Chapter
37

Hannah shook her head at the mug of broth Mrs. Bridges slid in front of her.

“Come on, dearie. Just a few sips. You want to keep your strength up for when the bairn gets back.”

Hollow-eyed with no tears left to cry, Hannah lifted the cup to her lips. Edna was right. She had to think of Teddy. She had to believe Nolan would bring him home.

“That’s it. A bit more. There you go.” Mrs. Bridges took the mug Hannah handed out to her. “We have to have faith. God will prevail against whoever dared to do this evil thing.”

“Will He? How do we know for sure?” Hannah hated that in this time of crisis her faith wavered. Would God help her if He sensed her doubt? If only she could find a way to reach deep for the cornerstone of her faith.

I’m sorry, Lord. Help me to be strong. Give me your shield of armor to surround me in my weakness.

A Bible verse drifted through her mind, one her father often quoted in his sermons. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

“Thank you, Papa,” she breathed. For she was sure he’d brought the verse to her mind right when she needed it to give her a burst of strength. She would not give up; she would endure no matter the outcome.

Seated beside Hannah in the kitchen, Molly silently squeezed her hand, giving comfort without words. Hannah held on until her knuckles turned white.

The clatter of feet on the stone floor shattered the stillness. One of the maids rushed in. “Come quick, Mrs. Price. The master is home.”

Hannah leapt from her chair, unsure whether the girl meant Nolan or Edward. It didn’t matter, as long as someone had news of Teddy.

Please, Lord, please, was all she could think. Her legs shook as she flew up the stairs.

“Nolan?” She raced into the parlor and stopped at the sight of Edward standing by the fireplace.

When he turned, her focus riveted to the bundle in his arms. A soft mewling noise could be heard.

She let out a cry of joy and rushed forward. “Teddy!”

Edward nodded, his eyes filled with unspoken messages. Why didn’t he seem happier?

He handed the baby to her. She pulled the cloth away, and Teddy’s beloved face looked up at her. With a strangled cry, Hannah clutched him to her and sank onto the sofa. Tears streamed down her face unchecked as she rained kisses over his face. She rocked back and forth, inhaling the scent of her son.

Thank you, Lord. Thank you.

After several seconds, she became aware that Edward had not moved, and in fact stood staring at her with stark sorrow in his eyes.

A chill of foreboding ran through her. Where was her husband?

She lifted her questioning gaze to her father-in-law.

Edward slowly shook his head. “I’m so sorry, Hannah.”

A flood of heat suffused her chest. “Where is he?” she demanded. “Tell me.”

“Nolan’s been shot.” Edward moved forward to lay a hand on her shoulder. “The constable showed up right after it happened and insisted on taking him to the infirmary.”

The air in her lungs thinned, and blood pounded in her ears. “Is he alive?”

“For now.”

She held back a sob that caught in her throat. “You must take me to him.”

He stared at her, his anguish as palpable as her own, and finally nodded. “I’ll have the carriage sent around. Meet me out front.”

Teddy let out a wail that pierced Hannah’s soul.

“Give me a few minutes. I need to feed my son first.”

“The infirmary is no place for a new bairn.” Mrs. Bridges hovered in the hallway with Teddy in her arms as the maid helped Hannah on with her coat.

“I just got him back. I’m not letting him out of my sight.” Hannah set her jaw. Nothing would stop her from bringing Teddy to see Nolan. He needed to know they were both safe and that they were there to help him get better.

For he would recover, if Hannah had anything to say in the matter. She would not let Nolan leave her now.

Hannah plucked the child from Mrs. Bridges and kissed her cheek. “Keep praying, dear Edna. We’ll be back as soon as we can.”

Hannah had no idea how long it took to get to Derby. She prayed and rocked little Teddy the whole way. Thankfully, the baby was content to sleep after having nursed.

When they arrived, Edward helped her alight at the entrance. The minute they reached the desk inside, Edward barked orders to the staff. A nurse appeared and led them down a corridor to a private room.

“You may go in one at a time. The patient needs quiet.”

When she disappeared down the hall, Edward looked at Hannah. “You go first. It’s you he’ll want to see.”

The respect in his eyes gave Hannah added strength. “Thank you, Edward.”

Tightening her grip on the baby, she entered the dim room and approached the bed. Nolan lay very still beneath the sheets, his face as white as the pillow.

Hannah bit her lip and reached out to brush tender fingers over his forehead. “Teddy and I are right here, Nolan. We’re both fine. Now you just have to get better and come home to us.”

No response. Not even an eyelid flickered.

Hannah pushed back her fear and dragged a chair over to sit by her husband’s side. She would wait as long as it took.

Nolan fought through a misty haze to open his eyes. He blinked and squinted, trying to focus. Where was he? He shifted slightly, and searing heat shot through his side. He groaned as a rush of memories came flooding back.

“Teddy.” He grasped the metal rail of what he realized was an infirmary bed and attempted to pull himself up.

“Nolan, lie still. You mustn’t move.”

He blinked, and Hannah’s face came into focus. “Hannah. Is Teddy . . . ?”

“He’s fine. I have him right here.” She raised the bundle in her arms and moved the blanket from the baby’s face. The child appeared to be sleeping peacefully.

“You’re sure he’s all right?”

“He’s perfect. Thanks to you.” A tear hovered at the corner of Hannah’s eye. “You saved our son. Just as you promised.” She pressed a kiss to Nolan’s forehead.

Relief trickled through every one of Nolan’s muscles. Hannah and Teddy were safe.

And he was alive. Praise God.

Warm fingers squeezed his hand. “The doctor said the bullet went right through your side without damaging any organs. He expects you’ll make a full recovery.”

Nolan was glad, but he needed to know the threat was truly over. “Is Bellows dead?” He had a vague recollection of the man lying unmoving on the gatehouse floor.

“Yes.” Her lips tightened into a flat line.

“What about Orville?” Nolan’s throat scratched. “And Evelyn?”

“Evelyn’s safe with Ophelia and Victoria. She wanted no part of her husband’s crime, and as soon as she learned of his plan, she alerted Edward and the police. That’s how Edward knew you were in such danger.” Hannah’s voice quivered. “I thank God for allowing him to get there in time to save you.”

Nolan nodded. Never had he been happier to see anyone at that moment.

“The authorities have Orville,” Hannah continued. “He’s being held in prison until his trial. With Evelyn’s testimony, he should be put away for a long time.”

As the truth sank in that all was truly well, gratitude seeped through every cell in Nolan’s body. Never again would he take one minute with his family for granted. He raised a hand to rest on his wife’s cheek. “I thank God for the gift of you, Hannah. You are my heart and my life. Without you, nothing matters.” He tugged her toward him for a brief kiss, tasting the salt of her tears. “From now on, Mrs. Price, if it’s agreeable with you, I would like to live a perfectly boring life at Stainsby, enjoying our married life and raising our son.”

Hannah’s beaming smile illuminated the dingy room. “I like the sound of that, Mr. Price. Very much indeed.” She leaned down to kiss him again, her soft lips lingering with a promise of more to come. A lifetime, in fact.

Their son’s contented gurgle seemed to indicate that he agreed with his parents on all accounts.