WAKING JUST AFTER five, Victoria’s hand throbbed and she felt exceedingly restless. Quincy groaned as she pulled out of his arms and climbed off the bed.

“Rebel? What are you doing?” he grumbled. “We don’t need to wake up for hours.”

She leaned over and kissed him quickly. “Two to be exact.”

He patted the mattress. “Come back to bed.”

“I will, honey. I need to put some stuff on my hand.”

He sat up quickly. “Are you in pain?”

“A little, but I’ll be fine, Gus. Just give me a sec.”

He threw the covers from his body and climbed out of bed. “Sit down, sweetheart, I’ll get everything for you.”

She sat while he gathered the cream and bandages, and then he squatted down beside her and gently unwrapped her hand. “It looks much better this morning.”

“I wish it felt better.” Her leg bounced as he cleaned the wound and reapplied the cream. “Thank you.”

“Better now?” he asked once he’d wrapped the new bandage.

“Yes, much.”

He laid his hand on her knee. “Then why is your leg bouncing? You’re so pent up, sweetheart.”

“I know,” she said with a sigh

“Would you like to go for a walk?”

She stood and started to pace. “No, I want to go for a run.”

He stood slowly and watched her for a few minutes. “I’ll come with you.”

She stopped. “You will?”

“Yes. Get dressed and I’ll go with you.” She let out a little squeal of excitement but Quincy shook his head. “Not those blue pants, however. I want you to wear a pair of my breeches.”

“All right, but I’m wearing my Nike’s.”

“What are Nike’s?”

“My running shoes,” she said distractedly as she rummaged through the wardrobe. “Aha! Sophie must have hidden these for me.”

“Those are the strangest things I have ever seen,” he said.

Victoria giggled. “Perhaps, but they are so comfortable. May I borrow one of your shirts, please?”

“Yes, but why?”

“Because I have nothing that will breathe.” He shook his head in confusion but found a clean one for her and she put it on. The shirt hung below her knees and the borrowed pants nearly fell to her ankles. “I hope you have a belt.”

He wrapped his arm around her. “I think you look adorable.”

She held her hands out. “I feel a bit like a child trying on her daddy’s clothes.”

“I like this look much better than those blue breeches.”

Victoria snorted. “Jeans, Gus. They’re called jeans.”

“They’re called inappropriate.”

She patted his chest. “Yes, dear. I know.”

He handed her a belt, but it was too big.

“Did Sophie leave me a pair of breeches?”

“Too revealing.”

“Gus, I can’t wear your pants. Look at them. They’ll fall off.” She took her hands off the waistband to prove her point. They slipped down her hips, threatening to slide to the floor. “Or, would that make you feel better? I could be running, they could drop to my ankles, and reveal my lower half to all who choose to look.”

“They’re in the bureau,” he grumbled.

She tried not to smirk in triumph as she found the breeches and put them on. Since the shirt was so large on her, she tied it in a knot at the bottom and giggled at the result. She felt like Mary Ann from Gilligan’s Island. Pulling on a light skirt over the breeches, she turned to Quincy. “Ready?”

He nodded and the couple walked down the stairs and out the front door. Victoria spent some time stretching and then they took off. They started off west, following the same route she’d run weeks ago.

She wasn’t surprised that Quincy paced her the majority of the way, but she was surprised that he barely seemed to break a sweat. They arrived home after almost an hour and Victoria stopped for a moment to stretch out on the porch.

Quincy raised an eyebrow. “You do this for fun?”

Victoria laughed. “I do this for stress relief. And, yes, I suppose it’s fun for me. Did you hate it terribly?”

“No. It’s just not something I think I would enjoy,” he admitted.

“Well, I appreciate you coming with me.”

“Do you feel better?”

“Other than my hand, yes.”

“Let me see.” He pulled her hand toward him and unwrapped the bandage. “We’ll have Michael look at it before we leave.”

She nodded, and they stepped inside. The house was still quiet, although they did bump into Christopher as they walked quietly through the front door.

“Good morning,” he said.

Quincy smiled. “Good morning.”

“Where have you been so early?”

“For a run,” Victoria said. “Something your brother doesn’t particularly like.”

“I suppose when you spend your days marching, it loses its appeal,” Christopher observed.

“Yes, definitely.” Quincy chuckled. “We’re going to change and then join you for breakfast.”

Christopher nodded, and Quincy led Victoria up the stairs and helped her into her traveling day dress. They went in search of Michael and found him in his office. Once he assessed her burn and put more salve on her hand, they went to the dining room.

Everyone was in attendance, and breakfast moved quickly in order to get the group out on time to catch the train. The men carried the bags to one of the two carriages waiting. Victoria could tell that Hannah and Emma were excited to get home.

“Sweetheart, we should retrieve Rocky now,” Quincy said.

“Okay,” she said, and they made their way out to the barn. They were able to halter him and tether him to the back of a carriage without incident, but Victoria was concerned about what he would do on the train. She loaded her pockets with sugar and hoped for the best.

They arrived at the station and Victoria untied Rocky. So far, he seemed calm, so she felt more at ease. Quincy led them to the stable car and found out which stall the horse needed to be housed in.

Victoria led Rocky down the aisle. “Honey, it’s really dark in here.”

“It helps to calm the horses.”

She frowned at Quincy’s back. “Let’s hope it works on Rocky.”

“Are you concerned?”

She nodded her head. “Always.”

“You’ve brought him a long way, Rebel. He’ll do very well.”

“I hope so.”

They got Rocky settled in his stall and no sooner had Victoria handed him some sugar, the horn blew for ‘all aboard.’ She gave him a quick pat and then let Quincy lead her to their parlor car. She was surprised at the luxury of the train car. “This is huge,” she whispered.

“How’s Rocky?” Hannah patted the seat next to her, which Victoria slid into.

She shrugged. “So far, so good. I don’t know how well he’ll travel, though.”

“At least it’s a short trip. You can check on him at Camden Station.”

Victoria nodded.

“I can’t believe we’re going to be roommates again,” Hannah said with a giggle.

“I know.” Victoria tugged at the ribbon tied below her chin and pulled her hat from her head. “Are you okay with that?”

“Of course! The real question is whether or not you’re okay with that.”

Victoria snorted. “We’re not sharing a room, are we?”

“I don’t think Christopher would be okay with that.”

Victoria laughed. “Well, then I’m okay with that.”

“It’ll be fun.” Hannah sighed. “I didn’t know what I was going to do stuck in bed all day without Christopher.”

“I just don’t want to intrude.”

“Victoria! You are not intruding. Mi casa es su casa!” Hannah squeezed her hand.

Victoria giggled.

“What’s so funny?”

“Spanish with a kiwi accent is quite the sound.”

“I learned it on the telly,” Hannah whispered.

“Here or in New Zealand?”

Hannah giggled. “New Zealand.”

Victoria nodded. “Sounds like it.”

Emma paused the card game she was playing with Clayton. “Will there be food on this journey?”

Hannah laughed. “Always with the food.”

“Well, I’m eating for two now, so it’s a little more urgent,” Emma argued.

“I’ll go and find you some sustenance, sweet.” Clayton stood.

She grinned up at him. “Thank you, baby.”

“I’ll come with you,” Quincy offered.

Christopher stayed with the ladies while Clayton and Quincy set off for the meal car. Victoria sighed in contentment as she waited for her husband to return and once he did, the group ate quickly, finishing as the train pulled into Camden station.

Quincy stood and offered his hand. “I’ll take you to check on Rocky.”

“Thanks.”

They walked down to the stable car, maneuvering past passengers disembarking and new passengers arriving. They heard shouting and saw several railroad employees rushing toward the stable car.

“Oh, my word!” Victoria said, and took off.

Rocky was rearing and snorting and generally making a nuisance of himself. Several men were trying to calm him down.

“Rocky!” she called.

One of the porters glanced to Quincy. “Sir, your horse cannot stay in here if you are unable to get him calmed down.”

Quincy nodded. “I understand.”

Victoria let herself into the stall, despite the protests of several of the men.

Quincy held his hand out to stop the men from interfering. “She’s perfectly safe.”

“Rocky! What is your deal?” she crooned as she stroked his neck. “You need to calm down.”

“Fifteen minutes!” she heard someone yell.

She frowned up at Quincy. “He’s really upset, Gus. What should we do?”

He nodded. “I see that. My parents’ farm is closer to here than D.C. Perhaps we could disembark now and spend a day with them.”

“Do you have time to do that?”

“I don’t think we have a choice.” Quincy stroked Rocky’s nose. “We’ll meet up with Chris and Hannah tomorrow. Plus, Mama will be thrilled.”

Victoria sighed. “If you’re sure.”

Quincy found a porter. “Please ask Christopher Butler to meet me here.”

“Very good, sir.”

Victoria led Rocky out of the stall, still agitated, but calmer than he had been when she first arrived. Christopher arrived quickly, a look of concern on his face. “What’s amiss?”

Quincy pulled his gloves from his pocket and slid them on. “Rocky’s not doing well. I’m going to take him and Victoria to the farm.”

Christopher nodded. “Probably a good idea.”

“We can’t get our bags, so did you leave anything at the house?”

“Yes. I’m certain Gwen did too, so I think you’ll be well taken care of. Jacob has grown several inches as well, so he’ll have things you can borrow. We’ll make sure your things get safely to our house,” Christopher assured him.

“Thank you. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

Christopher made his way back onto the train while Quincy hired a buggy and secured Rocky to the back. They took off toward his family home, Rocky calming with every mile closer.

The buggy pulled up in front of the Butler home and Quincy jumped out to assist Victoria from the carriage. While Quinn paid the driver, Victoria untied Rocky.

“Let’s get him settled in the barn,” Quincy said.

Victoria raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t we let your parents know we’re here?”

“Why don’t you do that and I’ll put him in a stall.”

“Okay.” She made her way up the porch steps and knocked on the door.

A large black woman opened the door. “Yes’m?”

“Hi. I’m Victoria, Quincy’s wife. Are the Butlers at home?”

“Oh, Miss Victoria! Welcome,” she said, and enfolded her in a big hug. “You’s can call me, Nanny.” She pulled Victoria through the doors and led her to the parlor. “Miz Wilhelmina! Look who’s here. It’s Miss Victoria.”

Wilhelmina made her way to her daughter-in-law with arms out in welcome. “Victoria, dear, is something wrong? What are you doing here?”

“Not really wrong, necessarily. Rocky wasn’t doing well on the train, so Quincy suggested we detour here for the night.”

“What a wonderful idea. Come and sit. Is Quinn putting him in the barn?”

Victoria nodded. “Yes. I’m so sorry we didn’t send notice.”

“My word, sweetheart. This is your home and it’s always so good to see you. You are welcome anytime you please.” She turned to Nanny. “Nanny, would you please get some lemonade and sandwiches?”

“Yes’m,” she said, and left the room.

Quincy came in a few minutes later and greeted his mother. “I’m sorry we didn’t send word, Mama.”

Wilhelmina kissed his cheek. “Nonsense. I’m so glad you took time to visit.”

“We have nothing with us, as the bags didn’t make it off the train.” Quincy gave her his charming half-smile. “I’m hoping it won’t put you out too much.”

“Many of your old clothes are still here. Gwen also left a few gowns. We have plenty here for both of you.”

“Thank you.” Quincy settled himself on the couch next to Victoria and pulled her close.

“How’s Rocky?” Victoria asked.

“Perfectly fine,” Quinn said.

“What about tonight?” She glanced up at him. “Maybe I should sleep out there.”

Quincy shook his head. “Absolutely not. Robbie is going to watch him all night.”

“Who’s Robbie?”

“One of our stable boys. He’s great with horses and entirely trustworthy. Rocky also seems to like him.” Quincy kissed her palm. “Relax, sweetheart, he will be fine.”

She leaned her body into him and he kissed her temple. Quincy filled his mother in on what had happened with the horse back in Harrisburg and with many gasps and “oh no’s,” she made Victoria feel as though she truly sympathized with her.

“Where are Father and Jacob?”

“Out checking the east field,” his mother said with a deep sigh.

Quincy frowned. “Father never goes out to the east field.”

“It’s not producing as well as in the past, so they went to see if they can determine why.”

Nanny came in with more food than was truly necessary, but Victoria appreciated it all the same. Quincy surprised Nanny with a hug and kiss on the cheek.

She giggled like a schoolgirl and smacked his arm. “Mr. Quincy, you was always so naughty. You shouldn’t be kissin’ an ol’ woman like me.”

“But, I adore you, Nanny. I can’t help myself.”

She left the room, still giggling, and Victoria raised an eyebrow at him as he put a few sandwiches on a plate. “Do I have some competition?” she whispered.

Quincy chuckled. “Absolutely.”

Quincy’s father and brother returned to the house several hours later, covered in dirt and not looking particularly happy. “We’ve got pests,” Vincent said as he walked in the parlor, seemingly unaware of his guests.

“Oh, no,” Wilhelmina said.

“Hello, Father,” Quincy said with a chuckle.

Vincent’s eyes widened. “Welcome home, son! This is a nice surprise.”

The couple greeted Vincent and Jacob and the two men filled them in on what was going on. “We know the rodents are getting to the fields, we are unclear, however, if it’s rabbits or the groundhogs,” Vincent explained.

“How bad is it?” Quincy asked.

“Ten percent of the crop is gone.”

“I have some ideas, Father,” Quincy offered.

“Well, let’s not concern ourselves with farm business for now. I’m going to clean up and we’ll enjoy dinner together. We’ll converse after that.”

“I look forward to it.”

Victoria thoroughly enjoyed the Butlers’ company, and dinner was a lively affair with much laughter and teasing. “So, tell me something that Quincy did as a kid. Something scandalous,” Victoria requested.

Jake laughed. “Well, there was this time when Chris and Quincy found Father’s tobacco.”

Quincy groaned. “How did you know about that?”

“Gwen and I followed you.”

“Of course you did. You were always spying on us,” Quincy complained.

“What happened?”

“Chris and Quinn decided it would be a good idea to try some tobacco,” Jacob said. “They constantly told us how mature they were and men smoked, so they decided to try it.”

Vincent laughed. “They had no idea how to go about any of it, however, so they took the leaves, rolled them up, and lit them on fire.”

“You’re joking!”

Jacob shook his head. “They didn’t use paper. They tried to smoke the leaves, but only ended up burning their fingers.”

“And a hole in my favorite rug,” Wilhelmina exclaimed.

“You hated that rug,” Quincy grumbled and Wilhelmina chuckled.

“What did you do?” Victoria asked her mother-in-law.

“I let Vincent deal with them,” she said with a smile.

Victoria turned to Quincy’s father. “What did you do?”

“I made them smoke until they were sick.”

“He did roll the tobacco up in paper though, so they wouldn’t burn down the house,” Jacob said.

Quincy groaned. “We were sick for a week. Neither of us smoked again, until very recently.”

“I can see why,” Victoria said in between giggles. “We’ll need to remember this incident when our children try idiotic things.”

Vincent laughed. “If it comes to that, I’ll be happy to assist in the lesson.”

“I bet you will be, Father,” Quincy said.

“Well, I for one would like a sherry,” Wilhelmina said. “Anyone else?”

They adjourned to the parlor for a game of charades and Vincent won hands down. Victoria couldn’t stop yawning, so Quincy took her up to bed.

“This is a surprise,” she said as she surveyed his room.

“What is?”

“I thought this would be a young boy’s room, not so sophisticated.”

“My parents remodeled after Chris and I left. I would imagine they will again when Jake goes.”

He unbuttoned her blouse and pushed it from her shoulders. “How tired are you?”

“Did you really think the yawning was real?” she whispered, and then frowned. “You wanted to talk to your dad about the pests.”

He grinned. “That can wait.”

“How far away is your parents’ room?”

“Far enough.”

Quincy spent the next hour proving how much privacy they had and Victoria held nothing back. Rolling over to face him, she leaned up to kiss him.

“How’s your hand?” Quincy asked.

“It’s actually much better. There’s no more pain.”

He pulled her arm towards him. “Let me look at it.”

She shook her head. “It’s fine. I have other things I’d rather do.”

“Oh? Like what?”

Victoria grinned. “Let me show you.”

Quincy and Victoria fell asleep completely exhausted, Victoria excited about exploring her new home the next day and hoping her dreams wouldn’t turn into nightmares.

* * *

An eerie squeal shook Victoria awake and she sat up for a minute to see if she was dreaming. She heard it again. She was sure it was Rocky, but had no idea what the problem could be.

Inching out of bed, she quietly put her breeches and a blouse on and then donned her boots and pulled her hair into a scrunchy. Rather than wake her husband, she decided to check on Rocky first, figuring she would be back in time to wake him for breakfast. It was still dark, but a few of the sconces in the hall were lit, and the hallway clock said four.

Stopping in the dining room to fill her pockets with sugar, she made her way to the barn, her angst rising as Rocky sounded more and more agitated. Taking off in a run, she rounded the corner of the barn and reached his stall. “Rocky, buddy. Come on, boy, what’s wrong?” Shaking his head, he let out a whinny that sounded more like a squeal, and Victoria’s heart raced in fear. “Shhh. Boy, it’s okay. You’re fine.”

She handed him a sugar cube, but he wouldn’t take it, so she slipped the lock of the stall. Then all of sudden, she was grabbed from behind. Before she had a chance to scream, a hand covered her nose and mouth, she smelled something strange, and then blackness.