, but neither purchased anything for themselves. And they giggled. A lot. He used to hate giggling, especially when it came from the debutantes during the two seasons he’d attended or when it came from his younger sisters. But the same from Isabella and Mary did not grate on his nerves, but warmed him instead. He’d not seen either woman so happy or free the entire time he’d known them, and Nate was glad he could give them this.
The warmth and sweetness of fresh-baked bread wafted near, and Nate took a deep breath as his stomach grumbled. They’d not eaten since they’d left the camp, and the time for the mid-day meal had come and gone. “One moment.” He excused himself and ducked into the bakery.
* * *
“Isn’t this delightful, Isabella?” Mary asked as soon as Nate had left them. “I don’t believe I’ve had such a lovely time since I was in London.”
Isabella couldn’t remember when she’d enjoyed herself so much.
“Nor should you be here now.”
Mary stiffened, and Isabella turned to find Major Soares approaching, a scowl upon his hateful features and a beautiful brunette on his arm. If Nate came out of the bakery now, he might very well shoot the major, and though doing so would make Mary a widow, little good would it do Nate as he hung from the gallows.
“Phillip,” Mary greeted her husband in a tight voice. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”
“Obviously!” He nodded his head to Isabella but offered no greeting. “You know I don’t wish for you to leave the camp.” His eyes flickered to the side of Mary’s face, where her hair covered the scar. “Or to be seen in public.”
Mary’s pale complexion deepened to a red as she lifted her hand to make sure her hair covered her face.
“Come along, and I will take you back.” He then turned toward the beautiful brunette, and without even offering an introduction, kissed the back of her hand and murmured, “I shall see you at supper.”
Isabella stiffened. Perhaps she should shoot the scoundrel. It would certainly make her feel better, and Mary a widow. Then her friend would be free. Free to be with Nate as Isabella twisted from the end of a rope.
No, that wouldn’t do either.
The woman inclined her head then turned and walked away.
“Come along, Mary,” her husband ordered, offering his arm.
Mary gave Isabella an apologetic smile, though all the happiness that had shown earlier in her blue eyes was gone. It was as though her husband had just sucked the very life from his wife.
Isabella had never hated anyone, and tried not to now, but Major Soares was the very exception to the rule, and no matter how much she searched, Isabella could not find one redeeming quality.
Worse, he’d left Isabella standing on the street as if she was of no consequence with no escort, chaperone, or a way to return to camp. Thank goodness Nate was here. At least he hadn’t come out while Major Soares was here. That would not have gone well at all.
“Where did Mary go off to?” Nate asked as he returned carrying a loaf of bread and a basket. She had no idea what all he’d purchased, but Isabella’s earlier appetite had disappeared.
“Her husband came along and collected her.” It was best not to mention the details to Nate because she was afraid of what he might do.
Nate’s eyes hardened. “Did he know I was with her?”
“No,” Isabella quickly assured him.
“And he left you here, alone?” Nate turned and looked around but Mary and the major were gone and out of sight. “What an inconsiderate, loathsome, ba…!” He clamped his lips shut and looked at her. “Anything could have happened to you.”
“It didn’t.” Why was he ove
r-protective of her all of a sudden? It was Mary he loved. Then again, Nate was always chivalrous. Or at least, he’d always been around her and Mary. “If you wish to return to the camp, I understand,” she finally offered. After all she was the one who had come along on the outing with Mary and Nate.
He frowned down at her. “Why should we allow Major Soares to ruin our day?”
“I just assumed…well, you did ask Mary, who asked me.”
Nate laughed and offered his arm. “Let’s return to the landau and have the driver take us to the park. I have bread, cheese, wine and all manner of foodstuffs in this basket. Let’s feast under the blue sky and forget there is any need for an army or that Napoleon is once again a threat.”
Chapter 7
Nate spread the blanket out under a shade tree. He’d intended to enjoy a picnic with Isabella and Mary after they had shopped, but the major ruined the outing for his wife. At least Isabella was still with him. And, he had her all to himself.
Isabella settled on the blanket and he joined her, opening the basket that he’d purchased along with the food.
Why would Isabella think that since Mary had gone he’d wish to return as well? It had taken him a sennight to get Isabella away from the hospital and the army, and Nate wasn’t about to relinquish her so quickly.
He withdrew a glass and poured wine before handing it to her, then produced plates, as well as the bread, cheeses, and cold meats.
Had she only come along for her friend and not him? Was that why she’d turned him down all the other times? He’d simply assumed it was because of a lack of chaperone. He thought they were getting closer given the walks they’d taken. He’d been courting her. Well, the best any gentleman could court a woman when there was nothing but soldiers about. But today, they were in Brussels, and she looked prettier than ever. The day was perfect, and he wasn’t going to take her back until the last possible moment.
Weathering Captain Storm Page 3