To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson Page A

how would they know? Most of them cared little about the world outside of Cleveland.
    When the last of the guests had departed, Mrs. Mifflin gestured for Melinda to follow her upstairs. She hoped the guests’ approval of her music would temper Mrs. Mifflin’s earlier displeasure. She remained at a short distance behind Mrs. Mifflin while she climbed the steps. The older woman glanced over her shoulder when she arrived at the top of the staircase. “I cannot abide this dress any longer. The lace has scratched my neckline the entire afternoon.” She strode to the mirror in the upstairs hallway and leaned forward for a better view. “Look at these red splotches. Everywhere the lace touches, I have a red mark. You need to do something to fix the neckline, or this dress is unwearable.”
    â€œI’ll see to it this evening.” Melinda followed Mrs. Mifflin into her sitting room and then into her bedroom, where she set to work unfastening the dress and corset. Mrs. Mifflin frowned as she touched her fingers to her neckline. “Your guests appeared to enjoy themselves this afternoon.” Perhaps a bit of conversation would distract Mrs. Mifflin from her concern over the neckline of her gown.
    â€œThey did, indeed. Your musical training proved a benefit to all of us. At least your mother did not fail you in that area. I am pleased the ladies have decided to use our gatherings for more than idle chatter, which ultimately leads to unfounded gossip.” She removed the dress from her shoulders and let it fall to the floor. “In the future, you need to refrain from eavesdropping, Melinda.” She stepped out of the dress that lay in folds around her feet. “I don’t intend to decrease your wages for the improper behavior, but only because you redeemed yourself at the keyboard.”
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Mifflin. I truly was not eavesdropping. It was only when I heard mention of Bridal Veil that my attention was drawn to Mrs. Genesee’s comments. Surely you can understand my extreme worry over the employees residing on the island, especially if a hurricane has left them flooded.” Melinda lifted the gown from the floor and then removed a day dress from the wardrobe—one that didn’t have any lace embellishment.
    Mrs. Mifflin’s eyebrows dipped low above her eyes. “You’re worried about all of the employees or one employee in particular?”
    â€œMy concern is for all of them, as well as for those who may be stranded on the other islands. Of course I’m extremely distressed that something may have happened to Evan.”
    â€œSo I would assume. Sally tells me that he continues to write you every week. Sometimes even more often.” Her frown deepened. “You truly should cease this letter writing nonsense, Melinda. Though I find it inappropriate, I haven’t forbade you from keeping company with a gamekeeper while we’re on the island. I realize he’s a pleasant diversion during your time off, but there’s no need to continue corresponding throughout the year.” She fussed with the bodice of her dress. “I find it completely inappropriate that the two of you would exchange words of affection with each other.”
    Melinda was stunned to hear Mrs. Mifflin mention the possibility of forbidding her to keep company with Evan on her time off work. But it was her final remark that truly gained her attention. “Words of affection?” Anger welled in her chest, but she forced an even tone. Sally had obviously been up to her old ways again. “Why would you think such a thing?”
    â€œAs I’ve often mentioned, with a bit of persuasion, Sally can be most informative. She does enjoy an extra coin in her pocket now and again.”
    â€œSince it would seem she has been steaming open my mail and sharing the contents when it is to her advantage, you already know of my deep feelings for Evan, so it should come as