To Love and Cherish

by Tracie Peterson

  A few of the men appeared shocked, but Evan didn’t apologize. Instead, he strode toward the hunting lodge. Once he completed Victoria’s lesson, he would make time to seek out Lawrence. He only hoped he could speak to him before Mr. Jacoby and his group returned to the clubhouse and began to hurl accusations.

  After closing the distance between the barn and lodge at a breakneck pace, Evan took the porch steps two at a time, flung open the door, and let it slam behind him. He did his best to fight against an inward groan when he caught sight of Victoria. His riding student sat perched on the edge of the sofa and jumped to her feet as soon as he crossed the threshold.

  She hurried toward him, her lips in a pout. “You’re late again, Evan.” She shook her finger like an annoyed mother reprimanding a young child.

  After the heated exchange with the men over at the barn, Victoria’s behavior set his teeth on edge. Rather than performing his primary duties, it seemed his every action had to delight the Bridal Veil visitors. How could he oversee daily operations at the racetrack, continue progress on the golf course, and make certain enough game was available for the hunters, plus complete all of his previous duties? The thought made his head hurt, and Victoria’s reprimand caused his pain to reach new heights.

  She grasped his arm and gazed at him. “You’re a very bad boy, Evan. I’ve been waiting for nearly half an hour. I thought we’d come to an understanding the last time you were late.” She lifted her free hand and traced her finger across his lips. Evan tipped his head away from her touch. “You’re going to make me think that I’m not important to you.” Pushing her lips into another exaggerated pout, she leaned against him. “I truly don’t want to tell Mr. Morley you’re not giving me the attention I deserve.” Still clutching his arm, she leaned close.

  Evan couldn’t possibly say what he was thinking. He’d be fired if he told Victoria what she truly deserved. He nodded toward the barn. “I was delayed by other guests at the barn. If they’re still out there, I suggest you voice your disapproval to them.” He forced a weak smile. “Whether I have an appointment with you or not, I can’t ignore other guests when they approach me. If it makes you feel any better, I would have been a few minutes early had I not been detained at the barn.”

  Her pout diminished and she gave a slight nod. “It does make me feel better. I’m pleased to know you were eager to spend time with me.”

  He attempted to pull loose from her grip. How had she come to that conclusion from what he’d said? Victoria could twist a string of words into a knot faster than anyone he’d ever met.

  He looked down at her hands on his sleeve. “If you don’t release my arm, I’m not going to be able to change clothes and take you for your riding lesson.”

  “You don’t need to change clothes. I won’t mind getting a little dirt on my dress—as long as it comes from you.”

  He took a sidestep and put a little distance between them. He should have stayed outside with the men; it would have been safer. He glanced at his arm and then at her. “Either way, you’re going to have to let go of me.”

  She grinned and nodded as she loosened her hold, but the moment he turned toward the door, she tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and held on with a death grip.

  So much for his momentary freedom.

  Instead of taking one of the longer trails, Evan suggested they have a brief lesson and then ride over to the clubhouse. “I have some business to see to over there, and I can return your horse when I ride back to the lodge.”

  Victoria responded with a shriek of delight that caused him to think he’d made a horrible mistake. “Oh, that will be great fun! I do hope there will be lots of people out on the lawn to see me riding with you.”

  Her words singed him like a hot flame. He longed to abandon the suggestion, but Victoria would obviously object. What had he been thinking? He prayed that if Melinda was present, she’d give him an opportunity to explain.

  During Victoria’s lesson and afterwards as they rode toward the clubhouse, he silently condemned his foolishness. Granted, he needed to speak with Lawrence, but riding to the clubhouse with Victoria was pure folly. The moment they were in sight of guests playing bocce on the front lawn, she began to wave her riding crop overhead.

  Evan gritted his teeth while wishing he could vanish into thin air. “Hold the reins properly, Victoria. You don’t have correct form when you’re waving your arm. And the horse doesn’t understand why you’re bouncing about, either.”

  Any number of guests ceased their activities and turned to stare at them. Although Victoria’s horse appeared unperturbed by her frantic movements, Evan was greatly troubled. No doubt Melinda would receive a full report of this event. He cringed at the thought and knew he must find her and explain before he returned to the lodge.

  They dismounted at the side of the clubhouse and Evan tied the horses. Rather than go inside immediately, Victoria waited for him and clung to his arm as they walked inside, he in his dirty work clothes, she in her perfect riding skirt and matching jacket.

  “Please excuse me, Victoria, but I have business that requires my attention. I’ll see you for your next lesson.” He had to yank in order to free himself from her clutches.

  Once again, her lip protruded into a larger-than-life pout. “I wish you would play a game of croquet with me.”

  “I am not one of the guests, Victoria. I think there are any number of young men who would enjoy your company out on the lawn.” He backed away. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

  Not wanting Victoria to follow, Evan continued to walk backward toward Melinda’s office. Victoria motioned, but he ignored her and backed into Mr. Zimmerman with a thud.

  Victoria giggled as she lifted a hand to her lips. “I tried to warn you.”

  Mr. Zimmerman brushed his suit with the palm of his hand. “Do watch where you’re going, Evan. What if you’d backed into one of the maids carrying a tea tray? Think what a mess we would have had in the middle of the foyer.”

  “I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Zimmerman. It won’t happen again.”

  Evan glanced toward Melinda’s office, and the supervisor shook his head. “This is her afternoon off work, and she’s gone out with Mr. Powers, I believe.” He tugged on his thin mustache. “I don’t approve of the staff mingling with guests, but Mr. Powers can be quite insistent. The man positively badgered me until I agreed. . . . After all, we must keep the guests happy.”

  So Melinda was keeping company with Preston Powers, and the talk among the maids was correct. Evan felt as though he’d received a fist to his midsection. The silence stretched between the two men until Mr. Zimmerman finally arched his brows. “Was there some other matter you wished to discuss?”

  “Lawrence—Melinda’s brother,” he stammered. “Do you know where I might find him?”

  Mr. Zimmerman tipped his head. “Lawrence works for Garrison O’Sullivan, doesn’t he? Why would I know his whereabouts?”

  “I’m told he spends a great deal of time around the clubhouse, and I thought he might be here.”

  “If you haven’t been to the racetrack, you might see if he’s there. I heard several gentlemen say they were going over there to speak with him.”

  Evan sighed. “Was one of those men Mr. Jacoby?”

  Mr. Zimmerman nodded. “Yes, and he didn’t appear any too happy.” One of the guests approached to speak with Mr. Zimmerman. Bidding the supervisor good-bye, Evan hurried out the side door. He spotted Paul across the way and motioned to him.

  The boy came trotting toward him with a smile on his face. “Afternoon, Mr. Evan.”

  “Good afternoon, Paul.” He glanced around. “Why are you over here at the clubhouse?”

  “Mr. Zimmerman sent word to bring one of the guest’s horses over here.” He shifted his weight to his other foot. “I’m heading back to the barn right now. I just stopped to say hello to my cousin, Marie. She works cleaning in the clubhouse.” He curled his bottom lip inward and bowed his head. “I know I shoul
d have gone straight back. I hope I’m not in trouble.”

  Evan chuckled and ruffled the boy’s hair. “You’re not in trouble. In fact, I have an extra horse over here. I’d like you to ride him back.”

  “That’ll let me make up for any lost time.” He pointed to his shoes. “And save me some shoe leather, too.”

  With a grin, Evan directed the boy to the horse Victoria had ridden to the clubhouse and then mounted his own. He reined the horse to the road leading to the racetrack, but when he’d gone about halfway, he met Mr. Jacoby and his friends on their return.

  Mr. Jacoby stopped in the road and nodded toward the racing complex. “I went looking for Colson, but he’s nowhere to be seen. If you see him, tell him I’d like to have a word with him.”

  “I’ll do that.” Evan continued onward, hoping Jacoby would think he had other business at the track. In truth, things had run smoothly after the first few races and, except for any repair problems with the structures, little had been required of Evan. Once the construction had been completed, the operations had fallen under Garrison’s supervision, and it seemed that the older man had hired dependable help.

  Soon he’d traveled far enough that it would be closer to circle around the racing facility and take one of the bridle paths back to the hunting lodge. He tightened his knees and the horse broke into a gallop. Once they neared the track, Evan pulled back on the reins and the mare slowed to a trot. The late afternoon sun danced across the grandstands, the rays casting long shadows onto the track. A lone rider was circling the track. Evan shaded his eyes, but he was already certain of both the rider and the horse.

  He approached the edge of the track, removed his hat, and waved it overhead. Lawrence raced the horse to the final turn and then reined him to a halt. “Evan! Didn’t expect to see you out here.”

  “I came looking for you. We need to talk.”

  Lawrence leaned forward and patted his horse’s neck. “I wanted to exercise my horse. Can it wait?”

  “Afraid not.” Evan didn’t miss the look of aggravation that pinched Lawrence’s features. “Did you happen to see Mr. Jacoby and a group of other men out here a short time ago?” When Lawrence shook his head, Evan continued. “That’s strange because I passed them on the road between here and the clubhouse only a short time ago. They’d been here and said they couldn’t find you.”

  Lawrence shrugged. “Maybe they didn’t look in the right place. I hadn’t even made a lap around the course when you stopped me. What’s the problem?”

  “The problem is your horse.” Evan explained what Mr. Jacoby reported. “He wants a closer look at Priceless Journey. If you can’t prove ownership, I’d say there will be more questions than you may be able to answer.” Only the nickering of Evan’s horse broke the silence between the two men. “Is there anything you’d like to tell me?”

  Lawrence leaned back in his saddle and met Evan’s gaze. “Let me introduce you to Midnight Flight.”

  CHAPTER 25

  If she’d had roller skates attached to her feet, Melinda could not have turned any more quickly. “Did I hear you correctly?” The blood pounded hot in her veins, and she wondered if one of her blood vessels might explode and kill her in the middle of her tiny office.

  Lawrence assumed a casual pose in her doorway and radiated a genial smile. “No need to work yourself into a frenzy, sister. I wouldn’t have told you, but when I talked to Evan yesterday, he insisted I do so.” He stepped forward and pulled out her chair. “Maybe you should sit down before you faint.”

  His relaxed countenance sent her anger soaring to new heights. “I do not feel faint, Lawrence!”

  His mouth gaped open and he feigned a pained expression. “You don’t need to raise your voice. Surely you believe me.”

  When he’d first arrived at her office, Melinda had listened quietly as her brother explained that several guests had been questioning his ownership of the horse he’d brought from Cleveland. But as his story continued and he revealed he’d changed the horse’s name, she became wary. Melinda didn’t want to believe her brother had stolen another man’s horse, but the story took a deeper twist when he finally admitted the ownership papers were missing.

  “It matters little whether I believe you or not. If you don’t find those papers, you’ll be arrested for horse stealing. And I’ll likely be charged as an accomplice.” Merely saying the words caused her stomach to lurch.

  Lawrence chuckled. “You’re being a bit dramatic, Melinda. They aren’t going to haul you off to jail.”

  “How can you laugh? We left Cleveland together. After the fuss I made to the ticket agent about paying the transport fees for that horse, I’m sure he’ll remember me. And he’ll be happy to tell those wealthy guests when they question him.”

  “I don’t recall your being so melodramatic in your younger years.” He raked his fingers through his hair and dropped into the chair opposite her desk. “You’re making me sorry I told you.”

  She walked around the desk and sat down. “When and where did you last see the ownership papers you were given on Priceless Journey—I mean Midnight Flight?”

  “They were in my valise when I boarded the train. I had no reason to look for them before now. I didn’t steal that horse, Melinda. I can explain the entire mishap. I think.”

  “You think?” She lunged forward and leaned across her desk.

  He leaned back in his chair and motioned for her to do the same. “There’s a little portion that has left me confused. Otherwise, I can explain.”

  She sat back. “Then please do. You have my undivided attention.”

  “I won the horse fair and square, and Fulton Overbrook signed the papers over to me. Problem is, he didn’t want his wife to know he’d lost the horse in a game of cards. I gave my word I wouldn’t race the horse, and I’d do my best to keep it out of sight until he could figure out how to explain to her.”

  Her brother stared at her as if she should be satisfied. Melinda gestured for him to continue. “And?”

  “And that’s it. I don’t know how things got in the newspaper about the horse being stolen. I’ve never heard from Fulton since he gave me the horse.”

  Melinda pointed a finger at her brother. “You need to go back to your quarters and look until you find those papers, Lawrence. Otherwise, you and I are both going to be in more trouble than I want to think about.” Her head pounded as though she’d been hit with a sledgehammer. “How long did Mr. Jacoby give you to produce the papers?”

  Lawrence shrugged. “Look at your book and see when he’s leaving. I figure I have at least until his departure date.”

  She couldn’t believe his nonchalant attitude. “What makes you think you have until they depart? What if they decide to ride the launch over to Biscayne and wire the authorities in Cleveland? Have you thought of that possibility?”

  “I suppose I’ll have to think of some way to stall them. I’m usually good at that sort of thing, so you need not worry.” He pushed up from his chair. “I shouldn’t have told you any of this. If I hadn’t been concerned one of the men or their wives would mention the whole affair, I wouldn’t have said a word.”

  “Perhaps you should write a letter to Mr. Overbrook and explain the situation. He could send you a new bill of sale for the horse, couldn’t he?”

  Her brother nodded. “I could, but I don’t know Mr. Overbrook very well. If he discovers I’ve lost the bill of sale, he may use that information against me. He’s a gambler and he may see this as a chance to regain the horse.” He frowned. “Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Lawrence, I’m afraid I do. Please, just go find those papers.” She closed her eyes and listened to his departing footsteps.

  How could Lawrence and Evan, the two men she loved, create such uncertainty in her life?

  Lawrence had departed a half hour earlier, yet Melinda’s head continued to throb. She closed her eyes and massaged her temples but startled at the sound of a knock.

  “There you are!”
Her former employer stood outside Melinda’s office doorway, peering into the room.

  Melinda glanced up and forced a smile. “This is where I am every day, Mrs. Mifflin. Have you had difficulty finding me?”

  “Indeed, I have. When I stop by, they tell me you’re off organizing parties or managing receptions.”

  “I’m sorry to have missed you. How can I help?” From the glint in the older woman’s eyes, Melinda had a good idea Mrs. Mifflin had come to discuss her employment offer.

  The older woman pulled the straight-backed chair from the wall, sat down, and scooted forward until she blocked any possible route of escape. “I thought it was time we had another little chat.” A hairpin dropped from Mrs. Mifflin’s coiffure and landed on her lap. She picked it up and held it between her thumb and forefinger. “As you can see, I am in desperate need of your help. I do hope you’ve given my offer further consideration and are prepared to tell me you’ll return to Cleveland.” Melinda opened her mouth to reply, but was stopped short when Mrs. Mifflin handed her the hairpin. “Would you?”

  Melinda stood and tucked a curl into place before securing it with the pin. The entire coiffure needed to be refashioned, but Melinda didn’t mention that. Her own head ached and she longed for a few minutes of rest, but Mrs. Mifflin had settled in and wasn’t going to permit Melinda any such luxury.

  “Thank you, my dear. My curls feel much more secure.” She patted the side of her head and smiled. “I do miss our time together, Melinda. I could always trust you to keep my confidences. I no longer have anyone I can trust.” She clasped Melinda’s hand. “You probably read in the papers that Ida McKinley’s brother was murdered shortly after you left Cleveland.”

  Melinda gasped at the shocking news. “Murdered? No, I’d not heard. I’m sorry to hear such sad and dreadful news. I’m sure it has been a very difficult time for Mrs. McKinley.”

  “And for me!” Mrs. Mifflin dropped Melinda’s hand and reached for a handkerchief.