Bellows sneered. “That’s not what this is about.”
“Then what? You want me dead? If so, why drag me out here, and why involve my son?”
“I’m not the one who wants you dead, though it won’t hurt my feelings any.” He leveled the pistol at Nolan. “Aren’t you even curious to know who hired me?”
A sick feeling of dread weighed heavy in Nolan’s stomach. Something far more sinister was at play here than simple revenge on the former footman’s part. “Who?”
Teddy’s wails increased.
“A relative of yours. One who doesn’t think too highly of having a servant take his place as heir.” Bellows smirked. “That’s right. Your sister’s husband wants you dead. And your son as well.”
Chapter
36
Edward had never ridden a horse so hard in his life. Nor had he beseeched the Almighty with such desperate prayers. He couldn’t allow himself to imagine the horror of what was taking place at that gatehouse. He only prayed he would make it in time to save Nolan and Teddy.
Evelyn’s note explained how she’d only just learned of her husband’s vile plot to secure the earldom for himself. She’d overheard him telling one of his cronies that he’d hired a common criminal to kidnap little Teddy in order to lure Nolan away from home, where the thug had orders to murder Nolan and the child too. Everyone would assume it was a kidnapping gone wrong, and Orville would remain the heir to Stainsby. As soon as she’d been able, Evelyn had escaped to Fairchild Manor and penned the urgent note to Edward.
Edward could not believe that he’d underestimated Orville to such a degree. He’d known the man was lazy, entitled, and much too fond of spirits and gambling. But murder? He’d never have imagined Hugh’s son capable of such treachery.
Fueled by an indescribable anger, Edward had ordered a footman to ride into Derby and fetch the constable, while he headed to the stable for his horse. Nothing would stop him from doing whatever he could to save Nolan and Teddy.
Now Edward’s muscles burned with fatigue from the hard ride, but he would not slow down. Finally, Wexford Manor came into view. He dug his heels into the horse’s side and pushed on until he saw the gatehouse. Then he dismounted, prepared to walk the last bit to keep the element of surprise in his favor.
Heedless of the snow and slush that tugged at his feet, Edward made his way toward the building. The closer he got, the faster his heart sprinted. Please, merciful God in heaven, spare my son and keep my grandson safe.
As he paused by the bushes near the front door to get his bearings, his thoughts swung to Iris. If things went badly, there was a chance he might never see her again. Regret lodged in his chest—regret that he’d never found the courage to declare his feelings. Other than a few stolen kisses, he hadn’t revealed his heart.
Forgive me, Iris. If I get the chance to see you again, I promise to remedy that fact straightaway.
Nolan inched across the room, away from the baby, who had fallen silent. He prayed Teddy was all right, but his silence was preferred at the moment. Nolan had to catch Bellows off guard and get control of his gun before the hooligan could use it.
“So, how long have you been working for Orville?”
The man pulled the rag from his face. “Ever since you became the newest heir of Stainsby. Mr. Orville paid me to spy on you and leave you threatening notes. Until I went to prison, that is. Then he must have got someone else to deliver his messages.” He swiped a sleeve across his mouth. “If you’d been smart and listened to those threats, all this might have been avoided.” A hint of fear flashed in the man’s beady eyes.
“Listen, Bellows. I have cash. A lot of it. You can have it all if you leave us now. Disappear and don’t come back.”
He squinted at Nolan. “How much?”
“A sizable sum.” Nolan removed the satchel from his shoulder.
Bellows went to grab the bag, but Nolan held back. “Not until I have my son and you give me the gun.”
“You think I’m stupid?” He cocked the pistol and yanked the bag from Nolan’s hand. “This will be a nice little bonus.”
Nolan’s heart thudded hard in his chest at his miscalculation. He had to keep the man talking. Distracted. Appeal to his compassion for Hannah and the baby. “Look, I know you never liked me, but surely you don’t want to stoop to murdering a nobleman and his son. You’ll hang if you’re caught.”
Beads of sweat appeared on the man’s grimy forehead.
Nolan inched toward Teddy.
“Think of what this is doing to Hannah. She’s out of her mind with worry over the baby. I know you’d never want to hurt her.” Nolan took another small step. “If you take Teddy back to his mother unharmed, I’ll do whatever you ask.”
A snarl erupted from the man. “You need to shut up. I’m the only one leaving this place alive.” The gun wavered in his hand as he aimed it at Teddy.
Icy chills shot through Nolan’s limbs. In a burst of desperation, he sprang at Bellows, knocking his arm. The thug’s eyes bugged out, but his grip remained firm on the weapon. Nolan shoved the man, knocking him away from Teddy. They both fell to the ground with a thud, Bellows landing on Nolan’s chest.
The gun went off, and a streak of heat ripped through Nolan’s side. He ignored it and clutched the man’s hand in a desperate attempt to loosen his grip on the pistol. Teddy screeched louder in the background, grinding Nolan’s nerves to an even sharper edge. Despair seeped through him as his strength waned.
Lord, help me. Please.
Using all his might, Nolan heaved upward and knocked Bellows off him. The two rolled across the floor, dust flying with their struggle. In the melee, the gun clattered to the floor. Bellows scrambled over, snatched it up, and trained the weapon at Nolan. “You won’t win this time, stable boy.”
The loud report of a gun echoed in the room. Amid a haze of smoke, Bellows’s eyes went wide. He slumped forward and fell facedown on the floor.
Nolan pushed to his knees. What had happened? He stared in shock at the unmoving form. Then his gaze moved to the man standing before him, pistol in hand.
“Father. Thank goodness.” Nolan’s muscles went lax. He gasped for air, his lungs not cooperating.
Footsteps sounded, and Mickey and Will burst into the room just as Edward kicked Bellows’s body over with his foot. Blood saturated the front of his stained coat.
Teddy’s frantic wails increased in volume. Nolan crawled over to pick up his son. With shaking hands, he pulled the cloth away and peered at the tiny face, swollen from crying. “It’s all right, son. Your papa’s here.”
Nolan attempted to stand, but the searing pain in his side intensified. Sweat dripped from his forehead.
“Nolan! You’re hurt.” Edward shoved the gun into his pocket and strode forward.
Nolan blinked. The room swam before him like a changing kaleidoscope as he passed the baby to Edward. “Bring Teddy to Hannah. She needs to know I kept my promise.” His legs gave way beneath him, and he slid to the floor. He pressed a hand to his side where a hot, sticky sensation met his palm.
“Hang on, son. You’re going to be all right.”
But as the edges of Nolan’s vision grew dark, he feared his father was wrong.
“Tell Hannah I love her,” he whispered. “More than anything.”
Chapter
37
Hannah shook her head at the mug of broth Mrs. Bridges slid in front of her.
“Come on, dearie. Just a few sips. You want to keep your strength up for when the bairn gets back.”
Hollow-eyed with no tears left to cry, Hannah lifted the cup to her lips. Edna was right. She had to think of Teddy. She had to believe Nolan would bring him home.
“That’s it. A bit more. There you go.” Mrs. Bridges took the mug Hannah handed out to her. “We have to have faith. God will prevail against whoever dared to do this evil thing.”
“Will He? How do we know for sure?” Hannah hated that in this time of crisis her faith wavere
d. Would God help her if He sensed her doubt? If only she could find a way to reach deep for the cornerstone of her faith.
I’m sorry, Lord. Help me to be strong. Give me your shield of armor to surround me in my weakness.
A Bible verse drifted through her mind, one her father often quoted in his sermons. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
“Thank you, Papa,” she breathed. For she was sure he’d brought the verse to her mind right when she needed it to give her a burst of strength. She would not give up; she would endure no matter the outcome.
Seated beside Hannah in the kitchen, Molly silently squeezed her hand, giving comfort without words. Hannah held on until her knuckles turned white.
The clatter of feet on the stone floor shattered the stillness. One of the maids rushed in. “Come quick, Mrs. Price. The master is home.”
Hannah leapt from her chair, unsure whether the girl meant Nolan or Edward. It didn’t matter, as long as someone had news of Teddy.
Please, Lord, please, was all she could think. Her legs shook as she flew up the stairs.
“Nolan?” She raced into the parlor and stopped at the sight of Edward standing by the fireplace.
When he turned, her focus riveted to the bundle in his arms. A soft mewling noise could be heard.
She let out a cry of joy and rushed forward. “Teddy!”
Edward nodded, his eyes filled with unspoken messages. Why didn’t he seem happier?
He handed the baby to her. She pulled the cloth away, and Teddy’s beloved face looked up at her. With a strangled cry, Hannah clutched him to her and sank onto the sofa. Tears streamed down her face unchecked as she rained kisses over his face. She rocked back and forth, inhaling the scent of her son.
Thank you, Lord. Thank you.
After several seconds, she became aware that Edward had not moved, and in fact stood staring at her with stark sorrow in his eyes.
A chill of foreboding ran through her. Where was her husband?
She lifted her questioning gaze to her father-in-law.
Edward slowly shook his head. “I’m so sorry, Hannah.”
A flood of heat suffused her chest. “Where is he?” she demanded. “Tell me.”
“Nolan’s been shot.” Edward moved forward to lay a hand on her shoulder. “The constable showed up right after it happened and insisted on taking him to the infirmary.”
The air in her lungs thinned, and blood pounded in her ears. “Is he alive?”
“For now.”
She held back a sob that caught in her throat. “You must take me to him.”
He stared at her, his anguish as palpable as her own, and finally nodded. “I’ll have the carriage sent around. Meet me out front.”
Teddy let out a wail that pierced Hannah’s soul.
“Give me a few minutes. I need to feed my son first.”
“The infirmary is no place for a new bairn.” Mrs. Bridges hovered in the hallway with Teddy in her arms as the maid helped Hannah on with her coat.
“I just got him back. I’m not letting him out of my sight.” Hannah set her jaw. Nothing would stop her from bringing Teddy to see Nolan. He needed to know they were both safe and that they were there to help him get better.
For he would recover, if Hannah had anything to say in the matter. She would not let Nolan leave her now.
Hannah plucked the child from Mrs. Bridges and kissed her cheek. “Keep praying, dear Edna. We’ll be back as soon as we can.”
Hannah had no idea how long it took to get to Derby. She prayed and rocked little Teddy the whole way. Thankfully, the baby was content to sleep after having nursed.
When they arrived, Edward helped her alight at the entrance. The minute they reached the desk inside, Edward barked orders to the staff. A nurse appeared and led them down a corridor to a private room.
“You may go in one at a time. The patient needs quiet.”
When she disappeared down the hall, Edward looked at Hannah. “You go first. It’s you he’ll want to see.”
The respect in his eyes gave Hannah added strength. “Thank you, Edward.”
Tightening her grip on the baby, she entered the dim room and approached the bed. Nolan lay very still beneath the sheets, his face as white as the pillow.
Hannah bit her lip and reached out to brush tender fingers over his forehead. “Teddy and I are right here, Nolan. We’re both fine. Now you just have to get better and come home to us.”
No response. Not even an eyelid flickered.
Hannah pushed back her fear and dragged a chair over to sit by her husband’s side. She would wait as long as it took.
Nolan fought through a misty haze to open his eyes. He blinked and squinted, trying to focus. Where was he? He shifted slightly, and searing heat shot through his side. He groaned as a rush of memories came flooding back.
“Teddy.” He grasped the metal rail of what he realized was an infirmary bed and attempted to pull himself up.
“Nolan, lie still. You mustn’t move.”
He blinked, and Hannah’s face came into focus. “Hannah. Is Teddy . . . ?”
“He’s fine. I have him right here.” She raised the bundle in her arms and moved the blanket from the baby’s face. The child appeared to be sleeping peacefully.
“You’re sure he’s all right?”
“He’s perfect. Thanks to you.” A tear hovered at the corner of Hannah’s eye. “You saved our son. Just as you promised.” She pressed a kiss to Nolan’s forehead.
Relief trickled through every one of Nolan’s muscles. Hannah and Teddy were safe.
And he was alive. Praise God.
Warm fingers squeezed his hand. “The doctor said the bullet went right through your side without damaging any organs. He expects you’ll make a full recovery.”
Nolan was glad, but he needed to know the threat was truly over. “Is Bellows dead?” He had a vague recollection of the man lying unmoving on the gatehouse floor.
“Yes.” Her lips tightened into a flat line.
“What about Orville?” Nolan’s throat scratched. “And Evelyn?”
“Evelyn’s safe with Ophelia and Victoria. She wanted no part of her husband’s crime, and as soon as she learned of his plan, she alerted Edward and the police. That’s how Edward knew you were in such danger.” Hannah’s voice quivered. “I thank God for allowing him to get there in time to save you.”
Nolan nodded. Never had he been happier to see anyone at that moment.
“The authorities have Orville,” Hannah continued. “He’s being held in prison until his trial. With Evelyn’s testimony, he should be put away for a long time.”
As the truth sank in that all was truly well, gratitude seeped through every cell in Nolan’s body. Never again would he take one minute with his family for granted. He raised a hand to rest on his wife’s cheek. “I thank God for the gift of you, Hannah. You are my heart and my life. Without you, nothing matters.” He tugged her toward him for a brief kiss, tasting the salt of her tears. “From now on, Mrs. Price, if it’s agreeable with you, I would like to live a perfectly boring life at Stainsby, enjoying our married life and raising our son.”
Hannah’s beaming smile illuminated the dingy room. “I like the sound of that, Mr. Price. Very much indeed.” She leaned down to kiss him again, her soft lips lingering with a promise of more to come. A lifetime, in fact.
Their son’s contented gurgle seemed to indicate that he agreed with his parents on all accounts.
Epilogue
“Do you really think we should leave Teddy alone with them?” Hannah frowned as she arranged the knitted blanket around the infant in his cradle, his adorable little face relaxed in sleep. Her heart swelled with more love than she ever thought possible. She turned to face Nolan. “After all, how much do either of them know about babies?”
“It’s one night, Hannah. They’ll be fine.” Nolan moved across the carpet of the Stainsby parlor, where they had temporarily moved T
eddy’s bed, to drape an arm over her shoulder.
The physical contact sent shivers down Hannah’s arms, reminding her of the evening to come.
Iris had been staying at Stainsby Hall since Christmas, helping Hannah with the baby while Nolan recuperated. He had been released from the hospital on Christmas Eve, and Edward had kept the festivities to a minimum so as not to overtax Nolan’s strength. But now that he had recovered, Iris had insisted on giving them a night off. She and Edward would take care of Teddy so that Hannah and Nolan could have some time alone. As much as Hannah longed for private time with her husband, she dreaded leaving her child for the first time since his kidnapping three weeks ago.
“Molly, keep an eye on Teddy until Iris comes in, will you?” Nolan motioned to Molly, who sat reading by the fire, a loyal Daisy at her feet.
“I’d love to.” Molly smiled over the rim of her book. “Don’t worry, Hannah. We can manage without you until tomorrow.”
Nolan steered Hannah out of the parlor into the hallway. “There’s a whole staff of women here to give advice if need be—Edna being first in line.” He took her by the hand, his boots ringing on the floor, until he came to a stop in the foyer. “We have a nice dinner waiting for us at the Thornbridge Manor Inn, not to mention the plans I have in mind for later.” The heat of his look scorched Hannah’s cheeks.
He leaned down to tease her lips with his, igniting in her a passion she’d almost forgotten. “Yes, it has been too long,” she murmured against the demand of his mouth.
“There you are.” Iris’s cheery voice had them breaking apart as if they were still unmarried servants. Her skirts swished as she walked briskly down the hall toward them. “Edward would like a word with you before you go. He’s in the study.”
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