The Bride Found

by Piper Davenport

  “Welcome to our church, Miss Wellington,” the minister said.

  Emma shook his hand. “I enjoyed the service very much, sir. Thank you.”

  Once introductions were made, she filed out with the rest of the small crowd. Clayton waited for her at the bottom of the steps and held his hand out to her. She placed her hand in his and he escorted her to the family carriage.

  “Are you going to join us for dinner this evening, Clayton? It will be a smaller group than usual,” Nona asked.

  “Yes. Thank you, Nona. I believe I will. I must check on Richard first, but I will come by after.” Clayton assisted Emma into the carriage, mounted his horse, and took off towards the jail. He wasn’t looking forward to the confrontation with his brother today.

  * * *

  Arriving home, Sophie and Emma went upstairs to change. Emma put on the same threadbare dress she’d worn on the train, and Sophie handed her a pair of breeches to put on under it. Emma held them up. “What are these for?”

  “Just in case you want to ride.” Sophie pulled on a light-yellow skirt and white blouse and then pulled her hair back and secured it at her neck.

  Jamie knocked on the door and Sophie opened it. “Ready?” he asked.

  “Yes!” they said in unison.

  Emma followed the couple out to the stables. Sophie called for Samson and he whinnied to her as she approached his stall. As the sun rose higher, Emma realized that her surroundings seemed so normal to her. She wasn’t missing the sound of her phone or feeling the need to keep in constant contact with anyone. She was spending an afternoon with her sister, playing with their horses… something they’d done together for years before, only, not necessarily in full period costume.

  Emma dropped a brush in the tin bucket and peeked into Gentle Ben’s stall. “Sophie, I’m going to watch Jamie ride. Are you coming?”

  Sophie slid the brush down the horse’s neck. “I can’t. Samson goes nuts if I’m around and not riding him. He’ll try to throw Jamie if I’m out there.”

  “Do you mind if I go?”

  Sophie shook her head. “Not at all. Call me when Samson’s ready to be brushed down.”

  Emma made her way outside and watched Jamie put Samson through his paces in the large paddock. Hearing the sound of hooves behind her, she turned, and her heart raced to see Clayton on a large gray Andalusian. “Good afternoon, Clayton.”

  “Good afternoon.”

  His grin made her legs weak and she reached out for a wooden slat on the railing. Jamie walked Samson to the fence and gave Clayton a quick nod. “Any news?”

  Clayton leaned over the saddle and shook his head. “No.”

  “Topper?” Emma stared up at him and frowned. “Was he kidnapped?”

  Clayton glanced at Jamie, who answered for him. “It doesn’t look like it. He left a note that indicated he was hiding. We’re just unsure where.”

  “Well, why aren’t you scouring the countryside looking for him?”

  Jamie gave a half-smile. “We’re doing everything we can, Em.”

  “Kinda wish we had GPS, huh?” she said without thought.

  “What is GPS?” Clayton asked.

  “Ah…”

  Jamie coughed and Emma’s heart beat frantically.

  “Ah… nothing.” Emma waved her hands in dismissal. “I just made that up. Sounds silly now that I’ve said it out loud.”

  Jamie jumped from Samson’s back and led him out of the paddock. “Emma does that sometimes. We love her anyway.”

  Emma bit her lower lip and sent a grimace of apology his way. “Yes. Thank you, Jamie.”

  Clayton didn’t ask for any further clarification, which Emma was grateful for. He smiled and dismounted, tying his horse to the fence. “Do you ride, Emma?”

  She nodded. “I do.”

  “Would you like to ride out to the lake with me? We still have several hours of light, and we’d make it back in time for dinner.”

  Jamie closed the gate and removed Samson’s bridle. “You could ride Gentle Ben, Emma. I’d be happy to tack him up for you.”

  Emma let out a quiet squeal when Samson let out a trumpeted whinny and took off toward the barn. “Jamie! What are you doing?”

  Jamie nodded toward the barn. “Look.” Sophie stood just outside the large doors and Samson ate something from her palm. “He’s her trained pet.”

  Emma wrinkled her nose. “You guys are crazy.” She focused back on Clayton. “Yes, I’d love to go for a ride with you.”

  Jamie made his way back to the barn and saddled the horse Sophie had been brushing down. Clayton had already mounted, which gave Sophie the chance to show Emma how to hide her breeches under her skirts. No one would be the wiser that she wasn’t riding sidesaddle.

  Emma followed Clayton away from the property and out to a dirt road that traveled east toward several groves of trees. They’d ridden about two miles when they came across a group of tents, and Emma was suddenly forced back to reality. They were in the middle of a war. A war that Sophie had somewhat romanticized when discussing it, but as Emma raked her eyes over the scene before her, she realized there was nothing romantic about it.

  “Who are all those men?” she asked.

  Clayton slowed to flank her as they walked their horses past the site. A few of the men waved, and Clayton nodded back. “These are part of your brother-in-law’s unit.”

  Emma drew her eyebrows together. “But shouldn’t they be off somewhere fighting? I understood the war was brutal and miserable. These men don’t look like they’re starving or lacking the basic necessities to live.”

  Clayton pulled his horse to a stop and stared at her.

  Oh, Emma… you are an idiot!

  “Um…” Emma frantically craned her head, looking for rescue of some kind.

  “Emma.”

  Emma turned Gentle Ben and dug her heels in gently, guiding him away from Clayton. “This was probably a bad idea. I’ll see you back at the barn.”

  She didn’t factor in Clayton’s reach. He gently took her horse’s rein in his hand, effectively eliminating any escape, and smiled. “Where are you going?”

  EMMA SHRUGGED AND stared down at her hands.

  “I’ll allow you your secret, Emma. However, one day you’ll tell me everything. I have no doubt in that.” He let go of her horse and shifted in his saddle. “Shall we continue our ride?”

  With a nod, she gathered her reins and followed him again.

  “Harrisburg is the largest training area for soldiers in the North, lucky for us. Although, Gettysburg was a close call.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Really? Why?”

  “From what we understand, Harrisburg was supposed to be attacked, but Lee called his men to Gettysburg instead. So far, we’ve been diligent enough in our patrols to ward off anything further.”

  Emma nodded. “I suppose it’s a blessing in disguise having so many men in one place. You can effectively defend your position.”

  A man-made lake straddled both properties, and they rode the perimeter in silence.

  Once they’d dismounted, Clayton led Emma to the edge of the water. “Emma, you ride very well.”

  Emma grinned. “Thank you.”

  “How is it that you are able to ride astride?”

  Emma blushed. “You weren’t supposed to notice that.”

  “Forgive me.” He chuckled.

  “Sophie and I have always ridden that way. We don’t have brothers and our parents didn’t seem to mind.” Hearing rushing water, Emma gasped as they came upon a waterfall. “This is exquisite.”

  Clayton gazed out over the water. “I don’t come here often enough, but enjoy it every time.”

  “How often do you make it home?”

  “Twice since the war began. Usually it has only been for a few days. I haven’t been home for this long in over a year.”

  Emma’s eyes widened. “How did it go with your brother today?”

  Clayton sighed. “Not well.”

&n
bsp; “I’m sorry.” Emma slipped her hand from his arm. “Is there anything I can do?”

  Clayton studied her for several seconds, then leaned down and placed his lips gently on hers. After her initial shock wore off, she wove her hands up to clasp them behind his neck, and opened her mouth for him. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her body closer. He heard her sigh, and reluctantly broke the kiss. “I have wanted to do that since I first saw you in my stable.”

  Emma raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

  Clayton nodded.

  “Want my confession?” At his nod, she smiled. “That was the best kiss I’ve ever had.”

  “The best you’ve ever had?” Clayton frowned. “How many kisses have you had before that?”

  Emma shrugged. “Not many, and certainly none like that.”

  “How many is not many, Emma?”

  She raised an eyebrow in challenge. “Um, I’m not sure that’s any of your business, is it?”

  “It is if I am to court you.”

  Emma let out a quiet snort. “Who said I wanted to be courted?”

  “I’ve just kissed you.” He went back to rolling the rim of his hat. “I wouldn’t have done that had I not intended to court you.”

  “I don’t recall you asking if I would like to be courted.”

  “I rather figured it was implied.” Clayton paused for several minutes before adding, “And I thought you’d be grateful.”

  “Grateful?” Emma snapped. “You can’t be serious.”

  “I spent three days searching for you,” Clayton said.

  “I wasn’t lost!”

  Clayton mumbled something Emma couldn’t make out.

  “Is it customary that when a man says he’s courting a woman, she simply bows at his feet and thanks him profusely for considering her?” She tried to keep her increasing irritation from her voice.

  “The lady doesn’t typically kiss back. Unless she’s—” He abruptly stopped.

  “Unless what, Clayton?”

  “Never mind.”

  Emma gasped out loud. “Unless she’s a prostitute?”

  “Emma.”

  “That’s what you were thinking, wasn’t it? Oh, my god. Do you think I’m easy simply because I kissed you?” She shook a fist at him. “I should slap you here and now.”

  “Emma, don’t be absurd. It was a wrong choice of words.”

  “You’re damn straight it was. I hope you enjoy the rest of your afternoon, Clayton.” She turned on her heel and started back toward the horses.

  “Emma, stop.”

  “No. I’m afraid I need to meet with my pimp. He’ll be wondering where his money is.”

  Clayton followed. “Emma!”

  “No!” she yelled. “Huggy-Bear was very particular about how much time I could spend with you. You don’t pay, you don’t get to play. You messed with the wrong ho.”

  “What is ho?” he asked as he rushed to catch up with her.

  “It’s slang for prostitute,” she snapped.

  Clayton gently took her arm. “Emma, please stop. I apologize. It was a slip of the tongue, and absolutely not what I think. Will you forgive me?”

  She pulled away from his touch and crossed her arms as she faced him. “This really isn’t a good start to the courting process, Clayton.”

  “No, it isn’t.” He gently laid his hand on her cheek. “May I start over?”

  Emma shrugged. “Knock yourself out.”

  “Miss Wellington, it would be my honor if you would grant me permission to spend time privately with you.” He stroked his thumb along her cheek.

  She leaned back. “You need to stop touching my face, it’s distracting me.”

  “Is that a fact?”

  “Yes. I can’t concentrate when you stroke my cheek like that.”

  “That’s quite inconsiderate of me, isn’t it?” He kissed her.

  She broke the kiss this time. “Clay, you’re not playing fair.”

  “I didn’t realize I was playing a game, Emma,” he said earnestly.

  She rolled her eyes. “What does courting involve, exactly? Is it an exclusive relationship?”

  He nodded. “Usually, yes.”

  “Usually? But, not always?” She pulled her face away from his touch. “So, it could be that you’re courting me here and some other woman in Washington?”

  “No, Emma. I’m not interested in courting anyone else.”

  “You just met me, Clayton—”

  “What does that have to do with anything?” he interrupted.

  “—less than a week ago,” she continued without missing a beat. “How can you say that you want to court me exclusively? You don’t know me. I understand that we have a certain attraction to one another, but I’m not certain it constitutes an exclusive relationship.”

  Clayton failed to conceal his shock. “Are you saying you desire someone else?”

  She crossed her arms. “If I did?”

  “This would be a good time to tell me, Emma.”

  “Why? It’s not like it’s any of your business.”

  Clayton hissed.

  “Clayton, explain something to me.” Emma tucked her hair behind her ears. “When I say to you that I’m not sure you courting me would be the wisest thing, why do you jump to the conclusion that I must want someone else? Is it so foreign to you to think that perhaps I may not want to be in a relationship, that I would like to be single?”

  “Would you like to be single, Emma?”

  “Don’t turn my words back on me!”

  Clayton chuckled. “If spending time with me is not pleasing to you, please tell me, and I’ll return you to your sister.”

  “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” she said, frustrated at her inability to mince words with him.

  He smiled down at her and cupped her face. “A little.”

  “It’s not that I want to be single. It’s that I don’t want to rush into anything.”

  “So, you don’t want to be single?”

  “Okay, now you’re just being ornery,” she said.

  Clayton laughed. “Yes, now I’m just being ornery. We’ll take it slow. I’d very much like to court you, but if you’re not comfortable, I understand.”

  “I would love to believe in the fairy tale of love at first sight, but I just haven’t had much luck with relationships in the past. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to get to know you better and it doesn’t mean there’s anyone else. I just think it’s too soon to make a decision on exclusivity.”

  Clayton frowned. “Would you please explain what you mean when you say ‘relationships in the past’?”

  Emma didn’t know how much she could say to him. She already felt like she’d revealed too much, but he was easy to talk to and there was no doubt she was attracted to him. Her heart wanted to jump in, but she’d been down this road before and been hurt too many times, so she forced herself to wait. “Can we let that be a story for another day?”

  Clayton smiled. “Another day… soon.”

  Emma nodded. “Soon.”

  Clayton frowned up at the sky. “I think it might rain.”

  “Really? The sky looks so clear.”

  Clayton pointed past her. “Not in the distance, it doesn’t.”

  Emma wrinkled her nose. “No, it doesn’t. Do you think it will snow?”

  He shook his head. “It’s too early in the season, but rain is a given.” He held his hand out to her. “Let’s head back to the house.”

  He assisted Emma into the saddle and then mounted himself.

  They just missed the downpour as they pulled their horses into the barn. Clayton handed his horse off to the groom and then helped Emma from the saddle.

  His arms tightened on her waist and he gave her a sexy grin before releasing her. Emma waggled a finger at him. “You better watch that charm if you’re going to court me. I won’t tolerate you looking at anyone else like that.”

  Clayton raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying you accept?”
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  “Ooh, I walked right into that one.” Emma chuckled.

  Clayton pulled her further into the darkness of the stables and kissed her breathless. “Will you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to the Paxton Ball on Saturday?”

  Her heart raced. “I’m not sure, Mr. Madden. What will all of my clients think?” She needed to get her emotions in check and humor was always her best weapon. She thought she heard him growl as he kissed her again. “Yes, Clayton, you may escort me to the ball.”

  She’d lost this round to his irresistible charm, and he smiled down at her in triumph. “Excellent.”

  “Don’t you dare think you’ve won, Clayton Madden. I may enjoy your kisses, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to get around me every time.”

  “You admit you enjoy my kisses. I think that’s a very good start.” He took her hand and placed it on his arm. “I’ll escort you home, and then I must change for dinner.”

  Emma paused at the barn doors and shivered. “I think we’re going to need to make a run for it.”

  The rain fell in sheets, the ground potted with puddles as far as she could see, and Emma’s heart soared. She loved the rain. She and Sophie both. They would ride for hours, despite protests from Alex.

  Clayton frowned. “Perhaps I should rig up the covered buggy.”

  Emma snorted. “For a little rain? No way! It’s beautiful.” She grabbed his hand and started to pull him outside. “Come on, chicken. Let’s go.”

  She lifted her skirts and started to run for the house, forgetting about her ankle. Clayton did not. He scooped her up just as she stopped and grabbed her leg.

  “You forgot your injury,” he accused.

  Emma grimaced. “I did. That was really dumb.”

  “Dumb?”

  Emma sighed. “It’s an expression my sister and I use… it means, unwise.”

  He smiled gently and kissed her cheek. “Let’s get you home.”

  When they arrived at the front porch, he set her on her feet, kissed her hand chastely, and then he was gone. She felt slightly dejected at the separation and hated the unfamiliar emotion. Emma made her way up to her room and peeled her wet clothes from her body. She’d left a note with the maid to inform Sophie she was going to lie down for a little while, so she knew she wouldn’t be disturbed.