To Love and Cherish

by Tracie Peterson

  Evan reined his horse to one side and permitted Lawrence to come alongside. “I thought you were keeping your horse on the other side of the island.”

  “I am, but he likes to run, and I thought I’d give him a bit of exercise today. If there’s no one out at the racetrack, I thought I’d take him out and see how he does.”

  Evan squinted against the reflection of the sun on Lawrence’s silver-trimmed saddle. “Did that fancy saddle come with the horse?”

  Lawrence grinned. “It did and I must say that winning a horse like Mid—I mean, like Priceless Journey makes it difficult to give up gambling.”

  “Maybe so, but I’d guess losing that animal made it easier for the owner of the horse to quit wagering.”

  “Never can tell,” Lawrence said. “Some men think the next win is only one roll of the dice away. No matter what they lose, they never quit thinking they’ll win the next time.”

  “There’s no doubt the racetrack is going to create a lot of gambling. I hope the investors don’t regret it.” Evan glanced over at Lawrence. “You haven’t changed your mind about running your horse, have you?” He bent forward to miss a low-hanging branch in the path. “If an employee owned a finer racehorse than the guests will be bringing in, it could become an issue and cause some unnecessary problems.”

  “Don’t worry. I don’t plan to race him this season. If I’m around next year, we’ll see what happens. I may even find someone to purchase him. Besides, I enjoy a good game of cards more than betting on horses.”

  Evan wondered if Melinda had informed her brother about the rules against fraternizing with guests. He hoped Lawrence wasn’t forming plans that would gain him access to gambling with the guests.

  He’d best mention his concern to her. He’d add that to his list of things to discuss with Melinda—just as soon as she returned from Biscayne.

  CHAPTER 20

  Melinda was pleased to find Pastor Webley accompanying them home to Bridal Veil Island later that day. She and Emma had arranged for a variety of supplies to be shipped, and even now, Emma was busy with instructions for securing the load.

  “How are you this day, Melinda?”

  She smiled and took a seat beside the older man. “I’m quite well.”

  The pastor removed his gold-rimmed glasses and gently wiped the lenses. “I hope that you are in better spirits than you were prior to Christmas.”

  “I am. I just accepted a new job today. Mr. Zimmerman is going to have me taking care of the guests’ leisure activities. It will mean a raise in pay.”

  “That is good news.”

  She nodded. “I’ve been thinking about it all day. The additional money will surely mean that Evan and I can marry soon.”

  “Are those your plans again?” His lips curved in a good-natured grin.

  Melinda didn’t want him robbing her of the joy she’d felt all day. “I suppose they are. I haven’t had a chance to tell Evan yet, but I hardly see how he could deny it to be a very good idea.”

  The pastor’s expression sobered. “May I be frank with you, Melinda?”

  She didn’t like the tone of his voice, but she agreed nevertheless. “Of course. I would never want anything but honesty and frank discussion between us.”

  “I thought as much.” He replaced the glasses on his face and settled his hands over his rounded belly. “Men and women think very differently from one another. Evan has spoken to me on several occasions, and I feel very confident from those talks that he will not wish to be dependent upon his wife’s work to support their well-being.”

  Melinda frowned. Evan had said as much. “I realize he worries that I will work too hard. His mother did, and he feels it put her in an early grave. But the Bible says I am to be his helper—does it not?”

  “True enough, but it also says that you must submit yourself to Evan’s authority. Are you prepared to heed that, as well? After all, we cannot pick and choose which verses we will honor.”

  Her cheerful spirit wilted. “So you think my new position will do nothing to hurry my marriage.”

  “I cannot say with certainty, but it is my opinion that Evan will be happy for you, but he will continue to delay the marriage until he feels he can provide amply. And, Melinda, that is an excellent quality in a husband. You mustn’t try to dissuade him.”

  A prick of guilt stabbed at her conscience. As much as she wanted to agree with his comment, Melinda felt at odds. She had been so happy throughout the day. She’d even spoken to the seamstress about the cost and design of a wedding dress. Not that she’d made any commitment.

  “I hope I haven’t discouraged you too much.”

  She looked at the pastor and sighed. “I feel there is so much I have to learn. One minute I’m convinced that my thoughts and plans must surely come from God himself, and the next I hear the voice of reason through someone I respect.”

  He nodded and reached over to pat the top of her gloved hand. “Never stop listening for the voice of God. He will answer . . . if you ask Him to. He will listen to all of your concerns and guide your heart.”

  As early evening arrived, Evan was waiting near the dock when the Bessie II finally returned from Biscayne. He hurried toward the boat as the captain carefully steered it alongside the dock. The moment he spotted Melinda and Emma, he waved, but the ladies didn’t see him. Melinda was saying something to Pastor Webley, and Emma was busy commanding the crew. Before disembarking, the older woman gave orders to several of the boys from the island who were charged with unloading goods from the boat.

  “Can I be of assistance?” Evan asked.

  Melinda smiled as their gazes met, and Emma handed him a heavy basket of goods.

  “I’m guessin’ you missed my cookin’, and that’s why you’re waiting on the dock.” She chuckled and glanced over her shoulder at Melinda. “Or is it the pretty lass followin’ behind me that you’re waitin’ to see?”

  “I’m always pleased to see you, Emma, but you’re right that I was waiting for Melinda.” The older woman gave him a look of mock disappointment and Evan laughed. “We did appreciate the food you left for us to warm for our supper. Garrison said he would be a poor substitute for you.”

  “I’m sure you and Harland would fare just as well. Harland can make a powerful good stew.”

  “Speaking of Harland, you need to know he’s fallen ill. Doc says it’s his heart.”

  “Oh no,” Melinda said, looking to the pastor.

  Pastor Webley had overheard the conversation. “Is he at the hunting lodge?”

  Evan nodded with a smile. “We’ve all but tied him in bed.”

  “With your permission, I will go and see him.” The pastor looked to the ladies and gave a slight nod. “If you’ll excuse me, ladies.”

  “Of course.” Emma pressed her hand to her bodice. “Harland has been lookin’ poorly the past year, but he’s always claimin’ to be fine. Sounds like he wasn’t telling the truth! What’s the doctor sayin’ about his recovery?”

  “He had told Harland to quit his position a year ago, but with this last episode, Doc Faraday says he’s going to tell Mr. Zimmerman that Harland’s medical condition will prevent him from doing his job.”

  “Harland won’t like that one little bit,” Emma said. “He’s not a man who’s gonna take kindly to being ordered off his job.”

  “Maybe not, but I think he understands now. Although he hadn’t told any of us, the problem with his heart isn’t new. I think he may move to his brother’s home somewhere outside Savannah, though I’m not sure his plans are definite.”

  “We go off for a few hours, and things turn upside down around here.” Emma stopped to make certain the boys were following with the supplies. She grumbled and motioned to Melinda. “You go on ahead with Evan. Those boys are gonna break that glassware for the dining room if I don’t get after them.” She turned and headed toward the boys while calling out directives.

  Pleased they would have some time alone to talk, Evan slowed his pace u
ntil Melinda was beside him. “I’m sorry I couldn’t acknowledge you this morning.”

  “Emma explained.”

  “I knew Mr. Hubbard wouldn’t be pleased by an interruption. He’s a board member who has invested extra funds to promote the golf course.” He touched her arm. “You know I wouldn’t intentionally do anything to hurt you. Please forgive me.”

  She offered him an endearing smile. “There’s nothing to forgive. And now may I tell you my news?”

  “You have my full attention.”

  She grinned and stepped around a branch in the path. Her enthusiasm spilled forth like a bubbling brook as she described her new position. When she’d finished, she grasped his arm. “Isn’t it wonderful? I can save a great deal of money toward setting up our home, and it will give me an opportunity to use some of my training and education.”

  Emma shouted at the boys to take the crates and boxes to the servants’ entrance at the rear of the clubhouse while Melinda and Evan continued across the lawn toward the maids’ quarters.

  Evan nodded his head, yet the news caused an unexpected sense of foreboding. He should be delighted that Melinda would no longer be required to work as a maid cleaning rooms. She was an educated young woman with many talents, and Mr. Zimmerman planned to put her abilities to good use. From what Melinda told him, Mr. Zimmerman had been careful to obtain the approval of Mr. and Mrs. Mifflin before offering the position. The supervisor had left nothing to chance.

  “Isn’t it wonderful, Evan?” Melinda continued to bubble with excitement. He wouldn’t have been surprised to see her jump up and down. “Let’s sit down for a few minutes.” She grasped his arm and moved toward the live oak. “I’ve already thought of several ideas that I think will be welcome changes to the guests’ usual routine.”

  He felt a stab of protectiveness. “Usual routine? What does that mean? Riding and hunting? I don’t think you’re going to find the men willing to give up their activities in order to play croquet with their wives.”

  Her mouth dropped open, and she backed away as she released her grip on his arm. “This isn’t a competition, Evan. It’s a way to increase the number of activities for the guests. I understand that some of the ladies enjoy riding and hunting, but most do not. If there are more options, the wives will be willing to remain here at Bridal Veil for longer visits. At least that is Mr. Zimmerman’s way of thinking. He’s seen it prove useful in his employment at another resort.”

  Evan bowed his head. He’d spoken without thinking. His remark had come from feelings of fear and pride. Since learning of Harland’s medical condition earlier in the day, he’d been worried, both about Harland and about losing the promotion at Bridal Veil. “I’m sorry, Melinda. I owe you another apology. I’m having trouble figuring out everything that’s going on right now, but I can tell you that I’m very worried about my job. I have no way of knowing if the investors are going to hire me for Harland’s position. With his illness, it means they’ll have to make a decision sooner than expected, and who can say if they’ll consider me qualified.”

  Her eyes softened and she stepped closer. “I accept your apology. I do understand some of your concern. There have been so many changes since the hurricane. But Harland will vouch for you, and they know that he’s placed you in charge of almost all of the work. He’ll tell them that you were the one who took responsibility and provided oversight for building the racetrack and grandstands, and that you’re going to oversee work on the new golf course.” She tipped her head to look into his eyes. “And you need to trust God—isn’t that what Harland has told you in the past?”

  “It’s what the Bible says we’re to do, but it isn’t as easy for me as it is for Harland. I still struggle with the idea that God has time to take care of the simple things that affect my life.”

  Melinda motioned for him to sit beside her on the thick low-hanging branch of the live oak. “You’re not alone, Evan. I often have to pray that God will strengthen my belief. Have you read in chapter nine of Mark where a father brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus and asks Him to have compassion on them and help them?”

  Evan nodded. “Yes. And Jesus tells him that everything is possible for one who believes.”

  Melinda smiled and squeezed his hand. “And then the man says, ‘Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.’ I think we need to add that to our prayers.”

  He leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. “You’re right. The only way I can become more trusting is to ask God to increase my faith.”

  Several of the maids walked outside. Their chatter and laughter carried on the breeze, and Melinda glanced over her shoulder. “I probably should go soon, or there will be more jealous remarks from the maids.”

  Her comment spurred Evan back to the present. “Is Mr. Zimmerman assigning you new quarters, or will you remain housed here with the maids?”

  “He said for now that things would remain as they are. In time, however, if they are pleased with my work, I will be moved to a private apartment. Either way, I’m sure the change in my position will create more division between the girls and me. At least I have Emma to talk with. I will answer directly to Mr. Zimmerman, so she and I can be friends without fear of favoritism interfering.”

  “And you’ll always have me to talk to,” he added.

  Melinda’s smile faded. “I don’t have you very much of the time, Evan. Whenever I want to talk, you’re busy.”

  Her comment was a reminder of his forthcoming trip. “I know I’m not around much, but I think that will begin to change once the racetrack is operating and the golf course has been completed.” He inhaled a deep breath. “When you saw me speaking with Mr. Hubbard this morning, he was giving me instructions about the golf course. I must leave for Savannah in the morning to meet with a new golf course specialist hired by the investors.”

  “So I heard.”

  His eyes widened. “How could you?”

  She touched a finger to one ear. “Surely you know that most of the staff members listen in on conversations whenever possible. Daisy overheard part of your conversation with Mr. Hubbard and repeated it to Emma, who told me.”

  “I hope no one made any alterations to the conversation before you heard it, because I want you to know that I did my best to avoid the trip to Savannah, but Mr. Hubbard wouldn’t hear of it.” Evan shrugged a shoulder. “He says the project will run more smoothly if I meet with the specialist in person so there are no mistakes once we begin. There’s a special event planned for March, and he’s insistent the course be completed.” He rubbed his forehead. “I’ll need to be gone several days, and with Harland ill, it means the other work will fall behind. Still, I don’t think I have any choice.”

  “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.