Chapter
34

Three weeks later, Hannah sat in her bedroom back at Stainsby Hall, rocking her son. Though Edward had insisted on equipping the newly furnished nursery with everything Teddy could possibly need, Hannah preferred to feed the baby in her own room where she felt most comfortable.

After the baby’s birth, they had spent more than two weeks with Aunt Iris until Hannah felt strong enough to make the trip home. Now, settled back at Stainsby, Hannah’s world was perfect. She gazed down at her son’s precious face, relaxed in sleep. How blessed was she to have such a wonderful husband and child?

She kissed Teddy’s downy head one more time before reluctantly handing him to the waiting nanny who would put him down for his nap. When the woman left, Hannah released a sigh of pure happiness. Her son should be settled for the next while, so perhaps she’d go and see if Molly’s lessons were over. Now that Edward had accepted Hannah into the family, they all agreed that Molly need not work as a maid, and that she would be better off completing her schooling. Edward had been most accommodating in hiring a tutor for her sister.

Nolan entered the bedroom just as Hannah finished fixing her clothing and re-pinning her hair.

“Our son looks quite content.” He dropped a kiss on her cheek. “I peeked into his room on the way here.”

“He’s always content with a full belly.” Hannah chuckled.

Nolan’s arms slid around her waist. “Like father, like son, it appears. Though there are other appetites I look forward to satisfying.” His lips caressed the area of her neck below her ear.

She shivered. “All in good time, my love. You must be patient a while longer.”

He turned her around within the circle of his arms and winked. “At least there are no restrictions on kissing.”

“None at all,” she murmured as his lips claimed hers. Her heart nearly burst at the intensity of his embrace. As much as Hannah adored being a mother, she also yearned for the love of her husband.

Before things got too heated, she stepped out of Nolan’s arms. “When will Edward be leaving for London?”

“I’m not sure. After being away from Stainsby for so long, he has things to take care of here first.” Nolan frowned. “Speaking of London, I’d hoped Evelyn and Victoria would have come to see their new nephew by now.”

“Not many people enjoy traveling in the winter, even by train.” Hannah laid a hand on Nolan’s arm, wishing she could ease his insecurities concerning his siblings. “I’m certain with time Teddy’s birth will bring this family together. Look at how he’s changed your father.”

“You’re right.” Nolan laughed. “I’ve never seen a man so besotted by a grandchild.”

“Teddy will have the same effect on his aunts once they meet him.” She kissed Nolan’s cheek and crossed to the dresser to retrieve a handkerchief. With the baby, it seemed she was always in need of a clean one. “Perhaps when Teddy is a little older, we can take a trip into London and visit both your sisters. Or there’s always the christening. I’m sure they’ll come if you invite them.”

“Of course. There will be plenty of opportunities to win them over.” He grinned. “And even if my considerable charm doesn’t work, they won’t be able to resist my beautiful wife and son.”

Hannah laughed, having no doubt that God would answer her final prayer and that the Fairchild family would ultimately be healed, united by ties of affection and mutual respect.

Sometime later, Nolan walked toward the barn and, despite the sleet that fell from the leaden sky, lifted his eyes to the heavens in sincerest gratitude. Never could he have imagined such happiness, such a feeling of rightness in the world.

He was home again with his wife and newborn son. And though his relationship with his father was not perfect, Edward had made remarkable progress over the last few weeks and had finally accepted Hannah into the family. Giving Edward a grandson had gone a long way toward cementing their bond. Naming the child after him hadn’t hurt either.

Nolan entered the stables to check on King, fed him the apple he’d brought from the larder, and then headed over to Bert’s cottage. Nolan had been back at Stainsby for two days, and with having to catch up on estate business, he hadn’t had a spare moment to come down to the barn or the smithy. Now, with Edward gone into Derby on some personal business and Hannah spending some time with Molly, Nolan could at last see how his friend was faring.

Franny McTeague answered his knock. “Master Nolan. Come in, come in.” She beamed at him, easing the tension in Nolan’s shoulders. If she was smiling, Bert must be doing better. “Bert will be so happy to see you. I understand you have some wonderful news to share.”

“Happily, yes. Hannah and I have a new son.”

“Ach, congratulations, lad.” Bert’s hearty voice boomed through the cottage as he emerged from the bedroom. “I knew you’d come to your senses. Finally begged your wife’s forgiveness, I see.”

Nolan grinned. “Not only that, I married the girl all over again.”

Bert chuckled as they took a seat by the fireplace, and Franny scurried off to tend the stove.

“You’re feeling better, I take it.” Nolan glanced at the bandages still partially covering Bert’s hands.

“Aye, but I won’t be able to work for a few weeks yet.”

“I’m glad to hear you’re improving. And I wanted to thank you for your advice. It took a while for it to sink into my hard head, but between you and God and even Edward, I think I’m on the path the Lord intended for me.”

Bert nodded. “Sometimes we have to hear God’s message several different ways before it finally takes root.”

“Especially in someone as stubborn as me.” Nolan laughed again, marveling at the lightness of his soul.

“Would you like a bowl of stew, Master Nolan?” Franny asked. “We’d just finished our meal before you arrived.”

“Thank you, but I’ve eaten as well. Though I’ll take a cup of tea, if you have it.”

“You know the pot’s always ready in this house.”

She soon set a steaming mug in front of him and freshened her husband’s cup as well.

“How are you getting on with the earl?” Bert asked as he stirred his tea. “Have you come to terms with your new station in life?”

“I believe so. Things aren’t perfect with Edward, but at least now he understands that Hannah will always be part of my life. Of course, giving him a grandson has made a huge difference in his attitude.”

“Aye. I imagine his lordship must be busting his buttons.”

“You’re right. I’ve never seen a man so smitten with a babe before.” Nolan took a long swallow of tea. “I want you to know that I haven’t forgotten our conversation in the smithy. As soon as things settle down, I plan to speak to Edward about increasing the workers’ wages and possibly starting a retirement collection for the more senior servants. Then I’ll look into how to improve things for the tenant farmers.”

Bert gave him an approving nod. “Just knowing you’re on our side is a great comfort.”

A loud rap on the front door interrupted them.

“Who could that be?” Franny frowned and went to open it.

“Is Nolan here?” Molly’s anxious voice drifted inside. “I need to speak to him right away.”

Nolan rose from his chair as the girl entered. “Molly? How did you know where to find me?”

“Hannah sent me.” An expression of terror haunted her pale features. “You have to come quickly, Nolan. The baby is gone, and Hannah is beside herself.”

A bolt of alarm shot through Nolan’s body, but he struggled to remain calm. “I’m sure everything’s fine. The nanny likely has him.”

Molly shook her head, tears standing in her eyes. “Nanny said she left Teddy’s room for only a few minutes, and when she came back, he was gone.” Molly held out a crumpled piece of paper. “She found this in his bed.”

Cold chills raced up Nolan’s spine as he took the note.

If you want to see your son again, stable boy, come to the gatehouse on the Wexford estate at dusk. Don’t contact the authorities. And come alone or the baby is dead.

The words swam before him, the sinister meaning sinking in.

Someone had kidnapped his son!