Weathering Captain Storm

by Charles, Jane

  Blast, why hadn’t he gone to his sister-in-law today and demanded answers? He could have convinced her to tell him.

  But he wanted Isabella to tell him. To trust him enough to share her secrets. Only then might he be willing to trust her again. Or finally purge her from his heart and mind and travel far, far away from England to start over.

  What was so horrible that she could not trust him with her secrets?

  “Could I have a word, Storm?”

  Nate glanced up to find Stalter standing beside his table. Ah, yes, he needed to speak with him, and it was exactly the distraction he needed.

  “Have a seat, Stalter.” Nate motioned for the footman to bring two brandies. “How have you been? I haven’t seen you in nearly a decade.”

  “Not since you bought a commission.”

  “A lifetime ago.” He’d been so young then. Instead of ten years, Nate often felt as if he’d aged fifty.

  “I have a rather delicate question,” Stalter said after taking a drink.

  Nate sat forward. “Yes?”

  Stalter opened his mouth a few times, then closed it, then opened, as if he couldn’t quite form the necessary words.

  “Out with it man.”

  “Very well, what exactly does your mother have against me?”

  Nate frowned. “What has she done?”

  “I had the honor of waltzing with Miss Storm at the Felding ball,” he began.

  The very ball at which Nate had seen Isabella for the first time in nearly two years.

  “Then Miss Storm seemed to disappear for days.”

  “Mother was keeping my sisters at home,” Nate answered dryly.

  “Then, at the Bentley Ball, I had Miss Storm’s dance card, ready to write my name, when your mother yanked it out of my hand.”

  Nate’s eyebrows rose. “She actually yanked it from your hand?”

  “Yes! Then she said I would not be considered, so my time with Miss Storm was not necessary.”

  His sisters certainly had not exaggerated Mother’s behavior. “Have you had a chance to speak with my sister again?”

  This time Stalter smiled. “We were paired together on a scavenger hunt at the Thorndyke picnic this afternoon.”

  “I take it that my mother wasn’t there.”

  “No.”

  “Which of my brothers attended with her?” Nate had been so caught up in his own life and what to do about Isabella that he had neglected the promise to his sisters.

  “Your twin.”

  Nate nodded. Sam wouldn’t have stood in the way of any worthy gentleman wishing to spend time with Hannah.

  “Did you speak with him about your concern?”

  “Your brother was occupied with Lady Jillian Simpson most the time.”

  Nate frowned. “Isn’t she your cousin?”

  “Once removed, but yes, she is.”

  Nate nodded. He’d need to ask his brother about the lady. They’d shared more information in letters when they were in different parts of the world than they’d talked since both had come to London.

  “What of my older brother? The gentleman you should actually address your concerns with, Kenley?”

  This time Stalter frowned. “He won’t see me.”

  That didn’t sound like Ben. Was there something about Stalter that Nate didn’t know?

  “At first I called at your family residence for Miss Storm, and was told she was not at home. Then I called on Kenley only to be advised of the same.”

  His mother was behind this, Nate knew it in his gut. “I’ve a feeling my brother never knew.” Then he shook his head. “Not that it matters, I will stand in his place. What would you have spoken to Ben about?”

  “Frankly, I’d simply like to court Miss Storm to see if we would suit. She delighted me at the Felding ball, and I had an enjoyable day at the picnic. However, if your mother keeps me from dancing or calling on her, how will I know if I wish to pursue more, or if she even wishes to be courted by me?”

  Nate smiled as he remembered the breakfast conversation. “Unless she’s changed her mind, I’m certain Hannah would be quite open to being courted, by you.”

  Stalter sat forward. “She’s mentioned me?”

  “You caught her interest as well, my friend, though she had no idea you noticed her. I believe her words to our younger sister were that he doesn’t know I exist.”

  “Oh, I’m very much aware that she exists.” Stalter took a deep drink of his brandy.

  Stalter was a good man, an honorable one, or at least he had been ten years ago. Even though Nate had every intention of giving the gentleman permission to call on Hannah, he’d still speak with Ben to make sure there weren’t concerns he wasn’t aware of. His sister could do far worse. Stalter was an earl, his father a marquess, and the family was landed and wealthy.

  “Is it simply that your mother dislikes me?” the man finally asked.

  Nate laughed. “Not you but the fact that your home is in Oxfordshire.”

  Stalter frowned. “It’s a large estate. I don’t understand her objection.”

  “Because my mother would have her daughters close so that she could interfere, though she calls it providing guidance in their lives on a daily basis. As far as Hannah, or any of them are concerned, the further away an estate is from Northumberland, the more appealing the gentleman.”

  Stalter relaxed and smiled. “How do I get past your mother so that I might court Miss Storm?”

  “Simply slay the dragon, my friend.”

  Stalter frowned.

  “My brothers will offer no interference and assist when necessary. Feel free to call on my sister tomorrow if you wish. I will speak with the staff myself. They will only tell you that she is not at home if she truly is not there.”

  * * *

  The house was empty of everyone but servants when Isabella walked through the door. “Where is everyone?” she asked the housekeeper.

  “The doctor has gone out, but did not give me his destination. Lord and Lady Felding have gone to a ball.”

  “And Perdita?”

  “She’s not returned home from the foundling hospital.”

  Isabella nodded and began to climb the stairs. Her youngest sister would live at the foundling hospital if it were allowed, and Isabella suspected that her sister would one day work her way into a position that would require she live there.

  “Cook would like to know when you’d like supper.”

  Isabella turned. “Whatever is convenient for her.” She really wasn’t all that hungry. “Something simple. There is no need for Cook to go to much trouble for my sister and me.”

  The housekeeper pursed her lips.

  “What is it?”

  “You and your sisters are so much alike. Lady Felding tells us the same whenever Lord Felding needs to be away from the evening.”

  Isabella chuckled. “I apologize, Mrs. Clark. We did have a woman of all work at home, but we also helped with most of the cleaning and cooking.” Isabella took a step back down. “We hate to be a burden when it isn’t necessary, and we’re perfectly capable of seeing to matters ourselves.” The last thing she wanted to do was offend the servants when she was still getting used to having them about.

  Perdita breezed through the door, her cheeks pink, her blue eyes glowed, and she wore a bright smile. “Good evening,” she greeted, and Isabella wished she could feel half the enthusiasm as her sister.

  “Why are you so happy?” Isabella asked.

  Her sister only grinned wider. “Oh, nothing at all. It’s just a glorious day, is it not?”

  Of all the Valentine children, Perdita was always the happiest and could find sunshine even on the most overcast day.

  “When would you like supper, Miss Perdita?” Mrs. Clark asked.

  Her sister shrugged. “Whenever it’s convenient, and please ask Cook not to go to any trouble if it is just Isabella and me.”

  Mrs. Clark simply shook her head, not approving at all, and left them.

/>   Of the four sisters, Perdita was the only one blessed with blonde hair and blue eyes, unlike the red hair Isabella, Rosalind, and Bianca were given. Not even their brothers had red hair, and often Isabella wondered why she and her sisters were cursed. Perdita didn’t even have one freckle upon her face. It was all rather unfair.

  Perdita was the true beauty of the family, and if anyone were to capture a lord, Isabella would have thought it would be Perdita before anyone else. Then again, it is hard to catch a lord when one spends all of one’s time at an orphanage.

  “The most delightful little boy was brought in today,” Perdita said as she glided into the sitting room. “A Captain Trent found him wandering along the docks. He searched all over for a family member, but none could be found.”

  She settled upon the settee. “It is a shame, really. His clothing was of fine quality, though ruined beyond repair, and the only thing he could tell us was that his name was Over, which we assumed is Oliver.”

  “How old is he?” Isabella asked, following her sister into the room.

  “Around two, I believe.”

  “And nobody knows where he came from?”

  “Captain Trent said he was going to continue looking for the mother or father, or a family member.” Perdita frowned. “Oliver is not like the other orphans who come in. He’s healthy, and chubby, not like so many of the foundlings who have been abandoned before.”

  Isabella looked into her sister’s blue eyes. “You tried to bring him home, didn’t you?”

  An impish grin formed and Perdita shrugged.

  If she could, Perdita would bring half of those children home with her.

  A moment later, her sister turned serious. “I don’t plan on returning to Hampshire.”

  Their eyes locked. “Neither do I.” This was the first she’d admitted her plans to anyone.

  “I’ve found my place, where I belong,” Perdita continued. “I don’t want to leave the foundling hospital at the end of the Season.” She threw up her hands. “I don’t want to ever leave it.”

  Isabella settled beside her. “I don’t wish to leave Kirkland House. Ever.”

  “Do you think Felding will let us remain here, in the townhouse?” Perdita worried her bottom lip.

  “If he doesn’t, we’ll find a place for the two of us.”

  “Isabella?” her sister asked quietly. “Do you think we’ll find love?”

  “Finding love isn’t the problem.” She leaned her head back against the cushions. “Finding a man who will accept you for who you truly are, is.”

  Chapter 27

  Nate looked up as Dr. Valentine stopped at the table he shared with Stalter. With him were Felding and Roxburg. His gut tightened. As the two gentleman were married to the doctor’s sisters, Nate knew this could only be about Isabella.

  “Gentlemen,” he greeted.

  Without being asked, they each pulled a chair up to the table and sat.

  Were they going to warn him away? Dr. Valentine had done that after Waterloo, and it worked until Nate had seen Isabella again.

  “Is my sister still avoiding you?” the doctor asked.

  “Which sister?” Stalter asked. Did he know the Valentines? How, when the family lived a modest life in Hampshire. Unless that had been a lie as well.

  “Isabella,” Roxburg answered.

  Stalter simply nodded and took a sip of his brandy.

  “I found her at Kirkland House, if you must know.”

  “And?” the doctor prompted.

  “We spoke of the soldiers and the home, but nothing of a personal nature.” This was probably not the best place or time, but Nate was bloody sick of the guessing and the wondering, so he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and looked the doctor in the eye. “Tell me, who are you really.”

  All of the men pulled back, their eyes shifting to each other.

  “What do you mean?” the doctor asked quietly.

  “I mean, she is not really a Valentine.” It was probably not well done of him since a duke and a marquess, whom had both married Valentines, were sitting there, but the gentlemen had a right to know who they’d married.

  “How did you come by this information?” Roxburg asked calmly.

  “Did you have her investigated?” asked Felding.

  Neither of the gentlemen seemed surprised in the least. “What do you know?” Nate asked.

  “Apparently more than you.” Stalter laughed.

  “You too?”

  “It is a closely guarded secret,” Stalter said before his eyes grew hard. “And I’d think very carefully before you mention your concerns again. Especially in a public place.”

  Any friendliness the gentlemen may have shown when they first appeared at his table was gone.

  “If you want your answers, they must come from Isabella,” Dr. Valentine finally said. “I suggest you call on her now. I saw her return home.”

  Nate drained his brandy and stood. “Very well.”

  “Each of us will understand if you no longer wish to be associated with my sister.” The doctor came to his feet. “However, if you hurt her in any manner, you will answer to me.”

  A chill went down his spine. He’d faced many battles, French soldiers, bayonets, bullets, and cannons, but none of them were as deadly as Dr. Valentine’s eyes at this very moment.”

  “I understand.” With that he left Whites and made his way to Felding’s home.

  A housekeeper of approximately sixty years of age frowned at him when he produced his card.

  “Miss Valentine is not at home.”

  How many times had he called here and been given the same response when she had been within? How many lies had he been told that had everything to do with Isabella?

  “Who is it?” a woman asked as she entered the foyer. She was a pretty young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes.

  “Mr. Nathaniel Storm.” The housekeeper passed the card off to the younger woman.

  “Captain Storm?” Her eyes brightened as if she recognized the name. “Orlando is not here, but Isabella is.” She stood back. “Please, follow me.”

  At least someone in this family was on his side, assuming the young woman was family.

  “Forgive me.” She said brightly and held out her hand. “I am Perdita Valentine. I’ve heard your name from my brother and so often in my sister’s letters from when she was away, that I feel as if I already know you.”

  Isabella had written of him? How dearly he would have loved to read what she wrote.

  “She spoke often of you, as well,” he answered politely. Well, she hadn’t until Brussels, when she’d finally spoken of her siblings the day they were doing laundry. But after, they’d shared stories of their childhood, many of them similar from growing up in a large household.

  “Captain Storm!” Isabella came to her feet as he entered the room.

  “I’ll just leave the two of you alone.” Perdita grinned and pulled the door shut behind her.

  * * *

  What was Nate doing here? Now? She’d not seen him since yesterday when he visited Kirkland House with Mary and hadn’t expected to see him again.

  No, Isabella. I’ve only ever loved one woman. The words had played over and over in her mind last night, in her dreams and all through the day. Loved as in he no longer loved her? Or loved, as in always and forever? She was almost afraid to ask.

  “What brings you here?” She tried to appear nonchalant, as if gentlemen called on her often, and this was not an out of the ordinary occurrence, while inside her nerves were on edge and she was barely stable on her feet.

  “We’ve unfinished business.”

  “You wish to know more about Kirkland House?” Oh, why did her words have to squeak and her throat grow tight? Why were his emerald eyes so intense, growing dark as he approached?

  No, make that more like stalk in her direction, as if he were a panther ready to pounce on his prey.

  “I know all I need about Kirkland House.” He stopped di
rectly in front of her and slid a hand around her waist, drawing her against him.

  Isabella had no choice but to tilt her head back and look up so that she could see him.

  “But first…” Nate didn’t finish the sentence but took her lips and pulled her even closer. His mouth claimed hers, seeking, plunging with desire. Her body flamed and her knees nearly gave way. This was so much better than she remembered.

  Isabella grasped his shoulders to remain upright and desire swirled in her belly, heating her veins, centering at her woman’s core.

  He plundered and took. Delved and tasted. She, his willing victim.

  Just as abruptly, he pulled back and set her aside. Her knees gave and Isabella sank to the settee.

  “Blast! That was better than I remembered.”

  Isabella blinked at him.

  “Which makes this twice as difficult.”

  A knot formed in her stomach. “What is difficult?”

  His green eyes nearly pierced hers as he took a step back and crossed his arms over his chest. “To demand answers to your many lies.”

  Isabella gulped past the tightness in the throat. Oh dear, her day of reckoning had come. “Brandy?”

  Chapter 28

  At least she hadn’t denied having lied to him, so they were making progress. “A brandy would be nice. Thank you.”

  Nate watched as she slowly rose from the settee, walked to the sideboard, and poured him a glass of the amber liquid. She then proceeded to pour herself one. Oddly, he approved.

  When she returned, he took the glass from her trembling fingers.

  “I will tell you my lies,” she finally said before taking a sip and turning from him. “But first you must assure me that they’ll never leave this room.”

  It was never his intention to tell anyone, and he should have never said anything to Orlando in front of Roxburg or Felding, but he’d had enough of the wondering. Nearly a year of it. “Which lie would you like to address first?”