The Bride Spy

by Piper Davenport

  “Alone, Gwendolyn,” Christopher accused.

  She stood and started to pace. “What other choice did I have?”

  Christopher grabbed her arms. “That man could have been watching, he could have followed you, or worse he could have killed you!”

  “He didn’t follow me,” she snapped.

  Andrew moved quickly. Hannah gasped as he pulled Christopher from Gwen and stood between the siblings. “You will not touch her again, Christopher.

  Christopher advanced on him, but Hannah stepped in front of him and laid her hand on his chest. “Knight, stop.”

  Andrew turned to Gwen and gently rubbed her arms where Christopher had grasped her. “Did he hurt you?” She shook her head. “Is Nanny all right?”

  “Yes, she’s fine. I, however, didn’t like the way he spoke to her.” Gwen dropped her head. “Like she wasn’t human.”

  “Like she was a slave?” Hannah asked.

  Gwen’s nodded. “Yes, exactly. And she’s not. She’s a free woman.”

  Hannah smiled gently. “We know that.”

  “I need to get out there,” Christopher said.

  Gwen shook her head. “No, it’ll make it worse. Nanny’s gathering the men to defend the house, and Daddy will be back before you can get there.”

  “All right.” Hannah smiled. “Are you hungry?”

  Gwen nodded. “Starved.”

  “Knight, can you please have Mrs. Putnam set another place?” He stood for several seconds and Hannah closed the distance between them. “Your sister is safe. She needs to know she did the right thing... which she did... and we need to support her. You can be mad later—when we’re alone.”

  He gave a curt nod and left the room. Clayton followed. Andrew touched Gwen’s shoulder. “I’ll check on Thunder.”

  She smiled. “Thank you.”

  “Have a seat, Gwen.” Hannah swept her hand toward the sofa.

  Gwen sat down. “Thank you.”

  “Everything’s going to be all right.” Hannah sat next to her and squeezed her hand.

  Gwen nodded and gave her a half-smile. Christopher returned and Hannah stood. “Is dinner ready?”

  “Yes. Andrew and Clayton are washing up. They’re meeting us in the dining room.”

  “Okay, let’s join them.” Hannah followed Gwen out of the parlor, purposely keeping herself between the siblings.

  When they arrived in the dining room, Clayton and Andrew stood and waited for the ladies to be seated. Dinner had already been laid out in the middle of the table, so the group began to pass the platters.

  “How’s Emma, Hannah? Really.” Clayton speared a potato with his fork.

  “Like I said earlier, she’s fine.” Hannah laid her napkin on her lap. “Really. She misses you terribly, but she’s also been extremely busy with Sophie and that horse of hers. They both demand a lot of her time. Sophie finds it increasingly difficult to move about, and Samson isn’t reacting well to being home and not seeing her, so Emma has to spend a little extra time with him.”

  “How does he react to Emma?” Andrew asked.

  “At first, Emma was having a hard time with him, but they came up with a plan. Jamie helps Sophie out to the porch every morning so that Emma can ride Samson over to her and visit. It worked great at first, but on the second day, as he got close to the house, he made a run for it. Now, Emma just drops the reins and lets him go. It’s a good thing she’s a good rider, because she can hold on in his rush to get to Sophie.”

  “What?” Clayton’s face turned beet red.

  Hannah realized what she’d just said. “Sorry, Clay. She’s fine, really. There isn’t any danger.”

  “Why doesn’t she just lead him to the porch and let him run without riding him?”

  Hannah shrugged. “I think she likes the thrill.”

  Clayton pushed away from the table. “Excuse me.” He strode out the door.

  “I’ll be right back.” Christopher stood and followed him.

  Hannah leaned over and patted Gwen’s hand. “Gwen, I’m glad you’re here, because I was going to ask you if you wouldn’t mind staying for a few weeks.”

  “I’d love to, Hannah.” Gwen sipped her wine, concern flooding her features. “Is everything all right?”

  “Yes, everything’s fine. I would be glad for the company... and the help.”

  Gwen raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Why?”

  “You’re going to be an aunt.”

  Gwen dropped her fork with an excited squeal. “This is wonderful news! Mama and Daddy are going to be thrilled.”

  “I hope so,” Hannah whispered and gave a small smile.

  Christopher and Clayton returned and took their seats. The rest of the meal was spent joyously planning for the baby. They also discussed strategy on how to handle the mysterious gunman. Hannah excused herself just before dessert was served.

  She made her way back to Christopher’s office... now back to normal after Christopher found other places for the discarded parlor furniture. She sat in his oversized chair and tucked her feet under her bottom. She had only a few minutes of privacy before she heard the doorknob turn.

  “Hannah?”

  “Hi, love.”

  He stepped inside and closed the door. “Clayton and Andrew have gone back to the Maddens’ and Gwen’s settled in her room.”

  “Thanks.”

  “What’s amiss?”

  She rolled her head toward him. “I’m just tired and a bit overwhelmed with everything.”

  He made his way to her and held out his hands. “Come here.”

  She slid her feet to the floor and let him pull her to her feet.

  “It’s been a long day.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. “Why are you hiding?”

  Hannah shrugged. “I don’t know. We haven’t even told your parents yet.”

  “We will.” She shrugged again and dropped her forehead to his chest. He grasped her arms and pushed her away slightly. “You know my parents will be happy with the news.”

  Hannah chewed her lip. “I hope so, Knight. I’d hate for them to be disappointed.”

  “Why would they be disappointed?”

  “We’ve just done everything so quickly.” She dropped her head again. “We barely gave them time to get used to me and now I’m going to make them instant grandparents.”

  “We are going to make them grandparents.” He lifted her chin and kissed her nose. “They love you. Outside of killing me, there is nothing you could do that would disappoint them... and even then, I’m not entirely certain that would matter.”

  “Funny.” She stared up at him. “Are you happy that you married me?”

  “Hannah.” He smiled. “Come here.” He sat in his chair and pulled her onto his lap. “Look at me.” He waited for her to raise her head. “Hannah Julianne Butler, I love you. I’m proud of you, and I will forever wonder what I did so right that God blessed me with you, let alone the added blessing of our child.”

  Hannah smiled. “I know you’re right.”

  “That’s a phrase I’ll expect to hear often.”

  Hannah laughed. “Dream on.” She kissed him. “I love you.”

  “I love you too. Now, let’s get you to bed. It’s been a long day and I want my wife and baby to rest.”

  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.