Chapter
18

Nolan ripped the cravat from his neck and hurled it onto the bed. He’d only been gone for three days, yet it felt like an eternity. His father had insisted they accompany Evelyn and Victoria on the train back to London, and while there, to stay at Edward’s house in the city and meet Nolan’s Aunt Ophelia. During their short visit, Nolan had also met Victoria’s beau, Sebastian, who seemed a pleasant enough chap. He only hoped the man’s objections had been laid to rest and that he would resume courting Victoria.

Nolan learned that Fairchild Manor, the family’s impressive townhome near St. James’s Square, was occupied by a small staff under the direction of Ophelia Fairchild, Edward’s spinster sister. Her frosty reception of Nolan had rivaled Evelyn’s and left him feeling like a fish out of water. Edward had tried to allay his discomfort, claiming that both his eldest daughter and his sister shared a somewhat prickly nature, but that Nolan would win them over in time.

Still, the sojourn to the city had done nothing to ease the transition into his father’s world. The rounds of business and social acquaintances made Nolan’s head spin. He was beginning to doubt anew that he was cut out for the life of a noble gentleman, since he’d far rather spend an evening with Bert and the horses.

And Hannah.

His stomach lurched at the thought of his beautiful wife. After Edward had banned him from seeing her in the yard, his yearning for her had only intensified. Once, he’d actually attempted to sneak up to her attic room, but his valet had stopped him on the earl’s orders. No sneaking off to consort with the servants, he’d said.

As of the ball, however, the four weeks he’d promised his father were more than over. Nolan planned to find Hannah and move her into his suite tonight. Nothing would stop him this time. Not his valet, not even the earl himself. And if his father still refused to accept their marriage, Nolan would leave Stainsby and find work elsewhere. For as much as he’d come to terms with his new station in life, if it could not include Hannah, then Nolan wanted no part of it. Of that, he was one hundred percent certain.

He stripped off his jacket and waistcoat, relishing the freedom to move unhindered. After a quick wash to freshen up, Nolan made his way down the back staircase, whistling in anticipation of Hannah’s sweet kisses.

He bounded into the kitchen, noting the darkness with surprise. Clearly he hadn’t paid enough attention to the time. Had Mrs. Bridges and the maids already retired?

“Can I help you, sir?” Mrs. Bridges’ voice was as cold as the stone floor.

He turned to see the large woman standing with her arms crossed over her night robe. “Mrs. Bridges. Yes, I’m looking for Hannah. Is she finished for the night?”

The woman pinned him with a cold stare that made the hairs on his neck stand on end. “Oh, she’s finished all right. Finished with the likes of you.”

She took a menacing step toward him, and though he stood a head taller than the woman, he stepped back in retreat.

When her words finally penetrated, he scowled. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’ve gone and run her off—for good.” The woman’s chin quivered, belying a tide of emotion that bewildered him.

A ball of dread curdled the leg of lamb he’d eaten for dinner. “I don’t know what’s going on here, but I’ve done nothing to Hannah. I haven’t even talked to her in over two weeks.”

Mrs. Bridges advanced again. “And is that any way for a man to treat his wife?”

Shock rendered him mute. So Hannah had gone against their agreement and told Mrs. Bridges about their marriage. Did the whole staff know then? His muscles stiffened as he fought the anger that swirled in his chest. “She told you?”

“Aye. I dragged it out of her before she left.”

His stomach clenched again. “Where did she go?”

“I wouldn’t tell you even if I knew. What I do know is that she quit her post. Took Molly and left, and she’s not planning on returning.”

Nolan reached out to grasp the back of a chair as the room swam around him. This couldn’t be true. Hannah would never leave him like that, without a word. “When?” The word barely rasped out through his thickened throat.

“The morning after the ball. I’ve never seen her so upset.”

Nolan gulped in a huge breath and pushed himself upright. Mrs. Bridges may not know the reason Hannah left, but there was one person who might.

And heaven help Edward if he had played any part in this.

Hannah awoke slowly, relishing the feel of the silk pillowcase against her cheek. She opened one eye, then bolted upright in the bed, not recognizing the room in which she lay.

She moved aside the thick drapery surrounding the bed and startled at the bright morning sun that streamed through the parted curtains. The maids must have come in and pulled them open already.

What time of day was it?

Hannah rose and rushed through her morning routine. Breakfast might well be over at this late hour, and though her stomach still hadn’t recovered from the carriage ride yesterday, a piece of dry toast and a cup of tea would be most welcome.

As she passed Molly’s room, she peered in to find it empty, and the bed neatly made. She prayed Molly wasn’t making a nuisance of herself. Though her aunt had been more than gracious last night, listening to her story with sincere empathy, Hannah did not wish to wear out their welcome. This morning, she intended to broach the topic of gaining employment here or in Derby.

Hannah made her way down the stairs to the front hallway, where Mr. Carstairs stood at attention.

“Follow me, miss, and I’ll take you to breakfast.”

“Thank you.” How odd it was to have a butler attending her in such a manner when, back at Stainsby, the butler was so much higher up the servants’ ladder than she.

In the grand dining room, she found Molly and Aunt Iris already eating. Her aunt looked even lovelier this morning, as fresh as the flowers that adorned the table. Her hair was swept up in a soft style on top of her head with a few curls framing her face. Her gown of muted lilac brought out flecks of color in her gray eyes. If Hannah didn’t know better, she’d swear Iris was a girl of two and twenty instead of a widow in her forties.

“There you are, my dear,” her aunt called from the end of the long polished table. “I trust you slept well.”

Hannah inclined her head. “Forgive me for sleeping so late. I’m usually up before the sun.”

“There’s nothing to forgive. You were obviously tired from your trip. Please join us for eggs and bacon.”

A maid took the lid off one of the serving dishes, and Hannah’s stomach rolled at the pungent smell. She must have paled, for her aunt rose and rushed to her side.

“Are you quite well, Hannah dear?”

“I’m fine. The carriage ride yesterday did not agree with me.” She sat in the chair Iris pulled out for her. “Just a slice of toast for me, please.”

Molly shoved a mouthful of scrambled egg into her mouth. “You must have caught a flu, Hannah. You haven’t been feeling well all week.”

“It—it must be the strain. I’ll be fine once we get settled.”

The maid poured a cup of tea and slid a plate of toast before Hannah.

Iris returned to her seat. “It’s a beautiful day. Why don’t I show you the famous Hartford gardens after we finish? Daisy loves to go for a morning walk.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Molly said cheerfully. “I’ve always wanted a dog, but Mr. Fielding would never allow it.”

Hannah swallowed her bite of toast. “Actually, I wanted to speak to you about finding employment for Molly and me. Perhaps you could recommend where to begin?”

Iris frowned over her teacup. “I won’t hear of any such thing. You are family, and you’re welcome to stay here as long as you wish.”

“But we couldn’t impose on you indefinitely. We need to earn our keep.” Hannah’s fingers worried the collar of her dress.

Iris set her cup down with a clink and studied Hannah with a thoughtful expression. “Very well. When the time is right, I shall be delighted to help you find employment. In the meantime, you are under strict orders to relax and enjoy your time here.”

Tears clogged Hannah’s throat more than the dry toast. How could she ever repay her aunt for such kindness? Even her own mother had not treated her half as well.

Nolan’s buggy flew into the drive of the Fielding farm. The muscles in his arms strained as he pulled the horses to a sharp halt and vaulted down from the seat. Edward had sworn he’d had nothing to do with Hannah’s abrupt departure, only learning of her resignation that very morning. This was the only place Nolan could think of that Hannah might have gone.

With several long strides, he reached the farmhouse door, where he paused to rein in his emotions. If Hannah was indeed hiding here, he needed to show patience and listen to her side of the story. Whatever the misunderstanding between them, he was sure they could resolve it face-to-face.

Before he knocked, he said a quick prayer, realizing as he did so, that he’d been remiss in his relationship with the Almighty as of late. Remorse flooded his soul as he remembered his vow to make nightly prayer something he and Hannah would share. In reality, he hadn’t done very well by any of the promises he’d made to her. With firm resolve to do better, he rapped on the wooden door.

After a second knock, the door opened. Mrs. Fielding stood holding a dishcloth, frowning. “Mr. Price. What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to collect Hannah and take her home where she belongs.”

The frown turned to alarm. “What do you mean take her home? Where is she?”

“She’s not here?”

“No, of course not. What gave you that idea?”

His stomach sank like a rock in a pond. If she wasn’t here, then where on earth would she have gone? The blood drained from his head, bringing an unwelcome rush of vertigo. He grasped the doorframe to steady himself.

Mrs. Fielding opened the door wider and scanned the fields behind him. “Come in and sit down. You don’t look well at all.”

Nolan stumbled inside and sank onto a hard kitchen chair. Mrs. Fielding handed him a glass of water, which he drained in one gulp.

“Maybe you’d better tell me what’s going on between you and my daughter.” She took a seat across the table from him.

Her sharp look did nothing to inspire sharing a confidence, nor did the fact that Nolan resented the way she had treated Hannah in the past. But what other choice did he have since he had no further ideas as to where his wife might be?

Nolan quickly relayed a shortened version of the story, and when he finished, he shook his head. “I didn’t realize until now how hard this must have been on Hannah. I’ve neglected her in order to fulfill an agreement with my father.”

“Did this agreement have anything to do with Molly?”

Nolan held back his surprise. The woman was more astute than he realized. “In part. The earl realized how anxious Hannah was over Molly’s upcoming marriage and promised to take Molly on as a servant if I agreed to his terms.”

Mrs. Fielding’s hard features relaxed. “Though I’m not happy with the way you’ve treated Hannah, I am grateful for you providing this opportunity for Molly. The considerable sum of money your father offered has also been most welcome and has done a lot to ease the strain on my husband.” She squared her shoulders. “That being said, if Hannah chose to leave, why should I help you find her?”

Nolan leaned across the table. “Mrs. Fielding, I love Hannah more than my own life. I’ve handled things badly, but if you’ll help me find her, I promise I’ll spend the next forty years making it up to her.”

She held his regard, then lifted one brow. “Only forty years, Mr. Price?”

The Hartford gardens were as beautiful as Iris had promised. Surrounded by tall, well-trimmed hedges, the beds of roses swirled in a kaleidoscope of colors around the interior. At the center of the garden, a stone fountain held a place of honor, filling the lovely space with the murmur of gentle water.

After several turns around the perimeter, Iris passed Daisy’s leather leash to Molly. “How would you like to take her for a run on the far lawn?” She pulled a rubber ball from the pocket of her skirt. “Daisy loves to chase this, and most times will even bring it back to you.”

“I’d love to.” Molly’s eyes shone.

It warmed the cold places inside Hannah to see Molly so carefree. Rescuing her sister from a terrible fate had to be worth the price of her own heartache.

“Come and sit with me.” Iris’s tone broached no objection. She led them to a bench in front of the fountain. The gurgle of water competed with the sweet trill of the birds in the trees.

Hannah wished she could stay in this garden forever. “It’s so peaceful here,” she whispered.

“I’ve always found this to be the best place to talk to God. He seems to listen better when I’m out here.” Her aunt winked.

Steeped in sadness, Hannah could not muster an answering smile. “Then perhaps I should stay and pray here for several hours, since He doesn’t seem to be listening to me anymore.” Why were tears so near the surface at every thought lately?

Iris laid a warm hand on her arm. “Hannah, my dear, Edgar and I were never blessed with children, so I am greatly enjoying having you and Molly here. I hope you’ll find peace during your stay with us.”

“Thank you, Aunt Iris. I don’t know what Molly and I would have done without you.”

“You would have found a way to do the right thing.” Her gray eyes became serious. “Just as I know you’ll do the right thing now.”

Unease stiffened Hannah’s spine. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t you think you should at least attempt to work things out with your husband? A marriage sanctioned by God is not something to be discarded lightly.”

Hannah pressed a hand to her heart as though she could stop the constant ache that resided there. “I fear the marriage will be annulled by now. Remember the papers I told you about?”

“Papers you only heard about secondhand.” Iris squeezed Hannah’s arm. “One thing I learned early on with my Edgar was that clear communication is the key to harmony in a marriage. Whatever Nolan may or may not have done, wouldn’t it be better to have a frank discussion and clear the air? Find out where he stands on your relationship?”

The thought of confronting Nolan so directly twisted Hannah’s stomach. Yet she couldn’t deny the truth of her aunt’s observation. In hindsight, running away did seem somewhat cowardly. “I suppose you have a point, but the thought of going back there . . .” Hannah bit her lip.

A pair of squabbling sparrows drew her attention to a tree across the way. They flapped their wings at each other until one darted off, the other soon flying after its mate. Even the birds, it seemed, were trying to teach her a lesson.

“There’s something else you may need to consider,” Iris said gently. “Is it possible you could be expecting a child?”

Hannah’s throat constricted. She couldn’t seem to catch her breath. “I-I don’t know.” She forced her mind to think back. When had she last had her monthly occurrence? She could not remember it since before her marriage. One hand flew to cover her mouth. The sickness, the tears, the fatigue—all the symptoms began to make sense.

Iris took Hannah’s hand, a sympathetic smile creasing her face. “My dear, I believe you may be carrying the next Fairchild heir—all the more reason to speak with your husband as soon as possible.”