Hannah's Hardship

by Marie Higgins

  He found it strange that his grandfather had put a clean change of clothes in Maverick’s room. He didn’t dare ask why the older man kept clothes that would fit Maverick in the house, but he was relieved he didn’t have to put on the dusty and ripped clothes he arrived in.

  As he walked out of his room and down the grand stairs in the middle of the house, he smelled the heavenly aroma of cooked food, and his stomach grumbled. Since his grandfather ate on a more impressive scale of recipes, Maverick couldn’t guess what the older man’s cook had prepared for tonight’s meal. Maverick just hoped he didn’t snarf his food down like a pig at a trough. He didn’t want Hannah to think he’d somehow lost his manners... although, since they met, he hadn’t exactly proven to her that he was taught well. Hopefully, he’d have plenty of time to show her the real man beneath this disguise.

  He reached the main level and looked around. Where were his grandfather’s servants? By now, he should have seen at least one maid hurrying toward a room, or one groomsman strutting by. Listening, he hoped that voices would lead him toward someone in the house. Suddenly, his grandfather’s deep baritone laugh broke through the silence.

  Maverick hitched a breath. He couldn’t remember the last time he heard his grandfather laugh. The man must be going senile in his old age.

  Hurrying down the hall toward the sound, he came closer to the sitting room where Gramps took most of his visitors. Before he turned the corner to enter the room, he heard a woman’s light laugh – as if angels were strumming their harps. Maverick’s heart softened, and he smiled. My Hannah.

  He slowed his step and entered. Across the room, standing near the pianoforte, stood his beautiful Hannah. Grandfather was showing her some paintings on the wall, but Maverick didn’t give a hoot about the paintings. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from the most beautiful gown he’d ever seen.

  Once again, he didn’t dare ask the older man where these clothes could have possibly come from, but instead, Maverick admired the way the turquoise and greenish silk scarf-looking fabric draped across her sensual figure. She could have been the Queen of Egypt because she looked as elegant as any royal lady would.

  The sparkling turquoise bodice and length of the gown fit her body perfectly, and the light-green scarves were used as sleeves and an outer-skirt. Lighter silk flowed down the back of her, from the small bustle, down to a short train at her feet. She wore elbow-length gloves that tied up her arms, finishing the ensemble of her royalty gown.

  Her hair looked so soft and shiny as it cascaded down her back. The sides of her hair were pulled back away from her face and pinned with diamond-studded combs. She wore dangling silver earbobs, but that was the only piece of jewelry on her. It didn’t matter. Her beauty enhanced the elegance surrounding her.

  For a moment, he’d forgotten to breathe, so he inhaled deeply and then released an audible sigh. That had been the very thing to alert the other two in the room of his presence.

  Hannah was the first to swing around toward him. Her gaze briefly met his eyes before she looked over his attire. Although he felt dapper in his black suit jacket, matching vest and trousers, accompanied by a white shirt and brown string-tie, there was no way he’d look good standing next to her.

  “Maverick,” she sighed as she slowly came toward him. “You look so handsome.”

  He shook his head and met her halfway, taking her hands loosely in his as he stared deeply into her emerald eyes. “And you’re breathtaking.”

  Her cheeks flamed red. “Your grandfather’s housekeeper had this gown, and she let me wear it.”

  Maverick doubted that the older woman with the thick waist who held the title of Mr. Winchester’s housekeeper would ever fit into a gown that size. “This dress was made for you.”

  Gramps’ chuckles grew closer until the man stood by Maverick. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from Hannah to look at his grandfather.

  “I couldn’t agree with you more.” He tapped his hand on Maverick’s shoulder. “This gown was made for this lovely woman.”

  Maverick needed to do something to snap out of the trance her beauty had put him under. The only thing he could think about doing was lifting her hands to his mouth and kissing her knuckles – one hand at a time. Their gazes held during this time, and the color in her eyes softened. How could one woman be so gorgeous?

  “How do you feel?” he asked.

  “Wonderful,” she sighed.

  His heartbeat skipped happily. “Does your head still hurt?”

  She shook her head. “The nap I took helped. I don’t even feel achy.” She paused. “How about you? How are your ribs?”

  “They feel better, too.”

  “Good, then maybe tonight we can enjoy ourselves so that I can get to know Mr. Winchester better.”

  Gramps laughed. “Hannah, dear, you may call me grandfather. After all, we’re almost family.”

  Maverick smiled. Her eyes lit up, and she glanced at the older man. “Thank you. I don’t remember my grandfather.”

  “Now...” Gramps slapped his palms together and rubbed his hands quickly, “let’s adjourn into the dining room. I believe Master Chester is ready to serve us our meal.”

  “Master Chester?” she asked.

  Maverick laughed. “That’s what Gramps calls his cook. The man makes food like you’re in Italy, but he was born and raised in Texas.”

  As Gramps led the way to the dining room, Maverick slipped an arm around Hannah’s waist and walked beside her. He still had a difficult time taking his eyes off her. Right now, all he could think about was how grateful he was that she was here with him instead of with Bryan. In fact, today was the day that Bryan was going to marry her.

  Maverick would never let that happen.

  During dinner, the mood lightened quite a bit. He didn’t feel as nervous, and thankfully, he didn’t stare at Hannah like a love-struck adolescent. The conversations flowed freely, and he was pleased that his grandfather was minding his own business and not trying to control the evening. Still... there was time for Gramps to go back to the man Maverick had grown up with.

  After the meal of roasted duck, red potatoes, and steamed carrots, they wandered into the music room. Maverick was sure his grandfather had something up his sleeves – since there wasn’t a time that the older man didn’t try something sneaky.

  “Hannah, dear,” Gramps said, pointing toward the grand piano. “Do you play?”

  “No. I never possessed that talent.”

  “I would be happy to give you lessons if you’re interested.”

  Maverick hitched a breath and narrowed his eyes on the older man. Who was he, and what had he done with his grandfather?

  “I... um,” she said, switching her gaze between his grandfather and Maverick as if she waited for him to give her an answer. He shrugged and nodded, so she turned her gaze back on his grandfather. “I suppose that would be fine.”

  “Splendid. But until that time comes, I want some music.” He stepped to the music box and opened the lid. A familiar tune from Mozart chimed from inside the box. He motioned toward Hannah and Maverick. “Dance.”

  Although it had been many years since he had attended a ball, he eagerly moved closer and took her in his arms, preparing to waltz across the floor with her. He’d make any excuse to hold her and be happy.

  Once they were in position to start the dance, they moved together as if on cue. Hannah might not have been given the talent to play the piano, but she was definitely light on her feet and moved perfectly with the music. Her feet moved with his so well, and he wondered if they were made for each other.

  “I told your grandfather,” she said quietly, for Maverick’s ears only, “about your cousin Beth.”

  At first, he didn’t know what she was talking about, but then he realized she was talking about their story – the lie – that would explain to his grandfather about how they had met. Maverick’s chest tightened. How he wished the story had been true and that Hannah hadn’t been the mail-orde
r bride for Bryan. After getting to know Hannah a little more, he realized how much they were alike. They’d both made poor decisions along the way, and they both had to deal with the consequences. They’d both done things in their lives that most people didn’t do, but that only made them stronger and more determined.

  “Good,” he finally said. “I told Gramps about Beth, too.”

  “I don’t think he suspects.” Her voice softened a little more.

  “He doesn’t. I think he’s just ecstatic about seeing the one grandson he thought would never settle down, finally in love.”

  She inhaled sharply, and her eyes widened. “He thinks... we’re in love?”

  Did he dare tell her how he’d been feeling lately? Yet, he didn’t want to do that in front of his grandfather. Instead, Maverick would find someplace romantic to tell her.

  “That’s what we want him to think, remember?” he whispered.

  Her expression waned, and her smile appeared fake. “Yes, of course. I’m relieved that it’s working.”

  His heart tugged, seeing the dejected look on her face. He’d make it up to her later tonight.

  When the music box wound down, Maverick stopped the dance, and yet, he was reluctant to leave her side. Instead, he kept her in his arms. “Grandfather?” he asked without taking his eyes off the lovely lady in front of him. “Would you mind if I take Hannah for a stroll outside on your veranda?”

  “Not at all, my boy.” There was a hint of humor in Gramps’ voice. “The weather is so nice this evening. I might even go on a ride, just to enjoy the clear sky and the twinkling stars.”

  Maverick dropped his hand to hers and entwined their fingers. “Come, my love. Let’s wander outside and see what the lovely evening will bring.”

  As he and Hannah walked toward the side doors leading toward the veranda, excitement jumped inside his chest. He would tell her his feelings tonight, and he’d make sure they were able to kiss passionately as long as they wanted.

  NINE

  Hannah’s nerves jumped crazily in her body. She was tired of feeling confused and restless for not confessing everything to him, and tonight would be when she finally released the pressure of guilt. She’d never prayed so much in her life as she’d done since meeting Maverick, but she needed his forgiveness – and especially his acceptance.

  Maverick was so romantic tonight. It was hard not to want to believe in his very convincing performance. While gazing into his eyes this evening, she wondered if he was performing at all. He definitely had her convinced that they were in love. Yet, he’d say something that reminded her this was all an act. However, she couldn’t let that stop her from telling him the truth.

  Outside, the sky was just as Mr. Winchester had described – clear with sparkling stars. The moon’s light helped brighten the pathway that she and Maverick took as they walked away from the house. As the walkway turned and led them around some large, manicured bushes, Maverick stopped and pulled her against him. Gasping, she pressed her hands against his muscular chest and looked into his eyes.

  His mischievous smile let her know what was on his mind, and although she wanted that too, talking to him was more important. “Maverick, I—”

  “I know, I feel it, too,” he whispered before his mouth covered hers.

  Her insides melted quickly, and her mind screamed at her to stop this insanity. But, her limbs wouldn’t listen, because her legs took steps closer to him as her palms slid up his chest to link her arms around his neck. She couldn’t stop from participating fully in the passionate kiss. His lips were so gentle, even when the kiss turned wild. The way he stroked his palms down her back was also very tender, even though they wouldn’t stay still.

  She sighed heavily, but then, she thought he sighed along with her, and it was just as loud. Perhaps their talk could wait a little while. Kissing him was just too exciting, and right now, this was what her heart needed.

  “Oh, Hannah.” He broke the kiss, but his kisses continued down her cheek and toward her neck. “This must be a dream because I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way before.”

  Her heart skipped with excitement. Did that mean what she wanted it to mean? “Yes, I know. Tonight has been like a fairytale for me.” She tilted her head back as his mouth continued down her neck.

  “You have done something to me that I can’t explain.” He lifted his head and peered into her eyes. “I missed you this afternoon when we weren’t together. Even though we were both napping, my arms felt the loss of you against me.”

  Her breathing had accelerated, and her legs were melting faster. “That’s how I felt, too.”

  He cupped the side of her face, and his gaze dropped to her mouth. “I’m going to stop fighting this attraction between us. I realize my brother sent away for you, but Hannah, you don’t belong with him. You belong... with me.”

  Happiness soared in her heart, and tears of joy filled her eyes. How strange was it that they both felt the same way about each other? Indeed, they were meant to be together. Fate had an odd way of bringing them to this point, but she was relieved that it had finally happened.

  “Oh, Maverick, I feel the same.” She threaded her fingers through his hair. “Those few hours I was with Bryan before you took me away, I felt so uncomfortable. I felt shy and awkward.” She chuckled lightly. “I’ve never felt that way with you. With you, I feel as though I could tell you anything... and that you’d understand.”

  He nodded. “I would because we are so much alike.”

  Hannah’s heart softened. This was the opening she’d hoped for. Swallowing hard, she prepared her words. She must make him understand why she’d chosen to withhold this information.

  “I’m glad you said that Maverick because there is something I need to tell you before another word is spoken.” She took a deep breath. “There is something that I need to confess to why I decided to become a mail-order bride.”

  His smile relaxed, and he cupped her face. “There’s nothing you can say to me that will change my mind about you.”

  She held onto that hope, although she doubted his word. What man wouldn’t be upset to hear that the woman they were falling in love with was carrying another man’s child?

  “Do you remember when I started telling you about that charming man I’d met who I thought would be my husband?”

  He nodded, and his frown slowly diminished. “Are you still in love with him?”

  “Heavens, no!” She gave him a tender smile. “Maverick, after meeting you, all other men who had been in my life have simply... disappeared from my mind.”

  His satisfied grin returned. “Good. I’d like to keep it that way.”

  “As would I, however...” She took another deep breath. “Something happened between this man and me that you need to know about.”

  His smile waned as he cocked his head. “Are you trying to tell me that you were intimate with him?”

  Heat filled her face, and she hoped the shadows from the tall hedges nearby, and the thick trees would hide that from Maverick. “Yes, we were intimate.”

  He shook his head. “As long as I’m the only man in your life from now on, that’s all I care about.”

  “But... there is more, Maverick.”

  “More?”

  The insecurities she’d been struggling with came over her again, making it difficult to breathe. As much as she didn’t want to confess the ugly truth, she needed to for her own peace of mind. “You see, Maverick, I’m—”

  Footsteps on the brick walkway jerked her out of her thoughts, and she jumped, swinging her gaze to the person interrupting her and Maverick. At first, the tall, slender figure of a man was unrecognizable, but when he walked into the moon’s light, peeking through the trees, highlighting his face, she sucked in a fast breath as her heart plummeted to the ground.

  What’s he doing here?

  Maverick groaned but tightened his arms around her. “Stormy? Can’t you see I’m having a private moment with my fiancée right now? Plea
se leave.”

  Stormy? Had she been mistaken to this man’s identity? She prayed that was the case. But he looked so much like...

  The other man held up his hands and stopped. “Forgive me for the interruption, but I wanted to come to give you my congratulations since I missed Gramps’ celebration supper. And,” his gaze moved to Hannah before narrowing, “I especially wanted to come and see for myself if this was the woman Gramps told me about.”

  Hannah’s heartbeat quickened in panic. This was him! That voice she would never forget. Her stomach churned and threatened to upheave the food she’d eaten earlier at any moment.

  “Dillon Walker,” she said in a stern voice, “this is not your concern any longer.”

  Gasping, Maverick’s head swung toward her. His eyes were wide with shock.

  “You know my cousin?”

  She nearly lost her breath. “Your cousin?”

  “Yes. This is my mother’s sister’s son. The family has nicknamed him Stormy. But... how do you know him?”

  She wanted to find a hole and crawl inside. She couldn’t handle this... but she must. All of her life, she’d been a strong woman. Today, at this very moment, was when she needed to find that strong-willed woman, and not worry about the consequences. Yet... this time, the results would indeed ruin her happiness.

  “Well,” she began in a shaky voice, not wanting to look at Dillon, and she especially didn’t want to relive all of the heartaches he’d put her through, “Dillon and I—”

  “Oh, Han,” Dillon said, stepping closer. “Let me tell Maverick. I’m certain he’ll enjoy the humor in our situation.”

  She threw Dillon a glare. “Don’t you dare say a word.”

  Growling, Maverick moved away from Hannah and pushed the palms of his hands against Dillon’s chest, knocking him back a few steps. “You are upsetting the woman I love. Please leave.”