To Have and To Hold (32 page)

During lunch, Mr. Morley returned from Biscayne. After they'd finished the meal, he asked Marshall and Audrey to join him in the parlor. “I hope the two of you managed to get a little sleep last night.”

Audrey smiled. “I slept much better knowing that those men were in jail. I still can't believe Dr. Wahler was involved. He seemed such a gentleman when he first arrived. And the girls—my heart broke when I went to the cottage this morning to pen a letter for Sadie. They're so young and have already suffered the loss of their mother. To now have their father taken from them seems too great a loss for little children to bear.”

Mr. Morley nodded. “Indeed. I only wish the doctor would have considered his daughters before agreeing to close ranks with Radliff, Baker, and Uptegrove.”

Marshall leaned forward. “And what about that money clip? Did you discover who that belonged to?”

“Frank Baker. It seems what we thought was an
R
or
P
was a damaged
B
. Frank admitted he'd admired Johnson Radliff's money clip, so Radliff gave Baker a money clip of his very own—an expensive gift to further entice Frank.”

“I still don't understand why Johnson Radliff was so determined to ruin the resort here on Bridal Veil.” Audrey scooted back into the cushions of the overstuffed chair.

“Unfortunately, it all ties back to me and an incident I wasn't aware of until all of these events unfolded last night.” Mr. Morley leaned forward and rested his forearms across his thighs. “Years ago I learned of an opportunity to invest in a mining project out West. I spoke to several wealthy bankers and investors about the possibility of getting involved, but none had any interest. The opportunity faded away—or at least I thought it had.” He inhaled a deep breath and slowly released it. “I've now learned that one of the investors I had talked to mentioned the idea to Benjamin Radliff, Johnson's father. Benjamin took it upon himself to heavily invest in the mining project. He lost everything, and took his life. I'd heard that Benjamin had died but had never known the details. In any event, Johnson held me responsible for his father's death and was determined to bring me to ruination.”

Audrey slowly digested what Mr. Morley had revealed. “But how did Baker and Uptegrove become involved in all of this?”

“Frank had previously met Johnson Radliff through his uncle Thaddeus. Johnson played on the fact that Frank's uncle expected him to work as a laborer when he could have simply supported him. Frank's greed and emotions took hold, and he was willing to betray his own uncle. It was the same with Dr. Wahler—they were all interested in a monetary payoff. It seems they thought we wouldn't rebuild when the explosion and collapse occurred, but when I convinced the investors that we should continue, Mr. Radliff became even more incensed. Thinking I'd give up if we couldn't meet our construction deadlines, he then convinced Baker and Uptegrove to use every opportunity to impede progress—which they did.”

“And when that didn't work, he decided to go even further and completely destroy the project and frame you, certain the other investors would then give up,” Audrey said.

Mr. Morley nodded his agreement. “I'm sure the others would have withdrawn. To begin anew would have been more of a delay than most of them would have accepted. I'm thankful the plan was thwarted. Otherwise, all of our work to build this area into a luxurious resort would have been in vain.”

Audrey looked back and forth between Marshall and Mr. Morley. “How did the militia appear at the very time when they were needed?”

Mr. Morley raked his fingers through his hair. “We have Captain Holloway to thank for that. When Frank sent Ted Uptegrove into Biscayne on the pretext of locating another woodworker, Captain Holloway happened into a pub along the waterfront for a bite to eat. He spotted Ted talking to Radliff. When he overheard the two of them making plans, he remained out of sight and overheard their entire scheme. Had it not been for Captain Holloway, they might have succeeded.”

Audrey shook her head. “All of these men were driven by their greed, but Dr. Wahler's part in this has proved the most disheartening.” The two men listened as Audrey revealed the remainder of what Dr. Wahler had divulged to her the night before.

Mr. Morley closed his eyes. “It's sad to realize how far men will go in order to settle grudges.”

Marshall clasped his hands together. “And also sad to see how easily they will betray those who trust them in order to line their pockets. These men thought money and power would make them happy. Others, like my father, look to alcohol. I'm thankful I discovered the Lord was what I needed to fill the longing in my heart. We can only pray that they'll see what is truly needed before it's too late.”

Mr. Morley leaned forward. “Now, do I understand correctly that there is to be a wedding?”

Audrey held up her hands. “There has only just been an engagement. Marshall tells me that he's much too busy to have a proper honeymoon, so we will wait until the completion of your resort.”

Morley considered this for a moment. “Then I should probably bring in more workers. There are houses to complete along with the clubhouse. We want to have everything in order for the grand opening date of January twenty-first.”

“Then we can set the wedding for the twenty-second,” Marshall declared with a smile. “That's just a few months away. Will that give you time to make all of the arrangements?” he asked, looking to Audrey.

She grinned. “I believe it will, Mr. Graham.”

“I hope you will allow me to help,” Mr. Morley interjected. “I know that you are at a disadvantage with both your mother and father gone. If you wouldn't be offended, I would like very much to offer my support—at least for the financial side of this affair. I'd be most pleased if you would agree to hold the wedding at the clubhouse. I will furnish you with the finest wedding meal and give you a send-off to rival that of any society affair.”

Audrey's eyes widened and Marshall chuckled. “I think she likes the idea.”

“I'm . . . I don't . . . well, I don't know what to say.” Audrey shook her head. “I'm quite amazed.”

“It's settled then. I'll notify Mrs. Morley and Mattie. I'm certain they can make arrangements for Mattie to come and help you in this endeavor.”

Marshall grinned and could see that this pleased Audrey very much. He got to his feet. “Well, I'd best get to work if we're going to get this finished by the twenty-first of January. I have a feeling I'll be very busy after that.”

Chapter 31

January 22, 1888

Her wedding day dawned as beautiful as any day Audrey had ever known. She hurried to her bedroom window and gazed out on the grounds below. The live oaks were resplendent in their expanded and gnarled branches, dripping Spanish moss in the same bridal veil fashion Audrey's grandfather had once discovered. Soon, Audrey would be veiled in a similar manner. She would walk down the aisle and pledge her life to the man who held her heart.

With a sigh, she leaned back against the window and smiled at the dress form that even now held her wedding gown. The dress, a gift from the Morleys, had arrived with Mattie—her dear friend. The gown's foundation of crisp white satin had been overlaid in many areas with the finest of Belgian lace. The bodice of the dress, although modest in cut, was extravagantly trimmed with seed pearls and intricate weavings of ribbon and lace. Audrey couldn't help but finger the neckline one final time. This was a gown intended for a princess, not a former boardinghouse owner.

She smiled and glanced to where a framed daguerreotype of her grandmother and Aunt Thora graced her dresser. The dear old woman had given Audrey the keepsake shortly before her death. It touched her that Thora, cantankerous and difficult as she could be, had thought of Audrey in her final moments.

The picture showed the two women much younger and happier. It had been taken before the war had stolen their innocence.

“I wish you both could be here,” Audrey said, picking up the frame. She had been surprised to see how much she favored her grandmother in appearance. Audrey couldn't help but wonder if she'd also gotten her determined will from the woman. The thought brought a smile to her face.

“Maybe I inherited just a bit of my stubborn determination from you, Aunt Thora. Even if we weren't related by blood, we were surely related by spirit.”

A knock at the bedroom door tore her thoughts from the past. “Come in,” Audrey called and replaced the photo on her dresser.

Mattie came in carrying a tray. “I thought I'd bring you a bit of something to eat, and then we'll start dressing you.”

A morning wedding was the tradition in these parts, as well as along much of the eastern seaboard. In fact, there were places where it remained illegal to marry after sunset. Still, in the warmth of the South, morning weddings were preferred.

“I doubt I can eat,” Audrey said, putting her hand to her stomach. “I already feel like there are hundreds of butterflies nesting here.”

Mattie smiled. “I expected as much, but a little bit of food might settle them down.” She pulled back the napkin to reveal biscuits, jam, butter, and tea.

Audrey sat down at Mattie's instructions and began to butter a piece of biscuit. Mattie, meanwhile, picked up the hairbrush and began to comb through Audrey's hair.

“Good luck with that task,” Audrey said as Mattie continued to work. “I tossed and turned all night. I even tried to wear a cap, but it was no use.”

“Not to worry,” Mattie declared. “I've worked with worse. I'll have you looking every bit the beautiful bride in no time. It's quite an honor, you know.”

“What is?” Audrey asked between bites of biscuit and jam.

“To be the first to marry at the resort. Quite an honor. I heard that there are already a dozen or more weddings planned for the weeks to come. Word is spreading about the island and the owners' plans for the future.”

“It's hard to imagine,” Audrey said, shaking her head. “I suppose it should matter to me that I'm leaving it all, but honestly . . . this was never home.”

“But neither was Pittsburgh. You said so yourself many a time.” Mattie went to the dresser for hairpins and returned with a handful.

Audrey considered her words as Mattie began pinning the curls into order. “I know you're right. Pittsburgh wasn't really where I wanted to remain, but neither is Bridal Veil Island. I'm glad that Marshall is of the same mind. I'm looking forward to our great adventure in the West.”

“But won't you miss the memories?”

“The memories will come with me, silly.” Audrey put the biscuit aside and wiped her fingers on the napkin. “Who knows, maybe I'll have Marshall plant me a live oak wherever we finally decide to call home.”

Mattie continued working and soon had Audrey's hair arranged in a fashionable crown of curls. “You will certainly carry the memory of this day with you.” She handed Audrey the mirror. “What do you think?”

Audrey studied her reflection and shook her head. “It hardly looks anything like the woman I know to be me.” She sighed. “I wish Father could have been here to give me away. I miss his boisterous laugh and the way he could affirm me just by glancing my way.”

“No doubt he will be watching from heaven,” Mattie said. “Come. Enough daydreaming. We have a wedding to prepare for.”

“I, Marshall, take you, Audrey, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward. . . .”

Audrey scarcely heard anything else after the word
wife
. She had waited a very long time for this day to come. Now, standing in the glorious ballroom of the Bridal Veil Island Clubhouse, Audrey felt as though all of her dreams had come true. Her elegant gown looked like something out of Godey's, her veil of delicate Belgian lace had been remade from a piece her grandmother had once owned, and the flowers were the most beautiful white and pink camellias money could buy.

There remained a tinge of sadness that her father and Aunt Thora had gone on to heaven and couldn't share the day with her, but Audrey felt confident that they were, as Mattie had said, looking down upon her.

“You're not listening,” Marshall whispered, nudging her.

Audrey looked up, rather alarmed. “What?”

Her reply came so loud that the guests burst into laughter. She turned to see many of the island investors and their families smiling in amusement at her. She felt her face grow hot and was thankful for the veil that hid her from view. She hadn't expected to have such a crowd for the exchange of her vows, but Mr. and Mrs. Morley had convinced her that since it was the very first wedding at the resort, she should openly welcome the investors. Besides, Mrs. Morley told her in confidence that they were very generous folks, and no doubt Audrey and Marshall would benefit nicely from their kindness. An overflowing table of gifts in the breakfast room was proof of that.

Audrey hadn't said yes for that reason, however, but for another. Mr. Morley had been a blessing to her family, and she would do just about anything to please him and help him in his endeavors. That included selling him the remaining property on Bridal Veil Island. In return, he had insisted that Audrey and Marshall, as well as their offspring, would always be welcome on the island. Inviting his investors to the wedding would benefit his revenue and future, and for that she was more than happy to give her assistance.

“Well?” Marshall asked. “Should we just call this off?”

Audrey squared her shoulders and looked at the minister. “He's always so impatient. I'm ready now.” She turned back to her soon-to-be husband. “I, Audrey, take you, Marshall, to be my husband, to have and to hold. . . .”

An hour later, still dressed in her bridal finery, Audrey listened in wonder as Mr. Morley offered a toast to the wedding couple.

“I have known this young woman for quite some time. She has proven herself to be a blessing to my family, and so on this day I am glad to honor her. Marshall has also made himself quite the benefit to me—well, to many of us.”

“Hear! Hear!” someone called from the gathering of wedding guests. There were rumbles of approval from even more people.

Audrey smiled and nudged closer to Marshall. “I think they like you.”

“
Hmm
, I'm afraid they're only agreeing to hurry along the toast. They're most likely half starved.”

“Well, certainly not for long,” Audrey whispered, glancing at the extravagant arrangement of foods. The finest dishes had been prepared to entice the investors to see exactly what could be accomplished on this little Georgia island.

There were perfectly roasted game hens, ducks in honeyed orange sauce, platters of quail eggs, and poached eggs with hollandaise sauce. Fruits of every kind had been carved, balled, sliced, and arranged in such fashionable centerpieces that it seemed almost criminal to eat them. Other platters contained cheeses and pastries of every sort, as well as a variety of baked quiches, minced pies, and of course a beautiful five-tier wedding cake that had been especially prepared by the new French baker.

“And so I wish for this wonderful couple the blessings of a lifetime. May God give you happiness and tranquillity. May He give you the desires of your heart.”

The guests rose to their feet and lifted their glasses to Audrey and Marshall in cheers of agreement. Audrey turned to her husband and smiled.

“Including Colorado,” she murmured.

He grinned and leaned closer. “And many offspring.”

Audrey pulled back rather quickly, unable to hide her surprise. She could feel her cheeks grow hot and quickly looked away.

“It would appear the blushing bride and her handsome groom have something to add,” Morley said in a teasing tone.

Audrey wanted to crawl under the table, and to her horror, Marshall got to his feet and turned to her. “I do have something to say,” he announced.

She forced herself to look at him with an expression of adoring surprise. She could only pray he would refrain from saying anything that might further embarrass her. He glanced at her momentarily before speaking.

“I would like to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the food, and then . . . eat.”

The suggestion was well received, and Audrey breathed a sigh of relief as Marshall gave a brief blessing and then quickly rejoined Audrey at the table. He winked and handed her a slice of melon.

“Wife.”

She took the piece and smiled. “Husband.”

An hour later, the couple managed to slip away. It wasn't in keeping with the traditions that Mrs. Morley had planned, but Audrey didn't care. She preferred to make her own traditions, and when Marshall suggested a waterside walk, Audrey quickly agreed.

The sun was nearly full in the sky, and the day continued in a radiant beauty that Audrey would always remember. Glad to have left the long train of her gown back at the resort, she maneuvered without much difficulty when they left the path and headed to the water's edge.

“Will you miss it?” he asked as the water lapped softly against the shoreline.

“Oh, there are things I will remember fondly,” she replied. “The trees, the water, the slower pace of life.”

He laughed. “Well, you certainly haven't had that these past months.”

“No, perhaps not,” she said, “but there is something about this island that beckons one to rest.”

Marshall pulled her closer and resumed their stroll. He led her away from the water and back up through the forested path, under the tranquil canopy of her beloved live oaks. Audrey could not imagine being any happier than she was at that exact moment.