THE NEXT MORNING, Christopher’s father arrived, along with Jacob. Christopher opened the door to them, and although his father looked concerned, Christopher was surprised to see he didn’t look angry. “Father. Jake.”
“Good morning, son. Where’s your sister?”
Christopher stepped back and let them pass. “In the parlor.”
His father handed him his hat and coat and then let himself into the parlor. Gwen was sitting next to Hannah on the sofa. She jumped up and ran into her father’s arms. “Daddy.”
Her father pulled her in for one of his famous bear hugs. “Gwennie, you had your mama and me so worried. Don’t ever do anything like that again.”
“I didn’t have a choice, Daddy. I had to tell Chris.”
“You should have sent Jacob. Why didn’t you wait for us to return from the Atwoods?”
“Because she didn’t think,” Christopher added as he stood behind Jacob.
Hannah rose to her feet. “Knight, be nice, please.”
“Good morning, Hannah. How’s my favorite daughter-in-law?” He kissed her cheek.
“I’m your only daughter-in-law, but I’m doing well, Mr. Butler. How are you?” she said with a chuckle. “Sorry for the scare.”
“I’ve come to expect it with my four. I’m really only thirty years old, but look much, much older due to them.”
“Daddy!” Gwen groaned, Jacob rolled his eyes.
“Mrs. Putnam has prepared a veritable feast in anticipation of your visit, so why don’t we make our way to the dining room.” Christopher swept a hand in the direction of the dining room.
As the group moved out of the foyer, there was a knock on the door. Christopher opened it to find Andrew. “Good morning, Chris.”
Christopher ushered Andrew inside. “Good morning. Did Clayton catch the morning train?”
“Yes. He’s off to Emma and hopefully, some peace of mind.”
Christopher nodded. “Come join us for breakfast.”
As they entered the dining room, Andrew’s gaze immediately went to Gwen. She, on the other hand, was deep in conversation with Jacob.
“Good morning, everyone.” Andrew seemed to shake himself from his trance.
Christopher noticed he sent a special smile in Gwen’s direction, and his wife’s secret smirk made him realize she was right. His sister would marry Andrew Simmonds, and nothing he said or did would matter.
Taking his seat at the head of the table, he leaned over and kissed Hannah’s cheek, using the proximity to whisper in her ear. “Don’t look so happy with yourself.”
Hannah giggled. “I just love that I’m right.”
“This time.” He patted her hand.
As the meal progressed, he watched Hannah pick at her food. After several minutes, she excused herself and left the dining room. Christopher laid his napkin on the table. “Excuse me.” He made his way down to his office and pushed open the door. She stood by the window, staring out at he didn’t know what. “Sweetheart? Are you all right?”
“Yes,” she said sadly. “I just miss my family today. Even my stupid big brother.”
He wrapped his arms around her from behind, leaning down to kiss the back of her neck. She relaxed her body and laid her hands over his. He stood there for several minutes and said nothing, just held her close.
“Thank you.” She turned to wrap her arms around his neck.
“For?”
“For knowing what I need and giving it to me.” She pulled his head down for a kiss.
He chuckled as he stroked her cheek. “I love you.”
“Mmm, I love you too.”
They returned to the dining room and found that Andrew had moved to sit next to Gwen. Hannah giggled under her breath.
“Andrew and I need to get to the office.” Christopher leaned down to give Hannah a quick kiss.
“Yes, we do,” Andrew agreed without taking his eyes off Gwen.
Gwen turned and smiled at her brother, pointedly ignoring Andrew.
* * *
Hannah walked them to the door, and when she returned, sat next to Gwen.
Gwen patted her father’s arm. “Daddy, Hannah has asked if I could stay here for a few weeks. Until Emma returns. I hope that’s all right with you and mama.”
Mr. Butler nodded. “I think it’s a very good idea, especially with the developments yesterday. I’d like to know you’re safe. Where’s Andrew staying?”
“He was staying with Clayton, but Clay left this morning, so Christopher and I were going to offer him a room,” Hannah answered. “If you feel uncomfortable about that, I’m sure he’s fine staying at Clayton’s.”
“I should speak with Gwen first to determine whether or not I’m comfortable with that.”
Gwen huffed and rolled her eyes. “Father!”
“Don’t cavil with me, young lady,” her father warned.
Hannah motioned Jake out of the dining room and led him to the parlor to give father and daughter some privacy.
“I always miss out on the best arguments,” Jacob joked.
“Gwen will fill you in later, I’m sure.” Hannah sat in one the chairs facing the fireplace.
“She usually does.”
Hannah tucked her bare feet under her skirts. “How have your studies been going?”
Jacob sat in the chair facing her and crossed an ankle over his knee. “They’re going very well, thank you. Although I am growing weary of school life.”
“Wanting adventure, are we?”
“Something like that. I’m half-tempted to run off and join the army.”
Hannah gasped. “You wouldn’t really do that, would you? With one brother already there?”
Jacob sighed. “No, I wouldn’t do anything... without telling them at the very least. I simply want to find Quinn, to be frank.”
“I know. So does your brother.”
Jacob nodded.
“Don’t do anything rash, will you?”
He grunted.
“Jake? Promise.”
“I can’t promise you that, Hannah.”
Hannah leaned forward and laid her hand on his arm. “I’m not asking you to sit back and do nothing. I’m simply asking that you don’t do anything rash.”
“You’re entirely too rational.”
Hannah giggled. “I’ve been told that before. So, promise me. Nothing rash.”
“I promise that I’ll do nothing rash.”
“Thank you.”
Gwen came in a few minutes later, her father following, and Gwen looked frustrated.
“Jake, time to go home,” Mr. Butler said.
“Thanks for breakfast, Hannah.” Jacob rose to join his father.
Hannah followed them out and hugged them as they walked out the front door. When they were gone, she turned and linked her arm with Gwen’s. “So, what did your father say?”
Gwen grunted. Hannah chuckled. “I was afraid of that.”
“Why is it that God blessed me with so many men in my life?”
“Feeling smothered?” Hannah sympathized.
“Yes!”
“Did he say no to Andrew staying here?”
“No. But he gave me a list of things I was, and was not, allowed to do. All of which require that I am never alone with Andrew. Which is agreeable to me, however, he didn’t seem to believe my disinterest.”
“I can’t imagine why.”
* * *
Christopher arrived home early and found Hannah in the kitchen, sitting on one of the table benches and eating a slice of freshly baked bread. She sighed when he kissed the back of her neck and closed her eyes, leaning her body back into his. “Hi. You’re home early.”
“Our business was brief today.” He joined her, sitting with his back to the table, in order to face her. “How was your day?”
“I missed you terribly, but otherwise, uneventful.” She smiled. “How was yours?”
“Good.” He placed his palm gently on her stomach. “How’s the baby? How are you feeling?”
Hannah covered his hand with hers. “The baby’s fine and I’m feeling better.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes. I haven’t taken any pills today, which is a good sign. The bread helps as well.”
Christopher tore off a small piece and popped it into his mouth. “Mrs. Putnam’s bread always seems to make me feel better, as well.”
“Where’s Andrew?”
“He’s taking care of the horses. Where’s my sister?”
“She’s sleeping. Or at least, she was. I just woke up myself.”
“Would you like to go for a ride before dinner?”
“I would love to. I’ll just change quickly.” She jumped up, regretting it immediately.
“Sweetheart?”
She grasped his arm. “Sorry, I just got up too fast.” Hannah took a deep breath. “I’m fine.”
She took a minute to let her stomach calm and then she made her way upstairs and took her hoops off. Her skirt would work over her jeans, so she left it on, and when she came out of her bedroom, she ran into Gwen. “How was your nap?”
“It was very nice. Where are you running off to?”
“We’re going riding. Would you like to join us?”
“Yes, please. I’ll put my habit on and join you downstairs.”
Hannah made her way downstairs and found Christopher in his office.
“That was quick.” He held his hand out to her.
She brushed her hands over her skirts. “I need to get out of the house.”
“Are you feeling like a ‘kept’ woman?” He kissed her palm.
“A little, yes.”
“I apologize.”
“I forgive you.” She grinned up at him. “I invited Gwen. She’s changing.”
“All right. Andrew will join us also. He’s saddling the horses.”
“Great. Does he know I don’t ride sidesaddle?”
“Yes, I reminded him. He didn’t seem surprised, especially since Sophie and Emma don’t either.”
Gwen knocked on the door and walked in the room, wearing a deep green riding habit that highlighted her eyes and hair. “I’m ready.”
“Gwen, you looking stunning,” Hannah said.
“Thank you.”
The three made their way out to the carriage house. Andrew had saddled four horses, including Gwen’s.
“Gwen, allow me to assist you.” Andrew walked over to her to help her mount.
Christopher helped Hannah mount and then jumped onto his horse. The group decided to ride by the White House. Hannah was more and more comfortable each time she was in the saddle, and Christopher had even gone so far to buy her a very sweet mare. They came to a clearing and gave their horses their heads and Hannah let out a small shout as they cantered down the strip of grass.
They pulled up close to the White House and decided to enjoy the park. They dismounted and tied their horses off. Christopher saw a couple of acquaintances, apparently also out for an early evening ride. The two men waved when they saw him and made their way over to the group. They dismounted and joined the men.
“Good afternoon, Christopher.”
“Good afternoon, Jonathan. May I present my wife, Hannah, and my sister, Gwendolyn. And this is Andrew Simmonds.”
Jonathan introduced his associate, Daniel O’Laughlen, and Hannah nearly laughed out loud at Daniel’s voice. It had a high-pitched whining sound to it that reminded her of a stereotypical nerd. All he needed was a pocket protector and taped glasses to make the look complete.
Hannah tried to hide a yawn behind her hand, but after a few minutes, she slid her hand into Christopher’s arm and leaned heavily against him. He took the hint and excused them from the conversation, pulling her back to her horse.
“Let’s get you home,” he said quietly.
“I’ll escort Gwen home, if that’s acceptable,” Andrew offered.
“I would love to ride a little longer,” Gwen said hopefully.
Christopher nodded and then lifted Hannah onto her horse and guided her back to the townhouse. As they walked up the back steps, Christopher could see Hannah almost asleep on her feet. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired, but fine.” She smiled. “I could sleep for a year.”
“Well, let’s start with tonight,” he said with a chuckle.
“Killjoy.”
Christopher followed her up the stairs to the bedroom. She stumbled on the top stair and he was glad he was behind her. He grasped her waist and pulled her close. “What happened?”
Hannah yawned. “I’m just tired, love. Seriously.”
He kept her close as he pushed open their bedroom door and stepped inside. “I’ll get your nightgown.”
She leaned against the bed and shook her head. “No, I feel kind of warm.”
He closed the distance between them and felt her forehead. “You are a little warm.”
“It’ll pass.” Hannah laid her hand on his chest. “I’m fine, I just need to sleep.”
He assisted her with her clothing and then waited for her to fall asleep. As much as he loved the fact his wife was naked in their bed, the thought of her getting sick, especially while carrying his child, terrified him. After an hour of worry, he decided to gather cold water and towels just in case, and made his way to the kitchen.
He found his sister sitting at the kitchen table, a single candle lit and sitting in the middle. “Gwennie? Are you all right?”
She rolled her eyes. “Of course I am.”
Making his way to the sink, he settled a bowl under the pump. “Why aren’t you in bed?”
“Because I’m not tired,” she snapped. “I’m a grown woman, Christopher. You don’t get to dictate my sleeping habits.”
“Gwennie.” He turned to face her, nodding toward the glass in front of her with a slight smirk. “How’s your warmed milk?”
Gwen smacked the table with a groan. “Even Daddy likes warm milk when he can’t sleep.”
“You’re on edge tonight, little sister.” He turned back to the sink. “What’s amiss?”
“Perhaps I’m sick of being treated like a porcelain doll.”
“Who treats you like a porcelain doll?”
“Nobody,” she grumbled.
He tried to control a chuckle at her deflated tone. “Andrew, perhaps?”
Gwen sighed. “I’m certain I don’t care.”
Drying his hands with a soft cloth, he sat at the table and faced her. “I’m certain you do. What’s going on with you?
“Nothing I particularly want to talk about,” she snapped.
“All right, Gwennie.” He squeezed her arm and then stood. He unlocked the back door and pulled it open.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“I need to get ice.”
“Why?”
Christopher grabbed a pail and an ice pick. “Hannah has a fever.”
Gwen stood. “Is there anything I can do?”
Christopher shook his head. “No.”
“What’s going on?”
Christopher turned to find Andrew standing in the doorway, shirt unbuttoned and flapping open, and a gun in his hands.
“I need to get ice.” Christopher raised an eyebrow. “No need to shoot it into pieces.”
Andrew’s gaze raked over Gwen. “Are you all right?”
“Of course, I’m all right.” She crossed her arms. “I’m with my brother.”
Gwen sent a pointed look toward Christopher and he smiled. “Yes, Andrew. Gwennie is perfectly safe. No need to treat her like a doll.”
Her quiet hiss confirmed he’d hit the mark.
Andrew settled the gun in the waistband of his trousers and leaned against the doorjamb. “Perhaps you should go on back to bed then.”
“I’m not tired.” She scowled at him. “But I thank you for the concern.”
Christopher raised the bucket toward them. “I’ll leave you to your conversation. I’ll be back in about thirty minutes. Please leave the door unlocked.”
Christopher returned faster than expected, grateful to find his sister and Andrew no longer in the kitchen. He gathered his supplies and made his way back upstairs. Hannah was sitting up in bed with a bowl in front of her. He set the ice on the bureau and immediately went to her. “Sweetheart, are you all right?”
“Sick,” she whispered.
He felt her forehead again. “All right, precious girl, let’s see if we can’t make you a little more comfortable.”
Soaking a strip of cloth in the ice water, he laid it over her forehead.
She fell back to sleep and they didn’t wake up again until nine the next morning. He rolled over to face her, and his first thought was to check her temperature.
“Hi.” She smiled.
“Good morning. How are you feeling?” He reached over to check her forehead.
“Much better.” She pulled the quilt up to her shoulders.
“I’m concerned about your fever.”
Hannah yawned. “Don’t be. I’m sure it’s all pregnancy related.”
He grabbed his trousers and pulled them on. “I’m going to send for Stephen. I want him to examine you and make sure everything is all right.”
She pushed herself up and tried not to roll her eyes. “You are not going to make the poor man catch a train from Harrisburg just to ease your mind, Knight. I’m fine.”
“I still want to be certain.”
“Don’t bother him. Please. If I’m worse in a few days, then we can talk about Stephen.” She started to climb out as well, but was instantly dizzy and had to sit back down.
Christopher pushed her back. “Back into bed, sweetheart.”
“I’m fine! It’s normal for pregnant women to feel faint.”
“Yes, but you’re my pregnant woman, and I want you in bed until you no longer feel that way.” She grumbled as he assisted her back into bed and pulled the covers over her. “We have nothing planned today, so I’ll find you a book and we can simply relax.”
“Will you stay in here with me?”
He kissed her forehead. “If you wish it.”
“I wish it.”
“All right. I’m going to find a book and some breakfast. Why don’t you try and rest while I’m gone?”
“I’m not tired.”
Christopher chuckled as he came back to the side of the bed. “Don’t be difficult.”
“Don’t be long.”
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I won’t be.”
* * *
By lunchtime Sunday Hannah was grumpy and had a major case of cabin fever. “I’m done being in bed now, thank you very much.” She swung her legs over the side.
“Wait.” He moved to her side of the bed. “Take a moment and go slowly. How do you feel?”
“I feel fine.”
“Would you tell me if you didn’t?”
She smiled at him. “Maybe, maybe not. But I really do feel fine. No dizziness or nausea. I promise.” He wrapped an arm around her waist for support as she stood and didn’t release her until he was certain she wouldn’t fall. “Knight, I’m fine. Truly.”
“All right,” he said reluctantly.
He helped her dress and they made their way downstairs to find Gwen glaring at Andrew across the dining room table. Andrew didn’t look particularly happy either.
“What’s going on?” Hannah took a seat at the table.
“Nothing.” Gwen sighed.
Andrew dropped his fork. “Gwen’s being obstinate.”
“You’re being dictatorial,” she snapped.
“I want you safe.”
“All right, you two.” Christopher held his hands up and shot Andrew a pointed glance. “I think we’re going to change tactics.”
Hannah drew her eyebrows together. “What do you mean by tactics?”
“You’re both going to Clayton’s on Tuesday.”
“Christopher,” Hannah’s voice held suspicion, “what are you planning?”
Christopher ran his hands through his hair. “I can’t go into details, but if you’re both at Clayton’s, then I’m confident you’ll be safe.”
Andrew nodded. “I think that’s a good idea.”
Hannah crossed her arms and sat back with a huff. “Clay’s in Harrisburg.”
Christopher smiled. “Exactly why it will be safe.”
Andrew took a sip of coffee. “Walter’s there, which will give us added backup.”
Gwen frowned. “But—”
“Gwennie, leave it,” Christopher interrupted.
Hannah sent Christopher a glare of reproach. He knew he’d have to tell her more than he’d like, but he wasn’t going to do it in front of his sister. His breathing evened out once he knew she wouldn’t push him.