ANDREW RETURNED JUST before lunch the next day as promised. Gwen was sitting at the dining room table and tried to hide a yawn as he walked into the room.
“Tired, sweetheart?”
Gwen grinned. “You’re late.”
“Am I?” He leaned down and kissed her cheek.
Gwen sighed. “Not really. I just missed you.”
He took a seat next to her. “Did you not sleep?”
“I did, but it was a late night, and then an even earlier morning. I feel more tired now than I did at breakfast.”
He smiled gently. “Why was it a late night?”
“Mama and I were discussing the wedding and the engagement party.”
Andrew’s eyes widened. “Engagement party?”
At the insistence of Wilhelmina Butler, a party was planned for June 25. Gwen would have preferred that to be her wedding day, but her mother insisted on the wedding of the century, and Gwen had no choice but to agree.
“Yes.” Gwen sighed. “A ball in our honor.”
Andrew prepared himself a plate of food. “That will be festive, don’t you agree?”
“I wanted that to be our wedding day,” she grumbled.
Andrew chuckled. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, but we’ll be married before you know it.”
Gwen shrugged. “I suppose.”
“Are you happy with the wedding date?”
They had finally decided on July 16.
Gwen sighed. “I still think it’s too far away.”
“We should talk about you coming to Harrisburg early. You could stay with Nona.”
Gwen slumped in her seat. “Mama will want to be part of the planning, though. I don’t want to exclude her.”
Andrew poured them each a glass of iced tea. “Yes. I hadn’t thought about that. Why don’t you visit Harrisburg next week? That will give us some extra time, and then after that, I will try to be in D.C. as often as possible.”
“I think that will be acceptable,” she said with another yawn.
“Would you like to take a ride with me today and join me for a picnic?”
Gwen smiled. “Yes. I would.”
“All right. You finish your tea and I’ll saddle your horse.”
Gwen nodded and Andrew left the dining room. Gwen had been given a new horse a year ago by her father. A large Morgan, now five years old and more horse than most could handle, but Gwen loved him and, to spite Andrew, had named him Tornado.
Her mother walked in a few minutes later. “Good morning, dear.”
Gwen sat straighter. “Good morning, Mama. Did you sleep well?”
“I did, thank you.” She poured herself some tea. “How did you sleep?”
Gwen smiled. “Fine.”
“What are your plans today?”
“Andrew is saddling Tornado and we’re going for a ride.” Gwen popped a grape into her mouth. “I believe he’s organized a picnic as well.”
“How nice.” Wilhelmina sat at the head of the table. “Remember the Atwood’s are joining us for dinner this evening.”
“Yes, mama, I know,” she grumbled.
Before Wilhelmina could comment, Andrew walked back into the room. “Good morning, Mrs. Butler.”
“Good morning, Andrew. I understand a ride and a picnic are in order for you two.”
Andrew nodded. “Yes ma’am. If you are agreeable.”
“Of course, dear. You two have fun. Just be back in time for dinner. The guests will be arriving at six.”
“Yes ma’am.” He held his hand out to Gwen who took it with a quiet sigh of relief. He led her outside and assisted her onto her horse before leading her away from the house.
“Are we going to the lake?”
Andrew nodded. “Yes.”
“Catch me if you can,” she challenged and dug her heel into Tornado.
“Gwendolyn!”
She was gone. Andrew took off after her and caught her just before the grove of trees that led to the private lake. His heart raced as he pulled his horse to a walk next to her. “I do hate it when you do that,” he admonished.
“Do you?” She smiled pertly. “I hadn’t realized.”
“Death of me, Gwendolyn. Absolute death of me.”
She giggled as they moved through the trees and came upon the clearing that led to the water. He saw her smile as she pulled Tornado to a stop. “I love it here.”
Andrew dismounted and then lifted her down before he secured the horses and gathered their supplies. He took her hand and led her to a shaded area closest to the water. He laid the blanket out and then Gwen knelt down to open the basket and pull out an assortment of nibbles. “How did you manage all of this?”
Andrew grinned. “Nanny assisted. I spoke with her last night, and she had it waiting for me.”
“Well, it’s perfect.”
Andrew knelt beside her. “You look tired. Why don’t you let me do that?”
“I’m fine.” She yawned as she pulled items out of the basket.
Andrew laid his hand on hers and pulled the basket away from her. He gathered the cheese and fruit she had just taken out and put it away. “Come here, sweetheart.” He patted the blanket. “Lie down and rest. It’s still cool enough to perhaps have a quick nap and I’ll wake you in an hour.”
“What if someone sees?”
“Who would see, Gwen? We’re perfectly alone. This is still your father’s property and we are quite hidden.”
Gwen wrung her hands. “But what if someone comes looking for us?”
Andrew laid his hand over hers. “Sweetheart, no one will come looking for us. If by some chance they do, I will hear them and wake you. You need to rest.”
She worried her lower lip, but then stretched out beside him. “All right.”
He removed his jacket and folded it, so that she could use it as a pillow. “Sleep, sweetheart.”
Stroking her forehead as she closed her eyes, it didn’t take long before he heard her even breathing. He watched her, unsure how he was going to survive being separated from her over the coming weeks, but for now he tried to put it out of his mind.
He didn’t realize he’d even fallen asleep until he felt soft lips on his. He smiled and opened his eyes to find Gwen leaning over him looking more than beautiful.
She tapped his cheek. “I thought you were supposed to wake me.”
“I didn’t realize I was tired until I had you in my arms,” he admitted. “I believe I’m going to enjoy sleeping next to you each night.”
“What if someone had come?” She pursed her lips. “What would they have thought?”
“No one came, sweetheart. Your reputation is perfectly intact.”
She turned away from him and began to rummage through the saddlebags. He hadn’t missed her blush, however, and his heart warmed at her innocence. He laid his hand on her arm. “I have to return to Harrisburg, sweetheart.”
Gwen turned with a frown. “When?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“Why so early?” She sat up on her knees. “I thought we’d have a few days together at least! You promised.”
“I know.”
“Did you know this before we left?”
Andrew studied her for a few tense seconds. “That I would need to return early?”
Gwen narrowed her eyes. “Yes.”
“I did. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” Andrew sat up and laid his arms over his knees. “Adam needs assistance, so I must return. Speak with your parents about coming next week, and I’ll bring you home for the party?”
Gwen scowled. “You want me to wait a week to see you again?”
“I don’t want to, Gwen, but you just arrived home. I cannot imagine your parents will allow you to return with me so soon.”
Gwen picked at a blade of grass. “No, perhaps not.”
He stroked her arm. “Your brother is coming to Harrisburg next Tuesday to pick up a few horses. Why don’t you come with him?”
Gwen shrugged. “I suppose I don’t have a choice.”
Andrew chuckled. “I love you, beautiful.”
“I love you, too,” she huffed as she wrapped her arms around her knees. “I hate this.”
“What?”
“I hate that we have to wait so long. We’ve waited long enough, don’t you think?”
“It has been a long time, I agree.” Andrew reached over and stroked her cheek. “However, it’s only a few weeks and then we will be together forever.”
She flopped onto her back. “I know.”
“Why don’t we eat and then we’ll ride back in time to greet your guests.”
Gwen groaned. “I’d forgotten about the Atwood’s. I do hope Jimmy doesn’t join them. It’s difficult enough having to listen to Millicent go on about her love of Quincy, without having to fend off Jimmy’s advances.”
“He won’t touch you, Gwendolyn.”
Andrew’s venom laced voice made Gwen giggle. “You’ll vanquish my dragon, love?”
“If the dragon’s name is James Atwood, I’ll look forward to the slaying.”
Gwen laughed and the couple took time to eat before they gathered their supplies and returned home. Gwen was relieved that Jimmy had another engagement, so only Franklin, the eldest brother, and Millicent joined their parents for dinner.
When dinner was over, Gwen couldn’t keep her tears at bay after she’d said goodbye to Andrew, but her mother wrapped her into a motherly embrace and ushered her to her room. “You’ll see him again in no time, dear.”
“I know, mama. It just seems forever away.”
Wilhelmina stroked her back. “I understand.”
“Chris is traveling to Harrisburg on Tuesday, do you mind if I go with him and stay a while? Andrew will bring me home on the Thursday before the engagement party.”
“Will you stay with Andrew?”
“No, of course not. I’ll stay with Sophie. She has already invited me.”
Her mother smiled. “Well, I suppose we’d better get the party planned and the invitations out before you leave then.”
Gwen gave a little squeal and hugged her mother. “Thank you, mama.”
“My pleasure, dear. Now, climb into bed and get some rest,” she ordered.
Gwen kissed her cheek and did as she asked. She felt entirely more relaxed as she allowed blessed sleep to take over her body.
* * *
Mr. Butler escorted Gwendolyn to the train at Camden Station on Tuesday morning. She would meet Christopher in D.C. before they would head out to Harrisburg, and she had to admit, she was beyond excited.
“Gwennie, are you certain you won’t allow me to travel with you?” her father asked.
“Daddy, I’m a grown woman and I’ll be meeting my big brother in an hour. I believe I can survive until he is there to watch over me.”
He took her hand and raised it to his mouth. “All right, all right.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. “I’ll see you in a week.”
He kissed her cheek and waited for her to board before leaving the platform. Gwen took her seat in the passenger car and settled in for the short trip. She noticed a man sit in the seat opposite her, facing backwards, but thought nothing of it until he began to stare. He was rough looking and for some reason, Gwen’s heart raced and she felt slightly nervous. When the porter came through to check tickets, Gwen decided to change seats and found an elderly couple toward the back of the parlor car who graciously allowed her to sit with them.
What she didn’t realize until she happened to look behind her briefly, was that the man followed her. She felt a chill go down her spine. What did he want?
When the train pulled into Union Station, Gwen didn’t move. Neither did the man. She panicked slightly when the couple rose to leave and looked around her quickly in an effort to find a means of escape. Before she could do anything, however, her brother found her and the man disembarked.
“What’s amiss?” Christopher asked.
I’m being silly. He wasn’t following me—he got off the train.
She forced a smile. “Oh, nothing, Chris. I’m fine.”
Taking a deep breath, she let Christopher lead her to an open bench. An hour into the trip to Harrisburg, she’d forgotten all about the incident and grew increasingly excited about seeing Andrew.
“I’ll drive you to the Ford’s, before I head out to the arena,” Christopher said. “If that’s acceptable.”
Gwen nodded. “Yes, it’s fine. Thank you.”
Andrew had a meeting with Adam and another businessman that morning, so she would have to wait a few hours to see him. Christopher organized refreshments for them and then the two sat in companionable silence for the rest of the trip.
Gwen found herself pleasantly surprised when the train pulled into the station sooner than she expected and her heart fluttered with anticipation as her brother rose and led her from the parlor car. He left her standing briefly on the platform to collect her bags. The sensation of a fingertip sliding down her back elicited a quiet squeal, and she turned to find Andrew grinning at her. “Good afternoon, beautiful.”
She threw herself into his arms, regardless of how it might look. “I have missed you so much.”
“As have I.” He squeezed her slightly. “How was your trip?”
“It was fine. I cannot believe you’re here. I thought you had a meeting.”
“I did.” He lifted her hand to his lips. “However, I informed them I had a very important person I needed to collect from the train station.”
“You left your meeting early?” she asked, shocked.
“I did.”
“My word.” She grinned. “This person must be very important.”
“She is,” Andrew whispered. “She’s my world.”
Gwen giggled and turned when she heard her brother clear his throat behind her.
Christopher gave a half smile. “Andrew. We weren’t expecting you.”
“I was able to conclude my business early.”
“Excellent.” Christopher set Gwen’s bags down. “Perhaps, I can leave Gwen with you and be on my way.”
“Absolutely.” Andrew nodded.
Gwen kissed her brother and then Andrew gathered her bags and led her to the awaiting buggy. They drove to the Wade’s and found the house in absolute chaos upon their arrival.
“What’s happened?” Andrew asked the butler as he set Gwen’s bags down in the lobby.
Daniel directed the staff. “Mr. Ford has arrived home.”
“Is he well?” Gwen asked.
“Yes, miss. Perfectly.” Gwen let out a sigh of relief and Daniel directed them to the room she’d be staying in. “Mr. and Mrs. Ford are in the parlor with Master James. You may join them when you’re settled,” Daniel said.
Gwen smiled. “Thank you.”
Andrew set her bags down. “I’ll leave you to freshen up, sweetheart.”
“No, I’m fine. I’ll come with you.” Gwen removed her gloves and hat and then followed Andrew downstairs. They heard arguing wafting from the parlor as they approached.
“You weren’t supposed to go!” Sophie bellowed.
“Sweetheart, I had to go,” Jamie argued. “And now I’m home and perfectly fine.”
“You’re not perfectly fine! You have a gash on the side of your cheek.”
“Ten-Cow, it is not a gash. It’s barely a scrape. It’ll heal faster than you can say gash on the side of my cheek.”
“You are so not funny!” Sophie snapped.
They arrived to see Jamie reach for her. “Come here, baby.”
Andrew glanced through the open door to see Jamie with a small bandage on his cheek. He let out a quiet breath of relief and smiled. “Good afternoon.”
Jamie turned and then chuckled. “Are you hungry again?”
“I wanted to see the wounded.” Andrew smirked.
“You two better knock it off,” Sophie warned. “None of this is funny!”
Jamie squeezed her hand. “It kind of is, sweetheart. If you can’t laugh in the face of a trial, well, then what’s the point?”
Andrew widened his eyes. “You are well, Jamie?”
Jamie nodded. “Yeah, I’m great.” He pointed to his cheek. “My horse reared and something hit my cheek… I think it was the corner of one of the reins. Small scratch.”
Junior let out a wail from his basket, and Sophie bent to pick him up and then settled him into Jamie’s arms. “Hug your son.”
“Hello, little man.” He kissed him. “I see you kept your mama safe for me.”
Sophie turned to Gwen. “While Jamie reunites with his child, why don’t I help you get settled, Gwen?”
Gwen shook her head. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“You’re not. Jamie and I are going to have plenty of time together in the near future.” She sent her husband a pointed look. “What with the fact that he’s never going anywhere without me, ever again.”
Jamie chuckled as Sophie pulled Gwen back to her room.
* * *
Once Gwen was unpacked, Andrew collected her for a walk.
“Did you enjoy the train ride?” Andrew took her hand.
“I did. It was exciting to ride alone, even if it was for a brief moment.” She frowned. “Although, there was a strange man at the beginning, but it was probably nothing.”
Andrew stopped. “What do you mean, strange man, Gwen?”
“It’s nothing. He just made me uneasy, but it was nothing. He got off the train and it was all over with.”
“Please explain.”
She let out a sigh of frustration, but relayed the information about the man and the incident on the first leg of her journey. Andrew nodded, but refrained from comment. Gwen didn’t quite know what to think, but when they started to walk again, she assumed he’d dismissed the incident.
* * *
The next week flew by, and before Gwen knew it, it was time for Andrew to take her home. Despite the fact it wasn’t their wedding, she couldn’t help but be excited for the ball her mother had planned. She knew it would be festive and she loved any reason to dance.
Andrew led her to their seats in the passenger car and took her hand as they sat down. “Are you ready?”
“More than ready.” She grinned. “You?”
“Absolutely. I cannot wait to show you off.”
Gwen leaned against him as the train left the station. The next two days were spent finalizing their gowns and preparations for the party.