“MISS NELSON!” HEARING a man yell, she turned to see Christopher rushing toward her. “Hannah! Wait!”
She stepped down onto the platform and waited for him to reach her. “I didn’t think you’d make it.”
He took her hand and kissed it chastely. “I didn’t think I would either,” he said breathlessly. “And now, I’ve once again made a spectacle of myself.”
She stared up at him. “You have?” Christopher handed her a bouquet of flowers and Hannah smiled. “Daisies again. You’re going to spoil me.”
“I hope so.” Christopher grinned. “I wish I could kiss you right now.”
Hannah grinned. “You’ll just have to wait until tomorrow.”
He stared intently at her and then frowned. “Did you not sleep well last night?”
“Do I look that bad?” Hannah pinched her cheeks.
Christopher pulled her hands away from her face. “Never. You’re beautiful, you just look tired. How much sleep did you get?”
Hannah grimaced. “It was less than normal.”
Christopher squeezed her hand. “I’ll be there tomorrow night to chase the bad dreams away.”
Hannah chuckled. “Forever my Sir Knight. Vanquishing the dragon dreams this time, eh?”
“Of course.” He nodded toward the train. “You better board.”
“Thank you for the flowers, Christopher.”
He kissed her hand one last time. “Until tomorrow.”
She felt his eyes on her as she joined Emma to board the train and turned her head to find him waiting where she’d left him. Climbing the stairs for the second time, her heart raced, and she realized she was hopelessly in love with the man.
“You look dreamy, Han.”
Hannah pushed Emma’s shoulder gently. “I do not.”
“Oh, okay.” Emma giggled. “Gorgeous flowers. Daisies again... your favorite.”
Hannah grinned. “I don’t know how you managed that little info slip yesterday, but thanks.”
“I’ll never tell.”
Hannah sighed.
Emma pursed her lips as she removed her bonnet. “Now that’s a lovesick sigh if ever I heard one.”
“It’s stupid.”
Emma took her hand. “No, it’s not. You’re falling in love. Just let it happen.”
Hannah rolled her eyes. “Emma, please.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll lay off.”
Hannah spent the next few hours staring out at the terrain rushing past her. Surprised when the train pulled into the Harrisburg station much sooner than she expected, she slipped her wayward hair behind her ears and followed the group as they disembarked. She had to admit, she was excited to see a new city.
The bags and Samson were collected, and Clayton’s brother, Richard, waited for them with a large carriage. Introductions were made and bags were loaded onto the carriage.
“I’d like to ride Samson,” Sophie said. “If that doesn’t ruin the plans.”
Richard smiled. “I brought Gentle Ben for Jamie, just in case.”
Jamie saddled Samson and then helped Sophie mount. The couple took off toward home as Clayton and Richard assisted Emma and Hannah into the carriage.
“How was the trip?” Richard asked.
Clayton shifted in his seat. “Very smooth. How has it been here?”
Richard smiled. “Busy. I’m relieved Jamie’s returned. He makes life easier with the training.”
“What are the plans for Thanksgiving?”
“Nona has planned a huge meal. Of course, when doesn’t she? I believe she’s setting up several tables in the ballroom in order to accommodate everyone. It will be a festive occasion, I’m certain.”
Clayton chuckled. “She lives for these events.”
“Yes, she does.”
Clayton kissed Emma’s temple as he put his arm around her and pulled her close.
As they continued to talk, Hannah focused on the drive home. She was surprised by the wide-open spaces, and just as surprised by the spattering of tents over the terrain. Although there had been soldiers milling around in D.C., she’d still felt as though she were on a movie set. But as they drove through the countryside, she saw soldiers practicing with weapons, fires burning out in the open, and men who appeared quite interested in the large carriage moving past them.
They pulled down a long driveway and came upon a large set of gates that were open for their arrival. Emma patted Hannah’s knee. “Almost there.”
Hannah nodded and settled back against her seat. The carriage came to a stop and the men jumped out. Richard held his hand out to Hannah and she grasped it to step down. Emma followed, taking Clayton’s proffered hand.
“I’ve asked that a small repast be set out in the parlor, Emma,” Richard said.
Emma smiled. “Thanks, Richard.”
As Clayton and Richard carried their bags inside, Hannah stared up at the large brick house. “It’s huge.”
“I know. It’s big inside too. Let me show you where your room is.” Emma linked her arm with Hannah’s and led her into the foyer. “We’re putting you in the room across the hall and four doors down from us, so we’ll be close.”
“Okay.”
“How does a hot bath sound?” Emma asked.
Hannah sighed. “Like heaven.”
Emma removed her outerwear and bonnet. “Let’s eat first.”
“Sounds great.”
Emma pulled Hannah into the parlor. Clayton was walking out as they were walking in. “Something was just delivered for you, Hannah.”
Hannah’s eyes widened. “Really? What?”
“I set them on the sideboard.” Clayton waved a hand toward the opposite side of the room. “I’m going to check on the horses. I won’t be long.”
Emma kissed him quickly, and Hannah made her way further into the room. She found another bouquet of daisies laid gently on the buffet, and a note dropped onto the floor as she picked them up.
Emma swooped in and picked it up. “What ya got there, Han?”
Hannah snatched the envelope from her hand. “I don’t know yet, Em.”
Emma giggled and picked up a plate as Hannah opened the letter. Hannah moved to the window for light and sat in one of the chairs next to a small table.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am that your favorite flower is so readily available, beautiful Hannah. If it was an orchid, I’d be hard-pressed to shower you with them as easily. I hope your dreams are sweet, as mine will be filled with you. Forever yours, Sir Knight.
Hannah laid the note against her chest and smiled.
“That good, huh?” Emma asked as she slid a plate of food in front of her.
Hannah nodded and set the letter and flowers aside. “Better than good.”
Emma sat across from her and settled a plate on her knees. “As you say, he’s good value.”
Hannah chuckled. “Yes, it would appear he is.”
Emma took a bite from a slice of apple. “You might want to get a book to read if you feel as though it’s too early to go to sleep. Richard and Clayton have a really expansive library.”
Hannah nodded. “That’d be great. I doubt I’ll sleep much anyway.”
“We’ll go to the dressmaker tomorrow and organize clothes for you. I promise we’ll make it as painless as possible.”
Hannah grinned at her friend. “Riiiight.”
Once they finished their meal, Hannah found a book that looked interesting and then Emma led her upstairs. Walking into the bedroom, the first thing Hannah noticed was the scent of lavender floating in the air. The source of the aroma was the large copper tub set up in the corner of the room. She could see the steam wafting from the surface. “Smells amazing.”
Emma sighed in appreciation. “Yes it does. Your favorite.”
Hannah hugged her. “Thank you for remembering.”
“There are fresh towels right here.” Emma moved around the room. “And here’s a clean nightgown.”
“Ta.”
“Let’s get you out of those clothes and I’ll leave you to it.”
Emma helped Hannah with her day dress and corset and then left to have her own bath. Hannah finished undressing and climbed into the tub, sliding into the water with sigh of audible joy.
As she lingered in the water, she finally took a moment to take in the room. The light wooden floors had wide planks, and knots that seemed almost like spots on a Dalmatian. The furniture, although sparse, was warm and welcoming. An iron bed took up little of the large room and although the bedding wasn’t masculine, it was certainly utilitarian. Hannah noticed a yellow and blue embroidered quilt at the foot of the bed, but it seemed to have been placed there almost as an afterthought.
A large armoire sat against the wall, directly at the end of the bed, and a small bureau sat in the opposite corner of the room. A porcelain bowl and pitcher, hand painted with pink roses, were the only things on top of it, and added varying color to the whitewashed walls. The surprise in the room was the large fireplace, roaring with flames, and two chairs facing it.
Hannah sighed as she picked up the bar of lavender soap sitting on a chair next to the tub. She missed Christopher already, which made absolutely no sense to her, and she knew it was going to be a long night. Forcing herself from the tepid water, she dried off and donned the soft cotton nightgown Emma had left her.
Curling up in one of the chairs, she used the light from the fire to read.
* * *
The next morning, Emma woke Hannah at nine. “Hannah?”
She’d fallen asleep in the chair in the corner of the room, the forgotten book open on her lap. “I’m awake.”
“You don’t look awake.”
“I’m just resting my eyes.” Hannah yawned.
Emma frowned. “No sleep?”
“Not much,” she said a bit pathetically.
Emma smiled at her. “Is the bed uncomfortable?”
“I wouldn’t know... I didn’t end up in it last night.” Hannah stood and laid the book on the chair. “I’ll be fine, Em. I’m just missing my family. But since there’s nothing I can do about it, let’s just get this dressmaking thing over and done with.”
Emma helped her dress and then they made their way downstairs. Joining Clayton for a quick breakfast, they planned out their day. Sophie and a petite woman showed themselves in at ten, and Clayton excused himself to meet up with Richard and Jamie.
“Christine, this is a surprise.” Emma hugged the smaller woman.
Christine chuckled as she wrapped her arms around Emma. Strawberry-blonde hair, parted in the middle and pulled into a chignon, framed a heart-shaped face, and she had a warm smile that seemed to brighten the room.
“Is it really?” Sophie retorted.
Emma giggled. “Maybe not. Hannah, this is Christine Martin. She’s a close friend and knows our story.”
“Nice to meet you, Hannah.” Christine’s large cornflower blue eyes crinkled warmly as she smiled and folded Hannah into a hug. “Welcome.”
“Are you ready for Madame?” Sophie asked.
Hannah shrugged. “I suppose.”
Emma linked her arm with Hannah’s as they made their way to the foyer. “There’s something you need to know about Madame, but we’ll explain in the buggy.”
Once their outerwear was donned, Sophie led them outside and they climbed into Christine’s buggy.
“So?” Hannah asked as they took off.
“Do you remember that grief counselor I told you about?” Emma asked.
“The French lady?”
“Yes.”
Hannah nodded.
“Well, she’s the facilitator of the time portal.”
Hannah gasped. “Shut the front door!”
“She’ll be able to tell you why you’re here, Hannah, but I’m not certain it’ll be today if we aren’t alone,” Sophie warned.
Hannah leaned back against the seat. “Oh, she’ll tell me.”
“I just don’t want you to get your hopes up.”
“Sophie, the woman will spill it all, or she’ll rue the day.”
At Christine’s shocked expression, Sophie chuckled. “Hannah’s quite adept at getting information out of people and is rarely refused, but today, she’s going to tread lightly. Right?”
Hannah snorted and Emma patted her knee. “Yes, Sophie, our little sister is going to tread lightly.”
They made their way to the dressmaker’s and spent the next two hours getting Hannah measured for new gowns. Madame was absent, so her assistants took care of everything, ordering undergarments and breeches for Hannah, and a few new things for Sophie now that her belly was starting to pop a bit more.
“Where’s Madame?” Hannah asked, unable to keep the irritation from her voice.
Sophie sighed. “She’s not here. Her assistant said she’ll return tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry, Hannah, we’ll get answers,” Emma added.
Hannah rolled her shoulders in an effort to relax and then climbed into the buggy to head back to Christine’s parents’ house. Hannah wondered how she’d missed the glorious house they were pulling up in front of. The brick Federal style manor appeared very Paul Revere, especially with the cobblestone porch housing two large white doors bidding entrance. The Maddens’ home was similar, but did not match the opulence of the Wades' home.
Before the carriage rolled to a stop, the front doors opened and a woman, who looked remarkably like Christine, only older, rushed onto the porch, with a large dark-skinned woman close behind her. Hannah raised an eyebrow in question.
Emma chuckled. “That’s Christine’s sister.”
She didn’t go into further detail, and then the carriage door was opened and the women were assisted down by the driver. Sophie climbed out first and Hannah watched Nona pull her in for a motherly hug. “Sophie! Oh, how I have missed you, dear. I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to greet you before today.”
“Nonsense, Nona. We understood.” Sophie pulled out of Nona’s arms but kept an arm around the older woman’s shoulders as she turned to face Hannah. “We had a wonderful surprise visit from Hannah Nelson while in D.C. Hannah, this is Mrs. Wade.”
Nona pulled Hannah in for a hug. Unaccustomed to such physical warmth, Hannah tried not to stiffen.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Miss Nelson. Will you be staying with Emma?”
“Yes ma’am.”
Nona smiled. “Wonderful. Well, if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Wade.”
“Nona, please.”
“Thank you. Please call me Hannah.” Once introductions were finished, Sophie linked her arm with Nona’s and pulled her away.
Emma grabbed Hannah’s hand. “Let me show you the ballroom.”
The girls walked through the foyer and down a long hallway. Hannah wasn’t expecting the house to be so deep, and it seemed as though they walked a mile to get to their destination. The hallway fanned open to reveal another foyer of sorts, and Hannah did a three-sixty trying to take it all in.
Marble tile, alternating black and white, covered the floor. A wide stairway hugged the west wall and led to a U-shaped balcony jutting out from the upper landing. Two large doors on the opposite side of the stairway and well over eight feet tall, beckoned Hannah into the secret they held. Emma opened the doors and Hannah followed her across the threshold. For several minutes, she stood in stunned silence.
The room was exquisitely decorated. The woodwork ornate, but not overly so, complemented the light blues and golds on the walls. Alcoves had been built strategically around the room in order to provide a modicum of privacy. Still open to the ballroom, but with heavy velvet draping that could be pulled closed, Hannah could imagine herself pulling Christopher inside one for several seconds of make-out time.
Her fingers went to her lips as she gasped. “Wow.”
When she looked up, her gaze met six crystal chandeliers, placed evenly along the ceiling, holding what looked like a hundred candles each.
“I know. It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” Emma swung herself around, like a little girl twirling in a field.
“Yes! How long do we have to wait to dance?”
Emma giggled. “Let’s ask Sophie.”
“Ask me what?”
They turned to find her walking into the room with Christine.
“When can we dance?” Hannah virtually jumped up and down in anticipation.
“Well, no one is arriving until this evening and then you know, the house will be packed. Maybe you can do something today before everyone gets here. Christine could play for you.”
“I’d be happy to,” Christine said.
Hannah clasped her hands together like an excited little girl. “Come on, Emma, you know you want to.”
“I know, but Clayton will freak.”
“No one’s here, Em,” Sophie pointed out. “You told him you wouldn’t dance when people were around. Now is your only chance to do that in this room.”
“Okay, let’s do it!” Emma said. “We’ll run home and get our stuff. Sophie will you help Christine with music?”
“Of course.”
Hannah followed Emma next door and they changed into their leotards, pulled their clothes over the top, and made their way back next door. The girls spent the next hour dancing, only stopping when Sophie made them aware of the time.
“We should probably get changed, Han-Han. Chris and his family will be here in a couple of hours,” Emma said.
“Okay.” Hannah’s stomach fluttered at the thought.
Oh, hello, elephants. What’s it been? Five minutes?
“Why don’t you take a quick bath here and then get back into what you were wearing? No point in going home when you’re eating here anyway,” Sophie said.
“Yes, that’s a good idea.”
Sophie grinned. “I’ll have Betty get baths ready.”
Sophie set Emma up in one of the rooms and put Hannah in the room next to it. By the time Hannah got undressed, she was shivering and looking forward to a warm bath. She climbed in and sighed her appreciation. A knock sounded on the door. “Who is it?” she called.
“Sophie.”
“Come in.”
“Are you ready?” Sophie asked. “Clayton’s home, so we’ll be eating soon.”
“Where’s Em?” Sophie chuckled and Hannah held her hand up. “Never mind, I don’t want to know.”
Sophie helped Hannah into her corset and skirts, and then the two of them made their way down to the parlor. Jamie, Richard, and Nona were already partaking in a pre-dinner drink when the girls arrived.
“Sophie!” An older man exclaimed as he approached her. “It’s so nice to have you home.”
Sophie kissed him on the cheek. “It’s good to be home, Michael. May I introduce you to a close friend? She’s really the third Wellington sister, truth be told. This is Hannah Nelson.”
Michael Wade was tall with dark blond hair, slightly graying at the temples, and a quick smile. He shook Hannah’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too.”
Clayton and Emma joined the group a few minutes later.
“The Butler Family,” Daniel announced.
Hannah’s heart raced as she watched Christopher walk in the door with his family. He wore dark trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a dinner jacket that seemed to have been painted onto his body. It fit him perfectly, and he carried another bouquet of flowers. There was an addition to the group that Hannah could only assume was the baby brother, Jacob. He was tall and handsome like Christopher, but Hannah didn’t think he looked eighteen. He was very self-assured, which made him look much older.
Hannah watched as Christopher waited through the necessary introductions and then made a beeline for her. “Good evening, beautiful,” he whispered, kissing her hand.
She beamed up at him. “Good evening, Sir Knight.”
He handed her the daisies. “I missed you.”
“You did not.”
“I did,” he said earnestly.
She smiled, unable to help herself. “Thank you for the flowers.”
“Hannah! It’s good to see you.” Gwen came over for a hug. “Let me introduce my brother, Jacob. Jake, this is Hannah.”
Jacob took her hand and kissed it. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Nelson.”
“Please, call me Hannah.”
“Miss Nelson will be entirely appropriate,” Christopher cut in.
“Marking our territory are we, big brother?” Jake joked.
Hannah blushed.
“Ignore my brothers.” Gwen pulled a young woman forward. “This is Charity Short.”
Petite, with sandy blonde hair and gray eyes, Charity smiled brightly at Hannah. Pulled in a hundred different directions as people mingled and conversed, Hannah was separated from Christopher and didn’t get a chance to talk with him again throughout dinner. They stole several glances over the next two hours, but didn’t get to touch. By the end of the meal, Hannah’s nerves settled at the surface of her skin. Overwhelmed and smothered, her lack of sleep was catching up to her, and she just wanted to curl up in a ball and be left alone.
Emma sat next to her on the couch and squeezed her hand. “You look exhausted, Han-Han.”
Hannah slumped further into the couch. “I am. I feel quite shattered actually.”
“Why don’t we make it an early night? We could even walk home if Clay wants to stay.”
Hannah nodded. “I’d love that.”
“Okay, let me talk to him.” Emma left to find her husband and Hannah drank her port.
Emma returned a few minutes later and held her hand out to Hannah. “Clayton and Chris are going to walk us home and then come back.”
Hannah let out a grateful sigh and rose to her feet. “Sounds perfect.”
They made their way to the foyer, where the guys waited with their warm outerwear.
“Ready?” Clayton asked.
“Yes,” the girls said in unison.
Christopher took Hannah’s arm and folded it into his. “Tired?”
“Exhausted.” She leaned into him.
“It’s a good thing I’m here now, so that you’ll sleep.”
She chuckled quietly. “Yes, Sir Knight. It is.”
“Would you like to ride tomorrow?”
Yawning, Hannah looked up at him. “I don’t know.”
He smiled. “You have to start some time.”
“You’re probably right.” Hannah nodded. “Yes, tomorrow will be fine.”
He chuckled. “You’ll do well, I know you will.”
She glanced up at him. “You have more faith in my ability than I do.”
“No, I have faith in my ability to teach you.”
Hannah yawned again, mid-smile, and Christopher squeezed her hand. The couples returned home and Clayton walked Emma to their bedroom. Left alone in the foyer, Christopher kissed Hannah deeply and she was grateful for the privacy.
Christopher stroked her cheek. “I have missed that the most.”
“Not my witty banter?”
He laughed and kissed her again. “I love the witty banter, but kissing you is divine.”
“You are a charmer,” she said sarcastically. “Oh, thank you for the daisies... the ones you sent and the ones you brought tonight.”
“My pleasure. I’m glad they arrived.”
Hannah nodded. “They’re brightening up my room as we speak.”
“Good.” He smiled down at her. “Try to rest and we’ll do some riding in the morning before our Thanksgiving celebration.”
“All right.” Hannah couldn’t stop another yawn. “I’m sorry I’m so blah. I’m just tired. I really am looking forward to riding. My mind is just on overload right now.”
“I know that, sweetheart. Get some sleep.”
Hannah walked into her bedroom and found Emma laying a nightgown on the bed.
She turned and smiled. “Let’s get that gown off you, Han.”
“Let me get these shoes off first.” Once she’d slid out of her slippers, she presented her back and smiled. “I love that there’s a fireplace in here. It makes the room so cozy.”
“I know, it’s so romantic.”
“Romance is a bit lost on me without a husband.”
Emma pulled her laces loose. “I don’t think you’re going to have to wait long.”
Hannah gasped over her shoulder. “Be serious, Em. I’ve known the man less than a week.”
Emma nodded toward the daisies. “And you have fallen in love with him.”
“I have not.” Hannah tried to ignore Emma as she undid the front of her corset and slipped it off.
“Have too.” Emma turned so Hannah could unlace her.
Hannah gave a harder than necessary tug on one of the laces. “Have not.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, really!”
Emma snorted. “Liar.”
Hannah dropped her head back. “Fine! But he hasn’t fallen in love with me.”
“Of course he has.”
“You are so full of crap.” Hannah pushed at her shoulder. “Christopher Butler does not strike me as the type to fall in love quickly. Actually, he doesn’t strike me as the type to fall in love, period.”
Emma laughed. “Perhaps not, but it doesn’t change the fact that you are both head over heels, regardless of whether or not you’ll admit it.” At Hannah’s scowl, Emma held her hands up. “I’m just sayin’.”
“Whatever!”
“I’ll see you in the morning, best friend of mine,” Emma said smartly.
“Yeah, yeah.”
Hannah blew out the candles and climbed into bed.