To Have and To Hold (19 page)

“I believe I can. Thank you, Mrs. Lund.”

“Don't thank me yet. You best wait and see if I find him.”

Marshall had gone to the work site three times and returned to Bridal Fair in between. He didn't know where or when Thora might reappear, but he didn't want to miss her. As he once again neared Bridal Fair, he caught sight of the old woman's white hair rounding the house. “Mrs. Lund!” He waved and ran toward her, his hopes swelling when he saw her grin and wave in return.

“Did you find him?” He gulped a breath of air and stared into her eyes.

“Yep. He'll be over to the construction site tomorrow mornin'. I suggest you get on that boat and go tell them workers to get on over here if they want to see him get rid of that curse. The more that see he was here, the better. Then there's no way of denying he come and took care of things for 'em.” She shook her head. “Bunch of nonsense, but there ain't no talking good sense to them what believes in such things.”

Marshall couldn't believe she'd so easily located the man. He'd spent weeks looking—even left messages nailed onto trees in the hope of locating the man. “You're certain he'll show up?”

She shook her head and
tsk
ed at him. “He'll be here, but I got me another idea, and I want you to help.”

Marshall followed Thora's instructions and went to Biscayne. Many of the men returned with him that evening. Others agreed to return the following morning and promised to send word to the workers on Jekyl Island. Now Marshall hoped that Old Blue would appear as promised.

The next morning the men were gathered around the construction site, and if all went well, they'd be hard at work within a short time. There were gasps of anticipation when a bedraggled white-haired man appeared from the thicket at the rear of the site. Leaning heavily on a walking stick, he approached the building and peered inside. He reached into his pocket, withdrew a substance, tossed it into the doorway of the structure, and then began to chant.

Thora nudged Marshall. “Start praying.” With their arms lifted toward heaven, Marshall and Thora prayed for God to release the men from their pagan beliefs. The men's attention darted back and forth between Ole Blue and his chanting and the two of them and their prayers. When Ole Blue quit chanting and tossed something from his other pocket into the work area, the men inched forward.

“I think they were more impressed with Ole Blue's chanting than with our prayers.”

“Thing is, they can't be sure if it was his chants or our prayers that's gonna have the most power over their lives. If God decides to have His way with 'em, they'll quit believing that gibberish and turn to Him when they're in trouble. In the meantime, you can get back to work.”

Marshall leaned down and embraced the old woman. “You do have a way about you, Thora.”

“Go on with ya,” she said, patting his chest. “Get those men to working, and I'll go have a talk with Ole Blue afore he takes off.”

Life at Bridal Fair returned to the regular routine. For two weeks the men had been working from daybreak until dark, but they still remained far behind schedule. When Marshall received a letter that Mr. Morley would be arriving to inspect the progress, he doubted Mr. Morley would be impressed with the amount of work accomplished. In a previous letter Marshall had suggested hiring more workers from further north, but Mr. Morley said they'd go too far over their allocated budget by doing so. It seemed there was little else he could do to hurry the process.

To make matters worse, it seemed they were suffering minor setbacks at every turn. Though Frank blamed the men for their inexperience, Marshall wasn't certain the entire blame could be placed upon their shoulders. During Marshall's observations, he'd seen nothing to indicate the men lacked proper skills. He'd begun to think it was a lack of direction rather than lack of ability.

Marshall motioned to Frank and waited until he drew near. “I want to inspect the second floor. We'll begin framing the third floor tomorrow. Make sure all the scaffolding is in place. I don't want any accidents.”

“Hoping to impress Mr. Morley, are you?”

“I'm not trying to impress anyone. I just want to get this clubhouse up and running. I'm going up to check out the second floor.”

Weaving among the workers, Marshall trudged up the stairway. Once it was properly finished and the decorative railings and posts were installed, it would be beautiful. Right now, it was no more than rough steps. Marshall stopped at the top of the stairs and shook his head. “This isn't correct.” He continued onward, unable to believe his eyes. “Frank! Get up here! Now!”

Moments later Frank joined him on the upper floor. “Yeah?”

“These rooms aren't laid properly. Where are the drawings?”

Frank walked to the top of the stairway. “Joe! Bring me those plans for the second floor, would ya?”

A few minutes later, Frank handed the plans to Marshall. After unrolling the sheet, he spread it across the floor and glanced at the framework. “Look at this and then check the position of the framework.” He tapped the drawing. “It's all wrong.”

Frank scratched his head. “It does look like it's off, but I followed these plans.”

“If you think you followed these directions, you don't know how to read an architect's drawing.” He rolled up the drawings. “We'll have to start over on this tomorrow.”

Frank rubbed his jaw. “It doesn't look like Mr. Morley's gonna be too happy with the job you're doing.”

Marshall clenched his jaw. “Or you, Frank.” He turned and stormed down the steps before he lost his temper in front of all the workers.

He'd supervised other building projects that had been plagued by problems, but this one was testing his limits. And he didn't need a reminder from Frank that Mr. Morley would be disappointed with their progress.

As Marshall suspected, Mr. Morley was not happy. The following morning he pulled Marshall aside and voiced his frustration. “I wanted to give the setbacks some thought before speaking to you, but there is no doubt that something must be done to avoid these continual delays.”

Marshall nodded. “I agree, and I've given it a great deal of thought, as well. My suggestion is that we dismiss Frank Baker and hire another assistant. I can't be everywhere at once, and I need a man I can depend upon. Frank simply doesn't have the necessary skills for the job. I didn't want to let him go until I spoke to you.”

Mr. Morley shook his head. “I'm afraid he's one person you can't fire, Marshall.”

Marshall shoved his hat to the back of his head and arched his brows. “Why not? I heard you tell him he could pack his bags and get off the island several months ago.”

“An idle threat. Frank knows I can't fire him. He's related to Thaddeus Baker, our largest investor. Thaddeus refused to throw in with us until we agreed to use his nephew. To be honest, I took a huge risk when I demoted him to assistant project manager. I can't chance anything more drastic.” Mr. Morley shoved his hand into his pocket. “You understand?”

“I can understand your dilemma, but you can't expect me to meet deadlines when I have an incompetent assistant. Sometimes I feel Frank is directly responsible for some of the things that have caused our delays.”

Mr. Morley chuckled. “I really doubt that Frank would bite the hand that feeds him. He wouldn't want to anger his uncle.”

Even though Mr. Morley agreed to remain on the island for several months, the decision left Marshall feeling stranded and alone in his attempts to meet the deadlines. He'd counted on the man's support. Obviously that wasn't going to happen—at least where Frank Baker was concerned.

Chapter 18

Audrey gazed out the window, where the late summer flowers vied for attention, their blooms providing a beautiful array of color as they perfumed the air. Over the past weeks Josie and Julie had been sharing their abundance of herbs with Thora, Irene, and Audrey. Upon each visit, the girls proudly presented herbs from their garden, along with some of the flowers they picked along the paths near their cabin.

Today was no exception. They bounded into Bridal Fair, their plump hands grasping baskets filled with herbs and flowers. Julie thrust her basket toward Thora while Josie handed hers to Irene. “We gave Papa some of our flowers to give you, too,” Josie said, pointing behind her father's back.

Julie grinned. “We told him to hide them and surprise you.”

Samson padded into the room, stopped beside the doctor, and arched his back. Dr. Wahler glared at the cat and then kicked him aside with his foot. He hiked a shoulder when Audrey frowned. “That cat doesn't seem to like me for some reason.” He forced a smile. “I'm usually quite good with animals.”

Julie looked up at her father. “You said you didn't like animals, and that's why we couldn't have a puppy or kitty.”

He appeared befuddled by the little girl's remark. “We'll talk about this later, Julie.” Turning toward Audrey, he shrugged. “Children. You never know what they're going to say.” He brought his hand from behind his back and offered Audrey a lovely bouquet.

“They are absolutely beautiful. My thanks to all three of you. I'll get a vase.”

“Not much of a surprise, but I'm pleased you like them.” He followed her across the room with Josie close on his heels.

“Papa was going to pick some weeds. He doesn't know the good flowers like we do, so we had to help. It's good we're smarter than him.”

Brow furrowed, Julie nudged her sister aside. “We're only smarter about flowers, and that's because Aunt Thora and Miss Audrey taught us.” She grasped Audrey's hand. “You need to take Papa on a long walk and teach him about flowers, too.”

While Audrey placed the flowers in a vase, Thora plopped the basket of herbs on the table. “We can take your papa with us tomorrow while Miss Audrey is helping Irene with the laundry.”

Josie clapped her small hands together. She offered a wide smile that revealed dimples in her plump cheeks. “Oh yes. That will be great fun.”

The hopeful gleam in Dr. Wahler's eyes faded. “I would be delighted to have Miss Thora give me lessons on the flora and fauna of Bridal Veil.”

Julie wrinkled her nose. “What's that?”

Audrey brushed her finger against the wrinkles in Julie's nose. “Flora means plants and fauna means animals.”

The little girl turned on her heel and looked at Thora. “Ohh. Are we going to see any wolves, Aunt Thora?”

Thora placed her palm along the side of her cheek. “Land alive, I hope not. Miss Audrey took my shotgun, and without it we'd be defenseless.” She winked at Julie. “Maybe you should tell her to give it back to me.”

Julie's dark curls bobbed up and down as she agreed. “Aunt Thora needs her gun so she can save us from the wolves.”

Dr. Wahler directed a warning look at the old woman. “I don't think you need to worry about wolves, children. I'm sure we won't find any wild animals roaming the island during the daytime. Isn't that right, Thora?”

She hitched her shoulders in an exaggerated shrug. “You may be right. Seems like only the two-legged wolves are out during the daylight hours.”

The doctor attempted a smile, but his features didn't mask his annoyance. “If you have time, I'd like to speak with you about the girls and their future education, Audrey.” He glanced toward Thora and Irene. “Unless this is a bad time.”

“Not at all. I'm certain Irene would be pleased to put the teakettle on to boil, wouldn't you, Irene?”

Irene bobbed in a mock curtsy. “Of course, Miss Audrey. I'll bake a batch of cookies, too, if you like. Shall I start the cookies before or after the laundry?”

Audrey sighed. It seemed that both Thora and Irene were in poor humor today. “I won't be long, I promise.”

“You girls go out on the front porch and play until I finish talking to Miss Audrey. Both Miss Irene and Miss Thora are busy with their chores,” Dr. Wahler said.

“I'd rather help Miss Irene bake cookies,” Josie replied as she gazed longingly toward the kitchen.

Irene hesitated, obviously aware of the mistake she'd made. “I was only teasing about making cookies, Josie. I don't have time to bake today, but if you come back tomorrow, you can help me bake cookies.”

Josie's lips tightened into a pout. “You shouldn't tease about cookies, Miss Irene. That isn't nice.”

“You're correct. I shouldn't tease about cookies, but I hope you'll return and help me tomorrow.” Irene lifted an expectant brow as she awaited the child's response.

“We'll see. Tomorrow I might want to see the flora and fauna instead.”

Thora chuckled and nudged Irene. “Josie don't take too well to being teased.”

Once the girls were outdoors, Audrey and Dr. Wahler settled in the parlor. “Now then, what is it you wished to discuss?”

“As you know, the girls will soon be turning six, and it's time for them to receive a more formal education. I was hoping you might consider taking them on as pupils. I know you are already busy here at Bridal Fair, but I can think of no other solution.” He hesitated. “Our cabin is far too small to bring someone to live with us. And although I will likely send them away to boarding school next year, they're in need of preparation.”

“The girls are delightful, but I'm not certain I can devote time to their lessons.” At any other time, she would have been delighted to accept the position.

“Without the training they would have received from their mother, the girls are going to lag behind other children their age.” When she didn't immediately respond, he continued. “They truly need to learn how to become proper young ladies. Along with providing them with book learning, I know you would be the very best person to instruct them in proper etiquette.”

Audrey realized he was hoping to convince with his praise—and it was working. Though she disliked admitting it, his flattery pleased her. “I would enjoy nothing more, but my duties here at Bridal Fair must come first. As you see, it is difficult for me to slip away for even a brief conversation. There simply aren't enough hours in the day.”

“But I know you are the perfect choice.”

“That may be true, but I must decline.”

Dr. Wahler leaned forward until they were only inches apart. “I'm not a man who normally begs, but I implore you to reconsider. The girls are quite fond of you, and I believe you have feelings for them, as well.”

———

Marshall stood on the other side of the parlor door listening to Dr. Wahler's plea. He'd seen the twins playing at one end of the wraparound porch when he'd come home to retrieve an old pair of work shoes for one of the men. Hearing Dr. Wahler's voice in the parlor, he became inquisitive. He'd heard only snatches of the conversation but enough to realize the good doctor was trying to entice Audrey. His stomach clenched into a knot the size of his fist. He didn't know which was worse: the fact that Dr. Wahler would use his children to lure an innocent woman or that Audrey would sit still long enough to entertain the man's suggestion. Why didn't she get up and walk out?

“I know the girls care for me, Edmond. And I care for them—very much.”

Edmond?
When had Audrey begun to call the doctor by his first name? Marshall took another step closer and strained to hear what she was saying.

“That's exactly why I was drawn to you. The girls need someone like you. Someone who will show them all of the things their mother would have. I know you're that person, Audrey.”

“Even if that's true, I would never want the girls to think that I was making any attempt to take the place of their dear mother.”

Marshall silently chided himself. He'd been too busy at work. Rather than taking time to reveal his true feelings to Audrey, he'd spent long hours at the construction site. Obviously, she didn't understand the depth of his desire or his intent. How could she? Though his thoughts were constantly about her, he'd never made them known. Now the doctor was sitting in the other room practically proposing to Audrey. And from what he'd heard, she was bordering on acceptance. Well, he'd have none of that. At least not without putting up a fight for the woman he wanted.

Pushing aside any thought of proper manners, he burst into the room. “I arrived home a short time ago and need to speak with you, Audrey.”

Audrey looked at him and blinked, clearly surprised by his sudden appearance. “I'm sorry—I'm busy at the moment, Marshall.” She glanced at the doctor as he pushed up from his chair.

“I've taken too much of your time, Audrey. I'm certain the girls are eager for some attention, so I'll be on my way.” He took hold of her hand, and Marshall thought for a moment he would kiss her fingers. Instead, he merely bowed over her hand. “Do promise that you'll consider my proposal.”

Proposal?
Marshall's irritation rose to new heights as the word slid from Dr. Wahler's lips. Had the doctor's young daughters not been playing on the front porch, Marshall would have escorted him outdoors and settled any further talk of the good doctor's marriage proposal. How dare that man ask for Audrey's hand! And in front of him! The blatant audacity of Dr. Wahler infuriated him.

Marshall stared at Audrey, amazed by her calm and unruffled appearance. Why had she been willing to overlook the doctor's ill-mannered conduct? Perhaps the two of them had been secretly courting while Marshall worked overtime at the clubhouse. Now he wondered if he'd made a mistake by allowing his work to become his only priority. He should have taken more time to court Audrey, for now it appeared he'd lost his opportunity. And Dr. Wahler had quickly stepped in.

Not that the doctor hadn't shown interest in Audrey from the outset. Even during Boyd's illness, the doctor had sometimes appeared less interested in caring for his patient than in gaining Audrey's attention. It seemed he always wanted advice about his daughters or had some silly question that could have been answered by Irene or Thora. Instead, he would seek out Audrey. And if she wasn't available, he'd return rather than ask someone else. Well, he hadn't fooled Marshall. The man had been after a wife and mother for his daughters from the first day he'd laid eyes on Audrey Cunningham. There was no doubt in Marshall's mind.

Audrey tucked a wisp of hair behind one ear and uttered a charming good-bye to the doctor. In fact, it sounded downright alluring to Marshall. He wanted to step between the two of them and block the doctor's view of her.

Once Wahler disappeared out the front door, Audrey turned toward Marshall. “After such an abrupt entrance, I assume there is something urgent you wished to discuss?” The charm had disappeared from her voice.

Suddenly, Marshall couldn't put two words together. At least not two words that made any sense. “Well, I thought . . .” He shuffled his weight to his left foot. “I mean, I wanted to . . .” Embarrassment got the best of him, and he swatted the air. “Seems I've forgotten what I wanted to ask. I need to get a pair of work boots from upstairs and return to the work site.” He could see the confusion in her eyes, but it was no match for the confusion in his heart. He dared not talk to her right then, for he'd surely make a fool of himself.