To Love and Cherish (22 page)

“If I said I didn't mind, it wouldn't be the truth. I wish you didn't have to go, yet I do understand.” She placed her hand on his arm. “And what's this event you mentioned? Perhaps I can develop some ideas for the ladies if there is to be something special planned for the men at the golf course.”

“I didn't receive any details—only that a special event is occurring and there can be no delays with the course.” He hoped she wouldn't quiz him further, for he couldn't give her any additional information.

“Well, once you know more, perhaps we can coordinate events. And let's hope that when the golf course is well underway, you'll have more free time.”

He was thankful for her understanding. With her new duties, Melinda likely realized the added pressures being placed upon him. If he didn't receive Harland's position, he couldn't continue at Bridal Veil. He knew pride played a part in his thinking, but he couldn't possibly support a wife on his current wages. And he certainly wouldn't be dependent upon his wife to support him.

“Once you begin planning all of your parties and social events, you may be busier than I. Then what will we do?”

“I don't think that will happen. I plan always to make time for you.” She pushed a lock of hair back from her forehead as Daisy and a couple of the other maids sauntered past them. Evan nodded in greeting, but they turned and looked away.

“It appears they're not any more pleased with me than with you.” He chuckled and waited until they were out of earshot before he scooted a bit closer. The branch wobbled under their weight, and Melinda grasped his arm. “I promise it won't break.”

She smiled. “I'm sure you're right, but I really do need to return. I've been gone all day shopping, and I'll need to unpack some of the items I purchased before going to bed. I'm to start my new job in the morning.”

He had hoped for a little more time, but he couldn't very well object when he expected her to be understanding of his own duties. “I'll walk you over. There's one other thing I wanted to mention before I leave for Savannah.”

Their talk had gone better than he'd expected, and he now wondered if he should broach the subject of Lawrence, though he didn't want an unpleasant exchange prior to his departure. Thus far, his uneasiness about Lawrence was unfounded, yet he worried that with Harland's recent illness and Garrison having to take charge of so much, Lawrence might find some way to take advantage of the situation.

“What is it? Something about my new position?”

He shook his head. “Actually it's about your brother.”

“Lawrence? What's he done?”

“Nothing that I know of, yet he's made some comments that make me uneasy. I hope it's merely foolishness on my part, but on several occasions he's mentioned gambling. With guests beginning to arrive for the season, I'm concerned he may attempt to elicit an invitation to join some of the gentlemen in their card games.” They stopped at the bottom of the steps leading into the clubhouse. “I'm told some of those games are played for high stakes. Of course, it's up to the guests if they wish to participate, but I don't want Lawrence to think he has the same privilege.” He watched her expression for any sign of anger, but she appeared more concerned than annoyed.

She glanced toward the darkening sky. “I worry a great deal about Lawrence's love of gaming. He told me he wanted to create a new life here, and I hope he is sincere in that regard. If it will make you feel better, I'll speak to him tomorrow.” She smiled up at him. “I won't mention your name. I wouldn't want to create a rift between the two men I love.”

He looked over his shoulder before stepping forward and wrapping her in a warm embrace. “I don't deserve such a wonderful woman, but I am very thankful you will soon be my wife.” When she rested her palms on his chest and looked into his eyes, he could no longer resist. Lowering his head, he captured her lips in a lingering kiss that would carry him to Savannah and home again.

Before Evan left the following morning for Savannah, he stopped outside Harland's bedroom. He placed his suitcase near the door and forced a smile before he entered.

“The sun is out and it looks like it's going to be a beautiful day, Harland.” Evan grabbed the spindles of a straight-backed chair and placed it beside the older man's bed. “How are you feeling this morning?”

Since Harland had taken to his bed, Delilah had claimed a small space near his legs. After standing to see who'd intruded upon her sleep, she stretched her furry body, gave a feeble purr, and plopped back into her space on the bed. Harland's thinning white hair fanned across the pillow like a halo of dandelion dust. “I'm doing just fine. Don't you spend your time fretting about me. You've got lots to accomplish in the next few days, and worrying about an old man isn't one of them. I've been praying everything will go real smooth so you can return and get started on that golf course.” His voice was weaker than usual. “No telling what the doctor's going to decide about me. He's talking about a doctor in Savannah, so Delilah and I may not be here when you return.” As if she'd understood, the cat purred and moved closer to his leg.

Harland's words hit like a crushing blow. For a moment Evan couldn't gain enough breath to speak. He shook his head. “Please, Harland. I don't think I can do this without you.”

“Now, don't you be saying what we both know isn't true. I've trained you well. You're equipped for the job, and you've got the Lord to lead you through the rest of your journey. He's a better guide than I am. You just need to remember to keep your eyes fixed on Him rather than on everyone else. Keep Him first in your life, do your work as if you're doing it for Him, and make decisions you know will please Him.”

He lifted his hand and placed it on Evan's arm. “That will be the most difficult part of your job. In a place like this, you're dealing with men who have both power and wealth. Some of them may expect you to do things that are wrong.” Harland squeezed his arm. “Be willing to take a stand when you must, Evan. Honor God by making decisions that glorify Him.”

A lump formed in Evan's throat. The thought of being on Bridal Veil without Harland's wisdom and guidance pained him. Not since his mother's death had he experienced such a sense of loss. “I will, Harland. I promise. But it's my prayer that you'll be here when I return.”

“And if I'm not, you can come and visit me when you have a few days off. Bring Melinda with you. She'd like my brother's wife. I'll expect an invitation to the wedding, too.” He grinned and released Evan's arm. “Now you best get moving or Captain Fleming and the
Bessie II
will leave for Biscayne without you. Have a safe trip to Savannah.”

“I'll do my best. Thank you for everything, Harland, but like I said—I'm praying to see you right here when I return.”

The older man waved toward the door. “Go on, before I have to get out of bed and shoo you out of here like a pesky fly.”

In spite of his sadness, Evan chuckled. He leaned over the bed and gave Harland a fleeting hug. “You are the earthly father I always wanted.”

“And you are the son I never fathered.” A tear slipped down Harland's cheek, and he turned his head toward the wall. “Go on now.”

Evan hurried from the room, grabbed his suitcase, and rushed down the steps and out the front door, nearly colliding with Emma.

“Ya almost knocked me flat as a pancake, Evan. Best watch where yar going.”

He apologized as he came to an abrupt halt. “Are you going upstairs to sit with Harland?”

“I'm gonna check on him, but then I got to get over to the clubhouse. Guests are arrivin' and there's work to be done. I've got one of the new lasses who hasn't yet been trained for her cleaning duties to come over and sit with him. She's a sweet girl and she knows to send for the doctor if there's a problem.” She nodded toward the upper portion of the house. “Did Harland tell ya he may be leaving for his brother's before ya return?”

“Uh-huh.” Not much happened on Bridal Veil that escaped Emma's watchful eye and keen ears. “I'm praying he'll still be here when I return, but I bid him good-bye just in case.”

“Aye, that was smart of ya. And did our Melinda tell ya of her new position over at the clubhouse?” Emma didn't wait for Evan to answer. “I'm guessin' you're mighty proud of her. Mr. Zimmerman places a lot of confidence in her.” She nudged Evan. “And to think you won her heart.”

He smiled and agreed. “It is a surprise, isn't it?” A horn blasted from the
Bessie II
, and Evan waved and took off at a gallop. Captain Fleming knew of Evan's plans to ride over to Biscayne this morning, but he wouldn't wait on him. The man prided himself on timely arrivals and departures, and he deemed leaving tardy folks behind a good lesson in punctuality.

Melinda's schedule hadn't permitted time to seek out Lawrence, and he hadn't been around the clubhouse since Evan's departure three days previously—at least not that she'd noticed. Although Mr. Zimmerman had predicted later arrivals this year, five families had come to the island on Thursday and Friday, and seven families had already opened their cottages for the season. Yesterday, the supervisor had been flustered by several letters from guests who had asked to move their arrival dates to next week.

Today, Mr. Zimmerman appeared every bit as disturbed as he had yesterday. He flapped several envelopes back and forth as he approached the door of Melinda's small office. “More guests requesting early arrival dates. I do not understand people who change their plans at the last minute. I doubt these women operate their households in such a lax manner, yet they expect me to be prepared no matter when they step onto the dock.” He massaged his forehead. “And you can imagine how the chef is reacting to the influx of guests. He's even more upset than I am.”

Melinda bit back a smile. She couldn't imagine any of the staff being more distressed than Mr. Zimmerman. Bridal Veil's supervisor was the epitome of organization, and he operated the clubhouse on a rigid schedule. However, the guests sometimes made it difficult for him to maintain his routine. They expected their desires to be met by a pleasant staff and without question. Watching Mr. Zimmerman attempt to remain calm and organized during these ever-changing circumstances, Melinda caught a glimpse of what might lie in store for her as the season continued. After working for Mrs. Mifflin for the past four years, she understood how quickly boredom could set in among the wealthy crowd.

“How have your plans progressed?” He peered over her shoulder at the ledger book in which she'd been writing. He tapped on one of the lines. “This looks good. I like the idea of rotating teas so the ladies become acquainted with one another. I am sure you have checked with the chef and serving staff to make certain this will not prove overtaxing for them?” His mustache twitched as he stared down at her.

“Yes. Chef Durand has appointed his assistant, Chef Bickerstaff, to oversee all of my activities while Chef Durand will continue with the full meals served in the main dining rooms. Chef Durand agreed we may use the sunroom for many of the activities I have planned.”

Mr. Zimmerman gave his mustache a slight tweak. “Good. I'm glad to hear you are keeping well organized. I think you should place a bulletin at the front that will list the activities for each day and another one that will show upcoming activities. That way the guests can register in advance.”

Melinda pointed to the wall on the other side of her desk. “We think alike, Mr. Zimmerman. I have already printed the first bulletin and will be posting it later in the day.”

“Excellent.” He gave a firm nod. “I knew you would be the perfect choice for this position, Miss Colson.” He glanced toward the main parlor. “As time permits, you should circulate among the guests. It will give you an opportunity to encourage participation.”

“Indeed, I will do exactly that, Mr. Zimmerman. I appreciate your support and your ideas. I'm sure it's going to be an exceptional season.”

“Let us hope so, Miss Colson. And let us hope the remainder of the guests register at their appointed times rather than send me more of these letters.” He tucked the envelopes into his jacket pocket. “I do believe there are already enough ladies present that you could host the first tea tomorrow afternoon.”

Melinda inwardly cringed. She had hoped to wait until Monday. That was what she and Chef Bickerstaff had already planned. “My first tea is scheduled for Monday, but I am going to see if some of the guests would enjoy a game of charades out on the lawn tomorrow, weather permitting.”

“Excellent! Just keep them content.” He turned and marched away, his shoulders at a rigid posture that would have pleased a military officer.

After another full hour of scheduling events and checking supplies, Melinda took Mr. Zimmerman's suggestion to heart. Closing her ledgers and tucking them into the desk, she strolled into the main parlor, surprised at the number of guests mingling in the room. A small group of women gathered at one end of the room were visiting while their children played on the lawn outdoors under the careful supervision of nurses or nannies. Several young people had joined together, and from Melinda's quick observation, it appeared the girls were vying for the attention of the young men in the circle.

Perhaps she should suggest a game of croquet. As she started toward the group, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Startled, she whirled around. “Lawrence! I couldn't imagine who—” She fell silent when she noticed her brother's companion, unable to do any more than nod in recognition.

“It is a genuine pleasure to see you, Miss Colson. Your brother has been entertaining me this afternoon. He promised I would have the opportunity to see you today. I'm pleased to see he is a man who keeps his word.”

Melinda cleared her throat. “Mr. Powers. I didn't realize you were going to be at Bridal Veil.” Her thoughts raced back to her initial meeting with Preston Powers at the milliner's shop in Savannah. He had given her a bit of information about the hurricane damage at Bridal Veil and mentioned relatives who owned a cottage on the island. She glanced toward the group of women. “Have you arrived at Bridal Veil with your relatives?”

His eyes sparkled with delight. “You have an excellent memory, Melinda. Yes, I'm with the Radcliffes—my Chicago family members who are wintering at their cottage here on the island.”

He was obviously enjoying the opportunity to surprise her. She didn't know what bothered her more: the fact that Preston Powers had decided to visit Bridal Veil or the fact that he was in the company of her brother. He'd been clear that he had never before visited the island, so why had he decided to visit this season? She looked at her brother. Had Lawrence encouraged him to come? He had enjoyed far too many late evenings sitting at the gaming tables during the delay in Savannah.

“I believe you told me you'd never before visited Bridal Veil, Mr. Powers. Why the sudden interest? You don't seem the type who would give in to the cajoling of relatives.”

He tilted his head back and laughed. “You are right on that account. However, both Rupert and Vonita are delighted I joined them.” He stepped closer and leaned toward her ear. “I decided this was the perfect time for a visit for several reasons. One, of course, was because I knew I'd have the pleasure of seeing you again. The other is because I'm extremely interested in the new racetrack. I've brought two of my horses to the island and hope that I'll make a great deal of money while I'm here.”

“I'm pleased to hear that you've come for some reason other than to see me, for the staff members of Bridal Veil are not permitted to socialize with the guests. Isn't that right, Lawrence?”

Her brother shrugged. “I believe the staff members have been told to respect the wishes of the guests. So when Preston requested my company here at the clubhouse, I felt obligated to honor his request.”

She narrowed her eyes and glared at Lawrence. Evan had been correct—her brother needed immediate correction or he was going to slip back into his old habits. She could feel the heat rise in her cheeks. From all appearances, Lawrence somehow planned to use these wealthy guests to his advantage, and such foolishness could damage his future—and her own.