Victoria closed the journal and tucked it back into its hiding spot in her desk. It was the second journal she'd almost filled completely, and her fingers brushed over the first volume as she put the second one back in place. After her death as an old woman, someone would read them and wonder how she managed to escape the psych ward.

A soft noise made her turn her head, and she saw Edmund standing near the door. She frowned in puzzlement at his wistful expression, and she beckoned to him. He raced forward to squat down in front of her with his elbows tucked in between his legs.

"I didn't want to bother you while you were writing, so I kept still for the longest time."

"That was very thoughtful of you Edmund. Now why don't you tell me what's wrong, sweetheart? You looked really sad this afternoon."

"I'm sad because you have to go away."

"Go away?" She frowned as her heart skipped a beat in fear. "What do you mean?"

"I know you have to go, but I don't want you to," Edmund said with an angry frown.

"What makes you think I'm going away, Edmund?" Victoria stared at her brother-in-law with a growing sense of unease at his emphatic belief.

"My momma came to me last night, and she said you would have to go away."

The certainty in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. Did he somehow sense she wasn't really supposed to be here? Was he intuitive like Anna?

"What else did your mother tell you?"

"Mama said you forgot about the secret. She said I should show it to you again so you wouldn't forget." Edmund tipped his head to one side as he spoke.

"What secret, Edmund?" Puzzled, she frowned.

Scrambling to his feet, he grabbed her hand and solicitously helped her to her feet then pulled her toward the fireplace. On the left side of the mantle, Edmund reached out and pressed the third rose down from the top of the shelf. The flower was part of the intricate pattern of roses that wound its way up the sides of the fireplace to meet at the center of the mantle.

The moment Edmund pushed the flower inward, she heard a soft click, and the whole side of the mantle swung open to reveal several narrow shelves capable of holding valuables. The cleverly concealed compartment joined with the mantel's wood inlay in a seamless joint, which made the secret compartment impossible to detect.

"Edmund, does anyone else knows about this hiding spot?"

"No, not even Nicholas," he said. "Momma said you would remember about the book when I showed you the secret door."

Trepidation tightened her throat. Christ, first she'd been thrown into the past, suffered from frightening visions and now Edmund was telling her about a ghost. She snorted silently. Why should Edmund's story about his mother surprise her? She was from the future living in the past. Living the life of another woman. How could she question the logic of a message from a dead woman?

Because she wasn't from the future. It was simply a lie her brain had created. A voice laughed at her in the back of her head. She simply wanted to believe that because it would eliminate the fear that she would eventually be pulled back to her own time. Her heart skidded along as fear threatened to take over her thoughts, but she pushed the emotion back into the darkness from where it had crawled from.

She peered into the hiding place with its dusty shelves. Sneezing, she saw something shoved all the way to the back of the top shelf. Cautiously, she pulled the item out of the cubby hole.

"See, Victoria, it's the black book you hid there before you came back as a nice person." The nervous tension in his voice made her glance in his direction. Fear pinched his features, and she patted his arm to calm him.

"It's alright, Edmund. There's nothing to be afraid of. It's just a book."

He shook his head vigorously in protest, but didn't move. Returning her attention to the book, she flipped it open and frowned. There were names, dates, and locations. Among the references, she immediately recognized the familiar London icon, Big Ben. The letters P. M. in front of so many names rang a bell with her too, but she couldn't place where she'd seen them before.

Frowning, she turned one page after another to find the slim volume filled with different names at the top of each page. It didn't make sense. What would Vickie be doing with a book like this? Toward the rear of the volume, her eyes focused on the name Darby.

Fear snaked through her as she stared at the name and that terrible night at the opera flooded through her. She forced the horror of those terrible moments aside to focus on the book in her hand. There was nothing about it that made any sense whatsoever.

If she showed it to Nicholas he might know what all the names meant. He would be home day after tomorrow when Parliament went into recess. She would show it to him then. Victoria put the book back into the cubby hole and shut the secret door. She turned toward Edmund and smiled.

"I don't remember why I have the book or why I hid it, Edmund. But it looks important, so we're going to leave it hidden until Nicholas comes home. We'll show it to him, and he'll know what to do with it. Sound like a plan?"

"I'm afraid, Victoria. I don't want the bad men to come and hurt you."

"There's nothing to be afraid of. Nicholas will know what to do with the book, and no one's going to hurt me." What men was Edmund referring to? The men in her nightmares? She shivered.

"Are you all right, Victoria?" The fear in Edmund's voice made her reach for his hand.

"Of course, sweetheart." She smiled and squeezed his hand. "There's nothing to worry about. Nicholas would never let anything happen to either one of us. You know that, don't you?"

"Yep. Nicholas will keep us safe," Edmund said with renewed confidence.

"All right, now isn't it time for tea?"

"Uh huh." With a grin, Edmund, with his hand still holding hers, pulled her toward the door. "Cook made me apple tarts today."

"You and your apple-" her words came to an abrupt halt as a rush of warm liquid ran down her legs and formed a puddle at her feet.

"Victoria, you peed all over the floor." Edmund's wide-eyed look of appalled amusement made her choke out a laugh despite the sudden, hard contraction that twisted painfully in her belly.

"Edmund, go get Mrs. Beechum." She tried to keep the panic out of her voice, but failed. A look of fear swept over Edmund's face. She shook her head and smiled despite the painful contraction. "It's all right, Edmund. The baby is coming. Go find Mrs. Beechum and Molly now."

A look of wonder swept over her brother-in-law's face, and with a bob of his head he raced out of the room. The contraction easing, Victoria pulled out a lightweight lawn nightgown from her wardrobe. Her hair was already sticking to the nape of her neck, and her water breaking had left her legs sticky as well.

She moved into the bathroom at a slow pace and wet a cloth to apply to the back of her neck. She lifted her head and stared into the mirror and smiled. She was about to have a baby. Another contraction twisted through her, and she sucked in a sharp breath before releasing a cry of pain. The contraction seemed to go on forever, and she breathed a sigh of relief as the pain faded.

"You're being a real pain in the ass, baby, just like your father can be sometimes."

"More like his mother I think." The familiar voice echoing in her ears made Victoria jerk her head toward the bathroom door. Her heart sang as Nicholas closed the distance between them.

"Nicholas, you weren't supposed to be home for another two days."

"My bill won't come up until the next session, and I had a feeling my wife might need me," he murmured as he kissed her gently. "It seems I was right."

Another contraction built up and lashed its way across her belly. She released a quiet sob of pain, and concern darkened Nicholas' features. He quickly wrapped his arm around her waist to ensure she remained upright. The contraction lasted for at least a minute, and as the pain eased, Mrs. Beechum and Molly hurried through the doorway of the bathroom. A beaming smile on her face, the housekeeper immediately took charge.

"Molly run the hot water, we'll need it soon. Come, my lady. Let's get you into your nightgown. You'll find it much cooler than your dress." Mrs. Beechum glanced at Nicholas. "My Lord, if you would, Master Edmund is beside himself outside her ladyship's door. He keeps talking about her ladyship going away. Would you mind reassuring him that all is well?"

Nicholas stiffened beside her, and his tension pulsed its way into her body. She grasped his arm, and smiled up at him.

"I'll be fine. I'm just having a baby. I'm not going anywhere. Go to him. He's just scared." Despite her calm reassuring manner, Nicholas still appeared reluctant to leave her. She smiled up at him and nodded her head toward the door. With a grimace, Nicholas kissed her.

"Very well, but you're not to go anywhere," he murmured with a twinkle in his eye that vanished as soon as she gasped at the contraction taking hold of her. She heard Nicholas grunt with discomfort as her fingers dug into his arms. Mrs. Beechum dampened another hand cloth and gently wiped the sweat off of Victoria's face as the contraction eased. His features taut with worry, Nicholas looked at Mrs. Beechum.

"Dr. Bertram?" The harsh words from Nicholas received a nod from the housekeeper.

"Jamieson sent Mickey to fetch the doctor as soon as Master Edmund told us about her ladyship." Mrs. Beechum's calm voice didn't seem to ease Nicholas' concern, and Victoria squeezed his arm more gently this time.

"I'll be fine. Dr. Bertram will be here soon. Go to Edmund. I don't want him to worry. I promise you the only place I'm going is to my bed."

Green eyes narrowed at her, Nicholas hesitated for a brief moment then with a brusque nod he left her alone with Mrs. Beechum. With efficient speed, the housekeeper and Molly helped her undress. Victoria insisted on a quick sponge bath in an attempt to remove some of the damp stickiness on her body before she allowed the nightgown to be thrown over her head. The contractions were now about three minutes apart and Victoria was already wanting the pain to end.

Victoria lay against the pillows, her skin pale and translucent from exertion. Sweat plastered her hair against her scalp, and with her eyes closed, Nicholas realized she was as pale now as she was whenever she had a fainting spell.

"You're almost done, my lady." Dr. Bertram hovered over her, his words cheerful and encouraging. "I can see the baby's head now."

"How in the hell did women survive without epidurals," she rasped as she leaned forward and bore down at the doctor's urging. Exhaustion was visible on her face as her contraction eased, and she fell backward into the pillows.

"Just a little longer, sweet witch," he said. His heart ached at the obvious pain contorting her features as another contraction took hold of her.

"That's easy for you to say," she snapped with her usual fiery spirit before she closed her eyes in pain again.

Nicholas winced at the strength of his wife's grip as Victoria closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. Pushing herself away from her pillows, she appeared to ride a wave of pain until, with a loud gasp, she uttered a cry of relief and collapsed back into the damp sheets. Less than a second later, a new cry filled the room.

"It's a boy, my lady. My lord," Bertram exclaimed. "A beautiful, baby boy."

"Did you hear that, my love? We have a son." Nicholas looked over his shoulder at the baby then back to Victoria.

"I seem to recall telling you it was a boy," she said wearily, but the smile on her lips was filled with a radiant joy, and Nicholas stared at her in wonder. This beautiful woman had given him not only her heart, but a son as well. Time and again, she had proven to him that love was worth the risk. His heart felt as though it would explode from the depth of his emotions. Afraid of hurting her, he captured her face in his hands and brushed her lips in a gentle kiss.

"I love you, sweet witch."

"I love you too." Victoria's hand touched his cheek.

"Would the two of you like to meet your son?" Dr. Bertram beamed down at them as he cradled the newborn.

Victoria stretched out her arms and accepted the precious bundle. Turning the baby so that Nicholas could see their new son, she smiled. "What should we call him?"

"I hadn't even thought about a name," he murmured with a sense of awe. "To be honest, I thought he would be a girl."

"Well, we have to give him a name," she teased. Turning her head toward the doctor, she called out to him. "Dr. Bertram. What's your first name?"

"Andrew, after my grandfather." The doctor did not look up from the task of cleaning his instruments as he answered the question.

"What about Andrew Edmund Thornhill?" she asked as her finger stroked the baby's cheek.

"Andrew Edmund it is then," he whispered before turning his head. "Dr. Bertram, I take it that our son's name meets with your approval?"

"You honor me, my lady...my lord," Dr. Bertram stammered as pleased astonishment crossed his face.

"Would you please send Edmund in, Mrs. Beechum? I think it's time he met his nephew," Victoria said as she looked at the housekeeper at the end of the bed.

As Mrs. Beechum left to fetch his brother, Nicholas studied the glow on Victoria's face as she stared down at their son. A sense of wonder surged through him as his gaze focused on the tiny hand wrapped around Victoria's finger. Her sapphire eyes shining with happiness, she looked up at him then laughed as Edmund charged into the room.

"It's a boy," Edmund exclaimed with excitement. "I have a nephew. What's his name?"

"Andrew Edmund Thornhill."

"He's got my name," his brother said softly with an obvious sense of awe. Edmund leaned over the baby and gently tapped his head. "Hello, Andrew Edmund. We're going to have lots of fun together."

Blue eyes shining with happiness, Victoria smiled at his brother then turned her head to look at him. A mischievous smile curled her lips.

"Isn't it about time you held your son, my lord?" A sensation not unlike fear flooded his limbs, and Nicholas hesitated as Victoria offered Andrew to him.

"Well, go on, he won't bite you," she said with a chuckle. "At least not yet."

Gingerly, Nicholas took his newborn son in his arms and rocked him as he'd once witnessed his own mother do with Abigail so many years ago. A bittersweet longing assailed his heart as he wished his parents were alive to see their grandson. Surprised by the thought, he realized that in loving Victoria he had come to forgive his father. The insight shook him as he recognized how much her love had changed him and his outlook on life. Victoria brought out the best in him. She would until the end of their days together. A sudden icy premonition surged through him, but he crushed it before it dampened the joy he was experiencing with his new son in his arms. With the exception of his inability to find Reardon, his life had never been better. Victoria was the reason for that, and he thanked God for the happiness she'd brought into his life.

Chapter 34.

Victoria strolled along the lake path near Goodman Cottage as Edmund charged toward the spot where he studied his turtles. Nicholas had returned to London two weeks ago, and she missed him terribly. It was one of the reasons she'd decided to treat Edmund to a picnic. She'd thought about bringing Andrew with her, but Molly had convinced her to leave the baby behind and just enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Just a little more than a month old, Andrew was a strong, healthy baby. Nicholas had proved quite adept at being a hands-on father, and she knew the servants were constantly amazed at his eagerness to help her with the baby. She was certain it had a great deal to do with his father's disowning of Edmund as a child.

Her gaze followed her brother-in-law's long-legged form as he prowled the edge of the small lake. She smiled as she recalled her brother-in-law's first glimpse of Andrew. Wide-eyed with wonder, Edmund had fallen in love with his new nephew at first sight. Andrew seemed to know when Edmund was near, and would stop crying the moment his uncle held him.

A flash of movement out of the corner of her eye broke through her thoughts. A narrow country lane bordered the trees at the far end of the lake and she turned to see a closed carriage pull to a stop between her and Edmund. Something about the vehicle made her heart start to pound frantically. Glancing behind her, she saw the footman that had accompanied them was loading the pony cart. Fear welled up inside her as she saw two masked men leap out of the carriage and head toward Edmund.

As she cried out her warning, she lifted her dress and raced forward. Obviously confused by her shouting, Edmund stared at first Victoria and then the men bearing down on him. She and the two strangers were about equal distance from Edmund, but they were much faster. The men reached Edmund first, and she saw them place a white cloth over his nose. Edmund's legs buckled, and the two men lifted him up between them, stumbling toward the carriage.

Fear for her brother-in-law's safety overcoming the fire burning in her lungs, Victoria raced toward the carriage determined to reach the vehicle before it pulled away. Although she didn't glance over her shoulder, she felt certain Jacobs was following. Occupied with placing Edmund on the floor of the carriage, the man outside the coach did not expect her attack. Frantic with fear, Victoria grabbed at the man's greasy hair and yanked hard.

Yelling with fury, the man whipped around. Above his mask, Victoria saw glittering black eyes blazing with a cold rage. His arctic gaze froze her in place. The mistake cost her dearly as the man slapped her across the face. Stunned by the brutal blow, she staggered backward. As she tried to recover from the attack, the man grasped her by the neck and shoved her into the coach.

"What do you know, Silas, the bitch came to us. We didn't have to go get her."

Panic surged through her limbs at the man's coarse tone, and in blind desperation, she kicked out with her feet in the direction of the voice. The grunt of pain she heard in response to her desperate move gave her a moment's satisfaction as she realized she'd found her target. However, the moment became short-lived as someone clamped a foul-smelling cloth over her nose, and her eyes fluttered closed despite her best efforts to stay awake.

Victoria woke in the dark, the cold dampness of the floor eating its way through her gown. Revulsion churned her stomach as the dank odor of decay assaulted her nostrils. High up on the wall opposite her was a window blocked by bars. From where she was, she could see the stars shining above her. How far away from home were they? Had the men gone after Jacobs? Had the footman been able to go for help or was he dead? She could feel her breast leaking slightly with milk, and she realized Andrew would be hungry. Fear knotted in her throat as she tried to understand what was happening. Why would someone want her and Edmund? Tears splashed down her cheeks as she tried to control her panic. Her heart pounding like a trapped animal, she jumped violently at the soft plea piercing the darkness.

"Victoria, where are you?"

Choked sobs filled the black cell and tore at her heart. In vain, she tried to see Edmund's lean frame in the darkness. Anxious to reach him, Victoria stretched out her hand, but could not find him within reaching distance. She began to crawl forward to the sound of Edmund's voice. The moment her hands touched the slimy, dank floor she was forced to swallow the bile that came up into her mouth.

She paused for a moment as she struggled to breathe slowly and calm herself. Edmund needed her. Muffled sobs sounded just in front of her, and she reached out into the dark again. She touched his back to find his lanky form curled up into a ball. Her voice soft, she pulled him into a protective embrace and whispered soft reassurances as she tenderly stroked his head.