CHARITY GRABBED GWEN’S hand and squeezed. “What happened to being nice?”
“It slipped out.” Gwen wiped away angry tears. “I don’t know why. I think I was just caught off-guard. He wasn’t supposed to be here.”
Charity slid her hand into the crook of Gwen’s arm. “Don’t punish him too harshly. You want him for your own, do you not?”
“Always.” Gwen let out a quiet sigh as she watched Andrew assist the other men. “Look at him, Char. He’s so handsome.”
Charity giggled quietly. “If you find strong, independent men handsome, then I suppose he is.”
Gwen rolled her eyes. “Char!”
“All that matters is that you love him.” Charity squeezed her arm.
“I do love him.” Gwen grimaced. “More than I should, I think.”
“Then, be nice.”
Gwen nodded and slipped her reticule ribbons over her wrist. “Sometimes I have a difficult time speaking when he’s near.”
“Oh, sweet friend, you have no problem speaking.” Charity gave her a mischievous smile. “You just have a problem speaking civilly.”
Gwen grimaced. “You’re right, I’ll do better.”
“Here he comes,” Charity whispered. “Smile.”
“Andrew!” Gwen called.
“Yes?” He turned, and a slow smile spread over his face.
Gwen’s knees nearly buckled. “Thank you for helping with the bags… and… uh, for retrieving us. That was very kind.” Gwen hoped she sounded genuine.
Andrew paused. “It’s always my pleasure to serve you.”
She lowered her lashes, suddenly unable to maintain eye contact, and let him walk away. Charity’s hand on her arm reminded her that she wasn’t alone on the platform with Andrew.
“Now, if that look isn’t love, Gwen. I don’t know what is.”
Gwen gave Charity a hopeful glance. “Do you think so?”
“Without a doubt.”
Gwen tried to calm her racing heart as they made their way to the carriages. The group was able to fit in one carriage, so their bags were stowed in the other. They set off for ‘home’ and the celebration. This trip, they would stay at Clayton and Emma’s home in Harrisburg, which was next door to Michael and Nona Wades’ house.
The carriage rolled up the long driveway and Gwen saw Sophie standing on the Maddens’ porch with Junior in her arms. Emma opened the carriage door and jumped out of it almost before it stopped moving.
“Emma!” Clayton growled as he grabbed her around the waist to keep her from falling out. As soon as the carriage stopped, Clayton released her with a warning glance, and she pulled away from him to run to her sister and nephew.
Emma squealed as she ran into Sophie’s embrace. “I have missed you so much!” Emma hugged her and kissed her nephew.
Christopher assisted Hannah from the coach, stopping a moment to kiss her before letting her go. She smiled at him and then made her way to hug Sophie. Andrew stepped up to the carriage and offered his hand out to assist Charity first, then Gwen.
Gwen’s heart beat a little faster as she placed her hand in his. “Thank you.”
Andrew treated her to the smile that made her want to forget she had manners but assisted her down from the carriage without comment. He held her hand a little longer than may have been necessary and then followed her onto the porch.
Sophie hugged her and then Emma led the group inside. Gwen joined Charity on the sofa and watched as Christopher assisted Hannah to one of the high-backed chairs. Hannah was newly pregnant, dealing with harrowing morning sickness, and Christopher barely let her out of his sight. Hannah rolled her eyes. “Knight, I’m pregnant, not an invalid. Relax, lovey.”
Gwen smiled. Oh, how her brother had fallen. Hard.
Emma paced the room with Junior, who started to fuss, so she handed him off to Sophie. “Is anyone hungry? I’ll check on something to eat if you are.”
A collective nod was given, and Emma went off on her errand. Christopher continued to hover, and Gwen saw Hannah reach for his hand. “Why don’t you help the guys with the bags, love? I’ll find you if I need you.”
Christopher hunkered down next to his wife. “I think they can handle the bags without me, Hannah.”
Hannah smiled. “Yes, but I’d appreciate it if you would take care of mine.”
Something secret passed between them, and then he stood with a nod and left the room.
The rest of the day was spent in relative relaxation. Gwen unpacked her bags in the room she was sharing with Charity and then decided she wanted to take a walk.
“Will you join me?” she asked Charity.
Charity shook her head. “I’m quite enthralled with my book. Would you mind if I stayed behind this time?”
Gwen grinned. “Not at all. I’ll be back before dinner.”
She gathered her gloves and bonnet and made her way downstairs and out the front door. The day was warm and the sun high, so she lowered her head, allowing the brim of her hat to shade her eyes. She’d only visited Harrisburg a few times, and although unfamiliar with the area, she wasn’t entirely lost. She knew that if she kept Clayton’s home to her back, she’d be moving towards the stables and training arena.
Beyond the equestrian facilities lay a makeshift camp for the soldiers being prepared for the cavalry. They would train for a period of weeks, sometimes months, and then join an assigned unit somewhere else within the Union Army. The camp was a revolving door of men, except for the unit Jamie Ford was in charge of. They were utilized to train the men and rarely left the area.
Gwen now realized why Clayton and Emma’s home had become a refuge for Christopher. Whenever he felt danger might touch Hannah in D.C., he would bring her here. With the constant surrounding of armed men, not to mention her close friends, Gwen understood his choice.
Awareness crept up Gwen’s spine and she raised her head to find Andrew’s eyes on her. He stood outside the arena, his wide-brimmed hat pushed halfway up his forehead. He’d discarded his jacket and rolled up his shirtsleeves and was wrapping a length of rope into a coil. She couldn’t stop herself from noticing the strength in his arms as he looped the coil over one of the posts. Her breath caught, and she laid a hand on her stomach to calm the churn. He didn’t move to approach her, just stood staring, his expression blank.
Gwen’s hand shook as she gave a small wave. Andrew smiled--a smile that made manners seem optional--and sent her a nod. Gwen froze. She couldn’t move… literally couldn’t put one foot forward. Gulping in several deep breaths, she turned and fled. All the way back to the house, up to her room, and into the large chair next to the fireplace. That was where she stayed until dinner. And that was where she hid after dinner, not to emerge until the morning.
* * *
Stephen and Christine’s wedding day brought sunshine and a mild breeze. The women declared it was the perfect day for love as they helped Christine prepare.
Christine’s dress was satin and lace in a subtle ice-blue sheen, which complemented her strawberry-blonde hair and flawless skin. It was off the shoulder and low cut, and Christine declared she’d never seen anything so beautiful, especially after Sophie talked her into a train and long veil.
Gwen sat with Charity on the window seat, watching the sparks fly between Hannah and Emma. Hannah had been given the task of styling Christine’s hair, but she’d had a rough morning, so arrived later than expected. Emma had stepped in to take over the job, and now Hannah hovered, offering unwanted direction.
“Emma, no. Not like that,” Hannah admonished. “Wrap the strand around the iron and hold.”
Emma narrowed her eyes and pointed the curling iron at her. “Look you… you… backseat hairstylist, go and sit with Gwen and leave us alone. You’re making it more difficult.”
Christine giggled. “Careful, Hannah. She’s the one holding the weapon.”
With a grunt, Hannah made her way to Gwen. Gwen smiled, cutting off her whispered conversation with Charity.
“What are you two conspiring about?” Hannah asked.
Charity grinned. “We’re trying to determine how to rule the world.”
“And how’s that working out?” Hannah raised an eyebrow.
Charity sighed. “Not as well as we’d like.”
Hannah laughed and sat next to the girls. Taking Gwen’s hand, she smiled. “How are you, my forlorn possum?”
Gwen wrinkled her nose. “You think I’m a sad rodent?”
Hannah grinned. “A sad something, lovey. Did you get a chance to speak with Andrew last night?”
“No.” Gwen gave a frustrated sigh. “He’s been busy.”
Charity raised an eyebrow. “And you’ve been hiding.”
Gwen shrugged.
Hannah smiled gently. “Good thing we’re here for a few more days. I’m sure you’ll have a chance.”
“Provided my interfering brother doesn’t get in the way.”
Hannah patted her leg. “Let me worry about Christopher. I’m sure I can keep him occupied.”
Gwen smiled. “Speaking of my brother, I’m surprised he’s not banging down the door. How are you feeling?”
Hannah shrugged. “Not well.”
“Does Chris know?”
Hannah snorted. “Um, no, he does not. And you will not tell him, missy, or I’ll never get a moment’s peace.”
Gwen smiled and nodded without comment. Sophie and Emma assisted Christine with her dress, and when her sister Elizabeth secured the veil to her crown of flowers, they finally let her look in the mirror. Gwen noted how much the Simmonds sisters resembled one another. Nona, Elizabeth, and Christine had varying shades of strawberry-blonde hair and all had bright blue eyes and easy smiles.
“You are beautiful,” Elizabeth said.
Christine smiled and hugged her sister. “Thank you! All of you.”
“Is everyone ready?” Sophie asked.
“Yes,” came the collective answer.
Gwen followed the party downstairs and stalled when she noticed Andrew in the foyer. Andrew glanced at Gwen and then focused on his sister. “You look beautiful, Teeny.” He hugged Christine and Gwen’s heart turned over at his sweetness.
Sophie lifted Christine’s train and pushed her toward the door. “Let’s get you into the carriage.”
Andrew hung back slightly and when Gwen stepped off the last step, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers gently. “I know I should save this for my sister, but you, Gwendolyn, are the most beautiful woman in the room.”
Gwen glanced around the foyer. “I am the only woman in the room, Andrew.”
“Andrew!” Sophie called.
Andrew smiled, and kissed Gwen’s fingers again and then left her standing in the foyer, unable to breathe. Gwen wrapped her arms around her waist and focused on not passing out.
Charity stepped back inside, a look of concern covering her face. “Gwen? What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”
Gwen shook her head. “No. I’m fine.”
Charity grabbed her hand and pulled her out the door. “Well, let’s go. We need to get to the church before Christine and Andrew.”
As they waited for the carriage, Gwen watched the interaction between Andrew and Christine. He was the epitome of the loving brother, attentive and obviously happy for his sister. He climbed into the open buggy and held his hands out to her, lifting her in while Sophie maneuvered her train.
Once Christine was settled, Andrew took his place beside her and then glanced toward Gwen. His smile spoke volumes, and Gwen couldn’t stop the blush as she smiled shyly back at him.
“How is it possible you doubt his feelings for you?” Charity linked her arm with hers and they made their way toward the second carriage.
“He smiled at me, Char. He did not profess his love for me.”
“Mm hmm,” she murmured, but said nothing further.
Gwen and Charity joined Hannah and Emma in the carriage and the small group took off for the church. Sophie and Elizabeth rode with Andrew and Christine, planning to arrive a few minutes behind them. Pulling up to the little brick church, Gwen wasn’t surprised to find her brother pacing the courtyard. Clayton wasn’t far away, either. He stood off to the side and checked his pocket watch as guests continued to file into the church.
Christopher rushed to the carriage and pulled open the door. Gwen took his hand and let him help her out, then Charity. Clayton had joined him and lifted Emma down so that Hannah would have ample room and time to go at a slower pace.
Hannah grinned at Christopher, her face softening as she reached for his outstretched hand. “You look like a bear ready to strike, love.”
“I’ve been concerned, sweetheart. I know you’re not feeling well.”
Hannah glanced at Gwen and then back at Christopher. “I’d hoped you hadn’t noticed.”
“Careful,” he warned as she gingerly stepped down. “I notice everything, Hannah.”
Hannah’s eyes widened. “Well, good for you for letting me out of your sight this morning, then. You’ve done well.”
Gwen didn’t hear anything else as Charity pulled her toward the building. Gwen tried to release her hold and keep her bonnet on her head at the same time. “Char, slow down. What’s the rush?”
Charity stopped, almost causing Gwen to run into her. “Sorry. Was I rushing?”
Gwen raised an eyebrow. “Charity Edwina Short, what are you up to?”
“Whatever do you mean, Gwen? Nothing,” she said serenely. “I just don’t want to be late.”
Gwen adjusted the ribbon at her chin and regarded her friend with suspicion. “We aren’t late. Christine hasn’t even arrived. We also have a reserved pew, which means we won’t have to jostle anyone for a seat.”
Charity nodded. “You’re right. I forgot about the pew.”
“Let’s make our way in, then.” Gwen led the way into the church.
Richard Madden stood with Adam Whitman, Elizabeth’s husband, in the foyer, and Gwen didn’t miss Richard’s assessing gaze when he saw Charity.
Adam gave a slight bow and smiled. “Miss Butler, Miss Short. It’s lovely to see you,” he said in his thick English accent.
Gwen was never certain if she should curtsy when in his presence. She’d heard he was an earl or something back in England, but in the end, she simply lowered her head slightly. “Mr. Whitman, Mr. Madden. Perfect day for a wedding, wouldn’t you say?”
Richard smiled, but didn’t respond as he regarded Charity again… somewhat intimately.
“It’s as close to perfect as they come, I’d say,” Mr. Whitman said. “May we escort you ladies to your seats?”
“Aren’t you waiting for Mrs. Whitman?” Gwen asked.
Mr. Whitman shook his head. “She won’t be here for at least another ten minutes. Plenty of time to see you both to your seats.”
Gwen slipped her hand into his arm and let him lead them into the sanctuary. Charity followed, surprisingly quiet, on the arm of Richard. The men found their reserved pew and then waited for them to sit down before leaving them.
“The church is beautiful.” Gwen glanced around the room. “I wonder if Mrs. Wade did all of this.” Charity’s gaze seemed elsewhere, and Gwen had to tap her knee to get her attention. “Really, Char. What has come over you today? You’re not yourself.”
“Sorry, Gwen. What did you say?”
Before Gwen could say anything further, the musicians began to play, and the guests quieted. Christopher and Hannah joined them in their seats and then the congregation was directed to stand for the bride.
Gwen’s heart was in her throat when the doors opened to reveal Andrew cradling his sister’s hand in his arm. He stared down at Christine with a goofy grin, and Gwen felt the prick of tears at the look of love, so unconditional, on his face.
As they made their way down the aisle, Andrew raised his head and his eyes found Gwen’s. Seeing the same love reflected back at her, her breath left her body for several seconds, and she found herself needing to sit down.
“What’s amiss?” Charity whispered frantically.
The minister’s voice interrupted her answer and Gwen’s focus was pulled back to the bride and groom… briefly. Gwen watched as Andrew moved to stand beside Stephen. Andrew found her in the crowd and his eyes bore into her as the vows were exchanged. Gwen felt as though he were speaking them to her, his expression so filled with promise, she had to grasp Charity’s hand for support.
“Gwen?” Charity whispered.
Gwen couldn’t speak and was grateful when Minister Cunningham pronounced the couple. Stephen kissed Christine and the congregation clapped, then a loud roar of celebration filled the room when the minister introduced the newly married couple. Using the distraction, Gwen took several deep breaths and focused back on the couple. Christine glowed with love as Stephen took her in his arms and kissed her again.
Once the guests showered them with rice and flower petals, the newlyweds headed out to the carriage. They would be driven through town to give everyone a chance to get to the Wades’ home before them.
Gwen turned to see if she and Charity might perhaps ride home with Andrew, when she saw him lift a woman into his arms and carry her to his buggy. In her mid-twenties, the woman was tall and thin, with light brown hair. She and Andrew laughed like they’d known each other for years and the woman looked up at him with adoration. Gwen’s heart sank.
Hannah took Gwen’s hand and led the girls to their carriage. Gwen was both relieved and frustrated by the interruption. When they arrived at the Wades’ home, Gwen was once again subjected to the sight of Andrew gallantly carrying the woman through the door and into the ballroom. Hannah made her way to her side. “Gwen?”
Gwen glanced at her sister-in-law. “Hmm?”
“Why are you scowling?”
Gwen forced a smile. “Was I?”
Hannah raised an eyebrow. “Yes, you were.”
Gwen took a drink from her punch. “Sorry. Lost in my thoughts, I suppose.”
A laugh pulled Gwen’s focus back to the woman. She was laughing at something Andrew said, and the musical sound of it was like a knife in Gwen’s heart.
“There you go again, lovey. Why don’t you take a moment to compose yourself?” Hannah squeezed her hand. “Today is about Christine.”
Gwen nodded. “Yes, I think that’s a good idea. I’ll return shortly.”
She set her drink down and made her way out into the hallway. The first room she came to was the library, and blessedly, it was empty. She stepped inside and closed the door with a thwap. She didn’t really mean to slam the door, but then again, perhaps she did.
Gwen was angry. Which wasn’t like her at all. She didn’t typically get angry, and she’d certainly never been a jealous person. She sat down hard on the window seat overlooking the garden and sent up a silent prayer as she focused on getting her emotions in check. She heard a knock on the door, but stayed quiet, hoping they would go away. No such luck. She heard the door open.
“Gwen?”
Gwen stood quickly. “Samuel? What are you doing here?
“I have business with your brother.” Samuel Powell, who worked with Christopher in the War Department, strode into the room. He crossed quickly to where she stood, concern evident on his face. They’d courted for a few months, but Sam had broken it off weeks ago. Gwen had been relieved but was now confused to see him.
Gwen frowned. “Is anything amiss?”
Sam shook his head, his light blonde hair falling over his forehead.
Gwen raised an eyebrow. “I believe Christopher is in the ballroom with Hannah.”
Sam grinned. “I know.”
Heavy footsteps fell in the hallway, and without warning, Sam pulled Gwen from her seat and wrapped his arms around her. “Sam, what are you doing?” she whispered.
“Get your hands off her!”