To Have and To Hold

by Tracie Peterson

  She squinted and raised her voice. “But I got enough shells here to keep after him.” She turned back to Audrey and Boyd. “My eyes ain’t what they used to be. Think I’m gonna have to get me some practice shooting at moving targets.”

  “The war is over, Thora, and even if there is a Northerner out there somewhere, you’re not supposed to shoot at him.” With a determined look in his eye, Audrey’s father rounded the porch, climbed the steps, and reached for the weapon.

  “Hold on, Boyd! There he is.” Aunt Thora yanked the gun from his grasp and took aim.

  Before she could get off another shot, Audrey’s father wrestled the weapon from her hands and took several backward steps. “Now, hear me out, Thora. No more shooting at anyone. Do you understand?”

  Aunt Thora jumped to her feet and pointed in the distance. “There he is! Aim that gun or give it to me, Boyd!”

  As Audrey neared the porch, she glimpsed a man waving a white handkerchief from behind one of the trees. “Boyd! Audrey! It’s me—Victor Morley.” He hesitated a moment. “Is it safe to come out?”

  Audrey clapped a hand to her forehead. “You’ve been shooting at Mr. Morley, Aunt Thora. He’s a dear friend and my former employer.”

  “He said he was a Northerner—that was all I needed to know. I put him on the run in no time.” Thora pushed the sole of her shoe against the wooden slats of the porch floor and set her rocker into motion. Even after hearing Mr. Morley was a friend, the old woman exhibited no remorse. Instead, she appeared downright pleased with herself. “I told him to find his way off Bridal Veil the same way he got here. When he didn’t leave, I had no choice but to get the shotgun.”

  “You always have a choice, Thora, and as a general rule it shouldn’t involve a shotgun.” With his lips stretched as tight as a clothesline on washday, her father shook his head before he stepped off the porch and waved to Mr. Morley, peeking from behind the tree. “It’s safe to come out now.”

  Mr. Morley took a cautious step from behind the giant oak. His face brightened when he noticed the weapon had been wrested from Aunt Thora’s hands. He appeared relieved and thankful all rolled into one. “Good to see you—both of you.” Though his words were directed at father and daughter, his focus remained fixed on the old woman.

  Audrey’s father extended his hand as he walked toward Mr. Morley. “This is quite a surprise.” He glanced over his shoulder at Audrey, who continued to follow after him. “Unless Audrey has been keeping secrets. Did you know Mr. Morley was going to pay us a visit?”

  “No, but it’s truly wonderful. I hope your wife and the children are with you.”

  “Not this time, but perhaps they can come with me on a future visit.” He grinned. “Once I’m sure they won’t be greeted with a shotgun.”

  The three of them approached the wraparound front porch, where Aunt Thora continued to rock her chair at a frantic pace. Audrey hurried to the woman’s side. “This is Thora Lund. She was my grandmother’s companion and housekeeper for many years. She elected to remain here on Bridal Veil after Grandmother’s death.”

  Mr. Morley tipped his hat and nodded. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, ma’am.”

  Thora pursed her lips tightly and gave a throated growl of disagreement. Narrowing her eyes, she tried to look fierce. “I’ll be watchin’ your every move while you’re on this island.” She wagged her index finger between father and daughter. “These two may trust Yankees, but I know better.”

  Mr. Morley ascended the final step onto the porch. “I assure you I mean nothing but good, Mrs. Lund. I am quite fond of both Boyd and Audrey, and I hope my visit will prove that I am your friend, as well.”

  “Humph! If you think you can spout a few sweet words in my direction and I’m gonna trust you, then you don’t know Thora Lund.” Aunt Thora straightened her shoulders and shot a haughty look at Mr. Morley.

  “Why don’t we all go inside to the parlor? I’m sure you could use some refreshment after your journey, Mr. Morley.” Audrey ushered him toward the front door. “I can’t wait to hear how the children have been progressing. And how is your wife? And Mattie? I haven’t had a letter from Mattie in a while.” The men followed, but Aunt Thora remained in her rocking chair.

  Audrey missed the Morley family, but she missed Mattie more than anyone else she’d left behind in Pittsburgh. Even though Mattie had been the head housekeeper and Audrey’s supervisor at the Morley home, the two of them had become fast friends. Audrey cherished letters from Mattie. They were always filled with news and funny stories about the latest happenings.

  “My wife sends her regards, and you’ll be pleased to know Mattie sent a letter. She was excited when she learned I’d be visiting you and your father.” Mr. Morley followed Audrey into the parlor and withdrew an envelope from his jacket pocket.

  Her heart swelled at the sight of the familiar handwriting. Never had she had a friend as dear as Mattie. Someone she could confide in and trust, someone who’d stood by her and wiped her tears when the problems with her father’s drinking had been at their worst. Mattie hadn’t judged or tried to solve Audrey’s problems, but she’d listened to Audrey’s heartache and offered unyielding friendship. When Audrey’s father persuaded her to leave Pittsburgh, it had been Mattie who had offered encouragement and wisdom.

  Audrey clasped the envelope to her bodice before she slipped it into her skirt pocket. “I’ll save it for later so that I can savor each word.” The men smiled and nodded, but she doubted they understood. “I’ll prepare some refreshments, but please don’t exchange any news until I return.”

  Her father chuckled. “You don’t want us to sit here in complete silence, do you? Perhaps you could ask Thora to prepare the refreshments. It would keep her busy.”

  Audrey wasn’t certain Aunt Thora would be pleased to prepare food and drink for a Northerner, but her father was correct. It would keep her busy. Audrey opened the parlor door leading to the porch. Aunt Thora glanced up when she drew near.

  “That Yankee still in there?”

  “Of course he is. You would have seen him if he’d departed.”

  “Humph! Never know about them Yankees. The way they sneak around, he could be anywhere by now.”

  There was no way she was going to win this conversation with Aunt Thora. “I’m going to serve some refreshments. Would you like to help prepare them?”

  “You gonna serve that Yankee?”

  “I am going to serve Mr. Morley, a friend and our guest, and I would appreciate your help.”

  The woman rested her weathered hands on the chair arms and pushed to a stand. “I suppose I can fix the refreshments, but I won’t serve him. I’m dead set against that idea.”

  Audrey patted Aunt Thora’s shoulder. “Thank you for your willingness to help me.”

  Thora pointed toward the south end of the porch. “I’m going around and let myself in through the solarium. You go on back and visit with your Yankee friend. I’ll ring a bell when the tray’s ready.”

  Audrey didn’t argue, but she hoped Aunt Thora wouldn’t think of some way to poison Mr. Morley. The thought sent Audrey scurrying after her. “What do you plan to serve, Aunt Thora?”

  Her skirt wrapped around her legs as Thora came to an abrupt halt and made a quick turn. “Uninvited visitors can’t be picky, Audrey. You can be sure I won’t be serving him syllabub or ambrosia—those are for special guests. There’s some leftover caramel cake, and I’ll set a pot of coffee on to boil. Don’t think he’ll be wantin’ tea—Northern folks don’t take to tea like we do down here in the South.”

  Audrey clipped back a smile. Telling Aunt Thora that she knew many folks in Pittsburgh who enjoyed a cup of tea—and some Southerners, her own father included, who preferred coffee as much as a cup of tea—would only begin another long discussion. And Audrey didn’t want to lose a minute of visiting with Mr. Morley. Her curiosity had continued to mount since she’d first set eyes on him. Why he would suddenly appear on Bridal Veil Island was beyond her
imagination.

  “The cake will be fine.” Audrey headed back toward the parlor while Aunt Thora mumbled that uninvited Yankees should be more than satisfied with leftovers.

  “I hope I haven’t missed anything of importance,” she said, settling on a chair across from her father.

  Mr. Morley met her gaze. “Nothing of significance. You appear to be faring well since the move, Audrey. Are you content in your new home?”

  Audrey glanced at her father. “Yes. I am comfortable, and Father is quite happy. For his sake, I hope we’ll be able to remain here. I can’t tell you how surprised I am to see you appear. I didn’t know you had interests in the South.”

  “Well, I hadn’t until recently. And that’s exactly why I’m here. I suppose you two are aware of the transformation taking place on Jekyl Island, the large resort and hunting club being constructed.”

  Audrey nodded. They would have to be completely isolated not to have heard of the plans. The island to the south of them had been sold to a group of New York investors, who had formed some sort of club and wanted to build a retreat where they could hunt, fish, boat, and escape the cold winters up north. “Jekyl is quite the talk among folks in Biscayne and in the local newspapers, as well, but I don’t believe they’ve actually begun construction. Then again, I could be wrong.” Suddenly it had all become clear to her. No wonder Mr. Morley had come for a visit. He wanted to see the island before he became a member. “So that’s why you’ve come for a visit. You and your wife intend to join the Jekyl Island Club.”

  The idea sent Audrey’s spirits soaring. If the Morleys belonged to the club, they would be making visits to the nearby island. And that would mean she would have an opportunity to see Mattie and the Morleys’ children, June and Thomas. Before Mr. Morley could answer, Audrey was jarred from her thoughts by the unrelenting ringing of the bell.

  Had the jangling been less insistent, she would have waited for Mr. Morley’s response. Instead, she jumped to her feet. “Please excuse me. I’ll fetch our refreshments, and then we can continue our conversation.” She stopped in the doorway. “I do want to hear about your plans to join the Island Club.” With a slight wave, she scurried to the kitchen.

  Aunt Thora pointed to the trays. “You’ll have to make two trips. Couldn’t fit everything on one tray.”

  “Would you please bring the second tray? That way I can begin to serve without allowing the coffee to get cold.” Audrey didn’t want to beg, but she truly hoped the older woman would relent.

  Thora curled her lip. “I s’pose, but I’m not serving your visitor.”

  Audrey sighed with relief. “Just carry the tray into the parlor and set it on the table, and then you can go and take your afternoon nap.” She pecked the woman on her cheek. “Thank you.”

  “Humph. So long as you remember that I’m doin’ this for you and not for that Yankee.”

  With a grin, Audrey picked up the larger tray. The thought that Aunt Thora would do anything for a Yankee would never cross Audrey’s mind, but she let the comment go unanswered. Any deeper discussion of the war or relations between the North and South would only delay Audrey’s return to the parlor.

  “Here we are. I hope you like caramel cake, Mr. Morley.” Audrey placed the tray on a table to one side of the sitting area.

  “I don’t believe I’ve ever tasted caramel cake, but I’m always pleased to try a new dessert.” He did his best to smile when Aunt Thora plunked her tray on the table.

  “How could a man live to be your age and never eat caramel cake? I never heard the like!” Thora turned on her heel and stomped out of the room. “Yankees!”

  Audrey’s father shook his head. “Thora’s a good woman, but she’s still unwilling to accept the outcome of the war. She continues to harbor a strong dislike for Northerners.”

  Mr. Morley chuckled. “After our encounter out front, I assumed we wouldn’t become immediate friends.” He tasted a bite of the cake. “This is excellent. Perhaps you could send the recipe to Mattie. I’m sure the children would enjoy it.”

  “I’ll send it the next time I write.” Audrey poured coffee into his cup. “You mentioned investing in Jekyl Island. I’m excited to hear you’ll be spending part of the year nearby.”

  “I haven’t thrown in with the men involved in the proposal. I spoke with several of them when I was last in Chicago—Marshall Field and Wirt Dexter both encouraged me to seek membership, but a few days later I was contacted by Thaddeus Baker, an investor from Syracuse who was visiting in Pittsburgh. He, too, had been asked to join the investors forming the club on Jekyl Island, but his wife wasn’t in favor.” Mr. Morley tipped his head to the side and glanced at my father. “You know how women can be when it comes to hunting and fishing and less than opulent living conditions. Most don’t find it appealing. Mrs. Baker thought wives would be much more interested in spending their winters where the accommodations were more luxurious than those being planned for, where there were more options for entertainment, and where individual accommodations would be available at the outset. As I expected, my wife agreed with Mrs. Baker’s assessment.”

  Audrey’s earlier excitement plummeted. So she wouldn’t have an opportunity to visit with Mattie after all. Still, Audrey didn’t understand why her former employer had traveled to Georgia if he didn’t intend to join the group. “Did you hope to change Mrs. Morley’s decision after visiting?”

  “Not at all. As it turns out, I’ve helped to gather another group of men, and we have formed our own organization. An excellent group of investors—and after one concession, I was even able to convince Thaddeus Baker to join us. Our group has made almost as much progress as the Jekyl group. However, we have managed to keep our activities less public—by choice, of course. We have a few details that need to be completed, and then we’ll make a public announcement.”

  Her father’s brow furrowed. “So you’re going to set up some sort of resort on another nearby island?”

  “Indeed. I hope you will be pleased to learn that our group has purchased Bridal Veil Island from the heirs of Mrs. Lofton. Except for your home and the twenty acres you still own, our group now holds title to the entire island.” Mr. Morley finished the last bite of his cake and picked up his coffee cup. “That’s the reason for my visit.”

  “You’ve purchased Bridal Veil from the Loftons? When Mr. and Mrs. Lofton purchased most of the island, they assured my mother that their heirs would never sell the land.” Her father dropped back in his chair, his eyes reflecting disbelief.

  Audrey watched her father’s look change from one of disbelief to disappointment and knew what he must be thinking. Her grandmother had been careful in her choice of buyer when she’d been forced to sell most of the island. She’d hoped to avoid anyone ever destroying the natural beauty of Bridal Veil. Yet, in spite of her caution, it seemed Grandmother had been unable to protect her beloved island forever.

  Her father rubbed his jaw. “So the Lofton heirs have decided money is more important than the land their parents vowed to protect. I’m disappointed.”

  “I believe several of the Lofton children came upon hard times and decided selling was their only option. And that’s what brings me here, Boyd. Our group would like to offer to purchase Bridal Fair and your remaining twenty acres of land so that we may have use of the entire island.”

  “No!” Her father’s response exploded from his lips like one of Aunt Thora’s shotgun blasts.

  Mr. Morley recoiled at the abrupt reaction. “I didn’t mean to offend in any way. It’s just that the other investors asked that I come and speak with you, since we are already acquainted. They’re willing to pay a substantial price, although they know the property is delinquent on tax payments.”

  “I’m not willing to sell to them. I don’t want the entire island overrun and destroyed.”

  “But that’s not our intent. We’ve hired a landscape architect who will help us maintain the natural beauty of the island, and we’re in the process of employing
a gamekeeper who will work with us to preserve all of the wildlife. Some members will want to hunt, of course, but we don’t intend for that aspect to be the primary focus of our club. I think you’d find all of the men are quite respectful of nature.”

  “I just can’t do it, Mr. Morley. The taxes are a genuine concern, and if I can’t find some way to pay them, then I guess you and your friends can purchase the land at the tax sale. But I don’t think my mother would have ever agreed to such an arrangement.”

  “But your mother is dead, isn’t she?”

  “Yes. But I still feel obligated to honor her wishes regarding this island. At least the small portion that still remains in the family.”

  Mr. Morley arched forward and rested his arms across his legs. “Then let me loan you the money to pay the taxes. It’s the least I can do.”

  “I don’t want charity, and you don’t owe me anything, Mr. Morley. I appreciate your kindness, but I’ll figure out a way to pay the taxes on my own.”

  After he’d studied her father for a moment, Mr. Morley folded his hands together. “Then what about taking a job working as the primary foreman on our project? You’re an excellent choice, and my partners have already approved moving forward to hire you.” Their visitor straightened and awaited her father’s response with an expectant gaze.

  Her father shook his head with a slow determination. “I do thank you, but I’m going to have to reject your offer.”

  Audrey couldn’t believe her ears. Her father had vowed to love this land more than life itself. He’d been determined to return to the place where he’d been born. And now, threatened with the loss of his family home, he refused a loan and then refused to take a job that suited him perfectly. Granted, his health had been unstable since shortly before they’d moved south, but supervising the project wouldn’t be the same as performing manual labor. How could he so offhandedly refuse the help Mr. Morley offered?

  Perhaps her father thought Mr. Morley’s offers were made out of continuing feelings of thanks or obligation. All of their lives had intertwined three years ago, when Mr. Morley had been seeking an innovative and accomplished contractor to expand his mansion in Pittsburgh. A man who always aspired to being different and unique, Mr. Morley didn’t want someone who would disagree with his plans—he wanted someone who would make his plans happen.