To Have and To Hold (23 page)

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 be 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.

Chapter 21

Audrey folded her arms at her waist and scowled at Marshall. She hoped her appearance left no question about her mood. He had managed to embarrass her in front of the doctor, and she didn't intend to brush aside his actions and let him think she approved of such behavior. “Exactly what were you thinking to burst in on my private talk with Dr. Wahler? You'd obviously drawn incorrect conclusions, and you'd obviously been eavesdropping on our conversation. Otherwise, you wouldn't have known about the doctor's proposal.”

Marshall's brows dipped low over his chestnut brown eyes and formed a deep pucker above the bridge of his nose. “That's not exactly true. I heard him mention his proposal when you were talking in the parlor several days ago.” He was obviously pleased with himself, for his thoughtful look disappeared into one that could only be interpreted as a challenge.

Audrey squared her shoulders in preparation. If he wanted to throw down the gauntlet, she'd pick it up. “You were eavesdropping or you wouldn't have heard my conversation earlier or the one just now.” She rose to her feet and, with her arms still clasped across her waist, paced in front of the divan. “You jumped to conclusions about Dr. Wahler's proposal.” She stopped pacing and eyed him with a steely look. “I can't believe that you would behave in such a foolish manner—and over something as commonplace as a teaching position. How you could conclude that Dr. Wahler was seeking my hand in marriage is beyond my comprehension.”

Marshall drew closer. “I think you would understand my logic had you been viewing it from my perspective.”

“You mean
hearing
it from your perspective. You were eavesdropping and listened to a private conversation. From that you drew an incorrect conclusion. I am indeed uncertain you possess the attributes—”

In three long strides, he covered the distance between them and swept her into his arms. “Please don't say anything more. Not until I tell you that it's because of my feelings for you that I sometimes act a fool in your presence. I'm in love with you, and I couldn't take a chance that you would agree to marry Dr. Wahler. If I embarrassed you, I'm sorry, but it doesn't change the fact that I love you.”

Audrey stared at him, unable to think of one intelligent reply. Even if she had, her throat and mouth were as dry as cotton, and she couldn't have uttered a word had her life depended upon it.

Marshall chuckled. “I believe this is the first time I've seen you without anything to say. I know this all must come as somewhat of a shock to you, but I feared that I would lose you if I waited any longer.”

Without another word, Marshall lowered his head and pressed a passionate kiss against her lips. Audrey's mind whirled. He had no way of knowing this was her very first kiss. He had no way of knowing that she had dreamed of this moment all of her life.

He pulled back abruptly. “What's wrong?”

Audrey shook her head. “Nothing . . . I mean . . .” She looked at him. Had she done something wrong? “Why do you ask?”

“You seem . . . well . . . do you not like to kiss? Have I been too forward?”

Audrey gave a giggle to cover up her embarrassment. “Yes, you are very forward, Marshall Graham. As for whether or not I like to kiss—I would hardly know. This is my first experience.”

Marshall's expression changed to one of wonder. “Truly?” He grinned. “Well, I'll be.” For a moment he just stared at her, but then a frown formed. “What about my question? You might not have the experience of other kisses, but did you like this one?”

She shrugged. “Seemed rather short. I'm not sure I can really give you a proper assessment.”

Laughing, Marshall pulled her close again. “I believe I can easily remedy that.”

Audrey lost herself in his kiss and the warmth of his touch. She could smell the scent of the sea on him. It stirred something inside her, causing her to feel as if a flame had touched her heart and set fire to her entire body. Almost fearful, she pushed Marshall away and gasped for air.

“I'm sorry,” he apologized. “I'm afraid I lost control and all sense of the moment. I believe I was just motivated by the good doctor. I feared not letting you know my feelings. I realize marriage is a big step—one that should never be entered into lightly.”

“You're proposing?” she asked, her hand to her throat.

Marshall held her gaze for a moment and then smiled. “You didn't think I'd kiss you like that if I didn't have marriage in mind, did you?”

She shook her head and backed up a step. “I don't know. I can't honestly say that I had any rational thoughts when you were . . . when we were . . . kissing.”

“So you enjoyed it?” He seemed quite pleased with himself.

“I felt like . . . well . . . I thought for a moment I'd stepped too close to the fireplace.” She looked at the back of her gown just to be sure she'd not set herself on fire.

Marshall laughed and stepped toward her. Audrey took another step back and put up her hands to ward him off. “I think you should stay over there.”

His dark eyes seemed to blaze with passion. “I think you should marry me.”

Audrey felt her breathing pick up. She sidestepped the fireplace and found herself backed against the wall. Marshall ignored her fear and moved in like a hunter after his prey. Taking very gentle hold of her hands, he began to kiss her fingertips.

“I've found myself beset with you from the first day I arrived here,” he said, moving from one finger to the next. “I wanted to run my hands through your hair. I wanted to tell you how beautiful you are.”

Audrey found it impossible to speak or move. She found it impossible to do anything, in fact, but focus on breathing and standing. Her knees felt like jelly, and at any moment she was almost certain she'd faint.

“You are everything I've ever longed for in a mate. You aren't afraid to stand up to me.” He moved to her left hand and began kissing those fingers. “I think there is great passion between us, and when I saw you with the good doctor, I knew I couldn't let you get away from me.”

He finished with her fingers and pulled her toward himself. Audrey saw no reason to fight him. She was quite enthralled with the prospect of once again being in his arms.

“Audrey, I'll be good to you. I promise that I will love you like no one else could.” He turned her in a circle as if they were dancing. “I will build you a beautiful home in the West.”

“The West? But what of Aunt Thora? I can't leave her here. And there's Bridal Fair to consider.”

He chuckled. “I would never leave dear Thora behind. She is welcome wherever we make our home. As for Bridal Fair, I believe you'll discover that Mr. Morley and the investors will be more than pleased to purchase the property. You have nothing to worry over, my love.”

She leaned against him weakly and continued to savor the dreamlike pleasure she'd discovered within the warmth of Marshall's embrace. Somewhere in the distance the sound of shuffling feet attempted to break the spell, but she remained in Marshall's embrace until she heard a loud gasp.

“Miss Audrey!”

With a jerk, Audrey saw Irene came to a jolting halt in the parlor door. Mouth gaping open, Irene stood frozen in place.

Startled, Audrey took a backward step and immediately collided with the heavy library table. Had Marshall not caught her arm, she would have landed atop the offending piece of furniture. She started toward the girl, uncertain whether Irene had been struck dumb when she'd captured sight of Audrey in a man's arms or if something else had caused the maid's terrified appearance. Audrey continued forward and said loudly, “Do speak up, Irene. Whatever is wrong?”

Audrey's command stirred Irene to action, and she found her voice. “It's Miss Thora. She's collapsed in the kitchen. I can't get her to respond.” She gasped for air. “Please come and help me.”

Audrey raced from the room, leaving Irene and Marshall in her wake. Aunt Thora lay on the floor, her skin pale and ashen. “Aunt Thora! Can you hear me?” The moment Irene and Marshall entered the room, she turned to them. “Irene, get me a wet cloth for her forehead.”

Marshall stooped down beside Audrey. “I'm going to move her to her bed. Irene can bring the cloth to you in there.” As if she weighed no more than a feather, he scooped the old woman into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. Audrey hurried to maneuver around Marshall and pull back the bedcovers. Gently, he placed Aunt Thora on the crisp white sheet and then unlaced her shoes.

Irene rushed forward with several wet cloths and handed them to Audrey. Thora groaned as Audrey placed a damp cloth on her forehead and one across her eyes. Her fingers trembled as she hastened to unbutton the top of the older woman's black dress.

Only minutes had passed when Aunt Thora surprised them all by yanking the cloth from her eyes. “How do you expect me to see what's going on when you put that wet rag on my eyes?”

Marshall chuckled. “Well, I see you haven't lost your sharp tongue, Miss Thora.”

The woman's eyes grew large as she focused upon him and then realized where she was. “What's a
man
doing in here, Audrey?” She flitted her hand. “Scat. Get out of here. Men don't come into a lady's bedroom. The thought of it! Your mother was a Southern lady, Marshall Graham, and you should know better.”

Marshall nudged Audrey. “She's obviously feeling better, don't you think?”

Thora attempted to slap Marshall with the wet rag. “I heard you, Marshall! There's nothing wrong with my hearing. Now, go on before I have to get up and take a broom to you.”

Audrey grasped Marshall's arm as he turned to leave. “I think Dr. Wahler should examine her—just to be certain. I don't want another episode like this to happen. It's better to have him check her, don't you think?”

Marshall nodded and grinned. “I don't relish the idea of going after the doctor so soon after we've parted company, but I'll do as you ask.” He leaned a little closer. “I'd do most anything for you, Audrey. You know that, don't you?”

Thora yanked the sheet and let it flutter to a rest beneath her chin. “What are you two whispering about? I keep telling you to git on out of this room. I'm thinking you're the one with a hearing problem, Marshall.”

“I'm leaving, Miss Thora. You don't need to ask me again.”

He winked at Audrey before he strode from the room. The front door clattered as he departed. Thora grabbed Audrey's hand. “You're in love with him, aren't you?” The old woman clutched Audrey's hand with a surprising strength. “No need to ask about him. He's been in love ever since he laid eyes on you.”

Audrey grinned. “I do believe you're a romantic at heart, Aunt Thora. Let's just say that Marshall and I are interested in the possibility of a future together.”

Thora raised her head off the pillow? “He declare himself yet?”

“If you mean has he told me he loves me, yes. And he has proposed marriage, but I didn't give him an answer. I need time to make such a big decision. It's so soon after Father's death that I don't trust my emotions just yet.”

“Pray about it, but you better not wait too long. Isn't like you have a lot of other opportunities.”

“Aunt Thora!” Audrey said, looking at her in shock.

“Well, at least he's God-fearin', and I'm sure the good Lord brought him here to help us deal with them Yankees.”

Shaking her head, Audrey walked to the basin of water Irene had placed near the bed. “I believe you've done entirely too much thinking.” Audrey dipped another cloth into the basin.

“I reckon this means you'll be forgettin' about me. Probably movin' me on to one of the old shacks on the property.”

Audrey returned to the bed and shook her head. She didn't want to rebuke Aunt Thora—especially when she wasn't feeling well. However, when the time was right, Audrey would explain that her future wouldn't be planned without taking the older woman into consideration. There was no way Audrey would leave Aunt Thora to fend for herself.

Audrey reapplied the damp cloth to her head. “You need not worry about such things right now, Aunt Thora. I simply want you to rest until the doctor arrives.”

Thora snatched the cloth from her forehead. “I don't need a doctor to tell me how I feel. I feel just fine, and I'm going back to the kitchen. I don't want folks makin' a fuss over me.” Pushing Audrey's arm aside, she attempted to sit but immediately closed her eyes and fell back against the pillows. For a moment she said nothing, and Audrey thought maybe the older woman had fainted again.

“Aunt Thora?”

Without opening her eyes, Thora replied, “Maybe I should rest a little longer. But I don't need the doctor.”

Audrey didn't argue, and moments later the old woman slipped into a peaceful sleep. While Irene returned to finish washing the supper dishes, Audrey sat by Thora's bedside, her thoughts returning to the earlier events. Her lips curved in an unexpected smile as she recalled Marshall's confrontation with the doctor. Though it had been embarrassing, she was deeply touched by the fact that he'd been willing to set aside pride and speak his heart. She wondered if many other men would do such a thing and decided the possibilities were likely quite slim. As Aunt Thora said—it wasn't like she had a lot of prospects. But Marshall was more than prospect enough. He was really all she had ever wanted in a man.