Free To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson

for both of them, but she had worried about Lawrence and his love of gambling. Her father had done his best to keep Lawrence on a tight rein, but mostly it had been unsuccessful. Like a moth to a flame, Lawrence was drawn to wagering on cards, horses, and everything else.
    â€œMaybe, but I don’t plan to work hard for the rest of my life. I’ll find a way to make my fortune. But I’ll not follow in Father’s footsteps and lose it all.”
    Bitterness replaced the pain she’d detected in his voice only a few moments earlier, but she was pleased to hear that he didn’t plan on losing his fortune once he’d made it. Perhaps he’d truly given up his penchant for gambling.
    He leaned forward and grasped her hand. “And you shouldn’t be working as a lady’s maid. To see you kowtow to the likes of Dorothea Mifflin would have destroyed our mother.”
    â€œWell, it is far better than living on the streets. I’m thankful I received the education and training that allowed me to secure honorable work.” She glanced around to make certain no one else was nearby. “But I don’t think I’ll be working for Mrs. Mifflin much longer.”
    He released her hand and once again relaxed in the chair. “And how are you going to manage that feat?”
    â€œI’m in love with the assistant gamekeeper at Bridal Veil Island.” She hesitated a moment. “The Mifflins spend most of the winter months there. I met Evan at Bridal Veil, Evan Tarlow. We were introduced the first year I went to work for the Mifflins.” Her words gushed forth like water streaming from a well-primed pump. “I think you’d like him.”
    â€œI realize your opportunity to marry someone from the upper class has disappeared, Melinda. But surely you could find someone better suited than a gamekeeper living on a remote island down in Georgia. Is that really what you want?” His eyebrows arched into twin peaks.
    â€œHe hasn’t yet asked me to marry him, but when he does, I won’t hesitate for a minute. He’s a wonderful man, and I want to spend the rest of my life with him. Where we live doesn’t matter to me as long as I’m with Evan.” She jutted her chin for emphasis.
    â€œThen, if that’s what you want, I’ll wish you all the happiness in the world when—or should I say if —you marry him.” He grinned and shrugged his shoulders. “Living on that island would probably be better than dealing with Dorothea Mifflin. She seldom has a kind word to say about anyone.” He shook his head. “And her husband bullies any of his business associates who show the slightest sign of weakness. Father always said that Cyrus and Dorothea were a match deserving each other.”
    â€œThat isn’t kind, Lawrence.” During the years since her parents’ deaths, Melinda had missed her brother and his jocular attitude. Throughout his life, Lawrence had been able to make his way without exerting much effort. He let his good looks and humor—and the family money—carry him. But his carefree days had ended when their parents died.
    â€œI came back to Cleveland to spend time with my sister, and now I discover you’ll soon be leaving for Georgia. Maybe I should have remained aboard those steamers.”
    â€œNo, you should not! I won’t be leaving Cleveland all that soon. I don’t think Mr. and Mrs. Mifflin will want to leave until after Christmas, but I’m hoping I’m wrong.” Melinda had been doing her best to encourage a departure prior to Thanksgiving but had met with little success. “What was it like, living like that these past years? I can’t imagine sailing from one place to the next, never sure where I’d be.” She glanced toward the front porch. Several of the maids were returning into the hallway. “I want to hear all about the places you visited.”
    â€œAnd