ROMANCE: MAIL ORDER BRIDE: The Other Man’s Baby (A Clean Christian Historical Western) (New Adult Inspirational Pregnancy Romance) by Joyce Wright Page B

Gilbert’s arms.
    “What’s wrong, Mama? Why am I here? Why did I not know my Uncle Gilbert was coming to call?”
     
    Agnes clung to him and rocked back and forth as he chattered, his voice happy, none the worse for wear.  “There was a cat and three kittens in the house.”
    “We should hurry,” whispered Nurse, out of breath, “just in case.”
    “Indeed, you are correct. Richard, my boy, you climb in first.”
    Bundled into the carriage, Nurse and Gilbert shared the seat across from Agnes and Richard.
    “Whatever happened, Nurse? I don’t understand.” Agnes implored, hugging her son close. His chattering had quieted, signaling he was growing tired.
    “Oh, Duchess, you would not believe it. Two men, big and smelly, burst into the nursery and grabbed me from behind, stuffing a rag into my mouth. I could do nothing except follow their orders and keep young Richard safe.”
    “Thank you, Nurse, Thank you, I am eternally grateful to you for taking such good care of him.” She turned to Gilbert, “What happened inside?”
    Gilbert cleared his throat. “Only one man remained. The other had left for supplies. Lionel tackled the man and tied him up, making the rescue simple. We left him tied and gagged.”
    “Oh.” The trembling began again, but this time, it was born from happiness. She gently laid Richard’s head in her lap as he had begun to slump against her. “I’m so happy.” Tears rolled down her cheeks as she caressed the precious curls. “I cannot thank either of you enough. “ She looked at Gilbert. “What would I have done had you not arrived tonight? My boy could have been lost forever—“
    “Don’t say that, Agnes. Had it not been me, it would have been someone else to save him. What did you  tell me--all things for a purpose?”
    “And what purpose does this serve?” Her question met with silence.
    #
    Once Agnes had followed Richard and Nurse to sleep, Gilbert alerted Lionel, and he turned the carriage around, heading away from the Manor and the village of Richmond as quickly as they could go.
    The horses’ hooves pounded the ground, echoing through the valleys in the dark silent night. His head pounded alongside, a torturous headache, as he contemplated their next step.
    He had actually spoken with the constable of Richmond, revealed all the information he’d gathered, the irregularities, the people to interview, the Duke’s comings and goings based on his conversations with Lionel. Now he needed to wait someplace safe while the authorities completed their jobs. Someplace safe for Agnes and Richard. If she would trust him. She would not like the place he had chosen.
    Richard had trusted him. The boy allowed him to sweep him into his arms and carry him from the house after Lionel tackle and restrain the kidnapper.
    He had smiled confidently when Gilbert introduced himself. “So you’re my Uncle Gilbert. Mama says I probably know more of your secrets than you can remember.”
    What did he mean by that? “How would you know those?” He had asked.
    “Mama’s adventures with you and sometimes Sara are my favorite stories to hear before bed. I have them memorized.” He smiled proudly.
    Gilbert had smiled and tapped his nephew on the chest lightly. “Then you will certainly have to tell them to me, since your mother seems to think I’m too old to remember them.” And he had promptly leaned forward as if he used a cane and limped across the floor.”
    Richard had rolled with laughter, but sobered suddenly. “Mama will be worried. You will take me to her, yes?”
    “Yes, I will.”
    On his voyage across the ocean, he had often thought of Phillip’s son and how he would feel about him. The thought had been worrisome because he didn’t want to dislike a child due to his parentage.
    But upon meeting Richard, Gilbert saw he was so much his mother’s son that he felt he knew him instantly. Love had stirred in his chest with that recognition.
    “Where are we? Agnes