THE DAY OF the engagement ball brought an influx of friends and family, along with a rain shower. Gwen and Charity had just finished a cool bath and were now settling in to dress. “It’s so warm.” Gwen fanned herself.
“I know.” Charity groaned. “I’m relieved I chose the blue gown instead of the rose.”
A knock at the door interrupted their complaining. “Who is it?” Gwen called.
“It’s me.” Hannah poked her head in. “Hello, girls. Are you ready to put your gowns on? Guests are expected in less than an hour.”
“I suppose.” Gwen sighed. “I wonder if there will ever be a day a woman won’t have to wear so much material.”
Hannah smiled, but didn’t comment as she handed Gwen a velvet box. “This is from Andrew.”
Gwen beamed as she opened it and then let out a quiet gasp.
“It’s beautiful,” Charity said from over her shoulder.
Gwen gently pulled the pendant from the box. On a white gold chain hung an oval emerald, surrounded by diamonds. It matched her engagement ring perfectly. “He’s entirely too generous.”
Hannah giggled and then handed her a note. “He wants to spoil the woman he loves. Just go with the flow, Gwen. It’s wonderful.”
Gwen opened the letter and sat on the edge of the bed. Hannah assisted Charity with her gown, so that Gwen could have a moment with her thoughts.
Gwen of my heart, I love you beyond words, sweetheart. I cannot wait to show you off. Forever yours, Andrew
She held the letter to her chest and sighed.
“That good, huh?” Hannah asked.
“He’s the most wonderful man alive.”
Hannah giggled. “Let’s get you dressed. He’s been downstairs for several minutes already, pacing the parlor.”
Gwen jumped up. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Hannah rushed to help her finish dressing. Gwen’s emerald green satin gown consisted of a drop waist and crisscross neckline, which dipped low. It was short sleeved and off the shoulder, which made it more comfortable in the heat. Her hair had been piled delicately on top of her head, however, a few curls were left to escape around her face, which created a softening effect.
“You look beautiful,” Charity exclaimed.
“As do you!” Gwen hugged her. “Are you ready to see Richard?”
“He’s here?” Charity couldn’t hide her shock.
“Yes. It was going to be a surprise, but you know what I’m like with keeping a secret.”
“We all know what you’re like with a secret.” Hannah laughed.
The girls left the room and made their way downstairs. Gwen’s heart fluttered when she saw Andrew waiting for her in his evening attire.
“Good evening, beautiful.” He held his hand out to her. “You are magnificent.”
“Thank you so much for the pendant. I adore it.” She fingered the emerald. “Even if it’s a bit extravagant.”
Andrew chuckled. “Nothing’s too extravagant for you, sweetheart. The color complements you perfectly.”
“I love you,” she whispered.
“I love you, too.” His grin deepened. “Are you ready to greet the guests?”
“Is everyone here?”
“Only the ones that stayed last night.”
Andrew led her into the parlor and Gwen saw Richard standing by the fireplace. As soon as Richard caught sight of Charity, he made his way over.
“Miss Short.” He gallantly kissed her hand. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you, Mr. Madden.”
“Richard, please.”
Gwen didn’t hear anything further as Andrew pulled her further into the room to visit with the rest of their families.
The night was a whirlwind of dancing and celebration. Gwen cherished her time with Andrew, knowing it would be cut short when he returned to Harrisburg on Monday with the rest of their guests. He wouldn’t be able to return again until July, and Gwen thought her heart would break at the simple thought of being separated for that long.
When the evening came to a close and the guests turned in for the night Andrew led Gwen out to the gazebo, which seemed to have become their private spot of late. He sat down on one of the benches and she sat down next to him. “Did you have a good time?”
“It was wonderful.” She leaned against him. “Did you?”
“I did.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Any excuse to get you in my arms is a good time.”
“Cheeky.” She squeezed his leg. “How’s your knee?”
“It’s fine, Gwen.”
“Hm.” She began to massage him, his sharp intake of breath indication that he was in pain. “Why didn’t you tell me you were in so much pain, sweetheart?”
“I didn’t realize until now.” He grimaced. “Ease up, please.”
“Just a moment, Andrew, and you’ll feel better.” She continued her ministrations for several minutes before backing off and kneading a bit more gently. “How is it now?”
“It’s much better.” He leaned back with a sigh.
Gwen grinned. “See?”
He chuckled. “What would you like to do tomorrow?”
Gwen dropped her head onto his shoulder. “I’d like to spend the day with you at the lake if that’s acceptable.”
“Just what I had in mind. For now, let’s turn in.”
“Kiss me first.”
Andrew grinned. “In public, Gwendolyn?”
Gwen smiled. “I’m growing bolder. I realize it’s a shock—”
Before she could continue, Andrew cupped her cheek and kissed her deeply.
* * *
Andrew and the rest of the group headed back to Harrisburg on Monday as planned. Gwen spent the next nine days in abject misery, driving her family and Charity slightly insane. Finally, the sixth of July arrived and it was time for Gwen and her father to meet Andrew at the train station. She literally bounced in the carriage seat on the way to collect him, and Vincent chuckled at her antics.
They waited on the platform as the train came to a stop and Gwen made a rush for Andrew as soon as she saw him step down the stairs. He grabbed her in a chaste hug and kissed her cheek. “I have missed you, beautiful girl.”
Gwen sighed. “I cannot wait to go to the lake and have you all to myself.”
“Neither can I,” he whispered. “I’m especially looking forward to kissing you senseless.”
Gwen blushed.
The couple joined her father. Once Andrew lifted her into the carriage, he climbed in next to her and took her hand. As Vincent drove the couple home, Andrew ran his finger along her palm, and she blushed crimson.
* * *
Back in Harrisburg, Jamie lay in bed with Sophie after she fed Junior and they watched their son as he cooed and gurgled, obviously full and happy.
“He’s perfect.” Sophie kissed his tiny hand.
“Just like his mama.” Jamie leaned over and kissed her.
Junior let out a burp and Sophie patted his stomach gently. She shifted onto her side and rested her head in her hand. “I didn’t see Andrew at breakfast this morning.”
Jamie nodded. “Yeah, he left. He’s looking for a home in D.C.”
“Near Chris?”
Jamie began to gently rub Junior’s foot. “Yes, that’s his hope. Of course, he’s hoping to see Gwen as well.”
Sophie gasped. “In Maryland?”
Jamie raised an eyebrow. “That is where she lives, Ten-Cow. Remember the party?” he joked.
“Crap!” She jumped out of bed and started to pace. “Crap! Crap!”
Jamie slid off the bed and laid Junior in the bassinet. “Baby, what’s wrong?”
“Maryland!” Sophie dragged her hands down her face. “I forgot about Maryland!”
“What did you forget?”
“Monocacy! Jamie, we have to get word to them. The battle goes through Maryland.”
“Is it close to Gwen’s parents?”
“How the hell would I know that? All I know is it happens in Maryland. Her whole family could be affected, Jamie. We have to get word to them.” She rubbed her forehead. “Why didn’t I think of this earlier? I just didn’t think. If they get hurt, it’ll be my fault. Damn it!”
“Okay, sweetheart, let’s take a step back. Everything will be fine.”
Sophie shook her head. “Jamie, you need to get them a message now.”
“Baby, it’s late—” She shot him a look. Jamie held his hands up. “Never mind. I’ll get a message to them now.” He left the room and made his way downstairs.
Jamie paced the parlor for several minutes and then climbed the stairs again. He inched the door open and peeked inside. Sophie sighed and waved him in. “You paced the hallway, didn’t you?”
“The parlor.” Jamie stepped inside the room. “We can’t change history, Ten-Cow.”
Sophie let out a quiet snort. “I hate you.”
“I know, baby.” Jamie chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. “We can find out if Monocacy is close to our friends.”
Sophie nodded against Jamie’s shoulder. “How?”
“I’ll ask Richard… in the morning.”
“Fine.” She wrapped her arms around his waist. “What if Andrew or Gwen is hurt and I could have stopped it? It’ll be my fault.”
“No one’s going to get hurt.”
She huffed and dropped her head back to scowl at him. “And you know this ’cause you’re suddenly psychic?”
“Yes. Exactly.” Junior started to fuss, so Jamie lowered his voice. “Let’s try to rest and we’ll figure out what to do in the morning.”
With a reluctant nod, Sophie pulled away from Jamie and laid a blanket over Junior.
* * *
The next morning, Jamie made a few subtle inquiries. Relieved to discover that the home of The Butlers was not close enough to the impending battle to be affected, Jamie relayed the information to Sophie. In true Sophie form, however, she didn’t have a decent night’s sleep until the battle was over and Andrew returned home in one piece. Once she knew everyone was safe, she slept until noon the following day, and Jamie made sure no one bothered her.
* * *
Three days before the wedding, Gwen stood in her dressmaker’s store in Catonsville for the final fitting of her gown. Her mother and Charity sat and observed the pinning and draping. Charity, Gwen, and her family would leave in two days for Harrisburg, almost a week since she kissed Andrew goodbye. Although she enjoyed the process of preparing for her wedding day, she missed Andrew terribly.
“Gwendolyn?”
Gwen glanced at her mother in the mirror. “Yes, mama?”
“That’s the third time you have sighed aloud in the past ten minutes.”
Gwen bit her lip. “Is it?”
Her mother smiled. “Yes, my dear it is.”
Gwen pouted. “I miss him.”
“You’ll see him in two days.”
Gwen frowned. “I’ve waited a long time for this day, mama, and I hate that we are apart.”
“In two days, you’ll never have to part from him again.”
“That doesn’t quite help me today though, does it?” she snapped.
“Gwendolyn!” Charity admonished.
“Sorry, mama,” she mumbled.
Her mother chuckled quietly.
Once the adjustments were made, the dressmaker helped Gwen remove her gown and left her to put on her day dress. Gwen dressed quickly and then followed her mother out to the front of the shop. The dressmaker promised delivery of the gown the next day, so Wilhelmina and the girls left everything in her hands. They walked out the shop door and Gwen, distracted by something Charity said, ran into what felt like a brick wall.
“Excuse me!” she exclaimed and looked up.
Into the smiling face of Andrew.
“Oh!” She threw her arms around his neck. Andrew pulled her close and squeezed.
“Gwendolyn,” her mother reprimanded for the public display.
Andrew released Gwen and smiled at the other ladies. “Good day, Mrs. Butler, Miss Short.”
“Good day.” Charity smiled.
Mrs. Butler smiled. “Will you join us for lunch, Mr. Simmonds?”
Andrew nodded. “I would enjoy that very much. Thank you.”
Mrs. Butler turned and started toward the carriage, Charity followed.
Andrew slipped Gwen’s hand into the crook of his elbow. “Should I be concerned with how quickly you threw yourself into my arms?”
Gwen raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
“You didn’t know it was me at first, Gwendolyn.” He winked.
Gwen laughed, which made Charity and her mother look at her in question. Gwen covered her mouth with her hand and moved to follow them again.
“I have missed you,” he whispered close to her ear.
“Not as much as I’ve missed you.” Gwen grinned up at him. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m currently not needed in Harrisburg. Sophie has taken over everything, and Adam gave me a reprieve, so I decided to see if perhaps I might be needed here.” Andrew added in a whisper, “Plus, I missed my beautiful girl.”
Gwen sighed. “Me too… and you are definitely needed.”
“I’m so relieved,” he droned.
Gwen giggled and climbed into the buggy with Charity and her mother.
He donned his hat. “I’ll follow you back to the house.”
Gwen shook her head. “We’re dropping Charity at home first, shall we meet you there?”
Andrew nodded and watched them take off toward the Short farm. When he arrived back at the Butler’s stables, Andrew dismounted and handed his horse off to a groom. Not long after, he saw Gwen’s buggy coming along the road, so waited for them to arrive. When she pulled up next to the barn, he lifted her from the buggy, then assisted Mrs. Butler.
Gwen turned to her mother. “Mama, may I steal Andrew away briefly? To the gazebo?”
“Yes, dear. Lunch in thirty minutes.”
“Yes, mama.”
Gwen took Andrew’s hand and led him to the gazebo. As soon as they were out of sight of the house, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her breathless. “How are you?”
Gwen licked her lips and took a deep breath. “Better now.”
Andrew smiled. “Have you missed me, sweetheart?”
“Hmm… have I missed you? Well, I haven’t slept and actually spoke back to my mother today. What do you think?”
Andrew chuckled. “You spoke back to someone? I cannot imagine.”
“Very unlike me. I agree.” Gwen wrapped her hand around his arm and leaned against him. “You look tired. Are you all right?”
Andrew smiled. “Of course.”
Gwen frowned “Why don’t I believe you?”
“What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Our plans were to pack...” Gwen paused, trying to decide whether or not to let him change the subject. In the end, she leaned against him and laid her head against his shoulder. “And stop changing the subject.”
“Would you like to see a townhouse with me?” He kissed her forehead. “Christopher knows of one that is available, close to his.”
“I would love to.” She glanced up at him and raised an eyebrow. “Especially if you tell me why you’re so tired.”
He laced an arm around her waist and rubbed her back. “My knee has been bothering me.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Is that it?”
“Yes, beautiful, it is.”
“Let me massage it for you.” She leaned forward and began to knead. After he groaned a few times, Gwen eased her digging and glanced over at him. “Thank you for including me in the townhouse decision.”
His eyes crinkled as he smiled. “It’ll be your home too, Gwen.”
Gwen grinned and went back to his knee. “Will you stay for dinner?”
Andrew nodded. “Of course.”
“Will you stay the night?”
Andrew grinned. “Probably not.”
Gwen sat up and frowned. “You’re going to ride back to D.C. tonight, just to return tomorrow? It’s such a waste of time.”
“It’s your parents’ home, sweetheart.”
“So?”
“Gwendolyn,” he droned.
“Andrew,” she mimicked.
Andrew sagged against the railing. “We’re not yet married and we must respect them, Gwen.”
She crossed her arms. “It’s not as though I’m suddenly going to lift my skirts for you, simply because you’re in my house for a night.”
Andrew pinched the bridge of his nose. “Gwendolyn! Don’t be crude.”
“Well, then don’t be difficult.” Gwen’s eyes filled with tears. “Is there another, more real reason you don’t want to stay?”
Andrew sighed in frustration. “What do you mean by ‘real reason’?”
Gwen shrugged. “I don’t understand how after days of being separated, you seem eager to leave me again.”
Andrew stood and pulled her into his embrace. “How could you ever think that? I want to be with you always, Gwendolyn Butler, soon-to-be Simmonds.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. “Then, stay.”
“If your parents invite me, I will stay.” She nodded, but said nothing. He leaned away in order to see her better. “Sweetheart, what’s amiss?”
“What do you mean?” She looked up at him.
“You are so on edge.”
“I’m not!”
“My mistake.” Andrew chuckled. “Let’s get back to the house.” He kissed her and then took her hand and led her back to the house.
They spent time in the parlor with her parents, and when dinner was announced, Gwen cornered her father just before they sat down. “Daddy?” she whispered.
“Gwendolyn,” he whispered back.
She grasped his arm. “Please invite Andrew to stay.”
His silver eyebrows puckered. “Why?”
“Daddy!”
“How did I get such an impetuous daughter?” He chuckled.
She grinned. “You reared me.”
“Touché.”
She bit her lip. “Please, daddy. Invite him, or he won’t stay.”
Vincent nodded. “I’ll consider it.”
Gwen huffed and went into the dining room. Andrew held her chair for her and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze as she sat down. Dinner passed painfully slow in Gwen’s opinion. Her father said nothing to Andrew about staying and Gwen grew more and more irritated with every moment that passed. “Daddy?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
Gwen smoothed her hand over her napkin. “Did you have something you were going ask Andrew?”
Vincent rubbed his forehead. “Oh, yes, I almost forgot! Thank you for reminding me.”
Gwen smiled in relief.
“Andrew, I was wondering…”
Andrew raised an eyebrow. “Yes, sir?”
“Would you please pass the salt?”
Gwen stood and threw her napkin on the table. “Daddy!”
“Gwen?” Andrew asked in confusion.
“I’m taking a walk.” She stomped out of the room.