The Bride Spy

by Piper Davenport

  “Andrew, I think we need your help.” Emma sat down at the table.

  “What’s amiss?”

  “I need to make sure Christopher is all right,” Hannah said.

  “I’m sure he’s fine.”

  Hannah’s rubbed her chest. “I need to see for myself.”

  “All right.” Andrew waited for the girls to take their seats and then did the same. “I can send a dispatch for you if you like. It might take a day.”

  “No, that won’t work.” Hannah tried to control the shake in her voice. “I need to get on the next train to D.C.”

  “What are you going to do, Hannah? You can’t travel without an escort,” Sophie said.

  Hannah slapped away an errant tear that had slipped down her cheek. “This is ridiculous! Why not?”

  “Because women don’t travel alone, honey.” Sophie leaned over and patted her hand.

  “I have to get back to Christopher today!” she said through gritted teeth.

  “I’ll escort you, Hannah,” Andrew offered.

  “What about Adam?” Sophie asked.

  Adam Whitman was Andrew’s business partner, married to Andrew’s older sister, Elizabeth.

  “Adam handled the business for more than a year while I was at war. I’m sure he can do without me for a few days,” he said and then turned to Hannah. “Pack a bag if you need to and we’ll go to the station and catch the first train.”

  Hannah stood. “I don’t need to pack. I’ll leave everything here.”

  “All right. Have some breakfast and then we’ll go.”

  Hannah sat back down and picked at her food. Sophie asked Emma to get her a few of the nausea pills for Hannah to take with her and Emma went to find them.

  “I’m ready.” Hannah stood once Emma returned.

  “You barely ate anything.”

  “I’m not hungry.”

  Sophie handed her the pills with a sigh. “I want you to take one of these now and grab a muffin for the trip.”

  “Yes, mum.”

  Sophie smiled and hugged Hannah. “Everything’s going to be fine. I promise.”

  Hannah nodded. She hugged Emma and then she and Andrew took off for the train station. She was a bundle of nerves the entire way to the station but started to calm down after discovering they hadn’t missed the early train. They were able to board five minutes before it departed and were still walking down the aisle as the train took off. They found their seats and sat to wait out the trip.

  “Andrew?” She turned away from the window with a smile.

  “Yes?”

  “Thank you so much for coming with me and indulging my paranoia.”

  Andrew chuckled. “Why do you think you’re paranoid?”

  “Don’t you?”

  “Absolutely not. I may not know you well, Hannah, but your friends do, and one thing you are not, is paranoid.”

  Hannah relaxed. “Thank you.”

  “Truth be told, I must thank you.” A silly grin covered his face. “Even if you’re wrong, I still get to see Gwendolyn.”

  “Do you love her?”

  “Hopelessly.”

  “Then why aren’t you objecting to Sam’s courtship?”

  Andrew scowled. “I’m working that out.”

  “Well, you better work it out quickly, Andrew. If you wait too long, you’ll be objecting at a church.”

  Andrew went back to his thoughts and Hannah turned back to the window. Her resident elephants were thankfully less frantic, but she wouldn’t completely relax until she had her husband in her arms.

  About an hour into the trip, Andrew went to find them something to eat and returned with small sandwiches and lemonade. The two spent the rest of the time talking and getting to know each other. Hannah discovered quickly why Sophie and Jamie loved him so much.

  THE TRAIN PULLED into the station and Hannah realized the time had flown for her. Yet another reason to thank Andrew. “What now?” Hannah stood and waited for Andrew to lead.

  “We’ll hire a cab and take you home.”

  “I need to see him now, Andrew. Could we please go to his office?”

  “Of course.”

  He hired a cab and gave the driver the address. They took off for the war offices, which weren’t far from the train station. Once they arrived at the large brick building, Andrew paid the driver and assisted Hannah down. They walked through the front doors of the war offices and ran into Clayton.

  “Andrew?” He appeared confused and then saw Hannah. “Hannah? What’s amiss? Is something wrong with Emma?”

  She shook her head and gasped at the sight of his face. “What happened to your cheek?”

  He rolled his eyes. “A minor scuffle.”

  “Where’s Christopher?” She took off down the hall before Clayton could answer.

  “He’s in his office,” he said to her retreating back.

  Hannah found Christopher sitting at his desk. “Knight?”

  He glanced up in surprise and Hannah swore. His left eye was bruised and swollen and he had cut on his lip. Rushing over to him, she gently cupped his face in her hands. “What happened? When did this happen?”

  “Sweetheart, what are you doing here?” He pulled her close and rested his hands on her hips.

  Tears leaked out and down her cheeks. “Who did this, Christopher?”

  He kissed her quickly. “Hannah, it’s nothing.”

  “When did this happen?”

  Elephants, cease!

  He raised an eyebrow. “Last night, why?”

  Her effort to stop a sob resulted in a snort.

  “Did you have a dream?” He rose to his feet, pulling her closer, and she nodded into his chest.

  “Which doesn’t make sense! Victoria is the one who knows things before they happen!”

  “Who is Victoria?”

  Hannah sighed. “My college roommate. Stop trying to change the subject.”

  “Sweetheart, I’m fine. Clayton and I were accosted by a couple of thugs when we left the restaurant.”

  She looked up at him. “Did you recognize them?”

  “No. I think they were trying to rob us. Sweetheart, they got nothing. They caught us by surprise, but they were no match. They are currently in jail.”

  “I don’t think it was random, Knight.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “I don’t know. I just have a gut feeling.”

  “Tell me about your dream.”

  She took a deep breath. “There was a man and he wore a gruesome mask that covered half his face. He said he was a friend, but then he started to hit you and you wouldn’t fight back. I kept yelling for you to fight back, but you wouldn’t.”

  “Shhh.” Christopher pulled her closer. “I certainly fought back last night.”

  She glanced up. “Promise?”

  “Yes, I promise.” He tucked an errant lock of hair behind her ear. “Now, how did you get here? You didn’t travel alone, did you?”

  “No, Andrew came with me. I hope that’s okay.” She shook her head. “Actually, I don’t care if it’s okay. I had to come.”

  Christopher chuckled and leaned down to kiss her. “I have missed you so much, precious girl.”

  She ran a fingernail over one of his buttons. “I’m pretty sure I’ve missed you more.”

  “I highly doubt it.” He sat back down and pulled her onto his lap. “How are you feeling?”

  “I feel fine. Stephen examined me and everything looks fine.” Hannah laid her hand over her stomach. “I’m definitely pregnant.”

  His eyebrows knitted in concern. “Have you been terribly sick?”

  Hannah shook her head. “The pills Sophie gave me are helping. Emma and I danced last night and I felt fine afterwards.”

  “I don’t want you to overdo it, sweetheart.” Christopher gave her a gentle squeeze. “Promise me.”

  “I promise.” She patted his chest and climbed off his lap. “You’re probably busy. I’ll have Andrew take me home. I’v
e decided I’m not going back to Harrisburg without you.”

  “Have you now?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “Yes. You need me to protect you.”

  Christopher laughed. “Oh, how I have missed you.”

  The world lifted from her shoulders, knowing he was safe, and she smiled as he rose to his feet and leaned down to kiss her again.

  “I think it would be a good idea, after all, to have Gwen come and stay.” Hannah clasped her hands in front of her. “Maybe Andrew can go and get her.”

  Christopher narrowed his eyes. “I will fetch my sister.”

  “We’ll see.” Hannah giggled and ran her hands up his chest. “Hurry home, Knight. I want to show you how much I’ve missed you.”

  Christopher kicked his office door closed and ran his hands up her waist. He unbuttoned the top three buttons on her jacket and pulled at the tie on the neck of her chemise. He slipped his hand inside and under her corset.

  “You don’t play fair, husband,” she whispered as he kissed her again.

  “That didn’t quite go as I planned.” Christopher groaned.

  “Hot and bothered now, are we?” She drew his lower lip into her mouth. He responded by leaning her over the desk and running his tongue over her collarbone. It took every ounce of willpower to push him away. “Okay, lovey, seriously, you need to either stop or find us a closet somewhere.”

  Christopher stepped back, ran his hands through his hair, and took a deep breath. Once they composed themselves, he led her out of his office. Heading down the hall to Clayton’s, they found him and Andrew deep in conversation. Both the men stood as Hannah walked into the room.

  Clayton grinned. “Chris, why don’t you take Hannah home? Andrew can stay with me tonight since he’s offered to join me this afternoon in the strategy session. You and I have already talked, so I think I can accurately share your theories.”

  “You don’t have to ask me twice,” Christopher said with a smile.

  Hannah walked over to Clayton to investigate his bruise. “That looks sore.”

  Clayton shook his head. “It’s not so bad, Hannah. Just don’t tell my wife.”

  “I’m not going back, so your secret’s safe with me.” Hannah smirked. “Of course... she’s going to see it tomorrow when you go to her.”

  Clayton raised an eyebrow. “Why aren’t you going back?”

  “I need to be here more than they need me there.”

  “Why don’t you and Andrew join us for dinner tonight?” Christopher suggested.

  “Six?” Clayton asked.

  Hannah smiled. “Yes, perfect.”

  “All right. We’ll see you then.” Christopher turned to Hannah. “Ready?”

  She beamed at him. “Yes.”

  Christopher had ridden to the offices, so he mounted and then pulled Hannah up in front of him and they rode home. Riding through their townhouse gates and into the small carriage house at the back, Christopher slipped off the horse and lifted Hannah down. He kissed her before they made their way into the house.

  Hannah rushed through the kitchen, down the hall, and up the stairs. She was unbuttoning her jacket as she hit the stairs. Christopher caught her around the waist and turned her for a kiss and then lifted her in his arms and carried her the rest of the way to their bedroom. He walked through the door and kicked it shut behind them, gently setting Hannah on her feet. She was trying to unbutton Christopher’s shirt, somewhat unsuccessfully. In the end, she let out a frustrated growl and ripped it open, causing buttons to fly.

  “Eager, are we?” Christopher laughed.

  “Off! I want your clothes off,” she ordered as she rushed to remove her own.

  Christopher helped Hannah with her corset and then she pulled off her chemise and pantaloons. Christopher pulled his naked wife into his embrace and kissed her until they were both out of breath.

  Hannah laid her palms on his chest and guided him backwards across the room. When they reached one of the chairs in front of the fireplace, she pushed him to sit and then straddled his hips as she pulled the pins from her hair and let it cascade down her back.

  He wrapped one arm around her waist and cupped a breast with the other as she lowered herself onto his rock-hard length. Hannah grabbed the back of the chair and Christopher gripped her bottom guiding her as she rode him, her small but strong body creating sensations neither had experience before. Christopher stood, keeping her locked to him, and pushing her up against the wall, burying himself deeper as she wove her fingers into his hair and pulled, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

  “Now, baby,” she begged.

  He let himself go and felt her contract as he came inside of her, carrying her to the bed, pulling her close as new snow fell outside.

  “Wow.” Hannah purred. She rolled on her side to face him and rested her head in her hand. “I don’t ever want to be away from you again, okay?”

  “Sweetheart.” He stroked her face with his finger and leaned to kiss her again. “Do you think I had a choice?”

  “Yes... and no.” With a sigh, she rolled onto her back and pushed her hair away from her face as he scooted closer to her. He laid his hand protectively on her stomach and she turned her head to look at him. “I think you did what you thought you needed to do to keep me safe, and I went along for the ride. I totally agreed with you. What I didn’t count on was feeling as though the other half of me was missing.”

  “You felt that way as well?”

  “Yes, and I hated it. You’ve ruined me, love.”

  “And you, me.” He chuckled. “I seem to make a spectacle of myself in public with you, and I honestly couldn’t care less.”

  “I have an idea,” she said.

  “What kind of idea?”

  She rolled back over to face him. “An idea that will keep me occupied... and safe.” He raised an eyebrow. “Let me work for you and Clayton.”

  “Excuse me?”

  Pushing him onto his back, she settled her head on his chest and stared up at him. “There must be administrative tasks that you might not have time to do, and I’m pretty phenomenal at menial tasks.”

  “Hm, mm.”

  “And, you already know my powers of observation.”

  He said nothing, but she could tell his mind was mulling it over. She put her hand on his chest and traced a finger down the middle. He grasped her hand and pulled it to his lips. “I can’t think when you do that.”

  “So, don’t think. Just answer.”

  “I think your idea has merit. Why don’t we discuss it with Clayton tonight?”

  She squealed and flung herself onto him. He laughed as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “If this is the reaction I get with a simple ‘maybe,’ I’ll have to use it more often.”

  “Oh, lovey, this isn’t close to the reaction you’re gonna get.”

  She leaned down to kiss him and spent the next hour showing her gratitude.

  * * *

  Clayton and Andrew arrived for dinner right on time. Despite her nausea, Hannah didn’t want to waste the small handful of pills on a simple dinner with friends.

  “Perhaps you should rest, sweetheart.”

  “Look, if Andrew and Clayton can’t handle the effects of pregnancy, then they shouldn’t have children.” She held her fingers over her mouth to somehow stay the bile threatening to spill. “Oh, and I’m not going to wear shoes – or slippers.”

  Christopher rolled his eyes, but Hannah was grateful he didn’t argue. He also took over the entertaining so that Hannah could simply ‘veg’ on the parlor sofa. She promised she would show him her appreciation later. As the group enjoyed a glass of wine, there came a frantic knock at the front door.

  Hannah watched as Christopher went to answer it and heard his surprise... and admonishing tone as he bid the person entrance. “Gwen, what are you doing here?”

  Christopher ushered his sister into the parlor. Gwen peeled off her leather gloves and looked up in mild shock. “Oh! I’m sorry, I did
n’t realize you had guests.”

  Hannah stood and hugged her. “Why are you apologizing, silly? You’re welcome here any time.”

  “What’s going on, Gwennie?” Christopher asked, his tone low and menacing. “How did you get here?”

  Her face paled. “I rode Thunder.”

  “You rode all the way from home alone?” he bellowed.

  Gwen took a deep breath. “It took me less than an hour!”

  “That is not the point, Gwendolyn,” he growled.

  “Knight,” Hannah grabbed his forearm. “She’s here and she’s safe. Let her explain.”

  Andrew stood quietly by the fireplace, and Hannah noticed his fist clenching and unclenching at his side. His willpower obviously hadn’t deserted him, despite the longing on his face to rush to Gwen’s side.

  Gwen wrung her hands together. “A man came to the house and started asking questions about you.”

  “Where were your parents?” Andrew asked.

  Gwen’s head whipped up as though she’d just noticed who’d asked the question. “Mama and Daddy were over at the Atwoods’. I was home with Nanny.”

  “Why didn’t you go with them?” Christopher asked.

  “Because I wasn’t particularly interested in Jimmy Atwood pawing at me,” she snapped.

  “I’ll kill him,” Christopher said.

  “Knight, focus.” Hannah took his arm again. “What happened, Gwen?”

  “Nanny answered the door, and I was about to join her, but she stopped me.” She glanced at Christopher and then took a deep breath. “I stood hidden on the stairs. I heard the man ask where I was, and where you were. She told him that we were away for the week. He wanted to know what day we would return, she said she didn’t know, and the man pulled a gun out. He demanded to know where you were.”

  Hannah watched her grow more and more upset as she told the story. “Come sit down, lovey.” Hannah led her to the sofa.

  “Go on,” Christopher said.

  Gwen chanced another look toward Andrew before continuing. “Nanny told him you were out at Matthew’s old place—”

  “The shack?” Christopher interrupted.

  Gwen nodded. “He said if you weren’t there, he’d come back and kill her. He called her some really awful names.” A tear slipped down her cheek. “I rode here as soon as I could.”