Chapter
31

Hannah glanced at her reflection in the drawing room mirror and arranged the lace veil her aunt had insisted she wear. It had been Aunt Iris’s bridal veil, and she’d kept it packed away in the attic all these years, carefully wrapped so that the ivory fabric appeared as fresh as the day she’d worn it. Hannah hardly dared to believe all that had happened in such a short space of time—that Nolan had come to declare his love at last, and that now they would reenact their wedding in front of all their loved ones, even some of his new relatives.

Nolan was right—she hadn’t realized what she’d missed out on the first time around. Grateful tears dampened her eyes at all the trouble he’d gone to, finding Reverend Black, waiting for him to bury a parishioner, and bringing him to Hartford.

Hannah smiled at Molly, who had changed into her best dress. Delighted to be a bridesmaid, she’d helped Hannah don her ivory silk gown, one of the new ones made for her widened waistline that she hadn’t yet had a chance to wear. Iris had provided lengths of pink ribbon to adorn both girls’ gowns and had fashioned a small posy out of some dried roses.

“You look radiant,” Aunt Iris exclaimed once the veil had been secured in Hannah’s hair. “I’m so happy I get to see your wedding after all.”

“No happier than I.” Hannah’s mother did not bother to stop the tears streaming from her eyes. In a rose-colored dress borrowed from Iris, her mother had transformed from a farm wife to a lady of status. Even her face looked more youthful. She squeezed Hannah in a warm embrace. “You are certain you want to do this?”

“More than anything.”

“This is so romantic,” Molly sighed. “I hope someday I’ll marry a man as handsome as Nolan and get to wear such a beautiful dress.”

Iris patted her cheek. “All in good time, Molly dear. Now let’s not keep the gentlemen waiting.”

With a flourish, she opened the door into the hallway, and they all filed toward the parlor. Her mother and aunt slipped into the room, which had been set up with extra chairs facing the mantel. Iris’s housekeeper, who had a passable talent on the piano, had been asked to play a lilting tune while Hannah entered the room. When everyone was ready, Molly led the way with Hannah a few steps behind. Dressed in his robes, Reverend Black stood in front of the hearth, Nolan and the earl to one side.

When Hannah’s gaze locked with Nolan’s, the nerves dancing in her stomach settled. This was the man she had adored since she was a girl. In his eyes, she saw the light of his love shining with such purity that she couldn’t look away.

It seemed to take forever to reach him, her legs trembling with every step. He moved toward her, hand outstretched. Smiling through her veil, she placed her hand in his. Together, they turned to face the minister, whose ruddy face beamed at them.

“As most of you might know, I performed this couple’s marriage ceremony several months ago. I am most pleased to be here today to witness the renewal of their vows in front of their family and friends. Without further ado, let us begin.”

Hannah gave Molly her posy and joined hands with Nolan.

The minister opened his prayer book. “I’d like to begin with a verse from Genesis. ‘And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.’”

After a significant pause, Reverend Black looked up. “Do you, Nolan, in sight of God and these witnesses, take Hannah to be your wedded wife, to love, honor, and cherish her till death do you part?”

Nolan looked deep into her eyes. “I do.”

“And do you, Hannah, in sight of God and these witnesses, take Nolan to be your wedded husband, to love, honor, and obey him till death do you part?”

She looked into Nolan’s handsome face, eyes the warm blue of a summer sky. “I do.”

“Then it is my honor once again to pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined let no man put asunder.”

Nolan smiled as he reached into his pocket and took out the simple wedding band Bert had fashioned for her all those months ago. “I think it’s time we put this back on—for good.” He slipped the ring onto Hannah’s finger.

She gave her husband a trembling smile. At last her doubts had been laid to rest. She belonged to Nolan, and nothing would change that. Their child would be brought into this world secure in that knowledge.

Nolan lifted the veil from her face before he winked at the minister. “If it’s all the same to you, Reverend, I intend to kiss my bride.” He cupped Hannah’s face with both hands and laid his lips on hers.

Hannah’s heart filled with such love that she feared it would soar past the roof and up to the sky.

When Nolan released her, a round of applause broke out, and everyone stepped up to embrace them. Even the earl appeared moved, gripping Nolan’s hand and kissing Hannah on the cheek. Nolan introduced her to his Aunt Ophelia, a dignified woman who welcomed Hannah into the family.

And Nolan’s sister Victoria beamed with happiness as she embraced Hannah in a tight hug. “I’m so happy to have another sister. I truly hope we can become friends.”

“I’d like that very much.”

Victoria turned to Nolan. “I’m afraid I couldn’t get Evelyn to change her mind and attend the ceremony. But don’t worry. She’ll come around in time.”

Nolan simply smiled. “I hope so. But I don’t intend to let her ruin this happy moment.”

A beaming Iris turned to her butler, hovering in the doorway. “Carstairs, please bring us a bottle of our best champagne and enough glasses for everyone. This is indeed a cause for celebration.”

Nolan’s hand sought Hannah’s, entwining their fingers together. “I fear I may become a nuisance, Mrs. Price. I don’t intend to let you out of my sight for the foreseeable future.” He rested his free hand on her abdomen. “I also intend to spoil you until this wee one is born.” He leaned over to kiss her soundly.

“Oh, Nolan. I am so happy. I have to pinch myself to make sure it’s real. Thank you for this beautiful day. It’s exactly what I needed.”

“You are most welcome.” He gave her a tender smile. “I thank God for allowing me come to my senses in time. I love you more than anything, Hannah Price, and I plan to spend the rest of my days making sure you never doubt that again.”

Hannah opened her eyes to find her husband leaning on one elbow, studying her features, and couldn’t keep the smile from her face. In the days since their marriage renewal, life had settled into a comfortable routine at Hartford. Their wedding guests had long since departed, all except Edward, who opted to stay on. Hannah’s mother had wanted to stay as well to be here for her grandchild’s birth, but she didn’t wish to upset her husband by staying away longer than agreed. Hannah had assured her she could come for a visit whenever she was able to get away again.

Hannah and Nolan existed in a cocoon of joy, using the time to get reacquainted, talking about all that had happened over the last months. Nolan was wonderfully attentive and spoiled Hannah with his doting, as though trying to atone for his absence. Hannah was relieved to learn he had no intention of returning to Stainsby without her, which meant he would have to stay until their child made its appearance.

“I’ve forgotten how nice it is,” she said, “waking up with someone in the same bed. Not to mention having someone to keep me warm during the night.”

“And I don’t even mind those cold feet against my legs.” Nolan grinned, reminding her of the mischievous youth he’d been when they first met.

Warmth from the newly-stoked fire had begun to spread through the room, easing the morning chill.

Hannah fingered the quilted coverlet. “I’m sorry we haven’t been able to repeat our honeymoon. But I don’t wish to jeopardize the baby.”

Nolan shook his head slightly, lifting a strand of her hair and running it between his fingers. “Nor do I, especially when I think about the scare you had. I couldn’t bear it if I lost you, Hannah.”

“You won’t lose me. It’s the baby I’m worried about.”

Concern darkened his blue eyes. “You’ve felt fine since then? No more pains?”

“Not a twinge.” She patted Nolan’s warm arm lying across her belly. “It shouldn’t be too much longer. Another two weeks or so according to the doctor. I can hardly wait to hold our child.”

“Speaking of which,” he said, lightly caressing her abdomen, “shouldn’t we discuss names for the baby?”

“I suppose we should. Do you have any preferences?”

His hand found hers on top of the blanket. “If it’s a girl, I’d like to include my mother’s name.” His voice faltered for a moment, giving evidence to the grief he still suffered.

“I was thinking the same thing. How about Elizabeth Ann, after both our mothers?”

His eyes softened. “I like that. We could call her Lizzie.”

“What about a boy? Will the earl want a say in his name?” Hannah presumed that as a member of the nobility, Edward would have certain stipulations for naming his grandson and future heir.

“He’s already hinted about it. What would you think of Edward Nolan Price-Fairchild?”

“That is an honorable name.” She paused. “However, I’d like to add George, after my father too.”

“Edward George Nolan Price-Fairchild. That’s quite a name for such a tiny creature.” Laughter rumbled in his chest. “I think it’s perfect.”

“Maybe a nickname would be a good idea. Teddy perhaps?”

“Teddy? I like the sound of that.” His face broke into a grin. “But I bet my father will hate it.”

She laughed with him, and he kissed her, then jumped up from the bed.

“Speaking of my father, he plans to leave for Stainsby today. I’d best go and see him off.” Nolan pulled on his trousers and shot her a rueful look. “He’s not happy that I’m staying here. He wanted me to return for a week or so and come back closer to the expected birth date.”

“Why?”

“I’m not sure. Some business matter he feels I need to be privy to. However, I have much more pressing business here.” He dropped a light kiss on her nose and snatched his jacket off the chair.

Hannah shifted on the bed. “Wait a moment and I’ll come with you.” Good manners dictated that she should go down and see Edward off as well. Besides, she didn’t want to risk harming their tentative truce.

As she reached for her robe, a strange sensation rippled through her abdomen, followed by a gush of liquid. She gave a loud cry and clutched her belly.

Nolan rushed to her side. “Hannah, what is it?”

She bit her lip hard and clutched his arm. “I think the baby may be coming sooner than we planned.”