The Rebel Bride

by Piper Davenport

  “Wait, Hannah,” Victoria said. “You won’t tell him, right?”

  Hannah sighed. “I won’t tell him. But I won’t lie to him if he figures it out.”

  Victoria nodded and watched Hannah leave the dining room. She helped herself to some food and spent an uncomfortable hour in the presence of Millicent, who proved to be incredibly dull.

  As Christopher had predicted, Stephen and his wife Christine arrived just before lunch.

  The Butlers converged downstairs, finding Hannah and Victoria in the parlor. Victoria paced next to the window, while Hannah sat on the couch, smiling knowingly into her cup of tea. Christopher leaned over and kissed his wife.

  “Did Stephen kick you out of the room?” Hannah asked.

  Christopher nodded. “Yes, he’s assessing Quincy now.”

  Hannah greeted the rest of the family while Victoria tried her best to stay inconspicuous, standing in the corner of the room, chewing on her thumbnail. She watched Hannah interact with Quincy’s family and experienced a small pang of longing, but quickly brushed it off.

  “My family can be quite overwhelming, can’t they?”

  Victoria turned, slightly startled by the question from Jacob. “Not at all. I think y’all are very nice.”

  “My brother certainly thinks the same of you.” Jacob slid his hands into his pockets. “How did you meet him again?”

  Victoria’s heart raced. “I found him during a battle.”

  “In Virginia.”

  “Yes.”

  “I wonder, Miss Carrington, why would a woman be on the battlefield?”

  Victoria bit her lip. “I was lost.”

  “A southern woman lost on a southern battlefield,” he droned.

  Victoria took a deep breath. “Are you implying something, Mr. Butler?”

  “Not yet.”

  Victoria shook her head. “Would you please excuse me?”

  “Certainly.”

  She moved quickly and made it out the parlor doors without being stopped. Hannah caught up with her in the foyer. “Victoria, what are you doing?”

  “I need some space.”

  “I’ll come with you.”

  Victoria shook her head. “No, that’s okay. I’m fine.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  Victoria rolled her eyes but let Hannah follow her upstairs, running into Stephen as he left Quincy’s room.

  “Stephen, this is my friend Victoria,” Hannah said. “She was my college roommate.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Stephen said. “Welcome.”

  “Thanks.” Victoria sighed. “How is he?”

  “He needs surgery, but you did an exemplary job keeping the area clean. There doesn’t appear to be any infection and his leg is also healing very well.”

  Relief shot through Victoria. “Good.”

  “Where did you learn to treat wounds?”

  She shrugged. “My dad’s a surgeon, so I dabbled with the idea of medicine. In the end, I chose something different, but still had a little more than the average first aid training, I guess.”

  “We could use you in our little hospital. You’d be an incredible surgery assistant,” he said.

  Victoria raised an eyebrow. “That’s high praise, coming from you.”

  “Thank you.” Stephen smiled. “We’re booked on the five o’clock train, so I’m going to get the bullet out and then I’ll leave instructions for care. The hospital had a new load of wounded come in yesterday, so we can’t stay.”

  “Would you mind an additional companion?” Victoria asked.

  Stephen smiled. “I’m assuming you’re referring to yourself?”

  “Yes.”

  “Not at all. But isn’t everyone coming in a few days anyway?”

  Hannah nodded. “Yes, but Victoria is anxious to do some work with the horses, so we thought it might be nice for her to go earlier.”

  Stephen raised his eyebrows but didn’t voice his opinion. “Well, it’s fine by me.”

  Victoria bit her lip. “Just don’t say anything to Quinn.”

  “Ah.” Stephen nodded. “No problem.”

  Victoria closed herself in her room as Stephen and Christine made their way into Quinn’s to sterilize it for the surgery.

  Hannah followed Victoria and closed the door with a click. “What happened?”

  Victoria flopped onto the bed. “What do you mean?” Hannah stared her down and Victoria rubbed her gritty eyes. “Jacob Butler thinks I’m a spy.”

  “What?” Hannah exclaimed.

  Victoria filled her in on the strange conversation and Hannah frowned. “That just doesn’t sound like Jake. I’ll talk to Chris.”

  “No, don’t.” Victoria sighed. “Let him think that. It’ll make it easier to leave, especially if Jacob convinces Quincy I’m all wrong for him.”

  Hannah snorted. “That will never happen.”

  “We’ll see. For now, I’d love to rest if that’s okay.”

  Hannah nodded. “Sure. I’m going to write a letter to Sophie to take with you if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course not.”

  “Great. I’ll wake you in a little while.”

  Hannah left the room and Victoria wallowed in her sadness.

  * * *

  Quincy became aware of whispered voices as he forced his eyes open. A man and a woman were wiping down surfaces and appeared to be organizing instruments on a tray.

  “Who are you?” Quincy cleared the frog from his throat. “And where’s Victoria?”

  The man approached and glanced down at him. “I’m Dr. Paxton, this is my wife, Christine.”

  Christine smiled. “Miss Carrington is in her room, I believe.”

  Quincy shifted, his shoulder objected. “Is she going to assist?”

  “No, it’ll be Christine and me,” Stephen said.

  Quincy smacked dry lips. “I’d like to speak with Victoria before you begin, if I may.”

  “I’ll get her for you,” Christine offered and slipped into the hallway.

  Several minutes later, Victoria came into the room, and the doctor and his wife left to give them some privacy.

  Quincy held his hand out to her. “Are you angry with me?”

  She shook her head. “Why would I be angry with you?”

  Quincy raised an eyebrow. “Victoria, don’t be obtuse.”

  “I’m not angry, Quincy.” She squeezed his hand. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m fine. I just want this over with so that you can take care of me.” She smiled at him as he took her hand and kissed her palm. “I’m going to be fine.”

  “I know you will be. I’ll see you later.” She quickly left the room.

  STEPHEN USED JUST enough chloroform to ensure Quincy was unconscious and then began the surgery. It was relatively easy to remove the bullet, so the operation was brief. He finished closing and then he and Christine cleaned up. Since Quincy’s breathing was even, and Stephen didn’t see any signs of distress, they left the room and found Victoria pacing the hallway.

  “It went very well and he’s resting comfortably,” Stephen said.

  “Thank you.”

  “It’s almost four, so we should get going to the train station,” Christine said. “I hope you’ll consider staying with us, Victoria.”

  “I hadn’t thought about the two days before Hannah is due to arrive, to be honest.” Victoria forced a smile. “Yes, thank you. I would appreciate the hospitality.”

  Stephen laid a hand on Christine’s back. “Let’s go. I’ll walk Christopher and Hannah through what they need to do for Quinn when he wakes up.”

  “I’ll be right there,” Victoria said.

  * * *

  Victoria waited for the couple to start their descent of the stairs and then slipped into Quincy’s bedroom. Her heart clenched with both relief and sadness as she stared down at him. He was obviously resting comfortably, so she took his hand in hers before leaning over and placing her lips gently on his. “Heal quickly, p
lease.”

  As the tears rolled down her cheeks, she left him behind.

  The instructions were given to the Butlers and then the three travelers went on their way. Stephen navigated the women through the station and onto the platform, tipped the porter who loaded their luggage, and led the girls onto the train.

  “We have a private car, so feel free to make yourself at home,” he told Victoria.

  Victoria took her seat and stared out the window. Within minutes, the hiss of the steam indicated their departure and she watched as the landscape flew by, leading her farther and farther from Quincy. She was miserable.

  She hadn’t expected to feel that way. She missed him already and she’d only known the man two days. It was irrational.

  “Are either of you hungry?” Stephen asked an hour into their trip.

  “Yes, sweetheart, I am,” Christine said.

  Stephen stood with a smile. “I’ll procure some refreshments.”

  Victoria glanced at him. “Thank you.”

  Stephen left the parlor car and Christine moved to sit next to her. “Victoria?”

  “Yes?”

  “Are you all right?”

  Victoria raised her eyebrows in confusion. “Yes, why?”

  “You have sighed three times in the last five minutes,” Christine said with a gentle smile.

  “I have?”

  Christine smiled sympathetically.

  “Sorry.”

  Christine patted her hand. “Don’t apologize. You miss him. I understand.”

  Victoria shook her head. “No, I don’t,” she protested too much, then shook her head. “Fine. Maybe a little. But it’s irrational.”

  “What’s irrational?” Stephen asked as he walked into the parlor car, his arms laden with sandwiches. A porter followed with glasses of lemonade.

  Victoria shook her head. “Nothing.”

  Stephen handed her a sandwich and a glass of lemonade and then took his seat. Once everyone had their food and beverages, the porter left the car. The three of them finished their lunch, just as a porter arrived to remove their dishes. Before she knew it, Victoria heard the hissing steam, indicating the arrival into the station. Stephen’s buggy awaited the group and they climbed in and made their way to the house.

  As they drove up the long driveway, Victoria had a sense of déjà vu. The ten-thousand-square-foot mansion still existed in the future and was on the register of Pennsylvania historical homes. It loomed atop a large hill, in the exclusive Allison Hill area of Harrisburg. Four white columns formed a welcoming portico, and if memory served, a porch covering the back and one side would have been added the year before.

  Unprecedented in the modern day, the Paxton family still owned the hundred and forty acres the house and outbuildings sat on. The home had sweeping views of the Susquehanna River and Blue Mountains, and twice a year, the family allowed tours, even into their private rooms.

  Victoria let out a low whistle as Stephen set the brake on the buggy. “I know this place.”

  “Oh? How so?” Christine asked.

  “Well, it just so happens, your home lasts forever.”

  Stephen raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

  Victoria nodded. “Yes, there are tours and reenactments here. It’s kind of cool. My junior high class came for a few days and we toured Gettysburg and got to come to your home.”

  Stephen jumped down and raised his arms to Christine, who wrapped her arms around his neck as he lifted her down. “Well, that’s good to know.”

  “It’s also still in the family.” Victoria took Stephen’s outstretched hand and stepped down. “Your descendents own it and live in it.”

  Christine shook her head. “That can’t be right.”

  “Why not?” Victoria asked.

  “We won’t be having any children,” she said emphatically.

  “Huh?” Victoria frowned. “The story that was told on my tour was that an elderly woman deeded it to a young doctor when she died.”

  Stephen grinned at his wife. “Yes, that’s all true.”

  “Well, he married, and he and his wife ended up having three boys and two girls.”

  “Five?” Christine let out a squeal. “Five?”

  “Perhaps I have another wife?” Stephen joked.

  Christine shook her head. “I’m not having any children.”

  Stephen chuckled. “Apparently, the future says otherwise.”

  Christine’s face went white as Stephen kissed her cheek. The front doors opened and a large black woman smiled as she ushered the group into the foyer. “Welcome home, Dr. Paxton. Mrs. Paxton.”

  Christine nodded and smiled but seemed to have difficulty forming words.

  Stephen smiled at the housekeeper. “Ellie, this is Miss Carrington. She’ll be our guest for a few days.”

  Ellie nodded. “I’ll have a room prepared.”

  “Thank you.” Stephen wrapped his arm around Christine’s waist. “Please send refreshments to my office.”

  “Yes suh.”

  Ellie shuffled off to take care of the requests and Stephen ushered the ladies to the back of the house. Entering a large room, Victoria noticed medical journals stacked on bookshelves, and a desk Hannah would have loved, covered with piles of paper and nib pens.

  She sat at one of the chairs by the window. A maid came in and delivered tea and cookies, and when she left and closed the door, Stephen sat in his large desk chair and pulled Christine onto this lap.

  “Stephen!”

  “I know, sweetheart, we’re not alone, but I highly doubt Victoria cares whether or not I show you physical affection.”

  Victoria giggled. “I don’t mind in the least.”

  He grinned at his wife. “And I feel the need to have you close.”

  Christine raised an eyebrow. “Well, I’d personally like some tea, and I can’t do that if I’m sprawled across your knees.”

  Stephen grinned. “Now, that’s a visual.”

  “You are a devil, Dr. Paxton.” Christine sighed and climbed off his lap.

  Stephen grasped her hand and kissed her palm. “I’ll show you how much of one I am later.”

  Her cheeks red, Christine smoothed her skirts and held her hand out to Victoria. “Let me show you to your room, Victoria. Tomorrow, I’ll take you over to Sophie. You and she are about the same size and I know she’ll have some dresses that will work for you.”

  Victoria rose to her feet and smiled. “Thank you.”

  * * *

  Quincy woke two hours after Victoria’s train left. He was still groggy, his thoughts cloudy and his body heavy with lethargy, but he knew enough to know that it wasn’t Victoria tending to him. Hannah laid a cool cloth on his forehead. Quincy forced himself to focus on her. “Where’s Victoria?”

  “She’s indisposed,” Hannah said.

  He allowed his exhaustion to overtake him as Hannah changed his bandages, and he fell into a deep sleep before she was finished. He didn’t wake again until the next morning, when his mother came in with breakfast.

  “Good morning, dear,” she said as she set the tray on the bureau.

  Quincy felt better than he did the day before, but still had to force himself to focus. “Mama, where’s Victoria?”

  “I don’t know, but I asked if I could tend to you.”

  Not wanting to upset her, he pretended not to be concerned about the fact that Victoria seemed to be avoiding him until a few hours later, when Christopher came in to check on him.

  Quincy shifted on the mattress. “Where’s Victoria?”

  Christopher turned and moved things around on the bureau. “She and Hannah went for a walk.”

  “Chris?”

  Christopher turned, and Quincy narrowed his eyes and glared at him. Christopher walked to the window.

  “You’re lying.”

  “Why would I lie to you?” Christopher asked as he continued to stare outside.

  Quincy let out a frustrated growl. “Where’s Victoria?”
/>   “We’ll talk about it later.”

  Quincy sat up. “No, Chris, we will talk about it now.”

  Christopher rushed back to the bed. “Careful.”

  “Damn it, Chris. Where the hell is she?”

  “She left.”

  Quincy’s heart raced painfully as panic hit him. “What do you mean, she left?”

  “Quinn.”

  “Tell me, damn it!”

  Christopher ran his hands through his hair. “She asked that we not tell you.”

  “I smell a rat, here, brother.” Quincy slid a leg over the side of the mattress. “Tell me where she is, or I will get on a horse and scour the countryside to find her.”

  Christopher pushed him back onto the bed. “Don’t be daft.”

  “Tell me.”

  Christopher paused for a few minutes, but Quincy knew he’d fold. “Harrisburg.”

  Quincy threw the covers back and stepped out of the bed, nearly passing out in the process. Christopher caught him. “Easy, Quinn.”

  He fought back the prick of tears. “Why?”

  Christopher shook his head. “It’s not my place to say.”

  Quincy grabbed his brother’s shirt. “Whose place is it then?”

  Christopher sighed. “Quincy.”

  Quincy fell back on the bed. “Get Hannah for me!”

  “Cover yourself first,” Christopher demanded.

  “I will, but make it quick.”

  Christopher left, and Quincy covered his body as promised to await his sister-in-law. He heard them arguing as they came down the hall.

  “Knight, you didn’t.”

  “None of us have ever been able to lie to each other, sweetheart. He knew the minute the falsehood was out of my mouth.”

  Damn right.

  “Lovey,” Hannah said. “Did you tell him where she went, or just that she was gone?”

  Quincy didn’t hear his response.

  “Well, shit!” Hannah snapped. “What else did you tell him?”

  “Am I that transparent?”

  “To me you are,” Hannah said. “But that is not the point.”

  “I didn’t tell him anything else; however, he’d like to speak to you.”

  “Christopher, he should really be talking to her.”

  “Well, she’s not here to answer his questions.”

  Quincy heard them lower their voices as they arrived outside his door.