THE NEXT MORNING, Andrew made his way over to the Wade’s earlier than expected. He’d arrived home after midnight and managed only a few hours of sleep. His dreams were consumed with Gwen, and the excitement of seeing her drove him to saddle his horse and take off before the sun rose. Daniel ushered him into the dining room, and Andrew chuckled at the spread already set out.
“You were expected, sir.”
“Apparently.” Andrew leaned against the table. “Is Miss Butler awake?”
Daniel shook his head. “Not that I’m aware of, sir.”
“Thank you, Daniel.” The butler left the room and Andrew prepared himself a plate. The only noise in the house came from the staff bustling through, preparing for the family to wake up. He knew his sister Nona would rise early, however, he imagined he’d beat even her.
“Drew!”
Maybe not.
Andrew stood and gave Nona a chaste kiss on her cheek. “Good morning, Nona.”
“What are you doing here so early?” Nona took a seat across from him and then waved her hand dismissively. “Never mind, I think that may have been a silly question.”
Andrew grinned. “Not silly… perhaps redundant.”
Nona chuckled. “I checked on Gwen just before I came down. She’s dressing.”
“Thank you. Where’s Michael?”
Nona laid a napkin on her lap. “An emergency at the hospital.” She sighed. “He left an hour ago.”
Andrew frowned. “I hope nothing serious.”
Nona nodded. “As do I.”
“Thank you for hosting Gwen.”
Her eyes widened. “You don’t need to thank me, Drew. She’ll be my sister, after all.”
Andrew grinned and grabbed a piece of toast from the plate in the middle of the table. As he scooped a small dollop of jam onto his toast, he heard the familiar patter of footsteps making their way toward the dining room. He laid the spoon down and pushed away from the table just as Gwen glided into the room. “Andrew!”
He grinned and held his hand out to her. “Good morning, beautiful.”
“Good morning.” Gwen blushed and evaded his hand as she took a seat next to him. “Good morning, Nona.”
Nona smiled. “Good morning, dear.”
Andrew leaned down and kissed Gwen’s cheek, drawing a quiet gasp from her. “Andrew,” she chided and glanced at Nona.
He chuckled and sat slowly in the seat next to her. “We are amongst family, sweetheart.”
“Still,” Gwen whispered.
Andrew squeezed her leg under the table and nodded toward his sister. Nona was immersed in the paper the butler had just delivered, oblivious to the couple. Gwen shot him a look of reproach, her face still red, and Andrew let her off the hook. “Did you sleep well?”
Gwen nodded. “Very well, thank you. Did you?”
Andrew sipped his coffee and leaned away from her slightly. “Why, yes I did, Miss Butler. Thank you for asking.” Gwen wrinkled her nose and Andrew grinned. “You look lovely this morning, Miss Butler.”
“Thank you,” Gwen whispered, irritation flashing in her deep green eyes.
“You’re welcome. I do hope you’ll allow me to escort you over to the arena today.”
Gwen rolled her eyes. “Andrew.”
“Andrew Ambrose Simmonds, leave the poor girl alone.” Nona rustled the newspaper and laid it on the table. “And Gwendolyn, if you want to kiss my brother, don’t let me stop you.”
If it was possible, Gwen blushed redder, and choked on her coffee. Andrew smacked her back and bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. “I’m sorry for teasing,” he whispered.
Gwen grabbed her napkin and held it to her lips as she continued to cough, still managing to send a pointed glare toward him.
“Everyone okay?” Jamie asked as he strolled into the room. His uniform dusty, and his hair disheveled.
Andrew stood and shook his hand. “You’re up early.”
Jamie groaned. “Junior had a rough night, as did a few of the horses. Richard and I just finished up with one of the mares. I was on my way to clean up when I heard Gwen coughing.” He turned to her. “Are you all right?”
She nodded. “Yes, fine. Thank you, Jamie.”
He smiled. “Good. Well, I’m going to try and rouse my wife. I’ll see you later.”
Jamie left the room, and once Nona informed them she would be leaving as well, Andrew ushered Gwen into the library. “What are you doing?” she whispered as she followed him inside. He closed the door and swept her into his arms, kissing her until they both gasped for breath. Gwen gripped his arms. “My word.”
“Good morning.” Andrew smiled down at her and gave her a gentle squeeze.
Gwen laced her arms around his neck. “Isn’t it, though?”
“Are you finished being embarrassed?”
“Probably not.” Gwen narrowed her eyes. “That was humiliating.”
Andrew chuckled. “You have nothing to be embarrassed by, beautiful. As I said before, we’re amongst family.”
Gwen sighed and sat on the window bench. “I wasn’t expecting you until lunch. Don’t you have a meeting with Adam?”
Andrew rubbed his forehead. “I have been unable to reach him.”
“Does that mean I get you for the rest of the day?” she asked hopefully.
“Most of it.” Andrew sat next to her and wove his fingers with hers. “I’ve got a surprise for you, and then I’ll take you to Clayton’s while I’m meeting with Adam.”
“I’m not coming back here?”
Andrew shook his head. “I thought you’d like to see Emma,” he said carefully.
Gwen studied him for several seconds before nodding her head. “Yes, I’d love to see Emma.”
“Excellent.” Andrew stood and held out his hand. “I have my buggy waiting.”
She took his hand and followed him out of the library and to the front door. Daniel handed Andrew his hat, and Gwen her bonnet and gloves. She tied the ribbons under her chin as Andrew led her outside. He lifted her into the buggy and then climbed in next to her. Adjusting her skirts, she glanced at Andrew. “Where are we going?”
He smiled, but said nothing. He released the break and they were off.
“Andrew? Are you going to tell me?”
“You’ll see, sweetheart. Patience.”
She was surprised when they pulled up in front of his house. “Why are we here?”
Andrew grinned. “I’ll show you.” Lifting her down, he kissed her fingers before leading her to the front door. “It has been altered slightly since you last saw it.”
“It has?”
He nodded. “And if you don’t like it, we can change it.”
Gwen raised her eyebrows. “You have me intrigued.”
With a grin, he picked her up, opened the front door, and carried her inside. Gwen looped her arms around her neck and giggled. “Aren’t you supposed to do this after we’re married?”
“I plan to.” He gently set her on her feet and leaned down to kiss her. “Let me show you around.”
Gwen gaped at the view before her. Andrew’s home had been transformed. Inlaid wood led all the way through the first floor and Andrew led her into the parlor, which was decorated in warm browns and creams. Pleasantly surprised to find touches of blue interspersed in the wallpaper and accessories, Gwen strolled through the room. She touched everything. “Andrew! It’s magnificent. How did you do this?”
He smiled from the doorway. “Sophie and Christine helped.” She threw herself into his arms and kissed him and Andrew chuckled. “You like it, then?”
“I love it. How did you know these were my favorite colors?”
He chuckled. “Emma told me. When you decorated their rooms, she mentioned you loved the colors. Sophie worked to incorporate them.”
Gwen stroked his cheek. “Thank you. It’s beautiful.”
He kissed her again. “I want you to feel welcome in your home, sweetheart. If there’s anything you want to change, tell me and we’ll change it.”
“It’s perfect.”
“There’s more, but you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down for a kiss.
Andrew broke the kiss and stroked her cheek. “One more day, sweetheart.”
She nodded, still unable to catch her breath.
He squeezed her shoulders. “How would you feel about adding something to the ceremony?”
Gwen raised an eyebrow. “What are we missing?”
“I would love to kiss you.”
Gwen smiled. “You can kiss me whenever you like.”
“I mean, during the ceremony. Christopher and Hannah had it in their ceremony, as did Stephen, and from what I understand, it’s standard practice in the future.”
Gwen pursed her lips. “Do you think we’d be reprimanded if we added it?”
Andrew frowned. “Why would we be reprimanded?”
“Because it’s not done, Andrew.”
“If you feel uncomfortable, then we’ll leave it out.”
Gwen bit her lip. “It’s not that I feel uncomfortable, necessarily… it’s just something so different… so...”
Andrew smiled. “Risqué?”
Gwen giggled. “I suppose, for this time, yes.”
“I’ll let you decide. You can sleep on it and let me know tomorrow.”
He kissed her one more time and then squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath. “All right, beautiful girl, let’s get over to Clayton’s.”
* * *
They arrived back at the Madden’s only to be informed that the group had decided to take lunch at the Wade’s. They diverted their route and made their way next door. As they pulled up to the Wade’s, Adam and Elizabeth were climbing from their carriage with their two sons, Ambrose and Thomas.
Andrew assisted Gwen from the buggy and turned when they heard a child’s excited yell. “Uncle Andrew!”
Andrew’s seven-year-old nephew, Ambrose, wore a bright smile and his light blond hair bounced as he made a run for them. Andrew caught him in a bear hug and pulled him close. “Good afternoon, Ambrose.” Setting him on his feet again, he hunkered down beside him. “Do you remember Gwen?”
“Yes, sir.” Ambrose bowed. “Good afternoon, ma’am.”
Gwen giggled. “So formal, Master Ambrose. Please call me Gwen.”
“Or, Auntie Gwen,” Andrew added. “Especially after tomorrow.”
“I like that better.” Ambrose took her hand and placed an awkward kiss the top.
“You are the charmer.” Gwen gave a slight curtsy.
They walked into the house and Andrew greeted Elizabeth, then pulled Adam aside quickly. “Let’s talk.”
Adam crossed his arms. “What’s going on?”
“Not here.” Andrew smiled in Gwen’s direction. “We’ll find time to speak later.”
Adam nodded and joined his wife. Andrew turned when he felt a gentle touch on his elbow. Gwen stared up at him with a concerned look on her face. “What’s amiss?”
Andrew frowned. “I’m not certain. Liza seems agitated with Adam. Something’s not right.”
Gwen slid her hand into his. “You should ask her.”
Andrew shook his head. “She’d never tell me.” He raised her hand to his lips. “But right now is not a night to worry about my big sister. It’s for you, sweetheart.”
“And you.”
Andrew grinned. “More for you, though.”
Leading her into the dining room, Andrew held her seat and then sat beside her. Lunch was served, and although the table became elbowroom only, it was loads of fun.
When lunch concluded, Nona informed everyone that croquet was set up outside, along with chairs and lemonade. As the large group made their way out the French doors in the parlor, Christopher pulled Adam and Andrew aside for a private conversation. Chris signaled for Clayton and Jamie to follow.
Down the hall, a very confused Adam closed the door to the library. “What’s going on?”
Andrew leaned against the fireplace, more to stop himself from pacing. “A man approached Gwen on the train platform when we arrived. He was asking questions about you and me, personal questions. Then he cornered her and Hannah in the corridor during the trip. He was asking after Elizabeth as well.”
Adam frowned. “Describe him.”
“He looked like you, actually, and had a thick accent.”
Adam punched the wall. “Bloody hell!”
“Do you know him?” Christopher asked.
Adam pinched the bridge of his nose. “Possibly.”
Christopher gripped the back of one of the chairs. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
Adam heaved a sigh. “About a year ago, we started getting cryptic missives from an anonymous source in Britain. They were about the Aries.”
“The ship?” Christopher frowned.
Jamie poured several glasses of whiskey. “What ship?”
“The Aries is an 820-ton iron screw steamer that was built at Sunderland, England and it was originally intended for employment as a blockade runner. Adam found out that it was to be used on the side of the Confederates, but with the right information in the right hands, the Union Navy intercepted it. She’s being used as a gunboat now, however, Adam made a deal with the Navy that gives us ownership once everything is concluded,” Andrew explained.
“Ah.” Jamie began handing out drinks. “Go on.”
“The messages from my contacts in London alluded to English secrets, military and otherwise, hidden onboard. Information on various individuals of the royal family, which could be damaging if made public. We have heard of nothing being found, so I ignored them.” Adam waved his hand dismissively.
Clayton let out a frustrated grunt. “Adam, this is exactly the type of information I should have been notified about immediately.”
“I didn’t think anything of it, to be honest.” Adam sipped his whiskey.
“One of the notes was delivered to my home,” Andrew said.
“When?” Christopher asked.
Andrew sighed. “Just before Christine’s wedding.”
“Damn it, Andrew,” Clayton snapped. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I told Andrew not to be concerned,” Adam said. “I really thought all of this was nonsense.”
Andrew pushed away from the fireplace and faced Adam. “Who the hell is this man that accosted Gwen?”
Adam cleared his throat and took several seconds to answer the question. “I believe it could be Edward… my cousin.”
“What? You think you might be related to him?”
“Damn it, Adam, you should have your head removed!” Christopher bellowed.
“I haven’t seen him in years.” Adam ran his hands through his hair as he paced. “Exactly how was I to know that he would travel all the way here?”
Andrew’s heart dropped. “How is it he knows so much about us, Adam?”
“I can’t answer that until I can speak with him.”
“Well, we must locate him then.” Clayton downed his drink. “Tell us everything you know.”
The men spent the next hour hashing out plans and sifting through information of how to handle this new threat.
* * *
Since Charity and her family arrived earlier than expected, Sophie organized a light repast for them outside, so they could join in the fun. Charity and Gwen picked up a semi-friendly competition.
“You can’t do that!” Charity exclaimed as Gwen hit the ball with her mallet.
Gwen leaned against her mallet and shrugged. “I can so. It’s part of the French official rules.”
“French official rules, my—”
“Charity!” Gwen interrupted before she could say something she might regret.
Charity giggled. “All right, Gwendolyn Sarah.” She popped the ball to the left. “I’m going to do that.”
“You can’t!”
“I can.” Charity smirked. “It’s part of the Belgian official rules.”
Gwen held her mallet over her shoulder and tapped her lips with a fingertip. “Well, let me show you something from the Italian official rules.”
“Do the Italians play croquet?”
Gwen laughed. “Who knows, but it sounded good.” As they continued to cheat, Gwen noticed a new addition to their group out of the corner of her eye. “Char, I think you have an admirer.”
“What? Who?” Charity glanced around. “Oh.”
Richard Madden moved along the seated guests in greeting, lingering with Charity’s parents. Gwen’s eyes widened at Charity. “Did you just sigh?”
“No,” Charity grumbled.
“You did!” Gwen giggled and Charity glared at her. “You like him, don’t you?”
“Perhaps.” Charity blushed.
Gwen laughed and Charity scowled deeper at her. Gwen grasped her arm. “He’s making his way over.”
“He is not!”
Gwen raised an eyebrow. “Yes, he is. Smile or he’ll think you’re a shrew.”
Charity pasted on a pleasant smile.
“Good afternoon, ladies.” Richard stopped an appropriate distance from them and smiled.
“Mr. Madden.” Charity gave a little nod.
“Haven’t I have told you numerous times to call me Richard?” He tempered his admonishment with a smile.
Charity lowered her eyes. “Richard.”
“I was wondering if you might be interested in a walk around the grounds.”
Charity glanced at Gwen.
“She’d love to,” Gwen answered for her.
Charity glared at her friend, but turned to Richard with a smile. “That would be very nice, indeed.”
He presented his arm, which Charity took and the couple walked off toward the lake.
Gwen made her way over to the back porch where Sophie and Hannah sat under the shade and watched the family play croquet.
“Hi, Gwen.” Sophie smiled. “Have a seat.”
Gwen flopped in the chair next to Sophie. “Where are the men?”
“I think they’re still in the library.” Sophie shielded her eyes with her palm.
Gwen groaned. “What’s taking so long?”
Hannah shrugged. “I’m sure they’ll fill us in when they’re finished.”
“Well, I for one am not willing to wait any longer.” Sophie motioned Emma over to them. “Let’s go find them.”