Free Forever Safe (Beacons of Hope) by Jody Hedlund Page B

holding the train to stumble and nearly fall.
    Yes, she should have figured out months ago that she needed someone different, someone stronger.
    Her gaze darted around with growing panic, her expression stricken. From the stiffening of her arms and firm set of her chin, he could sense she was about to turn around and run. And all he could feel was relief.
    But just as soon as the unexpected emotion wafted through him, a bolt of guilt punched him in the gut. He had no right whatsoever to find any satisfaction in her insecurities. If he was half a man, he needed to go to her, soothe her nerves, and ease her fears.
    She pivoted so that she was fully facing the front of the Cole beach house. Even though Victoria referred to their Newport home as a cottage, the three-storied stone mansion resembled a castle with its tall front turret and long windows and crenellations.
    “Wait!” He bounded toward her. She hesitated, which allowed him to catch up with her and block her path so she couldn’t retreat. He waited for her to push him aside and stride around him with anger flashing in her eyes—anger that had been there often this past week.
    But instead, her eyes were wide and frightened.
    “Victoria,” he began, not knowing quite what to say, except that he had to reassure her somehow.
    She waited as though everything hinged upon what he had to say. He could tell her to walk away, that Nathaniel wasn’t right for her, and she’d do it. But deep down, he knew that he couldn’t be the one to dissuade her.
    “You’ll be all right,” he started again. Before he realized what he was doing, he reached for her arm and gripped it firmly, hoping to give her some of his strength. She glanced at his hold and he quickly released her. He had no right to touch her. He simply needed to encourage her. “You can do this. You’re strong enough.”
    She searched his face, all of her doubts out in the open for everyone to see. Fortunately, only her three maids and coachman were witnesses of this moment of insecurity. From the anxiety wreathed on the faces of the servants, Tom had no doubt they were well aware of Victoria’s wedding day history and were afraid she was about to repeat it.
    “Nathaniel is a good man, Victoria. And he loves you.”
    She nodded, but the movement lacked conviction.
    “He’ll take care of you. And give you the kind of life you deserve.”
    She stared at him a moment longer before the stiffness began to ease from her shoulders, and she released a long breath.
    “You can do this,” he said again holding out his elbow.
    She gave him a wobbly smile and hooked her hand around his arm.
    “Ready?” he asked.
    “Okay.”
    Delicately, as though she were made of fine lace, he escorted her down the front walkway to the waiting carriage. He swung open the door and started to help her inside when she paused. “Thank you.”
    He nodded and attempted to keep his expression from reflecting the swell of melancholy that was rising within him.
    She climbed inside and sat on the bright red velvet cushion. He stepped aside to allow her maids to situate her train and the folds of her skirt. The carriage gave a sudden lurch that sent two of the maids toppling to the ground.
    Tom assessed the teams. Nothing seemed amiss. Before he could move, the carriage began to roll forward.
    “Hey!” Tom called. “We’re not ready.”
    Davis didn’t turn. Instead he slashed the reins and urged the horses to move faster.
    The maid still inside with Victoria gave a cry as she fell back against the opposite seat. The carriage door was unlatched and swung open and closed.
    “Davis!” Tom yelled again. “Give us another minute.”
    At the sight of the coachman, Tom’s pulse careened. The man driving the carriage wasn’t Davis. Although he wore a white suit and top hat identical to Davis’s, the man’s shoulders were thinner and his wrists showed beyond the coat sleeves, unlike Davis, whose suit had been tailored and fit to perfection.