Free To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson Page A

you will. I have a number of souvenirs for you.” He combed his fingers through his thick blond hair. “I know I should have written, but I’ve never been good at that sort of thing.”
    She smiled and patted his arm. “You’re forgiven. I’m just pleased that we’ve reunited. Tell me, after all those years at sea, how did you ever happen to be hired to work as a jockey and groomsman for Mr. Dangerfield?”
    â€œI’m a man of many talents, dear sister. I never lost my love for horses and continued to ride whenever we were on land. When I got back here, a fellow asked me to ride his horse in a local race. Of course, I won.” He puffed out his chest and laughed. “Mr. Dangerfield happened to be there and approached me afterward. I’ve been with him the past few weeks.”
    She hoped his mention of racing didn’t mean he was still gambling. “I have a wonderful idea, Lawrence. Why don’t you come to Bridal Veil when I go down with the Mifflins? There are stables on the island, and the wealthy guests all bring their horses. I’m sure Evan would put in a good word so that you could get work. I’ll write a letter and ask him. There are lots of servants and employees who come for the season, so we have our own social gatherings. It’s really quite nice.”
    â€œAny young ladies who might interest me?”
    â€œThere are a great many there. Servants as well as the daughters of the wealthy investors, but I don’t think you’d better attempt to woo any of the debutantes. Their fathers want suitors from their own social class.” She reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. “Please consider it, Lawrence. It would be so grand to have you there.” Before Lawrence could weigh her request, Mrs. Mifflin stepped on the veranda and glanced about. Melinda jumped to her feet. “I have to go, but come see me and consider what I’ve said.”
    Lawrence retrieved her stitching bag and studied the title of her book as he handed it to her. “ Emma. Still the romantic, I see.” He leaned forward and brushed a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll think about Bridal Veil.”
    â€œI have to hurry,” she said. With the bag in one hand and book in the other, she scurried toward the front porch. Mrs. Mifflin wouldn’t be happy. She didn’t like to be kept waiting.
    The older woman sighed as Melinda neared her side. “I thought you maids were told to wait in the hallway or on the veranda.” She squinted out at the lawn. “And who is that man you were with? Did I see him kiss your cheek?”
    Melinda tucked her book back into her bag. “My brother, Lawrence. You remember him, don’t you?” Mrs. Mifflin said nothing but hurried to the carriage as if the presence of Lawrence were something she must escape.
    Matthew assisted them into the carriage, and once they were on their way, Mrs. Mifflin took up the conversation. “I thought Lawrence had gone to sea. Cyrus said he was always a disappointment to your father.” With a flick of her wrist, she opened her fan.
    â€œThat’s not true. My father loved Lawrence.” Her father might not have approved of some of Lawrence’s choices, but he had never spoken of disappointment in his son. “Lawrence was at sea. He’s traveled to many countries, but now he’s come back to Cleveland and is working for a Mr. Dangerfield.”
    â€œDoing what? I don’t think Harris Dangerfield owns a ship.”
    â€œLawrence tells me he’s been hired as a groomsman and jockey for the Dangerfield family.”
    â€œMy, my. Whatever would your poor mother and father think of that? While Lawrence was off at sea, there weren’t any questions about him. For all anyone knew he could have been captain to his own ship. But now that he’s back in Cleveland and working as a groomsman . . . dear me.” She clasped a