The sound of horses and Christopher stepping away from her brought her out of her trance. Without a word, he lifted her into the buggy and they took off toward home.
Hannah wrapped the furs tighter around her and snuggled against Christopher. “Are you going to come to the train station tomorrow?”
“I’m not certain.” Christopher pulled on the left rein and then glanced down at her. “I’m going to try.”
Hannah frowned. “When are you coming to Harrisburg?”
“I’m meeting my family at Union Station on Wednesday. We’ll probably arrive at Clayton’s house just before dinner on Wednesday.”
Hannah slumped further into the bench. Instead of guiding the buggy to the front of the house, Christopher pulled into the driveway and back to the carriage house. A young black boy jogged out and took the horse’s head. Christopher set the brake.
“Evenin’, Masser Butler.”
“Good evening, Jack. I won’t be staying long, please hold the horse until I return.”
“Yessuh.”
Christopher climbed down and motioned for Hannah to slide over to his side so he could lift her down. He walked her through the back door and to the parlor. He assisted her with her cloak and she removed her gloves and bonnet.
“I should take my leave.” Christopher kissed her hand.
Hannah pointed at the grandfather clock. “I haven’t heard ten bells yet.”
Christopher smiled. “Regardless, tomorrow is going to be an early one.”
“Fine,” she huffed.
Christopher leaned down and gave her a lingering kiss. When he broke the kiss, she dropped her head onto his chest. “I can’t believe we’re not going to see each other tomorrow.”
“I’ll try, but if not, remember that we’ll get to spend four uninterrupted days together.”
She raised her head slowly. “Uninterrupted?”
Christopher nodded. “Yes.”
“How will you manage that?”
“I have my ways.” Christopher pulled his scarf tighter. “My mother is also very good at subterfuge, and I know she will assist.”
“I look forward to the effort.”
“You do that.” He cupped her chin. “Also between Clayton, his brother Richard, and their neighbors, they have a large number of horses.”
“So?”
“So—you are going to learn to ride.”
“Ugh.” She wrinkled her nose.
Christopher chuckled. “Sleep well tonight.”
“I don’t even know what that means. The only two nights I have ever slept straight through were at your parents’ home.”
“I’m influencing you already.”
Hannah laughed. “Yes, Sir Knight.” She clasped her hands together in mocking. “Just knowing you were near to protect me made all the difference in the world.”
He leaned down for one last kiss. “I’ll see you soon.”
* * *
The next morning came too quickly in Hannah’s opinion. Forcing dry, gritty eyes open, her lack of sleep made her body lethargic. The thought of sitting on a train for four hours in a hoop skirt was somewhat unsettling.
Emma came in her room at nine, carrying yet another dress for her. “Good morning.”
Hannah grunted.
“Not a good night, obviously.”
“No sleep,” Hannah admitted.
“None? At all?”
Hannah held up two fingers. “About two hours.”
“What is with you and the lack of sleep?”
“What is with you and the ability to sleep standing on your head in the middle of an amusement park?” Hannah mocked and then added, “at noon.”
Emma laughed. “Touché.” She stared at Hannah and cocked her head. “Was it the nightmare again?”
“Yes. It’s so frustrating! I still can’t see the threat, I’m just petrified. That’s the entire stupid dream. Me feeling terrified, but seeing nothing. I would think that now that I know you’re safe, they’d stop.”
Emma’s eyebrows puckered. “You’ve been ripped away from your norm, though, Han. You need to give yourself a break.”
“I suppose.” Hannah sighed. “Anyhoo, let’s just get this over with.”
Emma helped her with her corset and hoops and then she put Hannah’s hair into a bun on top of her head. The girls made their way downstairs to the dining room. No one was there, but breakfast was set out, so they helped themselves.
“Where is everyone?” Hannah asked.
“I’d imagine Jamie and Sophie are just waking up now. She finished all her packing last night so she could sleep in. Clay woke me just before he left at six-thirty this morning. I went back to sleep, but woke up an hour later, so I finished the rest of the packing then.”
Jamie and Sophie came in a few minutes later. “Good morning.”
“How did everyone sleep?” Sophie asked. “Han, did you get any sleep?”
“Not really, but, I’ll live.”
“We’ll get you out into the country and you’ll feel better.”
“Speak for yourself,” Emma said.
Jamie laughed. “Keep in mind the fact that you will have the large ballroom to dance in and miles of riding terrain, Em.”
“I thought Sophie said ballrooms were usually really small,” Hannah countered.
Sophie smiled. “Well, this one isn’t.”
“That will be very cool,” Emma agreed. “Although I won’t be able to dance if there are people there. At least not with people in the house. Let’s not forget about that.”
“Let’s not forget about what, sweet?”
“You’re early.” Emma grinned as she stood to give her husband a kiss.
Clayton nodded. “Yes, Chris has everything under control. Is everyone packed and ready?”
“I brought a few bags down already. We just have yours and Emma’s to get now,” Jamie said.
“Well, you finish your breakfast and I’ll grab the bags.” Clayton left them to eat.
“I need to get mine,” Hannah said.
Emma shook her head. “I put it in the pile with ours already. Clay will get it.”
Hannah settled her chin in her palm and picked at her food.
“Missing someone?” Emma asked.
Hannah straightened and shook her head. “Nope.”
“You’ll see him tomorrow. It’ll fly by.”
Hannah nodded.
“It’s a good thing Chris isn’t coming until later tomorrow.”
Hannah narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “Why?”
Emma smiled. “We’re going to have a really busy day with the dressmaker.”
“We are?” Hannah asked, horrified.
“Yes, we are.” Hannah huffed and Emma giggled. “I know you hate to shop, but we’ll make it quick.”
“I don’t hate to shop, necessarily. It’s the trying stuff on part that’s annoying. Oh, and watching you buy shoes!”
“You know what you are?” Emma pointed a finger in accusation. “You’re prejudiced against shoes. A shoe-ist.”
Hannah raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
“You have something against poor, innocent shoes. Shoes that have done nothing to you. Innocent, pretty little shoes.”
Sophie laughed. “That’s quite good, Em.”
Clayton and Walter finished bringing the rest of the bags down and set them in the foyer and Clayton grabbed a bite to eat before they departed. The group finished their breakfast and the guys loaded up the carriage that would carry them to the train station, while Sophie tended to Samson. They tied the horse to the carriage, climbed in, and took off.
It didn’t take long to reach the busy platform, and while Jamie and Sophie took Samson to his stall, Clayton carried the bags they were keeping with them to their private parlor car. Emma and Hannah stood on the platform with the bags that would be put in the main luggage car.
“We should probably board and get settled,” Jamie said. A porter came up and started to take the
luggage away.
“Let’s go,” Emma said.
Hannah was more disappointed than she was willing to let on that Christopher hadn’t made it to the station to see her off. She hated the fact that she would now have to wait until tomorrow night to see him and berated herself for feeling like that. It was completely irrational.
“You’ll see him soon, Han-Han,” Emma whispered.
“Who?”
Emma grinned. “Nice try.”
Hannah ignored her and started to climb the stairs.
“MISS NELSON!” HEARING a man yell, she turned to see Christopher rushing toward her. “Hannah! Wait!”
She stepped down onto the platform and waited for him to reach her. “I didn’t think you’d make it.”
He took her hand and kissed it chastely. “I didn’t think I would either,” he said breathlessly. “And now, I’ve once again made a spectacle of myself.”
She stared up at him. “You have?” Christopher handed her a bouquet of flowers and Hannah smiled. “Daisies again. You’re going to spoil me.”
“I hope so.” Christopher grinned. “I wish I could kiss you right now.”
Hannah grinned. “You’ll just have to wait until tomorrow.”
He stared intently at her and then frowned. “Did you not sleep well last night?”
“Do I look that bad?” Hannah pinched her cheeks.
Christopher pulled her hands away from her face. “Never. You’re beautiful, you just look tired. How much sleep did you get?”
Hannah grimaced. “It was less than normal.”
Christopher squeezed her hand. “I’ll be there tomorrow night to chase the bad dreams away.”
Hannah chuckled. “Forever my Sir Knight. Vanquishing the dragon dreams this time, eh?”
“Of course.” He nodded toward the train. “You better board.”
“Thank you for the flowers, Christopher.”
He kissed her hand one last time. “Until tomorrow.”
She felt his eyes on her as she joined Emma to board the train and turned her head to find him waiting where she’d left him. Climbing the stairs for the second time, her heart raced, and she realized she was hopelessly in love with the man.
“You look dreamy, Han.”
Hannah pushed Emma’s shoulder gently. “I do not.”
“Oh, okay.” Emma giggled. “Gorgeous flowers. Daisies again... your favorite.”
Hannah grinned. “I don’t know how you managed that little info slip yesterday, but thanks.”
“I’ll never tell.”
Hannah sighed.
Emma pursed her lips as she removed her bonnet. “Now that’s a lovesick sigh if ever I heard one.”
“It’s stupid.”
Emma took her hand. “No, it’s not. You’re falling in love. Just let it happen.”
Hannah rolled her eyes. “Emma, please.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll lay off.”
Hannah spent the next few hours staring out at the terrain rushing past her. Surprised when the train pulled into the Harrisburg station much sooner than she expected, she slipped her wayward hair behind her ears and followed the group as they disembarked. She had to admit, she was excited to see a new city.
The bags and Samson were collected, and Clayton’s brother, Richard, waited for them with a large carriage. Introductions were made and bags were loaded onto the carriage.
“I’d like to ride Samson,” Sophie said. “If that doesn’t ruin the plans.”
Richard smiled. “I brought Gentle Ben for Jamie, just in case.”
Jamie saddled Samson and then helped Sophie mount. The couple took off toward home as Clayton and Richard assisted Emma and Hannah into the carriage.
“How was the trip?” Richard asked.
Clayton shifted in his seat. “Very smooth. How has it been here?”
Richard smiled. “Busy. I’m relieved Jamie’s returned. He makes life easier with the training.”
“What are the plans for Thanksgiving?”
“Nona has planned a huge meal. Of course, when doesn’t she? I believe she’s setting up several tables in the ballroom in order to accommodate everyone. It will be a festive occasion, I’m certain.”
Clayton chuckled. “She lives for these events.”
“Yes, she does.”
Clayton kissed Emma’s temple as he put his arm around her and pulled her close.
As they continued to talk, Hannah focused on the drive home. She was surprised by the wide-open spaces, and just as surprised by the spattering of tents over the terrain. Although there had been soldiers milling around in D.C., she’d still felt as though she were on a movie set. But as they drove through the countryside, she saw soldiers practicing with weapons, fires burning out in the open, and men who appeared quite interested in the large carriage moving past them.
They pulled down a long driveway and came upon a large set of gates that were open for their arrival. Emma patted Hannah’s knee. “Almost there.”
Hannah nodded and settled back against her seat. The carriage came to a stop and the men jumped out. Richard held his hand out to Hannah and she grasped it to step down. Emma followed, taking Clayton’s proffered hand.
“I’ve asked that a small repast be set out in the parlor, Emma,” Richard said.
Emma smiled. “Thanks, Richard.”
As Clayton and Richard carried their bags inside, Hannah stared up at the large brick house. “It’s huge.”
“I know. It’s big inside too. Let me show you where your room is.” Emma linked her arm with Hannah’s and led her into the foyer. “We’re putting you in the room across the hall and four doors down from us, so we’ll be close.”
“Okay.”
“How does a hot bath sound?” Emma asked.
Hannah sighed. “Like heaven.”
Emma removed her outerwear and bonnet. “Let’s eat first.”
“Sounds great.”
Emma pulled Hannah into the parlor. Clayton was walking out as they were walking in. “Something was just delivered for you, Hannah.”
Hannah’s eyes widened. “Really? What?”
“I set them on the sideboard.” Clayton waved a hand toward the opposite side of the room. “I’m going to check on the horses. I won’t be long.”
Emma kissed him quickly, and Hannah made her way further into the room. She found another bouquet of daisies laid gently on the buffet, and a note dropped onto the floor as she picked them up.
Emma swooped in and picked it up. “What ya got there, Han?”
Hannah snatched the envelope from her hand. “I don’t know yet, Em.”
Emma giggled and picked up a plate as Hannah opened the letter. Hannah moved to the window for light and sat in one of the chairs next to a small table.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am that your favorite flower is so readily available, beautiful Hannah. If it was an orchid, I’d be hard-pressed to shower you with them as easily. I hope your dreams are sweet, as mine will be filled with you. Forever yours, Sir Knight.
Hannah laid the note against her chest and smiled.
“That good, huh?” Emma asked as she slid a plate of food in front of her.
Hannah nodded and set the letter and flowers aside. “Better than good.”
Emma sat across from her and settled a plate on her knees. “As you say, he’s good value.”
Hannah chuckled. “Yes, it would appear he is.”
Emma took a bite from a slice of apple. “You might want to get a book to read if you feel as though it’s too early to go to sleep. Richard and Clayton have a really expansive library.”
Hannah nodded. “That’d be great. I doubt I’ll sleep much anyway.”
“We’ll go to the dressmaker tomorrow and organize clothes for you. I promise we’ll make it as painless as possible.”
Hannah grinned at her friend. “Riiiight.”
Once they finished their meal, Hannah found a book that looked interesting and then Emma led her upstairs. Wa
lking into the bedroom, the first thing Hannah noticed was the scent of lavender floating in the air. The source of the aroma was the large copper tub set up in the corner of the room. She could see the steam wafting from the surface. “Smells amazing.”
Emma sighed in appreciation. “Yes it does. Your favorite.”
Hannah hugged her. “Thank you for remembering.”
“There are fresh towels right here.” Emma moved around the room. “And here’s a clean nightgown.”
“Ta.”
“Let’s get you out of those clothes and I’ll leave you to it.”
Emma helped Hannah with her day dress and corset and then left to have her own bath. Hannah finished undressing and climbed into the tub, sliding into the water with sigh of audible joy.
As she lingered in the water, she finally took a moment to take in the room. The light wooden floors had wide planks, and knots that seemed almost like spots on a Dalmatian. The furniture, although sparse, was warm and welcoming. An iron bed took up little of the large room and although the bedding wasn’t masculine, it was certainly utilitarian. Hannah noticed a yellow and blue embroidered quilt at the foot of the bed, but it seemed to have been placed there almost as an afterthought.
A large armoire sat against the wall, directly at the end of the bed, and a small bureau sat in the opposite corner of the room. A porcelain bowl and pitcher, hand painted with pink roses, were the only things on top of it, and added varying color to the whitewashed walls. The surprise in the room was the large fireplace, roaring with flames, and two chairs facing it.
Hannah sighed as she picked up the bar of lavender soap sitting on a chair next to the tub. She missed Christopher already, which made absolutely no sense to her, and she knew it was going to be a long night. Forcing herself from the tepid water, she dried off and donned the soft cotton nightgown Emma had left her.
Curling up in one of the chairs, she used the light from the fire to read.
* * *
The next morning, Emma woke Hannah at nine. “Hannah?”
She’d fallen asleep in the chair in the corner of the room, the forgotten book open on her lap. “I’m awake.”
“You don’t look awake.”
“I’m just resting my eyes.” Hannah yawned.
The Bride Spy (Civil War Brides Book 3) Page 11
