Chapter
10

Nolan paced the narthex of the country church, trying to ignore the beads of sweat forming while he waited for Mrs. Black to bring Hannah over from the rectory. Despite the early hour, the hot sun had raised the temperature to an unseasonable level. It didn’t help that the church had been closed up tight since Sunday, and the air inside hung thick and suffocating like a shroud.

Nolan looked around the hushed building, seeing the wooden pews and stained-glass windows with new eyes. If it had not mattered so much to Hannah to be married in a church—not to mention his devout mother’s feelings on the matter—Nolan would have set out to find a magistrate in another town whom he could bribe to marry them. For Hannah’s sake, though, he was glad he’d been able to persuade the good reverend to his way of thinking.

Nolan had used every line of reasoning he could imagine, appealing to the man’s sense of compassion and honor, begging him to do right by Hannah. After all, Nolan had argued, the minister had known him since he was a boy and Hannah since girlhood. He’d seen them in church almost every Sunday. And Nolan promised to take full responsibility with the earl for the matter, assuring Reverend Black that the monetary contributions to the parish would remain the same. When the man still wavered, Nolan thanked him, told him he understood, and that he and Hannah would keep going until they found a minister who would marry them.

Nolan had asked for the license back, at which point Mrs. Black had intervened. Her added plea for the cause of true love had been the deciding factor that had finally swayed Reverend Black, and at last, he’d agreed to marry them.

Nolan continued to pace the small vestibule, nerves getting the best of him. Had the minister changed his mind—again? He peered out the side window, dreading to discover that the earl had found them out. Nothing, however, looked out of the ordinary.

Even though Nolan’s faith had wavered in recent days, he paused to offer a fervent prayer heavenward. As much as I’ve always wanted to know my father, Lord, I can’t say I’d have picked this particular man. But I trust you. I know you have a plan for me. I’m asking you to let that plan include Hannah, for I don’t think I could bear my life without her. I promise I’ll be a good husband to her for the rest of my life.

At the loud creak of the church door, Nolan’s head flew up. He blinked at the vision of Hannah in the doorway. She’d changed into a different dress, one the shade of the lush Stainsby lawns. Her green eyes shimmered, and her hair rippled over her shoulders in shining waves, adorned with daisies that danced around her head like a halo. Never had she looked more beautiful.

Nolan swallowed hard and held out his hand. With a tremulous smile, she stepped forward and placed her trusting fingers in his. He gave her a reassuring squeeze that he hoped conveyed the depths of his feelings.

Reverend Black strode past them up the main aisle of the church. “Let’s get started before I come to my senses.”

Mrs. Black and the couple’s housekeeper, who had agreed to serve as a second witness, came up beside Hannah.

“Don’t mind him,” Mrs. Black said. “He’ll be fine. Now, let’s get you two lovebirds married.”

Nolan escorted Hannah to the altar and they stood before the minister, their hands joined. Above them, sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, bathing them in a wash of color—almost as though God himself had reached out to bless their union. A measure of peace spread through Nolan, calming his jumbled nerves.

After a slight pause, Reverend Black opened his prayer book. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, one that should not be entered into lightly.” He raised his head to look at Nolan and Hannah. “Have the two of you come here freely, of your own accord, to commit yourselves to this union for the rest of your lives?”

Nolan nodded. “We have.”

“We have,” Hannah repeated.

The minister paused to study them both. “Very well then. Let us proceed.” He turned to a marked page in the book and cleared his throat. “Nolan, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness, and in health? And forsaking all others, keep thee only to her, so long as ye both shall live?”

Nolan looked directly into Hannah’s eyes. “I will.”

“Hannah, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”

Tears flowed down Hannah’s cheeks. “I will.”

Nolan squeezed her fingers, his throat tight.

“I now ask you to pledge your troth to one another.”

Nolan took a breath and solemnly vowed to love and cherish her forever. Hannah followed, stating her vows in a voice so sure and true that the depth of her devotion humbled him. His chest swelled with a tide of pure love, matched only by the emotion that shone from Hannah’s eyes.

In addition to his pledge, Nolan gave Hannah the simple metal band Bert had fashioned for her. “With this ring, I thee wed. With my body, I thee worship and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” He then slipped the ring onto her trembling finger.

The rector peered over his spectacles. “Thereto having given and pledged your troth to one another and having declared the same by the giving and receiving of a ring, I now pronounce that you are man and wife. Those whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”

A reverent hush fell over the group, as Nolan and Hannah stared at each other in giddy disbelief.

They were married!

Nolan could scarcely contain the joy that burst through him. Thank you, Lord. I promise to spend the rest of my life making Hannah the happiest of women.

And without waiting for permission, he bent to kiss his wife. The joining of lips in their first married kiss was as holy as the vows they had just spoken.

Then, with swift slashes of ink over paper, they signed the marriage register and accepted the congratulations of the rector and his wife.

Nolan pressed the agreed fee, along with a nice bonus, into the minister’s hand. “I can never thank you enough, Reverend. You’ve made Hannah and me the happiest pair on earth.”

“You’re welcome, lad. I only pray God spares me from the wrath of Lord Stainsby.” He snapped the prayer book shut. “When will you tell him the news?”

Nolan’s lips twitched. “Not just yet. I think my wife and I need a few days alone first.”

Reverend Black adjusted his glasses on his nose and nodded. “May God bless you both.”

Hannah floated on a wave of sheer bliss so heavenly she didn’t even feel the bumps of the carriage as they traveled the rough side streets. She was a married woman. Her dream of becoming Nolan’s wife had come true. Maybe not exactly as she’d hoped, but the unfamiliar weight of the silver ring on her finger spoke of the vows they had exchanged before God. Promises that bound them together for life.

All that remained to seal the union was the wedding night.

A shiver of nerves rippled down her spine. Where would they spend it?

Nolan smiled over at her with such warmth that her cheeks heated. “Almost there, Mrs. Price.”

A sudden thought struck. “Am I Mrs. Price or Mrs. Fairchild?”

His frown made her rue the question.

“We signed the register as Mr. and Mrs. Price. I’ll not worry about names right now.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”

His features softened. “Don’t be sorry, Hannah. You need never fear speaking your mind to me. It’s best to have things out in the open rather than let them fester.”

A smile trembled on her lips. “That’s how I feel as well. A husband and wife should be able to share every thought, every feeling, in complete safety.”

“Agreed.”

“So, in that spirit, where are you taking me, husband?” The lovely word fell from her tongue like she’d been married for years.

They’d been traveling for several hours now, and the early afternoon sun beat down on the top of her bonnet. Only her stomach rumbled in complaint, reminding her that she’d not eaten any breakfast. “I could use some refreshment sometime soon.”

“You’re in luck then, because I believe we’ve arrived at our destination.” He slowed the carriage to a halt outside an old stone inn.

The moss-covered building was set back from the road, surrounded by a low brick wall and a gate that led into the courtyard. The sign above the door read The Thornbridge Manor Inn.

“I’ll see to the care of the horses, and then we’ll have ourselves a wedding feast,” Nolan told her as he leapt nimbly to the ground.

Hannah accepted Nolan’s assistance out of the carriage and waited as he paid the stable boy to look after the horses and another boy to bring in their bags. She cast nervous glances at the elegant people entering the establishment. “This place seems a trifle costly. Can you afford this?”

“You leave the money worries to me.” Nolan offered her his arm. “I plan to spoil you as much as I can.”

She attempted a smile as she allowed Nolan to lead her through the main doors. Inside, the place bustled with activity. To the right, boisterous guests filled the elegant dining room, enjoying the remnants of their midday meal. To the left, a wooden desk spanned the wall under a sign that read Register. Straight ahead, a golden oak staircase curved up to the second story where the bedrooms must lie. A flush moved from Hannah’s neck into her cheeks at the thought of sharing a room—and a bed—with her new husband.

Nolan stepped toward the desk and spoke with a gentleman. Hannah remained standing in the open, not wanting to hear whatever Nolan might be telling the man. Her acute embarrassment that the people in this establishment might know they were on their honeymoon was almost too much to bear.

The boy from outside appeared with their bags.

“Room 23,” the desk clerk instructed.

Nolan tossed the boy another coin, and the lad bounded up the stairs. Hannah watched as Nolan crossed the polished wooden floor to her side and held out his elbow. “I believe a table is waiting for us in the dining room.”

Moments later, seated at the small cloth-covered table adorned with china cups, saucers, and sparkling silverware, Hannah felt she should pinch herself to make sure this wasn’t all an elaborate dream. Here she was, a mere kitchen maid, being treated like a fine upper-class lady. With trembling fingers, she removed her gloves and placed them in her reticule.

Nolan reached for her hand under the table and gave a gentle squeeze. “Please try to relax, Hannah. I want you to be able to savor this moment and remember it for years to come.” His earnest blue eyes met hers.

Why couldn’t she relax and appreciate Nolan’s generosity? After commanding herself to stop worrying, she managed to enjoy the experience of being served a fine meal. The roast pheasant, mashed potatoes, and apple pie for dessert rivaled Edna’s finest feast. With a full stomach and the restful surroundings, Hannah’s anxiety finally receded. Still, every so often, her attention shifted to the entrance of the dining room, sure the earl would come bursting in and ruin this wonderful day.

She leaned forward to speak softly in the vicinity of Nolan’s ear. “Do you think Lord Stainsby will be after us by now?”

Nolan regarded her with a steady gaze. “Not unless Reverend Black went against his word. I told his lordship that I needed a few days to travel to my mother’s hometown and inform her relatives of her passing. He agreed with little objection.”

“But what if he realizes I’m gone too?”

Nolan raised her hand to his lips. “Let’s not borrow trouble, my love. I have much more important things on my mind right now. Like taking my wife up to our room.” A rakish grin creased his handsome face.

Hannah’s heart sprinted in her chest, and she could only stare at him.

“Ready?” he asked gently.

She swallowed hard and nodded. As ready as I’ll ever be.

Together they climbed the winding staircase to the upper level. Hannah was sure every eye followed their ascent, every guest whispering behind gloved hands as to what the young couple was up to. She looked straight ahead as she walked down the carpeted corridor to the end room. The sweet scent of cinnamon and apples wafted up the stairs from the kitchen below. The lighting grew dimmer the farther they walked, just as Hannah’s courage faded with each step.

At last, Nolan stopped outside a wooden door. He took out a brass key, fitted it into the lock, and with a loud click, swung the door inward.

Hannah’s feet froze to the floor, immobilized with fear. Nolan turned back when she didn’t follow him in, a question in his eyes. Did he sense her uncertainty?

He walked back into the hall. “Of course. I almost forgot.” With a swoop of his arms, he lifted her high and stepped across the threshold of their room. He dropped a light kiss on her cool lips. “Welcome to the honeymoon suite, Mrs. Price.”

A large four-poster bed dominated the cozy room. Heavy drapery flanked the rectangular window that faced the back courtyard, and a large stone hearth took up most of the adjoining wall. Their two bags sat on the braided mat.

Nerves fluttered in Hannah’s stomach as she looked everywhere but the bed.

Nolan moved to the washstand where he inspected the pitcher. “There’s water and clean towels here if you’d like to freshen up.” A reddish tinge colored his neck. “I’ll go check on the horses and give you some privacy.”

As he moved past her, he dropped a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll be back very soon.”

“I’ll be waiting,” she promised.

As soon as the lock sounded in the door, Hannah removed her hat, dress, and shoes. She made use of the chamber pot, washed off the dust from the day’s travels, and dabbed her skin dry with the softest of towels. She opened her bag and took out the few articles of clothing she had brought with her, hanging some in the wardrobe along with her good dress. Quickly she changed into her white cotton nightgown. While she brushed out her hair, she gazed at her reflection in the warped mirror. If only she had something nicer to wear than her high-necked cotton gown. Would her husband find her appealing or plain?

Nolan checked on his horses, made sure they were comfortable with food and clean water, then spent a few minutes staring up at the late-afternoon sky in the back courtyard of the inn. The wind had picked up since they arrived. Overhead, clouds swirled in hypnotic patterns, as if trying to outrun the impending rain. He pulled up the collar of his jacket against the sting of dirt in the air as thoughts of Hannah tugged at his conscience.

He couldn’t deny the abject fear he’d sensed in her since arriving at the inn. If he had his way, he’d ease his beloved into the physical aspect of marriage, woo her over time until she felt comfortable with him. Unfortunately, time was a luxury they did not have. He needed to make sure their union was validated, so that an annulment would not be possible.

Despite the confidence of his decision, a degree of unease plagued him. Had his arrogance, his desire to circumvent the will of the earl, caused him to push Hannah into marriage too quickly?

For the second time that day, Nolan turned his thoughts to the Almighty. Lord, forgive me for my recent anger at you and for my arrogance with Hannah. Please ease Hannah’s fears and help me to be a sensitive husband to her.

With a long sigh, he straightened, pulled his cap low on his forehead, and headed back inside.

When Nolan returned to the room, he knocked softly before he inserted the key into the lock. The interior was shrouded in darkness, save for the flare of a lone candle on the night table. Hannah had pulled the heavy drapes across the window, effectively blocking out all remaining daylight.

Where on earth was she? She wouldn’t have gotten so nervous that she bolted, would she?

A small shift under the voluminous quilt on the bed pinpointed his attention to the eyes peering out at him.

“Did I give you enough time?” he asked softly.

“Yes.”

The one-word answer did little to ease his mind. He turned the lock on the door, then peeled off his jacket, coat, and vest. The eyes watching him got wider by the moment. He breathed out a soft sigh and asked the Lord for guidance.

“Do you mind if I wash up a bit?” He kept his tone as casual as if he’d asked her to pass the potatoes.

“No. Go ahead.” She pulled the covers over her head to engulf her completely.

Nolan raked his fingers through his flattened hair. With a resigned grunt, he opened the collar of his shirt and moved to the washstand. Quickly he washed his face, neck, and hands, and dried off with a towel. Not a sound came from the bed.

His shoulders slumped. How many times had he dreamed about making sweet love to Hannah? Too many to count. And never once did this particular scenario enter his mind—his bride cowering under the coverlets, afraid to even look at him. What should he do?

Remember to put the Lord in the middle of your marriage.

The minister’s parting words came back to Nolan, giving him a burst of inspiration. Still clad in his white shirt and trousers, he went to sit on the side of the bed. Hannah’s quick intake of breath beneath the covers gave away her nerves. Gently, he took the edge of the blanket and drew it down to reveal her anxious face.

“Hannah, give me your hands.” He kept his voice calm, as though soothing a skittish mare. Bert always said Nolan had a way with nervous horses. He hoped he had a way with terrified women as well.

Her fingers held a frozen grip on the linens.

“You can do this, love. Take my hand. We’re just going to talk a while.”

“Talk?” The air whooshed out of her lungs in one great gust.

“Yes. I want you to feel comfortable with me, if nothing else. And to do that, I’d like us to pray together. Would that be all right with you?”

“I’ve been praying all day.” The words were no louder than a whisper.

“That’s fine. But I’d like us to start our marriage by praying together. It could be something we do every night, if it suits you.”

Relief visibly flooded her features, and a tremulous smile appeared. “I’d like that very much.”

Carefully, she peeled the covers back. Nolan’s pulse sprinted at the sight of the long golden hair that spilled over her shoulders. He caught a glimpse of a white lace bodice before she tucked the covers under her arms and reached out to clasp his hands. Taking a deep breath, he fought to keep his heartbeat under control.

Give me the right words, Lord.

He bowed his head and began with the simple Lord’s Prayer, which they recited together. Then he spoke from the heart. “Thank you, God, for the gift of Hannah as my wife. May I always be a kind and gentle husband. Help me to show her how much I treasure, cherish, and respect her—in all ways. May our love be perfect in your sight. Amen.”

When he lifted his head, he saw moisture glistening in her eyes. “Oh, Nolan. That was lovely. I—I’m sorry I’m not behaving like a proper wife on her wedding day.” A lone tear escaped her lashes and rolled down to her lip.

He reached up to wipe it away with his thumb. “There’s no proper way to act. You can’t help your feelings . . . or your fears.” It occurred to him then that she’d had no mother to prepare her for what to expect after the wedding. “We’re both nervous, Hannah. But we have our whole lives to figure this out. Do you . . .” He cleared his throat. “Do you understand what happens between a man and woman?”

“I think so,” she mumbled, looking at the bedspread.

“You must be able to at least look at me. There is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about.”

Hands still captured in his, she slowly raised her eyes.

“After tonight, there will be no awkwardness between us—only joy. I promise. We will truly be one. Just as God intended.”

Though her cheeks flamed, she didn’t try to hide her face. He lifted one hand to run his palm down the silky length of her hair. How many times had he longed to feel its texture? “You are so beautiful. I don’t know how I got lucky enough to claim your heart.”

“You’ve had it since I first arrived at Stainsby and you fixed that broken dish for me. Other than Edna, you’re the only one who’s ever really cared about me.”

Nolan went still, incensed that his beloved felt less than the wondrous woman she was, and he silently vowed to spend his days making up for the lack of love in her life. He ran a knuckle down the velvet skin of her cheek. “I have loved you since I first saw you, though I didn’t know it then.” He leaned his face forward to fan soft kisses on her forehead, her temple, her eyelids. He inhaled the clean, pure scent of her, cheered that she didn’t flinch from his touch.

He pulled back to look deeply into her eyes, to make sure she was willing to proceed. He was grateful to see no fear, only love shining there. His gaze fell to her parted lips, and his breathing grew shallow. “I’m going to kiss you now, if it’s all right with you.”

She swallowed and slowly nodded.

His pulse pounding in his veins, he cupped her face in both his hands and lowered his mouth to hers. It took only a moment for her cool lips to warm under his. A soft moan vibrated in her throat. She clutched his shoulders like a woman drowning and fused her mouth more firmly to his.

Sweet heavens, he hadn’t dared hope for such enthusiasm.

Her eager lips lit a flame in his body that leapt and sputtered like the embers in the grate beside them. “I love you more than life itself,” he whispered, trailing kisses down her jaw to her throat.

And when he laid her back on the feather mattress, all traces of her fear had been erased.