Free The Rebel Bride by Tracey Jane Jackson Page B

don’t think that’s entirely the same thing, do you?”
    Quincy glanced down at his shaking hand and frowned. “Perhaps not. However, my little rebel is stronger than she looks.”
    Christopher took over the buttoning job and asked suspiciously, “Quincy, what exactly happened on that field?”
    Sitting back on the bed, Quincy filled Christopher in on Victoria’s assistance on the battlefield.
    Christopher let out a quiet whistle. “That’s quite extraordinary.”
    “Yes, she is.”
    Christopher leaned his tall frame against the bureau. “Stephen will be here tomorrow.”
    “Who’s Stephen?” Quincy looked up, vaguely remembering the name, as if he’d dreamed the information.
    “A gifted surgeon who will take care of your shoulder. Then I think it would be best if Hannah and Victoria go back with him.”
    Quincy’s head whipped up. “Back to where?”
    “Harrisburg.”
    “Whatever for?”
    “I need to purchase two new horses,” Christopher explained. “Hannah and I were booked to travel there in two days, but perhaps they should go earlier.”
    Quincy stood. “Victoria’s not going anywhere without me.”
    “I doubt you have any say in it.”
    Quinn glared at him.
    “You met this girl two days ago? Perhaps less. Exactly what are your intentions?”
    Quincy shrugged. “I intend to court her.”
    “Quincy, be realistic,” his brother argued. “You’re a soldier in wartime. You won’t have an opportunity to court her, especially if you’re sent out again.”
    “I’ll work it out.”
    “All right, Quinn. I’ll let you work it out.” Christopher sighed. “But please no more of these shenanigans. Hannah will have my hide.”
    “Do you have socks?”
    Christopher pointed to the bureau. “In the bureau for the socks, extra shirts in the wardrobe. I moved a few things in last night.”
    “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome. Are you hungry?”
    Quinn grinned. “What do you think?”
    “Right. I forgot with whom I was talking. How are you feeling?”
    “Bored,” Quincy complained. “I need to get out of this room.”
    “Get dressed and I’ll meet you downstairs. I’m sure we’ll find food in the pantry, and I know I have whiskey in my office.”
    “Excellent.”
    Christopher left him and Quincy overheard him speak to Hannah in the hallway. He wanted to check on Victoria before he met with his brother, so he cracked the door slightly and listened as he waited for them to disappear.
    “What are you still doing up, precious girl? You and the baby need to rest.”
    “Yeah, like that’s going to happen,” Hannah grumbled. “My friend’s a tad bit upset with your brother right now and probably won’t sleep for a while.”
    Quincy frowned. He knew his behavior had been unacceptable.
    “Well, that’s no reason for you not to sleep,” Christopher admonished.
    “As soon as I know she’s all right, I’ll go to bed. I promise.”
    “I’m not happy with that answer.”
    Hannah chuckled. “And, I should care, why?”
    “Sweetheart, you haven’t been able to sleep for two days. So, I want you to say goodnight to Victoria and go to bed.”
    Quincy opened the door a bit more.
    “You are such a bossy britches tonight.” Hannah frowned up at him.
    Christopher leaned down and kissed her. “Go to bed.”
    Hannah sighed. “Let me check on her first.”
    “I’m standing here until you do.”
    Quincy watched Hannah open Victoria’s door then waited until she came out and told Christopher that Victoria was resting and they said their goodnights. He was surprised how much his brother had changed since finding Hannah. She must be a remarkable woman.
    Quinn slowly opened his door wider and peeked into the hallway. Finding it empty, he quietly crossed the hall and opened the door to Victoria’s bedroom.
    “HoBo, I’m fine! Go to bed,” Victoria called.
    “It’s me, little rebel.” He pushed the door open and stepped inside.
    “Oh, well, you can just go away,” she snipped.
    Quincy