QUINCY SAT AT the table and watched as Victoria cracked the eggs into a small bowl and shaved cheese with a knife into the same bowl. As she worked, she hummed quietly and rested one foot on the other. Her stance gave him a nice view of a shapely knee that peeked from the gap in her robe.

She portioned out butter and slid it into the skillet. It sizzled as it hit the heat and she stepped back slightly. She waited until the butter melted and then poured the eggs into the pan. Using the spatula that Sophie had also supplied, she flipped the eggs over then turned to face Quinn. “A plate?”

“Behind you, sweetheart.”

“Thank you.”

Turning back to the stove, she reached to grab the skillet, and it dropped with a thud. “Ouch!”

Quincy rushed to her side and took hold of her wrist. “What were you trying to do?”

“Trying to give myself third degree burns.” She squeezed her eyes shut. “What did you think I was trying to do?”

“Come here,” he said more gently and pulled her to the sink.

There was a water pump next to it and he pulled her hand under the flow, stroking her back as she tried to wash the pain away, tears creeping down her cheeks.

“I’m sorry I spoke harshly,” Quincy whispered. Victoria nodded and sniffed. “I was startled and concerned. The thought of you being hurt is entirely too much for me.” Victoria took several deep breaths while Quincy grabbed a towel and pulled the skillet from the heat. “I’m going to need to get a few supplies from Michael. I’ll ride to the house and return shortly.” She nodded, and Quincy sighed. “Sweetheart?”

She nodded.

“Rebel?”

“Hm?” she whimpered.

“Look at me.” She turned to face him, and he asked, “Are you all right?”

“I’m so sorry I ruined our breakfast,” she said with a sob.

“Victoria, you didn’t ruin anything.”

“I did. I forgot that plastic hasn’t been invented yet. The pans I cook with all have plastic handles, and now I’ve burnt my hand and you have to ride away to save the day and I ruined everything.”

Quincy chuckled and pulled her into his arms. “My beautiful girl.”

“I’ve ruined our honeymoon.”

“From breakfast all the way to the honeymoon, sweetheart,” he retorted. “You apparently wield much power. Is this war your fault as well?”

Without thinking, she playfully smacked his arm and cried out in pain.

“Victoria,” he growled.

“Don’t snarl at me.”

He tipped her chin and stroked the tears from her cheek. “I’m sorry.”

Victoria pulled her lower lip between her teeth. “Me too.”

“I’m going to ride to the house. I’ll return shortly.”

Victoria glanced up at him. “Maybe I should come with you.”

He shook his head. “If you come with me, the ladies will descend on you and want all of the details you will be entirely too polite to tell them.”

“No I won’t... yes, yes I will. You’re right.”

“I don’t want to get diverted. I’m going to get supplies, so we can stay here.”

* * *

Victoria watched Quincy leave and once he was gone, she sat on the bed and cried. She felt pathetic. Her hand throbbed so she went back to the sink and pumped more water over her wound, the coolness providing relief until she pulled her hand away. She wet the towel and wrapped it around her hand. It was better than nothing, she supposed.

Wandering the cabin floor for a few minutes, trying to think of anything other than the ache in her palm, she decided to try her breakfast. Picking at the omelet, she was pleasantly surprised that it tasted quite good. As she stood at the sink and ate, she heard horses. Her initial reaction was to rush outside to meet Quincy.

“Wait, Vic. Horses. Not horse,” she said to herself. Peeking through the kitchen window, she saw three men riding at break neck speed and heading her way. “Shit!”

She needed to get dressed. If they got to the cabin and she was in her robe, she didn’t know what might happen. She located her discarded underwear and breeches but was unable to find her shirt, so she rushed to see if she could find one of Quincy’s, without success. She could hear the men getting closer, and she pulled her underwear and breeches on. She had a devil of a time hooking her bra. Her hand throbbed, but she needed to get it fastened so sucked it up and pushed through the pain.

She tied the robe around her and secured it with the belt. She didn’t know who these men were, but with the country at war, she refused to take chances. She slipped out the back door of the cabin and whistled. “Please, Rocky. Come.”

“There’s a cabin up ahead,” she heard one of the men shout.

She whistled again and was rewarded with a whinny and the sound of hooves.

“Good boy!” Rocky trotted toward her and nuzzled her hand when he reached her. “Extra sugar for you when we get to Sophie’s. I promise.”

Jumping onto his back, she was thankful he had a bridle on but also wished he was saddled. She guided him away from the cabin before digging her heels in. She nearly cried in relief when Rocky responded immediately. They flew over the countryside, straight for safety.

* * *

Quincy heard the sound of hooves just as he finished tying the medical supplies to his saddle. He was startled when he turned and saw his wife riding hell bent toward him. He rushed toward her and reached for her reins. “Victoria?”

She cried in pain and grasped her hand in the wet towel as Quincy pulled her from Rocky’s back. Quincy wrapped his arms around her. “Sweetheart, what’s amiss?”

“Men. Three of them.”

“Excuse me?”

She shook her hand out. “There were three men riding toward the cabin. I didn’t know if they were friendly, so rather than wait to find out, I came here.”

“Let’s get you inside.” Lifting her into his arms, he started toward the house.

“My hand is burnt, honey, not my legs.”

“Irrelevant.” Quincy carried her into the parlor.

Sophie sat on the floor, playing with Junior and stood as soon as she saw them. She scooped the baby up into her arms. “What’s wrong?”

“There were men riding toward the cabin,” Victoria answered.

Sophie shifted Junior to her hip. “Get Clayton and Chris, Quinn. You should ride out to investigate. Jamie should go too.”

“I need to take care of Victoria first,” he said, and set her on the couch.

Victoria whimpered as he removed the wet towel and Sophie let out a quiet gasp at the raised burn. “Victoria. That looks painful. What happened?”

“I was trying to make an omelet and grabbed the handle of the skillet.”

Sophie chewed on her lower lip. “No plastic.”

Victoria wrinkled her nose. “No plastic.”

“Oh, sweetie, you poor thing. I’ll get Michael.” Sophie went to find Michael while Quinn sat down on the couch next to her.

“Why are you scowling, Gus?” He attempted a smile and it made Victoria laugh. “Good effort, honey.”

“I’m sorry. I just have a difficult time seeing you in pain.” Sweeping her hair from her forehead, he kissed her gently.

“Thank you for taking care of me.”

“I’ll try to do so with less of a growl in the future.”

“I’d appreciate that,” she said with a giggle as she leaned against him.

“How did you get away from the cabin so quickly?” Quincy asked.

“I whistled for Rocky and he came.”

“He did?”

She nodded. “While you were away, Sophie and I worked with him. He follows me the same way Samson follows Sophie. He whinnies for me and now I don’t have to use a lead on him.”

“I can’t wait to see that.”

“I’ll show you later. Have I thanked you for him today?”

Quincy chuckled. “I think you just did.”

“I heard there was a lady with a burn,” Michael said from the doorway.

“That would be me,” Victoria said, and raised her injured hand.

Michael knelt beside the couch and took Victoria’s hand in his. “That looks painful.”

“Uh, yeah, it is.” Michael opened a jar. Victoria wrinkled her nose, turning her head away. “Ugh. That stinks.”

“I agree, but it’ll help,” he said with a gentle smile.

He lathered the cream liberally then wrapped her hand in a bandage, and Victoria took a deep breath. “Much better. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Michael left the room and Quincy rose to his feet.

After several minutes, Victoria smiled. “You can stop pacing now, Gus, I’m fine.”

He nodded but continued to pace.

“Honey, it really is better. The pain is almost gone.”

“Almost?”

“Okay, more than almost.” She grinned. “What are you going to do when I’m in labor?”

He paused. “You’ve changed your mind about having children?”

She nodded. “Yes, I have.”

“Why is that?”

“Because the thought of the world without a miniature you is just wrong.” Victoria leaned forward. “Will you be this bad when the pain comes?”

“More than likely.”

She stood and weaved her hands around his neck. “Thank you for the forewarning. Now, I’m going to change and check on Hannah. You need to find out who those men are. Sophie and Emma are here and will take good care of me.” She kissed him. “Go save the day.”

* * *

Quincy found Clayton and Christopher at the arena and filled them in on what was going on. Richard and Jamie joined them, and once the news was repeated, they saddled horses and Richard handed them guns as Jamie led his horse out of the barn. The men mounted and took off toward the cabin. Quincy led the way in the front door and they found the small building ransacked.

“Holy—” Jamie said.

“Thank God Victoria got out,” Clayton said.

Quincy was having a difficult time breathing.

Christopher laid his hand on his back. “Are you all right, Quinn?” Quincy nodded, and Christopher squeezed his shoulder in support. “She’s safe. She got out and is with Hannah and Sophie. You married a smart woman.”

Quincy nodded again. “She knew something bad was going to happen.”

Clayton picked up an overturned chair. “Let’s sort out what happened.”

Jamie and Clayton worked at putting the furniture right. They searched for evidence as they cleaned up the mess. Checking their bags, Quincy found a few things missing, but didn’t say anything, knowing he wanted to speak with Victoria first.

“I can’t figure out if this is random,” Clayton said.

Christopher continued to walk the room. “It’s not public knowledge the cabin is here.”

“It may have started out random, but it may not be now,” Jamie said as he moved a few things around the room.

“What makes you think that?” Christopher asked.

“Things are missing,” Jamie said.

“What’s missing?” Clayton asked.

“A few personal items of Victoria’s,” Quincy interjected with a sigh.

“Well, I wouldn’t know about that,” Jamie said. “But the shotgun’s missing, and so are the fireplace irons.”

“All right. Let’s secure the place and get back to the house. We’ll figure out what to do when we get back,” Clayton said.

Christopher turned to Quincy. “I’m certain this goes without saying, but it would be better for the two of you not to return here tonight.”

Quincy nodded and the men extinguished the stove, locked up the cabin, and mounted their horses. Jamie and Clayton went on ahead, but Christopher stayed back with his brother.

“Quinn? Something else is wrong. Tell me.”

“They took the sheet,” Quincy said quietly.

“The sheet?”

Quinn stared at his brother hoping he wouldn’t have to spell it out.

“Oh!”

“I need to talk to Victoria before this information is repeated to anyone.”

“I understand,” Christopher said, and they rode back to the house in silence, arriving at the arena to find their wives waiting for them.

“Hannah!” Christopher admonished.

“What?”

He closed the distance between them. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

Hannah shrugged. “I got the okay from Michael.”

“He doesn’t know the entire situation, Hannah,” Christopher reminded her.

Hannah shrugged. “Well, he’s a doctor and he said I could come if I’m careful. I’m here, I’m fine, and I’m not going back to bed.”

“Then sit down, for God’s sake.”

She huffed, but sat on the bench outside the arena.

Quinn jumped from his horse and made his way to Victoria.

“So? What happened?” she asked.

“Come with me.” He led her to Rocky’s stall.

“What’s going on, Gus?”

He ran his thumb along her inner wrist. “They ransacked the cabin and stole several personal items.”

“Okay. What did they steal?”

Quincy frowned. “They stole your nightgown, sweetheart.”

“And?”

“And the sheet.”

“What sheet?” Victoria paused for several seconds and then gasped. “The sheet sheet?”

Quincy nodded. “Yes.”

“Why would they want a bloody sheet?” She slapped a hand over her mouth. “I’m going to be sick.”

She rushed to the corner of the barn and Quincy rubbed her back, waiting for her to calm, then handed her his handkerchief and pulled her into his arms.

“Why would they take my things? Were they following me... us?” she whispered.

“I have no idea.”

“Does everyone know?”

“Just Chris, sweetheart. I told him not to tell anyone else until I spoke to you.”

She nodded, stepped away from him, and took a deep breath. “Okay. Well, in order for you to catch these people, I can’t be embarrassed about anything. I’ll help as much as I can.”

“Rebel?” Reaching for her again, he said, “Come here.”

She burst into tears and let him pull her to him. “What kind of sicko would do something like that?”

“I don’t know, but we’re going home.”

She pushed away from him. “We can’t! If we leave, you won’t be able to find out what happened.”

“It’s obviously not safe here, Victoria. And I need you safe.”

“Honey, if we stay at the Wades’ or the Maddens’, I’ll be surrounded by people and safe. If we leave, you may never find these guys.” At his frown, Victoria stroked his cheek. “You know I’m right. Come on. If I can get over the humiliation and pain, you can find these bastards.”

Rocky whinnied and Victoria went to his stall, reaching out to pat his muzzle and giggling when he pushed at her hand. “I know. I know,” she crooned as she let herself into the stall. “I promised extra sugar. Here you go, sweet boy.” Quincy followed and stroked Rocky’s neck as Victoria fed him. “He’s so calm with you,” Victoria observed.

“Why are you surprised?”

She shrugged. “He doesn’t like any other men and he certainly hates Bart.”

“We can refrain from speaking his name, Victoria.”

“He’s no threat, honey. It’s all about you.” Laughing, she kissed him quickly and wrinkled her nose when Rocky blew his lips in their direction. “Ugh. Rocks!” she admonished and kissed his muzzle.

“I suppose we should go.” Quincy held the stall door for her. As she walked out of the barn, he laid a hand on her shoulder. “How’s your hand? Are you in much pain?”

“It’s sore, but not nearly as bad as it was.”

“We’ll check it back at the house.”

Victoria nodded, and they made their way back to the group. Everyone started talking at once.

“Did you get a look at the men?” Hannah asked Victoria.

“Are you certain there were only three?” Chris added.

Victoria shook her head. “No, actually, I was trying to get some clothes on. I only saw three, but I suppose there could have been more.”

They continued to pass information back and forth until Quincy noticed the grimace on Victoria’s face. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Is your hand hurting?”

“Like the dickens.”

“All right, everyone. Let’s get back to the house. Michael needs to look at Victoria’s hand,” Quincy said.

Christopher turned and picked Hannah up.

“Seriously, Knight? I can walk.”

“You shouldn’t be here in the first place, so don’t push me.”

Hannah frowned. “Baby, put me down, this is ridiculous.”

“No.”

“I must weigh a ton. You’re going to hurt yourself.”

“I said don’t push me.”

Victoria turned and smiled at her and Hannah rolled her eyes. The group arrived at the Wades’ to find Stephen and Christine waiting in the parlor.

Stephen raised an eyebrow at Hannah. “How long have you been out of bed?”

“Less than an hour.” Hannah pushed at Christopher’s shoulder and he set her on her feet.

“Okay,” Stephen continued. “No more than another hour, though. And you should really sit down.”

“Stephen, I don’t think Michael is here, would you mind looking at Victoria’s hand?” Sophie asked.

Stephen nodded. “Of course. What happened?”

“Run in with a skillet,” Victoria said.

“Forgot about no plastic handles, huh?” he asked.

She laughed. “Exactly.”

He gently unwrapped her hand and examined the damage. “How painful? Scale from one to ten.”

“Nine.”

“Okay. Come into Michael’s office and we’ll clean it and put more balm on.”

Quincy followed them into the office and watched Stephen’s every move.

“Gus? You don’t need to hover.” He continued to stand in the corner and brood, and Victoria held her hand out. “Honey, come here.”

Quincy walked toward her and linked his fingers with hers, standing beside her and watching Stephen closely.

“Victoria, this might hurt a bit,” Stephen warned and waited until she nodded.

He poured warm water over her hand and she gasped. Quincy squeezed her hand and leaned forward.

“Quincy, he has to do this. Stop posturing.”

“He’s fine, Victoria,” Stephen said without looking up. “I have to admit, I’d do the same with Christine.”

Victoria winced again and turned tear-filled eyes to Quincy who leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“Sorry,” Stephen said. “All right, it’s clean. We’ll get the cream Michael used and then wrap your hand again.”

Victoria nodded and took a deep breath. “It’s not so bad.”

“Liar,” Quincy admonished.

“Seriously, honey. It’s much better.”

Stephen put the medicine on her hand and gently wrapped it, tying the bandage at her wrist. “You’re all set. You’ll want to clean and change it again before you go to bed. Perhaps, Quincy, you could do it for her.”

Victoria laughed. “Are you trying to give my husband a heart attack?”

“If he does it for you, he might feel less antsy about it.”

“Good point.” Victoria turned to Quincy. “Do you think you can handle that?”

“I’ll try.” Turning to Stephen, he asked, “You’re staying for dinner, right?”

“Yes, but we’ll be leaving well before you turn in.”

Victoria laughed at Quincy’s curse and wrapped her arms around his waist. “You can do it. I have faith in you.”

They joined the rest of the group in the parlor.