“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you, but I don’t want him to see us. In fact, I’d like to get closer and try to hear their conversation.”
“I’m not certain snooping in their business is a good idea.”
“Maybe not, but I need to know if he’s involved in the problems we’ve been having at the work site. He’s supposed to be overseeing the men, so why isn’t he over on Bridal Veil?”
She shrugged and tipped her head. “Someone could ask the same about you, couldn’t they?”
“Maybe, but it wouldn’t take long for them to realize I’m here to order construction supplies. Why don’t you go ahead with your shopping. I’ll meet you back at Reinhart’s in an hour. If I’m not back, wait for me there. We’re not due back to the wharf until five o’clock”
———
Audrey didn’t think any of this was a good idea, but she’d learned long ago that arguing with a determined man wouldn’t end in a good result. “I repeat that I believe this is foolish, but if you insist, I won’t argue further. I’ll meet with the cobbler first and order the groceries last. However, if you’re not back at Reinhart’s shortly before five, I’ll have my purchases delivered to the dock. I doubt Captain Holloway will want to wait. He likes to keep to his schedule.”
Marshall pulled two lists from his inside pocket. “Could you leave this list at the lumberyard, and this one with the blacksmith? Just in case I run short of time. And don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” He didn’t give her time to object.
Pulling his hat low on his forehead, Marshall stepped from between the buildings and hurried down the street. Audrey wanted to call after him that she didn’t intend to worry, but she feared such an outburst would draw Mr. Uptegrove’s attention. Marshall might never forgive her if that should occur. She straightened her shoulders and stepped from the alleyway. With her thoughts racing in all directions, Audrey headed toward the shoe repair shop. She’d like to meet the person who said women were the dramatic members of humanity. That person certainly hadn’t met Marshall Graham!
Chapter 20
After she’d completed her errands, Audrey returned to Reinhart’s. Much to her surprise, she spied Marshall pacing in front of the store. She considered waving to him, but decided against it. Marshall might accuse her of signaling his whereabouts to Ted Uptegrove or to some unknown stranger. She snickered at the idea. In truth, she hadn’t expected this strange behavior from Marshall. He seemed such a sensible fellow, but today he’d been acting more like Aunt Thora than the normal young man she’d been quietly observing over the past months.
The minute Marshall spotted Audrey, he loped toward her, his eyes alight with excitement. “I was right! Ted is up to something.”
Audrey arched her brows. “Such as what?”
“I’m not exactly certain, but it isn’t anything good. I couldn’t make out exactly what they were saying, but that fellow handed Ted an envelope of some sort.” He shifted and looked over his shoulder, as if he expected to see someone lurking around the corner. “I tried to follow, but I lost them in the crowd down at the wharf.”
“Maybe you’re permitting your imagination to get the best of you. They could be old friends or acquaintances from years ago.” Audrey didn’t want Marshall jumping to conclusions. On the other hand, perhaps this was the type of information Mr. Morley desired.
Marshall shook his head. “No. This has nothing to do with old friendships. Ted Uptegrove isn’t a friend of that man. There’s something fishy going on between the two of them.” Marshall nodded toward the door. “Let’s get your order down to the dock. I want to return and report this to Mr. Morley. No one needs to know we’ve seen Ted. Agreed?”
She offered a firm nod. “Agreed.”
By the time they boarded the launch to return to Bridal Veil, the waters had calmed. Audrey and Marshall once again settled near the windows inside. Audrey leaned sideways and peeked out the window. “I do wish we could sit outside. There would be a better view of the setting sun.”
“The water makes it a little chilly outside. I’ll ask Captain Holloway if he has any blankets onboard. If so, we could go out once we’re underway.” Marshall picked his way toward the captain, careful to maintain his balance as the boat moved away from its mooring and slowly gained a little speed.
The captain didn’t appear overly eager to accommodate them, but Marshall nodded in Audrey’s direction and continued to plead his case. Even if he failed, she would give Marshall credit for a valiant effort.
A short time later, he returned and dropped down beside her. “Once we’re clear of the shrimpers returning to the harbor, the captain will try to locate some blankets he keeps stored for emergencies.”
“Thank you, Marshall.”
Shrimp boats of every size and description dotted the waters, each vying for position, each captain eager to moor his trawler, each crew member impatient to return home before sunset. Their own launch was one of few attempting to head out in the opposite direction, and Captain Holloway maintained a keen eye on the watery landscape.
“Mr. Morley was fortunate to hire Captain Holloway, don’t you think?” Audrey glanced over her shoulder, surprised to see Marshall looking at her rather than the picturesque scene before them.
Marshall grinned and nodded. “I’d say they were both fortunate. The captain is experienced and seems a good fit for the position. I’m sure he appreciates being free of the pressure and anxiety endured by the captains of those shrimping trawlers.”
Not long after wending their way through the maze of boats, Captain Holloway appeared with an armful of blankets. “Seems this young fellow doesn’t know how to keep a lady warm, so I brought you some blankets.” Deep creases fanned the outer corners of the captain’s sparkling blue eyes as he smiled down at them and handed the blankets to Marshall. “Enjoy the view.”
Marshall unfolded two of the woolen covers and wrapped them around Audrey’s shoulders before they walked to the deck. A light breeze tugged at the blankets, and Audrey clamped her fingers into a tight hold. “I don’t dare let loose or the wind will carry Captain Holloway’s blankets into the river and out to sea. I doubt he’d be too forgiving.”
“I think I can solve the problem.” Marshall placed his arm across Audrey’s shoulders and grasped her upper arm in a snug hold. “Between the two of us, we shouldn’t have any trouble holding the blankets in place.”
Audrey looked up into his eyes, her heart quickening at the warmth of his touch. Her voice failed her, and she cleared her throat. She needed to regain her composure or Marshall would think her a complete ninny. “Thank you very much. You are most kind.”
He chuckled. “You are welcome. And you are most kind, as well.”
She giggled at his mimicked response. “I did sound rather dull and stiff, didn’t I?”
He rested his free hand on the railing and grinned. “Your reply could have passed for the proper response listed in an etiquette book.”
“Oh, it wasn’t as bad as that!” Her laughter faded, and while the sun continued its slow descent, her gaze settled on the horizon. In spite of the cool wind, she longed to remain at the railing and commit the sight to memory. Her father had loved everything about this place, and though she initially hadn’t longed to return with him, she was glad they’d come back. Tears pricked her eyes at the memory of his excitement the day they’d returned. She pictured him standing near the edge of the boat as they’d docked at Bridal Veil. He’d jumped to the aging pier and held out his arms to her. “Welcome home, Audie!” he’d called out, using the familiar childhood nickname he hadn’t spoken since they’d left the South.
“A penny for your thoughts.”
Surprised by Marshall’s comment, she swiped at her tears. “I was thinking about my father and how he loved the beauty of this place. ‘One of God’s greatest achievements,’ he’d tell me each morning.”
Marshall smiled. “There’s no denying the beauty that surrounds this entire area. That’s one of
the many reasons it’s been chosen as a retreat for the wealthy.” He removed a handkerchief from his pocket and daubed the tears that continued to trickle down her cheeks. “Your laughter has turned to tears. I’m told that’s common for those who are grieving.”
“I’m not sure it’s common for everyone, but it has proved true enough for me.” She smiled faintly. “Father envisioned my marriage taking place on Bridal Veil. He said it was the perfect place for a wedding.” Her tears started to flow unchecked. “But now he will never walk me down the aisle.” She hesitated and tightened the blanket around her neck. “My tears begin to flow at the most unexpected times, which can prove quite embarrassing.”
Marshall looked down at her as if committing her features to memory. “Please don’t ever be embarrassed in my presence, Audrey. When I’m with you, I want you to feel free to laugh or cry, to shout your anger or sing out your praises—whatever makes you feel better at the moment.”
“I don’t think you’d want to hear me sing. Aunt Thora says I can’t carry a tune in a bucket. I’m not certain what that means, for I’ve never heard anyone attempt to sing in a bucket, have you?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “Do you stand in the bucket while you sing or stick your head in there? I think either would be mighty uncomfortable.”
Audrey laughed. “When we get home, I should stand in a bucket and sing to Aunt Thora.” Tears of laughter rolled down Audrey cheeks. “She’ll think I’ve gone mad.” At the moment, she wasn’t sure she was completely sane. She’d gone from laughter to tears and back to laughter. Now she felt as though she might begin to cry again. “I believe I need a few moments to compose myself before we arrive home. I think I’ll return inside.”
She was thankful Marshall didn’t follow, for she couldn’t understand the swirl of emotions his closeness brought forth. She’d enjoyed the warmth of his arm around her, and when he touched his handkerchief to her cheek, she thought he might kiss her. Thoughts of their earlier encounter on the beach came to mind, and she once again wondered about the feel of his lips upon her own. Heat suffused her cheeks at the thought of his embrace, his kiss. She dropped the blankets from her shoulders, no longer needing the warmth they provided.
———
Marshall leaned on the railing and turned his face into the breeze. The cool air felt good against his cheeks. He closed his eyes and recalled Audrey’s every feature. How desirable she was with the glint of gold in her mahogany eyes and the dark curls that refused to be tamed. Standing with his arm around her shoulder, so close to her that he had longed to bend his head and kiss away her tears, to capture her lips with his own. Had she guessed his thoughts and hurried inside to prevent such an event? He didn’t want to think so.
She’d spoken of her father’s desire for her to wed, and she hadn’t pulled away when he wiped her tears. Still, that didn’t mean she desired his romantic attention. After all, there was Dr. Wahler to consider. Audrey had developed an obvious affection for his daughters. And probably for him, as well. With the doctor’s recent proposal still awaiting her response, Marshall dared not linger with his own decision. He wanted to be respectful of how little time had passed since her father’s death, even if that hadn’t delayed Dr. Wahler’s proposal.
The launch cut through the water, leaving a trail of white foam in its wake. When they drew near the dock a short time later, only a narrow crescent of deep orange remained on the horizon. No doubt Captain Holloway was pleased to be back at the Bridal Veil dock before nightfall.
Marshall glanced over his shoulder. He had hoped for a few more minutes alone with Audrey. If the captain didn’t request his assistance tying off the boat, he’d have a little more time to visit with her as they walked from the dock to Bridal Fair. He’d need to make good use of those precious minutes.
While the captain skillfully maneuvered the launch alongside the dock, Marshall contemplated several choices of how to best use his remaining time with Audrey. He’d taken hold of her arm to assist her off the boat when the sound of children’s laughter captured his attention. Peering toward the far end of the dock, Marshall caught sight of Dr. Wahler and his twin daughters. Arms akimbo and hair flying in their wake, the two girls raced toward Audrey with the unbridled enthusiasm reserved for young children. At the sight of them, Audrey’s subdued expression changed to one of unrestrained delight.
She leaned forward, extended her arms in a wide arc, and with a smile that could light up a darkening sky, she welcomed them into her embrace. “I’m so pleased that you’ve come to greet me.”
At the sight of Dr. Wahler and the girls, Marshall’s hopes flagged. How could Marshall compete with all three of them? The doctor could provide Audrey with a comfortable life, one free of financial worry, and she’d already developed a love for his daughters, and they for her. He should walk away and leave them to their joyful reunion. Was he such a coward that he feared rejection? Would he give up without even stating his case? He wavered for a moment, but jerked to attention when Audrey greeted the doctor.
“I’m so glad that you’ve come to the dock. I was going to send word that I would like to speak with you this evening if you have time.” Audrey hesitated for only a moment. “In regard to your earlier request.” The doctor smiled, obviously pleased that she’d come to a decision. “And I’ve brought a treat for you girls.” Audrey patted the sack she carried in her hand. “Come along and I’ll show you.”
He who hesitates is lost. The thought pummeled Marshall like two fists to the midsection. He should have spoken of his feelings for Audrey while they were on the launch. Why had he waited? His indecisiveness was his downfall—and Dr. Wahler’s good fortune.
The four of them gathered together—a living picture of the perfect family. Audrey glanced over her shoulder. “Are you coming, Marshall?”
He shook his head. “You go on. I’ll help unload.” As soon as he’d uttered the words, he wanted to snatch them back. He was giving the doctor yet another opportunity with her. But to run after them now would appear foolish. No doubt the doctor would make some embarrassing comment. If that happened, Marshall wasn’t certain he’d be able to hold his temper in check.
His anger, at himself and the doctor, continued to mount while he helped unload the goods. By the time he arrived at Bridal Fair, he was thankful he didn’t have to sit down and eat supper with the other men. Irene had saved him a plate, but his appetite had disappeared long before she placed the plate of chicken and dumplings in front of him. He attempted several bites but finally pushed away from the table, his mind clear about what he must do.
There was no longer any doubt in his mind that he loved Audrey, and if he was going to have a chance to prove his love, he’d have to do everything possible to stop her from accepting Dr. Wahler’s proposal. Granted, he might make a fool of himself, but that would be better than losing the woman, he now realized he loved, to another man.
When Irene returned to the dining room, Marshall handed her his plate. “Any idea where I might find Audrey?”
“She’s in the parlor with Dr. Wahler.” Irene looked at the plate. “Something wrong with your dinner?”
“No, it’s very good, but I’m not hungry.” While offering his clipped reply, Marshall hurried toward the parlor and came to abrupt stop in the doorway.
Audrey and the doctor were seated on the divan facing each other. The doctor was leaning toward her, obviously making an earnest plea. He who hesitates is lost. This time he wouldn’t let his head rule his heart. This time he wouldn’t let Dr. Wahler circumvent his plans. This time he would tell Audrey of his love.
Marshall stepped across the threshold. “Stop!” He hadn’t meant to shout, but his emotions had gotten the best of him. “This can’t go any further, Audrey. You can’t accept Dr. Wahler’s proposal. I object.”
With their mouths gaping and eyes opened to huge proportions, they both turned and stared at him. They obviously thought he’d lost his mind. In fact, he felt as though that might b
e true. His behavior was completely irrational. Even he couldn’t deny it.
Audrey was first to regain her composure. “You object? Exactly what is it that you’re objecting to, Marshall?”
“Your marriage to Dr. Wahler.” He pointed his finger at the doctor. “I object to your marrying that man.”
Dr. Wahler grinned. “Well, you’re a bit out of order. This isn’t a marriage ceremony, where one is asked to offer an objection.”
“That’s exactly my point. I don’t want to wait until I have to object at your wedding ceremony.” He turned toward Audrey. “I understand that you might feel sorry for the doctor. He’s experienced the loss of his wife, and he has two little girls who need a mother. And I realize you care for them and enjoy teaching them, but you can have children of your own. Sympathy for a man isn’t anything upon which to build a marriage.”
Audrey appeared dumbstruck by his outburst. When she recovered, she said, “I can’t believe . . . What are you thinking?”
Before Audrey could collect her thoughts and give him a proper response, the doctor burst into laughter. “This is because I mentioned a proposal, isn’t it?” Once again Wahler’s laughter filled the room, and he tapped Audrey’s hand. “He thinks I’ve asked you to marry me.”
Audrey clapped her hand over her mouth. From the look in her eyes, Marshall couldn’t tell if she was attempting to withhold laughter, or anger, or if she was going to be sick. None of those choices appealed to him. Marshall stepped closer. He’d obviously made a fool of himself, but he didn’t care. “Where I come from, a proposal is exactly that—an offer of marriage.”
“Well, you’ll have to agree there are other types of proposals, Marshall. My proposal to Audrey had nothing to do with marriage. I was merely seeking her assistance as a governess of sorts for my daughters—to aid in their future education and to teach them etiquette so that they will be prepared to enter boarding school in the future.” Dr. Wahler pushed to his feet, a strange smile on his lips. “You need not suggest a duel, Mr. Graham. I have no plans to remarry—not now, nor in the future. Miss Cunningham is all yours. That is, if she’ll have you.” The doctor strode from the room, his laughter echoing after him.
To Have and To Hold Page 21
