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Her pulse jumped at the sound of Joseph’s voice, and she looked one last time in the mirror before going to the door.
She gripped the handle, holding her breath, aching as she tried not to show her longing—the need to see his eyes widen and lips stretch when he saw her. Twisting the handle, she pulled. The space between door and wall grew, their eyes meeting at the smallest opening. Her mouth went dry as his gaze combed over her. He put his hand on the door, pushing it open, slow and commanding.
His throat bobbed, and she could see his pulse throbbing in his neck. “You look beautiful.” Voice soft, he stepped in, eyes all over her. “So beautiful, in fact, I do not wish you to go.”
Heat crept over her cheeks and she ducked her head. “Joseph…I don’t know how to thank you.” She looked up. “’Tis such a grand gift, and I have nothing to—”
“You gave me your consent.” He stepped closer. “That is all I have ever wanted.” Reaching for her curls, his silken timbre caressed her skin. “A wedding dress. I am glad you approve.”
“Approve?” She glanced down, the gown looking even more magnificent from that angle. “’Tis beautiful…” Her words trailed away as God’s gentle nudging brought to mind the miracle she had cradled and buried. And how desperately she must reveal all to the man she loved.
The sound of the parlor door opening and closing made them both jerk.
“Miss Young?” Stockton carried too much eagerness in his rough voice.
Was it four already?
She swallowed, glancing to Joseph before speaking toward the open door. “I’ll be right down.”
Facing Joseph, she bemoaned the time that had slipped away. She’d wanted to tell him about their child before she’d left—unburden her spirit before the night’s labors, in hopes her mind and body would have greater endurance for what awaited. But God knew when was best. She must trust in that.
Resting those thoughts aside, she held out the pearls, her hands trembling too much for her to tie the ribbon. “Would you?”
Joseph nodded, enclosing her hand in his as he took the necklace. His expression grew soft, and he smoothed his rough thumb against her skin, his voice a warm cloak around her worries. “You’re trembling.”
Hannah sighed and looked away, detesting the truth that shamed her. “I’m afraid.”
“You needn’t be.” Gently, he tugged
her body against his, nuzzling his nose beside her ear before whispering. “I shall be—”
“Miss Young? Are you ready?”
Suddenly her throat forgot its function. Swallowing, even speaking, was too difficult. Joseph’s gaze gripped her, infusing courage through her as he’d done so many times before. She released a shuddered breath and closed her eyes. For Ensign. For the cause.
For our future.
She turned without allowing herself the chance to look back, for if she did, the fragile strength she carried might slip from her fingers and shatter at her feet. Snatching her crimson cloak and muff from her bed, she stepped down the stairs, anticipating the look Stockton would give her with as much glee as one might a fall in an icy pool.
Finally below, she offered him only a fleeting glance. ’Twas enough to have both her suspicion and sickness confirmed. Stockton’s face went slack, and his eyes devoured her with ravenous hunger. Her skin crawled, and any appetite she might have had fled in the face of such revolting lechery.
He neared, reaching for her cloak. “Allow me.”
In character as she was, she allowed him. Gloved hands reached from behind, placing the cloak around her shoulders and lingering there too long, draping slightly down her arms before he moved around to face her. “Miss Young, you are a vision.”
“You are too kind, Major.” She ducked away just as Joseph descended.
“The barrels are loaded, sir.”
Stockton looked up and nodded. “Excellent. You deliver at seven.”
“Aye, sir. All is in readiness.”
Stockton’s mouth bowed up in approval before he moved on. “We shall not be back until morning.”
Joseph bowed in response, a soft grin masking any emotion he might have felt—all but polite understanding. “I do hope you enjoy yourselves.”
“I assure you we shall.” Stockton extended his elbow to Hannah, and she took it, grinning as she knew he wished her to, unable to bring herself to look at Joseph for fear her wanting of him would slip through her eyes.
