ANDREW ARRIVED AT the Wades’ the next morning to find Sophie sitting at the dining room table, her eyes red and puffy from obvious crying. “Sophie?”
“Hi.” She raised her head and grimaced. “Don’t mind me. I’m just waiting for my husband to leave for his death.”
Andrew sat in the chair next to her. “That’s not for a few days, right?”
“Because that’s so much better, Drew. I have a few days to think about him leaving for his death.”
“Sorry.”
Sophie sighed. “Where’s Gwen?”
“She and Charity went for a walk. I left a note for her to meet me here when they returned. I just hope it’s soon. I can’t linger today.”
Andrew turned when he heard heavy footsteps in the hallway.
Jamie strode into the room with Junior in his arms. “Baby?”
Sophie stood and took the baby from him. “I’m fine.”
Jamie stroked her cheek. “Ten-Cow, you need to stop this.”
Andrew smiled at the use of Jamie’s nickname for Sophie. Christine had shared the story with him one night after they’d first met Sophie. Jamie had referred to Sophie as his Ten-Cow woman, based on a fable of a farmer and three daughters. His first two were beautiful and the farmer set a high bride price, but the youngest, although sweet, was homely, so the farmer set a very low price. One cow and the runt of the sow’s litter.
A young man fell in love with the youngest daughter, and he went off to acquire the payment. He returned with ten cows. Surprisingly, he’d also brought three goats, six pigs, and twenty chickens. He’d informed the farmer that he’d undervalued his daughter, and that she was worth far more than even he could imagine.
Jamie said that Sophie was the best part of him, and he’d do anything to make her happy. Unfortunately, with the impending battle, he’d have to juggle his love for her with his responsibility to the army.
“I can’t stop this, Jamie.” Sophie sat back in her chair and cradled Junior. “Why don’t you just hide? You could say you got lost… you could say a horse died and you had to bury it. You could say you died and your men had to bury you!”
“I could say I died and my men buried me?”
“Whatever! You and your men could do something else, right? I don’t know what, but you could figure something out.”
Jamie smiled gently. “I’m a 1st lieutenant in the Union Army, in charge of a group of cavalry. I have to fight, baby.”
Sophie leaned forward. “You’re a CEO from the future who has barely shot a gun!”
Jamie raised an eyebrow. “You know that’s no longer the case.”
Sophie’s face fell and Andrew’s heart went out to her. No more was said as the rest of the group filed in for breakfast and the conversation turned to more pleasant matters.
Gwen arrived just as Andrew was finishing his last bite of food. He stood and made his way over to her, grasping her hand and pulling her from the room.
Gwen pulled back slightly. “Andrew? Where are we going? I thought we’d have breakfast.”
Andrew gave her hand a squeeze. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I can’t. I have too much work to do.”
Gwen huffed. “It’s barely eight o’clock, Andrew. Can’t you spare an hour?”
“I wish I could.” Andrew smiled gently. “I will, however, see you for dinner.”
Gwen shrugged. “I suppose I’ve lived without you for years, a few hours won’t make a difference.”
Andrew smiled. “There’s the spirit.”
Gwen worried her bottom lip. “I’m sorry. That was unfair.”
Andrew ran his thumb over her lip. “If I’m successful in finishing all of this work, sweetheart, I’ll have some uninterrupted time with you when I take you home.”
“And if you don’t finish?”
“I’ll have to leave you with your parents and return immediately.” Gwen’s eyes filled with tears, and Andrew sighed. “Don’t cry, sweetheart.”
“I just feel as though we’re passing each other in the hall most days.”
Andrew wrapped his arm around her shoulders and guided her into the privacy of the library. He handed her his handkerchief and kissed her forehead. “I know, beautiful.”
“We’ve had no time.”
Andrew kissed her gently. “I will make it up to you, I promise.”
With a few more minutes, and a few additional words of encouragement, he left Gwen and rushed to meet Adam… late again.
* * *
Tuesday came quickly, and as excited as Gwen was to be going home, she didn’t like the idea that she’d have less than a week with Andrew and they’d be separated again. The thought of not being with him, even for a day, made her melancholic.
Clayton and Emma, Christopher and Hannah would travel part of the way with them, splitting off to travel to D.C., and then Andrew would escort Gwen and Charity to Maryland.
Michael took the three couples and Charity to the station and they boarded the train to head out to Washington. They took their seats and settled in.
“I feel bad leaving Sophie,” Emma said.
“She’ll be fine.” Clayton kissed her cheek. “And so will Jamie.”
“Yes, exactly.” Hannah nodded. “He has to be.”
An hour into their trip, the men went to procure refreshments, and the girls were left to plan. Hannah squeezed Gwen’s hand. “Do you have a date yet?”
Gwen sighed. “I told him one week, but he says we should speak with my parents.”
Emma giggled. “Sounds like the Butler impatience runs in the family.”
“You’re funny.” Hannah smirked, then turned back to Gwen. “I’m sure your parents won’t mind if it’s soon.”
“I have a feeling they may even expect it.” Charity patted Gwen’s hand.
Hannah nodded. “Plus, they’ve always liked Andrew, so I know they’ll welcome the news.”
Gwen sighed. “He wants to ask my father for his permission to marry me.”
“Isn’t that the way it should be?” Charity smiled gently.
Gwen ran the ribbons of her portico through her fingers. “What if he says no?”
Hannah raised an eyebrow. “Your father?”
Charity narrowed her eyes. “Why on earth would your father say no?”
“He wouldn’t unless he was messing with you.” Hannah cleared her throat. “Um, I mean jesting with you.”
Gwen wrung her hands on her lap. “What if Andrew thinks he’s not jesting?”
The car erupted with girlish laughter.
Emma reached over and patted her knee. “From what I understand, Andrew has a sense of humor almost as wicked as your father. He’ll understand.”
Gwen wrinkled her nose. “I hope so. I feel like I’ve waited long enough.”
“I agree.” Hannah smiled.
“About what, sweetheart?” Christopher asked as the men rejoined them.
Hannah smiled up at him. “About Gwen and Andrew having waited long enough to get married.”
Gwen blushed as Andrew sat next to her and handed her a finger sandwich and lemonade. They finished their morning snack just as a porter came around to collect their dishes and Andrew used the distraction to link his fingers with Gwen’s. She smiled up at him and squeezed his hand as she leaned her shoulder against his. For now, this would have to be enough until they were alone.
As the train pulled into Camden Station, Gwen grew jittery, jumping up as the horn blew. Andrew took her hand as Christopher walked the couple and Charity off the train. When they reached the platform, Christopher turned and hugged Gwen. “Keep her safe, Andrew.”
“Always.”
Andrew gathered their bags and led the ladies to where Charity’s father was waiting for her. “May we offer you both a ride?”
Andrew nodded. “Yes, thank you. It’ll mean we don’t have to return a hired rig.”
The group climbed in and took off for Catonsville. The closer they got to Gwen’s childhood home, the more excited she grew. She waved as she saw her neighbors and Andrew smiled at their reaction to her. Everyone loved Gwen. That didn’t surprise him, but he did realize that she would probably not be able to leave this place without sadness. She was a vital part of her community and received as much joy from it as she gave. He may have to rethink their settling plan. They pulled up in front of the large home and Gwen jumped out before he could stop her. “Gwendolyn!”
“Sorry. Thank you, Mr. Short for the ride.” She gave Charity a quick hug and then flew up the front steps, onto the porch, and through the front door. “Mama! Daddy! I’m home.”
Andrew climbed down from the buggy, thanked Mr. Short, and took their bags up onto the porch. Gwen came rushing out the front door. Andrew caught her when she nearly ran into him. “Whoa, sweetheart.”
“No one’s here,” she said in concern. “Not even Nanny.”
“Is that unusual?”
“I don’t know. Perhaps Mama is at the neighbor’s for tea.”
“Why don’t we go inside and wait for them?”
“Yes, all right,” she said reluctantly.
He carried their bags into the house and settled them in the foyer. They moved into the parlor and sat on the couch, but Gwen didn’t stay that way for long. She stood and walked to the fireplace. Andrew watched her as she moved things around, then sat, and then got up again.
“Sweetheart?” He rose to his feet and took her hand.
“Hm?”
“Are you worried?”
Gwen sighed. “I am. Is that silly?”
He cupped her cheek. “No, that’s not silly. Would you like me to take a horse and see if I can locate them?”
“Yes, please. Would you mind?”
“Not at all.”
Gwen wrinkled her brow in question. “Are you hungry?”
“A bit, but why don’t I take a look around first?”
She smiled at him. “Thank you.”
He leaned down to kiss her quickly and then left the house for the stables. Andrew found the barn empty, so saddled one of the horses and mounted. He started west, toward their closest neighbors and ran into Mr. Butler on the main road. “Andrew Simmonds!”
“Mr. Butler. Is everyone safe?”
“Yes, of course, why?”
“We arrived home to find the house empty.” Andrew moved his horse to flank him. “Gwen was concerned.”
Vincent smiled. “Ah, you brought Gwendolyn home.”
Andrew frowned, confused by the vagueness Gwen’s father was displaying. “Yes, I brought her home. Sir? Am I missing something?”
Vincent chuckled. “No, Andrew. I think perhaps we did.”
“Sir?”
“Did you come with her for a specific reason?”
Andrew smiled. “Yes sir, I did. I had intended on speaking with you this evening.”
“Well, son, now’s as good a time as any.”
Andrew nodded. “As you wish. I am here for permission to marry Gwendolyn.”
“No.” Vincent gave him a stern expression.
“Excuse me, sir?”
“A jest.” Vincent laughed. “Yes, Andrew, we would be honored to welcome you to our family. I must say, I’m surprised it took you this long.”
Andrew lowered his head. “I’m sorry, sir.”
“I understand, son.” Vincent adjusted his seat. “You don’t have to explain.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I’m confident she has accepted you?”
Andrew nodded. “She has.”
“Excellent.” Vincent urged his horse on with a click. “Mrs. Butler will be thrilled.”
Andrew followed him to the stables and noticed Gwen standing on the porch with her mother. She came running when she saw him, and he dismounted almost before he had stopped the horse. She threw herself into his arms.
“Sweetheart, are you all right?” Andrew pulled her close.
“Yes, why?”
He gave her a gentle squeeze. “Perhaps because you looked concerned and threw yourself into my arms?”
Gwen laughed. “I just missed you.”
Andrew chuckled. “It’s been less than twenty minutes since you saw me, love.”
She shrugged. “I’m practicing.”
“Well, if I get that reaction every time I come home, perhaps I’ll leave more often.”
“Don’t you dare.” She turned to her father. “Daddy!”
Vincent handed his horse to a groom and lifted her into a large bear hug. “Gwennie. How was the wedding?”
“Beautiful.”
“I understand there will be another one?”
She beamed at her father. “You have spoken?”
Vincent nodded. “Yes and I have given my blessing.”
Gwen squealed and hugged him again. “Thank you.”
Vincent gently tweaked her nose. “What would you have done if I’d said no?”
She winked. “I’d have snuck out in the middle of the night, rode all the way to Harrisburg, and married him anyway.”
“Gwendolyn!” Andrew admonished.
Mr. Butler laughed. A loud belly laugh, that seemed to resonate all the way to the house. The three of them walked up to the porch and found Mrs. Butler and Nanny waiting to greet them. Everyone made their way back into the house and straight to the dining room, where a light meal had been laid out for them.
“Where was everyone?” Andrew whispered as he took his seat.
“There was a celebration at the Atwood’s.” Gwen leaned closer to him. “Jimmy’s sister is engaged.”
“Jimmy is the one who thinks he can touch you, correct?” Andrew whispered with a glare.
Gwen nodded. “Yes, which is why I avoid him.”
“Who stayed behind while the family was at the engagement party?”
“No one,” Gwen said, confused. “Everyone went.”
Andrew sighed. “They just left the house empty?”
“Yes.” Gwen shrugged. “We’ve done it before.”
“It’s not safe!”
“It’s perfectly safe, Andrew,” she argued.
He lowered his fork. “Not in war time, it isn’t.”
“Andrew, dear. How’s your mother?” Gwendolyn’s mother asked.
“She’s doing very well, Mrs. Butler.” Andrew shook away his reservations. “She sends her regards.”
“Oh, how lovely. You must send mine as well.”
“You’ll see her shortly, Willie. I’m certain you can give her your own regards.” Mr. Butler chuckled.
“Regardless, dearest.” She patted Mr. Butler’s hand. “There’s no reason to be impolite.”
Andrew raised an eyebrow in Gwen’s direction at the interaction of her parents. Gwen smiled and rested her chin in her hand.
“Elbows off the table, Gwendolyn,” her mother said.
Gwen sat up and placed her hands in her lap. “Sorry.”
Andrew reached for her hand under the table and gave it a gentle squeeze. Lunch passed without any further faux pas’ and Andrew enjoyed watching Gwen and her parents’ banter back and forth. When they were excused, Andrew walked Gwen out to the gazebo.
Gwen sighed. “When do you have to leave?”
“In about an hour.”
“Please stay longer.”
Andrew shook his head. “I need to ride while it’s still light.”
Gwen laid her hand on his chest. “Or you could stay.”
He kissed her.
“Is that a yes?” She raised hopeful eyes to his. He kissed her again and Gwen frowned. “Are you trying to make me forget my question?”
Andrew nodded. “Yes.”
Gwen laughed. “Will you come back early?”
“Yes, beautiful, I will.”
Andrew left an hour later with a promise to return for lunch the next day, doing his best not to react to the sheen of tears in her eyes.