CHAPTER 26

Melinda had had little contact with Evan during the past few weeks other than their time at church on Sunday mornings, and the chasm between them was broadening. She’d held out hope he might remain for a time after services this morning, but before they’d walked out of the church, he began to offer an apology.

“I’m sorry, but—”

Melinda held up her hand. “But you have to return to work. Will that golf course never be completed, Evan?”

His mouth dropped open. “Are you forgetting the blizzard that covered the entire southern coast with snow two weeks ago?”

How could he ask such a question? The unexpected storm had created countless problems for all of them, including a postponement of her taking the new apartment. Because of the snow, Melinda had been required to rearrange dates for previously scheduled events while keeping the Bridal Veil visitors happy. The children had enjoyed the astonishing weather changes, but critical comments from the adult guests abounded until the weather finally turned warm.

“I remember quite well. My work more than doubled,” she said.

“And mine came to a halt. With six inches of snow on the ground and cold temperatures, I’ve only been able to resume work the past two days. And even now, the ground is so wet, it’s nearly impossible to accomplish much. How can I make progress when we have one disaster after another on this island? The golf course is important, Melinda. I must have it completed by March twenty-fourth. An important guest is visiting, and if it’s not complete . . .” His forehead creased and he lifted his open palms toward heaven. “What am I to do?”

She bit back her comment. Did Evan know the identity of the important guest? A month ago she would have asked him. But with their relationship on unsteady ground, she decided to follow Mr. Zimmerman’s warning.

“Do whatever you must, Evan. I’ve told you that the promotion isn’t important to our future. It’s the two of us working together that will make us stronger, but you don’t agree.” He opened his mouth to object, but she shook her head. “I know you promised yourself you would never marry until you could support a wife and children. There’s no need to tell me again. Perhaps it’s best if we reconsider our future. Although you still manage to have time for Miss Polter, you aren’t able to fit me into your busy schedule.”

“That’s unfair, Melinda. You know my time with Victoria is a necessity—one over which I hold no control.”

She arched her brows. “Really? I didn’t realize that sharing affectionate embraces or kissing was considered a requirement of riding lessons.”

His features contorted into a strange mixture of surprise and irritation. “I don’t know how you got information about embraces or kisses, but I have no interest in Victoria Polter. She has been very forward and controlling, even threatening to carry tales to Mr. Morley if I don’t comply with her every request.”

Her frustration mounted at his excuses. “You’re a grown man, Evan. I find it difficult to believe you couldn’t stop her advances if you truly wanted to. I think we should both take time to evaluate what we want for our future. You need not worry about finding time for me in your busy schedule.”

She turned and walked away before he could see the tears forming in her eyes. Keeping to the circular path leading from the church, she raised her parasol and walked toward the clubhouse. Her stomach clenched in a tight knot as she attempted to gain control over her roiling emotions. The impact of her final words to Evan replayed like a haunting melody. Why had she said he need not worry about finding time for her when she wanted nothing more than to spend her time with him? Why had she said they should evaluate their future together when she already knew she wanted to share her future with him?

She kept her gaze fixed on the path. “What does he want? That’s the real question,” she muttered. He hadn’t followed after her—he hadn’t even called her name. Did he believe his position at Bridal Veil more important than marriage to her? A lump formed in her throat, and she swallowed hard to keep her tears at bay. The clubhouse lawn had filled with guests, and she didn’t want anyone reporting her emotional state to Mr. Zimmerman.

In the distance she spotted Lawrence riding off with one of the guests. Two days ago, her brother still hadn’t located the bill of sale for Midnight Flight. When Melinda questioned him, he’d adopted a cavalier attitude that had annoyed her. In turn, she’d become snappish, and they’d parted with no resolution.

In her brother’s mind, there was no problem. He always adopted the position that by ignoring a problem, it would somehow disappear. Melinda embraced the belief that procrastination intensified difficult dilemmas. Her brother’s delay tactics had become increasingly worrisome, and Melinda wanted him to take the matter seriously before the police became involved. But right now her worries over Evan were of greater concern than Lawrence and his irresponsible behavior.

“Here’s the lovely lady I was hoping to see.” Still lost in thought, Melinda startled and turned to see Preston Powers striding toward her. He chuckled. “I didn’t mean to frighten you. I thought you heard me approaching.”

“No. My thoughts were elsewhere.” From his attire, she guessed he’d spent the morning riding rather than attending church.

“I’d like to believe your thoughts were on me. Is that possible?” His lips curved in a flirting grin.

She frowned and took a backward step. Over the past weeks, Preston had become increasingly familiar with her. At times she enjoyed his company, but his personal comments caused a sense of discomfort and uneasiness. “My thoughts are personal, Mr. Powers, but they were not of you.”

He clasped a hand to his chest and pretended he might fall to the ground. “You’ve wounded me, dear Melinda. How could I have become enamored with a woman who treats me so heartlessly?”

She inwardly cringed at his remark. What if someone heard him? They were drawing near the clubhouse, and visitors were scattered across the area playing croquet, bocce ball, and horseshoes. She considered taking him to task for his bold remarks but knew it would likely encourage him to continue his foolish banter. And one of the guests would certainly overhear.

“I take it you’ve been riding or on a hunt this morning.”

He glanced down at his riding boots. “A hunt, but I went along only for the ride. I don’t enjoy shooting at birds or animals, though I might consider taking aim at a few of my enemies.”

She stopped midstep and stared at him.

He grasped her elbow and urged her forward. “Don’t look so alarmed. I was only joking.”

She didn’t consider his remark amusing but let it pass. “Did the other men meet with success on the hunt?”

“I believe the animals would count it successful—they managed to remain well hidden.” He laughed and followed her into the clubhouse.

Melinda removed the key to her office door and turned toward Preston. He had moved much too close, and she backed against the door. “I have a couple of matters that I must attend to.” She hoped he would consider her comment the end of their exchange.

“By all means.” He gestured toward the office door. “I’m going back to the cottage and change clothes. I doubt they’d permit me entry to the dining room in my riding clothes. I do hope you’ll be here when I return.”

She smiled and gave a tiny shrug. “I find it impossible to know where I will be from one minute to the next.”

“Then I shall have to come in search of you.” He winked before he turned and strode toward the door.

The man was impertinent, but at least he found her interesting enough to seek out. Her heart tugged and the familiar loneliness grabbed hold again. If only Evan would pursue her with half as much fervor.

She withdrew her appointment book from the shelf and ran her finger along the page. Next week was booked for several events, but there were several days that weren’t particularly busy. She sighed, grateful for the break in her schedule, for there were always guests who wanted Melinda to arrange a last-minute card party or tea.

“Ah, Miss Colson! I didn’t expect you to be in your office, but it pleases me to see your dedication.” Mr. Zimmerman stepped into Melinda’s office and sat down in the chair opposite her desk. “I have changed my mind.”

A lump as hard as last week’s bread formed in her stomach. “Changed your mind about what?” The supervisor seldom changed his mind about anything, and when he did, it usually wreaked havoc on the staff.

“About the visit from our special guest.” He glanced at the door. “You understand whom we are discussing?”

“Yes.” An involuntary tremble assailed her. Had Mr. Zimmerman now decided to drop all of the planning in her lap?

He leaned forward and peered into her eyes. “I have decided that we should hold the costume ball while our special guests are here.” His thin mustache quivered as his lips curled into a broad smile. “Isn’t that an excellent idea?” His eyes glistened with anticipation as he leaned back and awaited her response.

“No!” The answer burst from her lips with unexpected vehemence. Mr. Zimmerman flinched, and Melinda apologized for her forceful response. “The costume ball is scheduled in April. The guests are aware of the April date. I’ve already arranged for the musicians. I don’t think I’ll have enough time to prepare.”

Mr. Zimmerman shrugged. “Contact the musicians and change the date or find new ones if they don’t wish to accommodate your request. The ball will be held on March twenty-fifth. I’m confident you’ll complete the necessary preparations. You have a month. That should be more than sufficient.”

“But the other guests—”

“If they create a fuss, tell them we are having two balls, one in March and one in April. You can make the first a costume ball and the second a masquerade. The ladies will be pleased to have an additional party. The gentlemen perhaps not so much, but they won’t offer too many objections. They want to keep their wives happy.” He swiped his hands together. “That was easily solved.”

She folded her hands and squeezed until her fingers turned numb from the pressure. Mr. Zimmerman would accept no argument. “I’ll begin seeing to the arrangements right away.”

Melinda hadn’t fully recovered from Mr. Zimmerman’s unexpected decision when Preston returned. He stood in the doorway and extended his hand toward her. “I’ve arrived to take you to lunch, Miss Colson.” Before she could protest, he stepped closer. “No need to worry. I’ve already received Mr. Zimmerman’s permission to have you join me in the dining room.”

How dare he do such a thing? She swallowed the objection lodged in her throat. Her thoughts were drawn to Evan and Victoria, and she wondered if she’d been hasty to judge his behavior. Still, she’d held Mr. Powers at bay, and she certainly hadn’t permitted him to embrace or kiss her! Employees were expected to accept any proper request from a visitor, but they weren’t obliged to tolerate unseemly behavior. Personally, she didn’t deem an invitation to lunch with a guest an appropriate duty for an employee, but Mr. Zimmerman had given Preston his consent without gaining her approval. Therefore, she had no choice in the matter.

The guests were accustomed to seeing Melinda mingle at their various events, so none of them appeared surprised to see her walk into the dining room and sit down with Preston. Perhaps it wouldn’t be such an uncomfortable situation. Besides, she was hungry and Chef Durand was known for his sumptuous cuisine. While she was reviewing the menu, a shadow fell across the table, and she glanced up.

“My, my. Aren’t you two a lovely couple. Enjoying your Sunday afternoon, Miss Colson?” Victoria stood beside the table with her younger brother in tow, while her parents were seated at a nearby table.

Melinda looked up with a steady gaze. “I’m preparing to enjoy my noonday meal, Miss Polter. I hope you will enjoy yours, as well.”

“Oh, I’ve already finished. We’re on our way to meet Evan. He was delighted to accept my invitation to go horseback riding this afternoon. I’ll be sure to tell him that you and Mr. Powers are enjoying the afternoon together.” She lifted her chin and flashed a triumphant smile before she turned and sashayed out of the room.

Melinda clutched her napkin. Her heart plummeted. No matter how Victoria spun her tale, Melinda knew Evan would presume Preston Powers had played some part in her decision to reevaluate their future.

Evan sighed as he caught sight of Victoria arriving from afar. He’d done his best to keep the young woman at a distance, but Mr. Morley was intent upon pleasing Mr. Polter. And pleasing Mr. Polter meant keeping Victoria happy, even at the expense of his relationship with Melinda. There seemed no way to maintain any balance in his life, but one thing was certain: This year he would be pleased to see the end of the season arrive. And at the very least, he would have some extra money saved for the future, and with Victoria and the other guests gone, he’d have time to focus all of his attention on Melinda.

“Evan! Over here!” Victoria waved her handkerchief overhead. Several of the workmen turned to look at the young woman and then at Evan.

He wasn’t surprised to hear their murmured complaints—and he didn’t blame them. They wanted time to enjoy their afternoon, but they had to continue working. “I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he told one of the men before striding off to meet Victoria.

She rushed toward him and clutched his arm. “I’m so glad you agreed to take me riding. I knew you’d change your mind once you had time to give it a little more thought.”

“I can be gone for only an hour.” Over and over he’d emphasized the amount of work he needed to complete, but she ignored his comments.

She clung to his arm like a small child. “You know how I told you that I see Preston Powers and Melinda together all the time?”

The hairs on the back of Evan’s neck prickled, and his muscles tensed. On several occasions Victoria had mentioned that she’d seen Melinda and Preston keeping company. Initially he’d been jealous and even a little angry, but he knew Melinda was required to spend time with the guests. After all, he had to do the same thing. Still, hearing they were together so soon after Melinda had placed their future in a state of uncertainty gave him pause.

In the past he’d done his best to tamp down his jealous feelings, but when he’d seen Preston with Melinda out on the lawn last week, he’d spoken to Emma. She’d confirmed what Victoria had told him. Mr. Powers appeared to be quite smitten with Melinda. However, Emma had quickly come to Melinda’s defense and assured him he need not worry. Now he couldn’t help but wonder if Emma had been wrong. Perhaps it wasn’t Victoria’s attentions toward him, but an attraction to Preston Powers that had caused Melinda’s change of heart.

Victoria poked his arm. “Are you listening to me? I just said that Melinda and Preston Powers were having lunch together in the hotel dining room. Isn’t that a bit uncommon for a guest and employee to dine together—in the formal dining room, no less?” With a syrup-sweet smile on her lips, she waited for his reply.

But Evan had none.

March 1899

During the following week, Evan did his best to find time to speak privately with Melinda, but to no avail. He had hoped to settle their differences before Preston gained any further advantage. On Thursday he’d gone to the clubhouse while the workmen ate their lunch, but Melinda hadn’t been in her office. He’d looked around the grounds but hadn’t met with any success. That evening at supper Emma told him Melinda had gone into Biscayne.

“I thought Mr. Zimmerman had taken responsibility for the trips to Biscayne,” Evan said as he helped himself to a couple of warm biscuits.

“That he had, but Mr. Zimmerman is changing plans for the ball, and Melinda needed to check on her orders and see if they’d be arrivin’ on time.” Emma spooned fried potatoes into a bowl and placed it on the table. “Did the two of you have some sort of spat?”

Evan jerked around to look at her. “Why do you say that?”

The older woman shrugged. She pushed the bowl of potatoes toward him. “Mr. Powers went with her to Biscayne, and she seemed pleased to have the company.” The older woman nudged his arm. “Melinda’s lonely, and Mr. Powers has lots of time. Am I makin’ myself clear?”

All thoughts of supper disappeared and so did Evan’s appetite. He pushed the food around his plate and attempted to force aside thoughts of Melinda and Preston. How could he compete with a man like Preston Powers when he couldn’t even manage an afternoon away from work? Emma’s words troubled him like a festering splinter.

“I’m sorry Emma, but I’m just not hungry.” Evan shoved his chair away from the table and stood.

The older woman chuckled. “Love will do that to a fella.”

Evan didn’t acknowledge the remark. Love might do it, but so did anger and frustration. One way or the other, he was going to get off work and talk to Melinda.

In spite of his best efforts, it was Sunday before Evan managed time to be alone with Melinda. As they departed the Sunday morning service, she turned to leave, and Evan reached for her arm. “Where are you going?”

“Back to the clubhouse to go over my schedule. There’s a tea this afternoon, and I need to make certain everything is in order.” She arched her brows. “Why do you ask?”

“I have a few hours and thought we could spend them together. We need to talk.”

She hesitated. “You could walk me over to the clubhouse, and after I go over the arrangements, I could go for a short stroll along the river.” She hesitated for a moment. “But this doesn’t mean that I’ve changed my thoughts about evaluating our future.”

He did his best to smile. “We can’t very well determine our future if we don’t spend time together.”

She tipped her head to one side. “That’s what I’ve been saying for months, but you haven’t seemed to hear me.”

He reached for her hand. “Now that we have a little time, let’s not argue.” He glanced over his shoulder and then leaned a bit closer as they continued to walk. “Did you hear about our visitor?”

She looked up at him. “You know who it is?”

“It was in the newspaper on Friday. Mr. Morley said the president’s office released his schedule to the newspapers, and Bridal Veil is listed as one of his stops. That’s why the golf course must be completed.” Evan shook his head. “If I hadn’t heard it from Mr. Morley, I never would have believed it was true. Did you know?”

She gave a slight nod. “Yes, but I wasn’t permitted to say anything. Do you think you’ll have the golf course ready by the time they arrive?”

“We’ll do our best to get nine holes completed, but I’m still not sure it’s going to be possible.” He fixed his gaze on the walkway. “I don’t know what will happen if I fail. The promotion . . .” The words caught in his throat, and he couldn’t continue.

“They know how hard you’ve worked on the golf course, Evan. I don’t think they’ll withhold your promotion. If they do, then I think God must have something else in store for you.”

“I pray that you’ll be included in those plans.” He stopped and turned to her. “I understand Preston Powers has been enjoying your company while I’ve been working. You’ve had lunch and he even escorted you to Biscayne.”

She met his gaze. “And I understand that you continue to enjoy Victoria Polter’s company during both your working hours and free time.”

“That’s not the same.”

“I believe it is exactly the same.” Melinda folded her arms across her waist and jutted her chin. “As I told you the other day, I think we need to take time and evaluate our future. Clearly we see things differently.”