To Have and To Hold (25 page)

Still holding out hope that they could talk, Marshall remained at the table after the other men went upstairs to their rooms or out to the front porch for a smoke. When Audrey finally stepped back into the dining room to retrieve the dirty dishes, he pushed away from the table. “I'd like to talk to you, Audrey.”

Her eyes shone with anger when she looked in his direction. “There's nothing left to say. You've already admitted you took part in the scheme.”

“Scheme? This isn't a scheme.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “I granted a dying man his final request.”

“Well, good for you!” She rushed to the kitchen and left him sitting at the table. Moments later Irene shuffled into the dining room and began clearing the dishes. No doubt Audrey planned to avoid him. He strode into the kitchen and grasped her arms. “We need to finish our discussion, Audrey. Running away from me isn't going to resolve anything.”

At that moment, Thora called to Audrey, “I need a drink of water.” Audrey freed her arm from Marshall's hold, retrieved a glass from the shelf, and filled it with water.

“If you'll excuse me, Mr. Graham, Aunt Thora needs my attention. As you know, she's quite ill.” She stopped and turned on her way to the bedroom. “However, I doubt she'll be making any sickbed requests that include marriage.”

It was a morning nearly a week later before Marshall could finally corner Audrey. He took hold of her hand and all but dragged her from the back door to a nearby path. “We need to talk,” he declared, leaving no room for her rejection.

“I'm very busy,” she said. “You know that Aunt Thora is sick and that Irene and I are trying to manage on our own.”

“Audrey, I know that very well. What I don't know is why you are mad at me. I've prayed and searched my heart, but I can see nothing that I've done to cause you such offense.”

She looked at him for a moment. It was almost as if she was warring with herself. “I've already made that clear. Perhaps you simply do not understand.”

The day was already getting warm and Marshall felt sweat trickle down his back. He motioned to the live oak where a swing hung. He knew Audrey liked this place and hoped that perhaps it would soften her anger toward him. “Let's take some shade.”

Audrey allowed him to pull her along, but she acted as though it were a great hardship. “I have nothing more to say about this.”

“You have a great deal more to say,” Marshall declared. “I deserve an explanation.”

“We have already been over this.” Audrey pulled away, and Marshall allowed her to go. “You and my father conspired in secret about my future—my welfare and needs. You both should have considered what I wanted in life—you should have talked to me.”

“I agree,” Marshall said, nodding. “We were wrong not to consult you.”

“I am not baggage to be handed off. I'm fully capable of taking care of myself and Aunt Thora. And if you consider it fully, I think you'll realize that what you'd gain in the sale of Bridal Fair is hardly worth saddling yourself in a marriage of obligation.”

Marshall found her words all the more confusing. “What do you mean—a marriage of obligation? I feel no obligation. If you feel obligation, then I'm truly baffled. I thought you had come to care for me.”

Some of the hardened resolve left Audrey's expression. “I do care for you. I care enough not to live a charade. I care enough to keep you from making a mistake in honoring a dead man's request that you take on his spinster daughter.”

“You aren't making any sense, Audrey. I made my feelings clear.”

She smiled sadly. “Please. Let's just live in peace. The construction around here won't go on forever. Do your duty as you must, but say nothing more of marriage. I'm sorry that my father ever put such a responsibility on your shoulders.”

Audrey headed up the path to the house, and Marshall started to go after her, but something stopped him. He had a nagging feeling from deep inside that he should let it drop.

“Give her time to realize the truth of your love,” a voice seemed to whisper in his mind.

He drew a deep breath. “But I don't want to give her time. Time might very well take her away from me.” On the other hand, hadn't he already lost her in a sense? Maybe time was the only way to get her back.

Chapter 23

Marshall waited on the pier, his heart pounding as Captain Holloway maneuvered the
Bessie II
alongside the dock. Mr. Morley had been in Atlanta for three weeks for meetings with the investors. Although his original plan had been to return to Bridal Veil within ten days, he had wired Marshall stating he had been delayed. Ever since he'd received the wire, Marshall had been worried. Had the investors decided to replace him with another manager? Did they believe the rebuilding was taking too long? Would this project cause him to lose out on his plans for Colorado?

During the older man's absence, he'd done his best to remain focused on the construction and follow Mr. Morley's instructions. The investor had urged him to keep an eye on Ted Uptegrove and seek out any other information that could help them solve the question of who was responsible for the sabotage. Marshall had no idea how to investigate any further—he had suggested a private investigator, but Mr. Morley hadn't agreed. Other than the money clip and Ted Uptegrove's clandestine meetings in Biscayne, he continued to come up empty-handed.

The only thing Marshall had to report was that both Frank and Ted had become increasingly defiant since Mr. Morley's departure. They came and went at will, never seeking permission or telling Marshall where they were going. Even his admonitions that they must report their whereabouts to him went unheeded. Marshall wrestled with the possibility of firing Ted but worried that such action would cause Frank to stir further disruption among the men. And he couldn't fire Frank.

Mr. Morley clapped him on the shoulder. “It's good to be back, Marshall. I'm sorry I was gone so long, but much was accomplished. After learning the costs involved due to the explosion and rebuilding, the investors are adamant that the culprits be captured. Had the rebuilding not been so extensive and if the problems at the work site had ceased, they might have overlooked the incident, but that's not the case. However, I believe we've developed a plan!”

The older man's excitement was contagious. If they had a workable idea, he wanted to help. “I'm eager to hear what you've come up with.”

“During supper this evening, I'm going to tell all of the foremen that the investors have decided to change the plans. That we are going to expand the clubhouse beyond anyone's expectations. New plans—false ones—were drawn while I was in Atlanta. Plans that indicate Bridal Veil is going to outshine any resort in the country.”

Marshall frowned. “And how is that going to help us discover the criminals?”

“If there is intent to cause our investors financial difficulty by destroying or slowing our progress here on Bridal Veil, someone will want to steal the plans. If they simply want to outdo us, they'll want the plans, as well. However, the investors believe there may be several men in collusion to destroy those who invested in Bridal Veil.” They continued along the path to the house. “I realize you may not understand the competitiveness that exists among wealthy men, but trust me, they can be your best friends one day and your enemies the next.”

“So the Bridal Veil investors believe the Jekyl investors are involved?”

Marshall still thought Frank Baker was the primary suspect, but it didn't sound as though anyone else agreed.

“We're not saying it's the men from Jekyl. But given the incidents that have occurred from the outset—the explosion and the continuing mishaps—we don't believe this is simply a group of hoodlums from the mainland.” Mr. Morley tapped his suitcase. “We'll try this and hope it works.”

Marshall nodded his agreement but couldn't help wondering what he would do if the plan didn't work. Since Boyd's death, his time at the island had been a test of both his faith and his patience. Audrey continued to maintain her distance, and Marshall wondered if he would ever have an opportunity to penetrate the invisible barrier she'd placed between them. Each night he prayed God would soften her attitude and give him an opportunity to explain, but so far his requests had gone unheeded, and God seemed only to encourage Marshall to wait.

As all of the men gathered at the supper table a short time later, Marshall watched for reaction among the foremen. Harry appeared annoyed by the idea of changes while Ted and Frank asked numerous questions, both of them eager to have a look at the plans.

“For now, Marshall needs to be the one to study the plans. It's more important he have a clear understanding of what's to be done. I'm certain his orders to each of you will be quite clear.”

Frank reared back in his chair. “You saying we don't know how to read plans?”

Mr. Morley frowned. “I'm saying that I want Marshall to have time to go over the drawings—nothing more and nothing less. And if you have a problem with my decision, we can talk about it in private after dinner.”

Frank didn't take Mr. Morley up on the offer. Instead, he pushed away from the table and went outdoors. Shortly thereafter, the rest of the foremen excused themselves.

Mr. Morley tipped his head to one side. “Now all we have to do is wait and see what happens. Frank and Ted appeared disturbed by the announcement, but it may mean nothing. Make certain the foremen see you take the plans to the work site tomorrow, and I'd suggest you leave them in the cabin you've been using as an office.” He glanced toward the windows to see if anyone was within earshot. “I want the plans left there, and we'll stake out the cabin to see if anyone makes a move to either review or steal the drawings.”

“I'm willing to give anything a try. I just want all of these problems to end.” Marshall wasn't convinced the plan held much merit, but he did believe Mr. Morley and the other investors had far more experience when it came to planning such strategies.

“Let's take the drawings to the parlor and look at them. If anyone is watching, it will appear more realistic that we're reviewing them.” Mr. Morley picked up his empty coffee cup. “Why don't you ask Audrey if she'll bring us more coffee while I get the drawings from my room.”

Marshall didn't say that he'd count himself fortunate if Audrey would stay in the same room with him for more than two minutes. “I'll see if Irene is in the kitchen. I imagine Audrey wrote and told you Thora isn't well.”

He nodded. “Yes. I arranged for a young woman from Biscayne to help Audrey and Irene, but I plan to speak with Audrey to see if she wants me to hire some additional help or if she'd rather wait. From her letter, I wasn't certain if Thora would be able to resume any of her duties or not.”

Marshall detected a question in the tone of his voice. “I seriously doubt that Thora's future will include being able to assist Irene and Audrey anymore. I believe Audrey would feel at ease speaking to you about any needs they may have.”

Instead of Irene, Audrey was in the kitchen when Marshall entered. “Mr. Morley asked if you or Irene might have time to brew another pot of coffee.” Marshall carefully couched the question as a request from Mr. Morley, in case Audrey might ignore the appeal—or tell him she didn't have time to give him any special treatment.

Audrey stepped toward the sink. “Tell Mr. Morley that I'll bring a tray as soon as I've prepared the coffee.”

His shoulder muscles tightened at her formal tone. “Yes, ma'am. I'll be certain to give your message to Mr. Morley.” He turned on his heel and strode from the room, his jaw clenched as tight as a boxer's fist.

When he arrived at the parlor door, Mr. Morley was already at work spreading out the drawings on the library table. A look of expectation shone in his eyes. “I hope you've come with good news regarding the coffee.”

Marshall nodded. “Yes. Audrey said she'd bring a tray in shortly.” He crossed the room in four long strides and stood beside Mr. Morley.

“Here we have it,” Mr. Morley said, tapping the drawing with his finger. “I believe anyone reviewing these would find the changes believable. We haven't altered the main portion of the clubhouse. Rather, we had the architect add two long additions to the building that will house more luxurious suites, as well as a glass-enclosed dining area. He's also noted all of the changes to more luxurious amenities and decor in the main building.” Mr. Morley pointed to a notation that indicated orders had been placed for items that would rival the most lavish hotels in Europe.

Marshall stared at the drawings, not totally convinced by Mr. Morley's idea. “I still fear this may not work.”

“I believe Frank is careless and greedy enough that he'll make some sort of move to get these drawings.” Mr. Morley arched his brows. “If he's the kind of man we think he is, I doubt we'll have to wait long.”

The following day Audrey managed to take some precious time away from the house and Aunt Thora to enjoy a visit with the Wahler twins at the beach. She had hoped it might clear her head and help her to refocus her heart. Audrey had just begun to relax when she spotted several men further down the beach. They were pulling a small boat toward a secluded marshy area not far from the shore. Where had they come from and what were they doing? Though occasional visitors came to the island, they didn't approach from this marshy area and they didn't hide their boats.

Sensing something amiss, she hurried toward the twins. “Come along, girls. I think we need to return home.”

“Aw, not yet.” Julie looked up to Audrey with a frown. “I want to find some more shells.”

“Now! Come along. We need to get back to the house.” She hadn't meant to sound strident, but fear had taken hold.

“I've got a lot of shells to take back,” Josie declared.

“Gather them quickly.” She tried not to seem as though she were watching anything in particular as she looked down the beach.

“I don't know why we have to go,” Julie grumbled.

The hairs on Audrey's neck prickled to attention. What if those men heard them and approached? If they intended any harm, she'd never be able to protect the girls. Only Sadie and Dr. Wahler knew they'd come to the beach today. If the men had been out on the water and seen the three of them alone, they would appear easy prey, wouldn't they?

After hastily gathering the girls' treasures and tucking them inside the picnic basket, she folded the blanket and patted Josie's back, hoping to hurry her along the wooded path. Audrey's actions had little effect upon the girl, for she dawdled at every opportunity, stopping to bend down and examine first this rock and then another. The sound of brush crackled in the distance, and she hesitated before urging the girls forward.

“We still have a ways to go, and I need to get home to help Irene with supper.” She didn't want to frighten the girls, but her pleas to hurry were meeting with little success. Once again, Josie spied a shiny pebble along the side of the path and stooped down to examine the prize.

She looked up at Audrey with pleading eyes. “Help me get it, Miss Audrey. It's beautiful.”

Unable to resist, Audrey bent forward to pry the pebble from the hardened dirt. “I think we'll need to use a stick to loosen it, and there isn't—”

She held her breath and rose to a stand. Placing her index finger over her pursed lips, she signaled the girls to be quiet. Once again, she heard crackling brush, this time followed by the thud of heavy footsteps. Taking a backward step, she peered down the path, spotted a man in the distance, screamed, and dropped the picnic basket. Pushing the girls behind her skirts, Audrey shoved them back against the trees. Head bowed low, the man came toward them at a rapid pace.

Increasing to a trot, he raised his head and his features became distinguishable. “Marshall!” Audrey exhaled his name in a giant whoosh of relief and clasped a hand to her chest.