To Love and Cherish (10 page)

“I don't think I need to worry about the operators telling Mrs. Mifflin what I have to say, Sally. Once she returns home, I plan to tell her myself.”

They walked down the front stairs, and while Melinda rang the operator, Sally went off in search of Timothy. After asking the operator to connect her with the Dangerfield residence, she listened to four short rings followed by one long. Finally a servant answered. Melinda did her best to speak with as much authority as possible. “This is Melinda, Mrs. Mifflin's lady's maid, calling from the Mifflin residence. I need to speak with Lawrence Colson. It's an emergency.”

She was surprised when the servant didn't question her further. “I'll have to send someone to fetch him out in the barns. Shall I have him return the call, or do you wish to remain on the line?” Though it would make more sense to hang up, she didn't want to take a chance that Lawrence wouldn't call back. If he was gone for some reason, she'd prefer to have the Dangerfields' servant tell her. “I'll remain on the line, thank you.”

While she waited, Sally returned to report Timothy had taken her trunk up the back stairway and placed it in her room. “I had him bring along the two suitcases you brought with you, as well.”

“Thank you, Sally. I'm sure that I'll put them to good use.” Melinda still held the receiver to her ear. “I'm waiting on my brother to come to the phone. He's out in the barns.”

Sally gave a nod. “If you'd like, I can go up and begin to fold and pack some of your belongings.”

The offer surprised Melinda. The woman wasn't usually generous with her time. “You don't need to do that, Sally. I'm sure you have other work that needs your attention.”

“Nothing that won't wait. I'd like to help. It's the least I can do after telling all of your business to Mrs. Mifflin.” She waited for a moment, but when Melinda didn't immediately respond, she touched her arm. “Please. I truly want to do something to help you.”

Melinda wasn't sure what to do. She could certainly use the help, but she didn't want to get Sally in trouble should Mrs. Mifflin return home earlier than expected. “Go ahead and begin. I'll be up as soon as I speak with Lawrence.” The smile that spread across Sally's face was as bright as sunshine on a summer day. “You'd think I'd given her a raise in pay,” Melinda murmured.

“Hello. This is Lawrence Colson. Who's calling, please?”

“Lawrence. It's Melinda. Listen carefully.” She related all that had occurred over the past few days before she inhaled a deep breath. “I'm leaving for Georgia later today, Lawrence. I have enough money saved to pay for my train ticket, and I have enough to purchase one for you, if you'll come with me.” The silence was deafening. “Please say you'll come with me, Lawrence. I don't want to travel to Georgia on my own.”

“Melinda, this is madness. Think about it for a moment. Unless your friend has proposed, you are imposing yourself . . . Well, I don't mean it exactly that way. But . . . well . . . has he asked you to marry him?”

Melinda ignored the question. She knew the foolishness of leaving a good job to go off in search of a man who might or might not love her enough to make her his wife, but she couldn't help herself. She loved Evan. She needed to know if he was safe. She needed to see that he was alive—even if he didn't want her.

“Please come with me, Lawrence. Please. I promise I'll never ask anything else of you.”

For a moment he said nothing and Melinda feared he would refuse. “How much time do I have before we depart?”

Unable to withhold her excitement, she shrieked with joy. “You'll come with me? Do you mean it?”

He laughed. “You've ruined my hearing with that screaming, but yes, I'll meet you at the station. What time?”

“You have to be there by four o'clock. And Lawrence, don't be late.”

“I'll meet you there—four o'clock.”

Making this journey would be so much easier with Lawrence along. She whispered a prayer of thanks as she hiked her skirt and ran up the steps. “And please keep Evan safe. Please.”

———

Lawrence considered his sister's actions rash, but they played right into his own needs—the most urgent of which was to put some distance between himself and Cleveland. His sister's emotional decision to go in search of a man who hadn't even declared himself would normally have caused Lawrence some worry. She was, after all, the last of his family, and he did desire for her to remain safe.

When he'd seen her installed as a lady's maid to Mrs. Mifflin, Lawrence had felt it acceptable to make his own way in the world. It wasn't that he no longer cared about Melinda, but rather he felt inadequate to help her. In truth, he didn't feel capable of helping much of anyone.

He forgot about his duties and made his way quickly to the small room he'd been given off the stable. There was precious little to pack, but what few things he had, Lawrence intended to keep. Within a few minutes he was all but ready to go.

“Where have you been?” a gruff male voice called as Lawrence made his way to the far stall in the stable.

“I've been packing. I'm needed elsewhere.”

The older man gave him a look that suggested Lawrence had lost his mind. “And what of your job here? You've not given notice.”

Lawrence shrugged and gave a smile. “I suppose you can consider this my resignation. A family member is in need of my help, and I can't refuse.”

Melinda completed her packing, and Timothy placed her trunk and cases in the front hallway, ready for her departure. She sat waiting in the parlor for Mrs. Mifflin's return. When she heard the horses clopping along the front driveway, she stepped to the foyer.

Mrs. Mifflin swept past her. “I'm pleased to see you're feeling better. I hope you've pressed my gown.”

“No, I haven't pressed your gown, but I'm sure Mary will see to it.”

The woman stopped and turned toward her. “And why would Mary see to it?” She noticed the trunk and cases. “And what are these? Do we have unexpected guests?”

“No, they are mine. I'm leaving, Mrs. Mifflin. I'm going to Bridal Veil to see if Evan has been injured in the hurricane.”

The older woman's complexion turned ashen, and she motioned to the parlor. “I must sit down. Come in here.” Melinda followed her into the room. Mrs. Mifflin opened her fan and flapped it with enough ferocity to cool both of them. “You're not thinking clearly, Melinda. My husband explained that there was no need for worry. There was only a storm, but you've let your emotions get the best of you, and you're acting in an irrational manner.” She looked up at Melinda. “Do sit down so that we can talk.”

“I don't have time for a lengthy discussion, Mrs. Mifflin. I plan to leave for the train station very soon.” She had more than sufficient time before the train would arrive, but she knew that if she delayed her departure, the older woman would attempt to prevent her from leaving.

“You can't do this. You haven't given me proper notice. I have engagements and need your assistance. This is totally uncalled for and improper behavior for a lady's maid. Now sit down and be reasonable.”

Melinda remained standing. “Mrs. Mifflin, I know there was a hurricane and that the destruction in Biscayne was significant. I also know that there has been no word from Bridal Veil and the damage to the island is unknown at this time. Although you knew of my concern for Evan, you and Mr. Mifflin gave me false information. I fail to understand how you could be so cruel. I love Evan, and I must go to him.”

“Go to him?” Mrs. Mifflin croaked the words from between her dry lips. “And what will you do once you find him? Get married? He hasn't even proposed marriage. What if he was simply dallying with your affections? You'll be giving up your position here in Cleveland, and you'll have no way to support yourself.”

“Evan hasn't been dallying with my affections. He is a sincere and wonderful man, and I know he will marry me.” Anger welled in her chest. How dare this woman toss about such accusations? She only knew Evan as a servant to order about—not as a man of honor and love.

Mrs. Mifflin toyed with her fan for a moment. “Perhaps he will. But what if he died in the storm? Then what will you do?” Her eyes sparkled as though she almost wished him dead. “If you leave me, I won't give you a letter of reference, and if you come back to Cleveland, I'll see that you won't find employment. You need to consider your decision carefully, Melinda. Even if one of the wealthy Georgia matrons decided to hire a Northern girl, she'd require exemplary references.”

Melinda's stomach roiled as the woman slung her angry threats. She hadn't considered the possibility that Evan might not want to marry her. And she hadn't let herself think that he might be dead. Injured perhaps, but not dead. The thought that she might encounter any of those circumstances caused a ripple of fear to march up and down her spine. “ ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.' ” She murmured the words from Second Timothy.

“What was that?” Mrs. Mifflin cupped her hand behind one ear. “Did you say you're of sound mind? If that be the case, then I know you've decided to remain in Cleveland.”

Melinda shook her head. “I said that God has not given me a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. It's a verse from the Bible. And it means that I am leaving on the next train. Should I need a reference in the future, I hope that you will reconsider your ill feelings and give an honest report. If not, I will put my trust in God.”

Mrs. Mifflin pushed to her feet and stepped forward until the two of them were nose to nose. “I will do exactly as I've promised. You may depend upon it! And don't think that you may use my carriage to take you to the train station. The staff is here to serve me, not an ungrateful servant.”

Melinda took a backward step. “I hadn't considered imposing upon you or your staff, Mrs. Mifflin. I've sent for a hansom cab.” Mrs. Mifflin gave a disgruntled huff and made her way to the stairs.

“You'll regret not treating me fairly.”

Melinda didn't remind the woman that it was her lies and those of Mr. Mifflin that were most unfair. The woman's threats frightened Melinda but weren't enough to outweigh her fears for Evan and his well-being. Melinda opened her mouth to call after Mrs. Mifflin and remind her of the pay she owed for the previous week. It was money Melinda very much needed. She hesitated a moment longer watching the woman retreat.

She'll never pay me.

Mrs. Mifflin disappeared upstairs. There was no possibility the angry woman would hand over money now—especially since Melinda had failed to give any notice. It was no doubt the first of many sacrifices she would have to make in order to reach Evan. Drawing a deep breath, Melinda knew that the time had come to leave. Her hands trembled as she reached for her cases.

“I'll take those out to the front for you, Melinda.” Matthew smiled at her. “She's gone upstairs and will never know. Besides, I don't care if she does. It's only right that I help you.”

Sally, Mary, and several other servants tiptoed down the hall to bid her good-bye and wish her well while Matthew carried her baggage to the front sidewalk. Tears threatened, but she swallowed hard and forced them to remain at bay. Matthew waited by her side until the cab arrived and then helped her inside. “You take care, Melinda, and be sure to write. We'll all want to be hearing from you. I can't read, but you know Sally can read real good.” His lips curved in a lopsided grin.

He lifted his hat and waved as the carriage pulled away. She swiped away a tear that rolled down her cheek. Though she felt no sorrow in leaving Mr. and Mrs. Mifflin, she would miss all of the servants—even Sally and her snooping ways. The impact of what she'd just done settled over her as she leaned back against the leather carriage seat. Had she made a terrible mistake? Would Evan be angry that she'd come? One question after another popped into her head, each one more frightening than the last. Her lightweight gloves were damp with perspiration, and her heart pounded in her ears like a gonging bell. “Please, Lord, take away my spirit of fear and replace it with your power.”

She lurched forward as the carriage jolted to a stop in front of the train station. The cab driver jumped down, opened the door, and helped her down. “You want me to take that trunk and your bags inside the station?” Before she could answer, he continued. “Cost ya extra if I do.”

She nodded and motioned for him to assist her. She directed him to place the baggage near the ticket counter, handed him several coins from her reticule, and stepped to the window.

The ticket agent offered a beleaguered smile. “Where to, ma'am?”

“Biscayne, Georgia. Two tickets.”

He looked up and stared at her for a moment. “Can't get you into Biscayne. There's been a hurricane. No trains in or out. I can get you as far as Savannah, but there's no trains beyond that point.”