To Love and Cherish

by Tracie Peterson

  “Yes, sir.” The man tucked the money into his pocket. “I could have one of the boys take him out now.”

  “No. I’d rather not have him out in the heat of the day.” Or the light of the day, he thought.

  Melinda stood at the window of her hotel room and stared down at the street below. If Lawrence returned at this very moment, she would throttle him! While her every waking hour was consumed with worries over Evan and Bridal Veil, Lawrence was busy filling his days and nights at any gaming establishment that would permit him entry. When she’d confronted him about gambling while on the train, he’d denied her accusation—at least in the beginning. After she’d actually seen him when she passed through the club car on her way to dinner, he’d given up all pretenses. After all, he’d been holding a fistful of cards and she’d seen the money in the center of the table. To deny he’d been participating would have been absurd. That’s what he’d said when she’d confronted him, and she had agreed. Later, he’d acknowledged that the horse for which she’d paid passage had also been won in a game of cards in Cleveland. Though she’d given him a tongue-lashing, he had simply chuckled and promised to repay her once they arrived at their destination.

  The journey to Savannah had taken far longer than either of them had anticipated. Though they’d made good time in the beginning, storm damage along the East Coast had caused them to take alternate routes as they progressed farther south. They’d finally arrived, but rail travel out of Savannah remained unavailable except to those heading north or west. The news had created anxiety for her, but Lawrence hadn’t minded. He’d been using the time to fatten his wallet. When she complained, he pointed out it was his winnings that were paying for their hotel rooms and had permitted him to repay her for his train ticket and passage for his horse. That fact aside, she didn’t approve of his habit.

  Today Melinda had decided a breath of fresh air was in order. She stood in front of the mirror, pinned her hat in place, and picked up one of Mrs. Mifflin’s hand-me-down parasols. Lawrence might not approve, but she couldn’t remain cooped up in a hotel room waiting for him to locate transportation out of Savannah. Besides, she thought he’d become more devoted to spending time at the gaming tables than to seeking adequate travel arrangements. Walking about the city alone might prove daunting to some women, but she’d never been a wilting violet when it came to a challenge. And with no one to question the suitability of her unaccompanied excursion, she exited the hotel room and descended the carpeted staircase to the main floor of the hotel.

  Without any idea how to locate travel information, she decided a visit to a local milliner might be a good place to start. A small shop where she could visit with someone who knew the city should provide the necessary particulars. She straightened her shoulders and, with purpose in her stride, headed toward the front doors of the hotel.

  She came to an abrupt halt when a bellboy stepped in front of her. “Are you departing the hotel, miss?”

  She tipped her head to one side and smiled. “That is my intention—once you step out of my path.”

  “Alone? Mr. Colson won’t be accompanying you?”

  She thought his behavior somewhat obtuse since Lawrence was nowhere to be seen. “Yes. Very much alone.”

  He nodded toward a door at the other side of the foyer. “The ladies’ door is over there. Unaccompanied ladies use the door leading to Abercorn Street rather than this one.”

  “I didn’t realize.” Melinda glanced at the door. “But then, I’ve never departed a hotel unaccompanied.” Memories of the many hotels she’d visited with her parents during her younger years flooded her mind as the bellboy walked alongside her. She felt quite alone, but with each passing day she’d gained greater inner strength. “You wouldn’t happen to know where I might find available transportation to Biscayne, would you?”

  He leaned closer and a hank of thick dark brown hair fell across his forehead. “You know there was a hurricane down in Biscayne, don’t you?”

  “I’m fully aware of the hurricane. That is what has detained us here in Savannah. And though I find your city lovely and the hospitality of the hotel staff wonderful, I have . . . friends in the Biscayne area, and I’m concerned about their welfare.”

  He pushed the hair off his forehead. “In that case, I’d say your best chance would be one of the barges heading down that way, but I don’t think the accommodations would be suitable.” The young man frowned at the idea. “Besides, ladies shouldn’t go down to the dock by themselves. You might have your brother see if there are any other vessels sailing in that direction.”

  “I’ll do that. Thank you for your kindness.”

  He hesitated before opening the door for her. “You’re not going down to the docks, are you, Miss Colson?”

  She didn’t want to lie to the boy. He’d been so kind and she could see the concern in his eyes. He was likely worried he’d get in trouble if anything happened to her. She flashed a bright smile. “Are you able to tell me where I might find a milliner’s shop?”

  A sigh of relief escaped his lips, and his look of concern vanished. “Oh yes. Not far from here you’ll find the finest milliner in all of Savannah.” He provided exacting details before he opened the door. “You have a wonderful afternoon, Miss Colson. And I hope you find a hat to your liking.”

  She waved and headed off in the direction of the milliner’s shop. The weather was beautiful and she’d seen little of Savannah. The Mifflins had stopped on a few occasions during their travels to Bridal Veil Island, but Melinda’s time had been spent in a hotel room looking after Mrs. Mifflin’s needs. She knew it wouldn’t be cold when she stepped outdoors, yet the balmy temperature still surprised her. The profusion of greenery that remained on the trees provided shade as well as a feeling of spring rather than fall.

  Melinda stopped in front of a dress shop and let her gaze wander over several gowns that decorated the window before proceeding on to the milliner’s shop. A gold and black sign hung from ornate framework that extended over the sidewalk and could be viewed at a distance. The proprietor of Leota’s Millinery wasn’t taking a chance that shoppers would overlook her store. The window, tastefully decorated, contained a variety of beautiful hats. Not that Melinda could afford one of them, but she might secure a bit more information before going to the docks. Besides, she could honestly report to the bellboy that she’d visited the store.

  She didn’t notice the man who had approached until he tapped his finger on the display window. “That one would look quite attractive on you.”

  “Excuse me, but I was preparing to go inside.” As she turned, she gained a better view of the man and was startled by his striking good looks. Tall and broad-shouldered, his dark hair had been combed to perfection and his brown eyes danced with amusement. A quick appraisal of his clothing revealed he was a man of affluence. Or, like her, he’d received his expensive clothing from a former employer.

  “Then let me open the door for you. I’m going inside myself.” He stepped around her, grasped the door handle, and gave her a charming smile.

  Without thinking, she returned the smile. “Looking to replace your derby?” She didn’t know what had come over her, bantering with a complete stranger. His carefree and genial manner had caused her to act before thinking.

  He chuckled and pointed to a hat as they entered the store. “Do you think this one might look good on me?”

  Two bright blue feathers of at least twelve inches in height waved from atop the crown and were offset on either side by ruffled gauze that had been fastened on the brim with beaded rings. A satin bow of huge proportions adorned the back brim. Melinda tipped her head to the side and surveyed the chapeau. “I don’t know if the color is quite right for the suit you’re wearing.”

  His laughter filled the front end of the shop. “You have a very quick wit, Miss . . .”

  Melinda hesitated, suddenly aware that she’d likely given a very poor impression. This man had likely mistaken her for a flirt who gave out her
name to men on a regular basis.

  Before Melinda had decided upon a proper response, a well-dressed lady stepped around one of the narrow counters and directed a broad smile at the gentleman. “Mr. Powers! Welcome. Is your aunt with you?” The woman glanced toward the door.

  He chuckled and shook his head. “I’m afraid she’s a bit under the weather and asked if I would pick up the hat she ordered from you. She believes she must have it before she attends some function or other early next week. Since I was coming to the area, I offered to stop.” He lowered his head as if confiding a deep secret. “She says I am to be sure that you’ve added all of the feathers that she requested.”

  A slight look of irritation crossed the woman’s face before she offered him another bright smile. “I have never adorned a hat for your aunt that wasn’t exactly to her specifications.”

  The man she’d referred to as Mr. Powers nodded. “I’m sure your work has been pure perfection, Mrs. Frederick. Unfortunately, my aunt is one of those affluent people who believes her wealth causes others to sometimes take advantage.” He tightened his lips as though embarrassed he’d been required to mention his aunt’s eccentricity. He reached into his pocket and withdrew a piece of paper.

  Mrs. Frederick clapped a hand to the embroidered velvet bands that adorned the yoke of her gown. “She sent a list with you?” She directed a fleeting look at Melinda.

  He hiked one shoulder and grinned. “You see? My aunt doesn’t trust me, either.”

  Mr. Powers’ attempt to make light of the matter hadn’t set Mrs. Frederick at ease. Indeed, her level of discomfort seemed to increase, and Melinda’s presence appeared to be adding to the cause. She should leave the shop. After all, she had no intention of purchasing a hat, and she didn’t want the shop owner to think further conversation with Mr. Powers would influence her.

  “I believe I’ll leave you two to your business. I’m merely passing through Savannah and stopped for help with directions. You’re busy at the moment.” Melinda took a backward step toward the door, but the woman reached for her arm.

  “There’s no need to hurry off. We have several hats that would look stunning on you.” She pointed at a lovely hat in the far corner of the shop. “That hat would be lovely with the dress you’re wearing—not that your current hat isn’t quite fashionable.”

  No doubt the humble shop owner constantly worried about offending her customers. Melinda smiled. “It is a bit old, but I spruced it up with new ribbon.” She hoped her comment would let the woman know she wasn’t someone who could afford to purchase anything from her fashionable shop.

  “I’m very familiar with Savannah, and I’d be pleased to direct you to your destination, Miss . . . ?” There it was—another attempt to gain her identity. He grinned. “Mrs. Frederick will vouch for the fact that even though we haven’t been properly introduced, it is safe to speak to me.”

  Eager to please, the woman bobbed her head. “Mr. Powers is quite reputable—a true gentleman. He is the nephew of Levi and Margaret Powers, who are very well known here in Savannah. The family goes back many, many years.”

  Melinda understood what the shop owner was telling her: The Powers name could be associated with influence and old money—at least in Savannah. She nodded at Mr. Powers. “Miss Melinda Colson of Cleveland, Ohio.”

  “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Colson. I am Preston Powers, recently returned to Savannah from Baltimore.” Once Mrs. Frederick excused herself to fetch the hat for his aunt, Mr. Powers positioned himself between Melinda and the door. “As I said, I would be pleased to assist you with your directions.”

  “That’s most kind of you, Mr. Powers, but I must be on my way. I’m sure my brother will worry if I don’t soon return to the hotel.” That was a bit of an exaggeration, for she doubted Lawrence would return to the hotel until time for a late supper, but she didn’t want this man to think she’d come to the city unaccompanied.

  Mrs. Frederick bustled forward carrying a large hatbox and balanced it atop the counter. “Let’s go over your list, Mr. Powers.”

  Before she could remove the lid, he grasped the cord and lifted the box from the counter. “I don’t truly believe there’s any need for such an examination, Mrs. Frederick. We both know the hat is perfection. Besides, I’m sure I can rely upon you to keep our little secret.”

  She preened, obviously pleased with his decision. “Your aunt will never know that we didn’t go over the list.” She clasped her fingers together in a knot, lifted them to her lips, and turned her hand. “My lips are sealed.”

  He leaned forward and gave a slight bow. “As are mine, dear lady.” He turned to Melinda. “And now, Miss Colson, my time and directions are at your disposal. Where are we off to?” He opened the front door. “Perhaps one of our lovely parks?”

  “Actually, I’m interested in going to the docks.”

  “The docks? Whatever for?” He stopped short. “The docks aren’t safe for a woman alone. Were you truly planning to go there unaccompanied?”

  “I’m braver than most women, Mr. Powers, and I’m in need of information. I need to arrange passage to Bridal Veil Island. I’m told the trains won’t be running to Biscayne for at least another week, and I’m simply unwilling to remain in Savannah any longer.”

  “You understand there’s been severe damage in Biscayne and Bridal Veil, as well.” He took her arm and guided her across the street.

  “I know about the hurricane, though I haven’t been able to gain an accurate report of the damage on Bridal Veil. The telegraph wires are restored to Biscayne, but not on any of the islands.” She glanced about. “Are we headed toward the docks?”

  “Yes, though I’m not certain you’ll meet with success finding passage. It’s mostly freighters carrying supplies going south—no passenger vessels. I can tell you that Bridal Veil wasn’t hit as hard as Jekyl Island to the south. That resort suffered a good bit of damage.” He grew thoughtful. “But there was one report that a fellow died on Bridal Veil. A name wasn’t given, only that he was a permanent worker there—one of the younger men.”

  Her stomach knotted and bile rose in the back of her throat. “How do you know this, Mr. Powers?” She clenched her hands into fists to stop the shaking.

  “There was a report from a freighter, and then I saw it in the newspaper. Of course, you can’t trust what they say in the newspapers. Those fellows are always eager for a big headline. However, I think this report was true. We have relatives in Chicago who own a cottage on Bridal Veil, and they wrote to my aunt and uncle here in Savannah. Seems they heard about this fellow’s death from Victor Morley. Not sure who he is, but my aunt and uncle said the information would be accurate if it came from him.”

  The more Mr. Powers talked, the more Melinda’s fears escalated. What if Evan had been the one who died? Her collar suddenly felt far too tight. She tucked her fingers inside the neckline and gave a tug. The unyielding collar and pungent odors of fish and dirty bodies emanating from the wharf assailed her. She opened her fan and hoped the movement of air would do some good. Her knees wobbled as she considered the possibility of a future without Evan. If her future didn’t include a home with Evan on Bridal Veil, where would she go? There would be no work for her in Cleveland—Mrs. Mifflin would see to that. Without any letter of reference, it would be impossible to secure a position as a lady’s maid. And she certainly couldn’t depend upon Lawrence. She loved her brother, but he was as unpredictable as the weather.

  Mr. Powers stopped and looked at her. “You’re quite pale, Miss Colson. Is it something I’ve said? Why don’t you sit down?” He withdrew his handkerchief and brushed off a rickety bench.

  “Thank you for your concern, but I’ll be fine.” As if to prove her point, she inhaled a deep breath and squared her shoulders. There wasn’t time to sit. She needed to secure passage to Bridal Veil as soon as possible.

  “If you’re sure.” He gestured to a storefront along the wharf. “This is a freighting business office
. We may have some luck here.” He hesitated outside the door. “Tell me, Miss Colson, why are you so intent upon going to an island that has so recently been devastated by a hurricane?”

  “I have a dear friend who remains on the island year-round. I’ve heard nothing and am very concerned.”

  She didn’t explain that she hoped to make her home on Bridal Veil or that his news of a death on Bridal Veil could alter her life. Mr. Powers had been kind to escort her, but she wouldn’t share her personal business with him.

  She’d done her best to send Mr. Powers on his way once they were away from the dock. She’d even told him his aunt was likely waiting to examine her new hat, but nothing she tried met with success. Instead of making small talk with a stranger, she wanted to be alone with her thoughts. She wanted to believe Evan was alive, but she now realized her impulsive behavior might prove disastrous.

  “Here we are,” she said when they arrived at the entrance to the hotel. “Thank you again for your assistance.”

  “Oh, I should escort you inside. Otherwise, you’ll be expected to use the other entrance, Miss Colson.” He didn’t wait for a reply before tipping his hat to the bellboy and leading her forward.

  They’d barely cleared the door when she spotted Lawrence descending the staircase. He rushed toward her, but his gaze was fastened upon the man at her side. “I have been worried, sister. I inquired at the front desk. One of the bellboys said you’d gone shopping for a hat, but I doubted his report.”

  He stopped only long enough to inhale a quick breath. His attention settled on the hatbox in Mr. Powers’ hand. “Where have you been, and who is this?” His brows arched as he turned toward Melinda.

  “This is Mr. Preston Powers. He was kind enough to escort me to the docks so that I could inquire about arrangements for our passage to Bridal Veil.” She narrowed her eyes. “At the docks I learned that passage has been available for five days. Five days, Lawrence.”