To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson Page B

no surprise that I would be very distressed to think he’d been stranded on Bridal Veil during a hurricane.” Melinda looked away, but not before Mrs. Mifflin noticed her tears.
    â€œThere’s no need to become overwrought. I’m sure Martha Genesee was exaggerating what she’d heard. She loves to make a story out of nothing. When Cyrus returns for supper, I promise to inquire. Surely you realize that if there was any need for concern, he would have already mentioned the storm.”
    Melinda didn’t know any such thing. Mr. Mifflin never discussed anything of consequence with his wife—at least not when she was attending to the woman. Instead, their hours together consisted of small talk and long silences. Melinda thanked the woman, but waiting for Mr. Mifflin’s return would surely seem an eternity. In the meantime, she would go downstairs and ask the other servants if they’d heard anything about the storm. She also planned to have a word with Sally about her snoopy behavior.
    Melinda started toward the door, but Mrs. Mifflin stopped her. “This would be an excellent opportunity for you to begin removing that lace on my gown.”
    Melinda sighed. Instead of carrying through with her plans, she’d be stuck in Mrs. Mifflin’s sitting room removing tiny stitches from lace while Mrs. Mifflin wrote a letter to her cousin in New York.
    Careful not to rip either gown or embellishment, Melinda had detached the lace by the time Mr. Mifflin returned home. When the downstairs door opened, she turned toward the sitting-room door. If Mrs. Mifflin wasn’t in the downstairs parlor, Mr. Mifflin usually greeted his wife in her sitting room. Melinda fervently hoped he would do so today. She strained to hear the sound of footfalls on the carpeted stairs and silently cheered when she finally heard Mr. Mifflin approach.
    He tapped before entering the room. “I see you ladies are hard at work. How did your tea go this afternoon, my dear?” He crossed the room and placed a fleeting kiss on his wife’s cheek. “I thought you might be resting after an afternoon of activity.”
    Mrs. Mifflin set aside the pen and paper. “I would have enjoyed a short nap, but I have correspondence that must be answered. What with all the plans for today’s social, I’m behind in my replies. There’s so much that requires my attention, it seems unending at times.”
    â€œYou do a marvelous job, my dear. No one could ever complain about your adherence to proper social etiquette.” He glanced toward Melinda. “Isn’t that correct, Melinda?”
    â€œYou’re absolutely right, sir. Your wife’s accomplishments are exemplary. Even today, her guests were praising her abilities.”
    Mrs. Mifflin preened while she explained. “They lauded me with a host of compliments.” She gave a little shrug. “And all because I had Melinda play the piano.” Uttering Melinda’s name seemed to jar the older woman’s memory. “Tell me, Cyrus, has there been any word of a hurricane hitting Bridal Veil? Martha Genesee said she and Edward had heard reports of damage to some of the islands off the coast of Georgia. Edward instructed her to inquire, but I knew nothing to report.”
    â€œNothing definite yet, although I do know there was damage in Biscayne. A storm, but I don’t know if it was a genuine hurricane. The reports have been varied, and I can’t say we know anything of a precise nature just yet.”
    Mrs. Mifflin looked up at her husband. “Melinda is concerned about some of her friends who remain on the island throughout the year. Perhaps you could telegraph and make certain there haven’t been any injuries.”
    He nodded. “But a visit to the telegraph office can wait until morning. I’m ready for supper.” He patted his stomach. “Besides, any damage is already done, and whether I inquire now or