To Have and To Hold Read Online Free PDF Page A

“This is Thora Lund. She was my grandmother’s companion and housekeeper for many years. She elected to remain here on Bridal Veil after Grandmother’s death.”
    Mr. Morley tipped his hat and nodded. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, ma’am.”
    Thora pursed her lips tightly and gave a throated growl of disagreement. Narrowing her eyes, she tried to look fierce. “I’ll be watchin’ your every move while you’re on this island.” She wagged her index finger between father and daughter. “These two may trust Yankees, but I know better.”
    Mr. Morley ascended the final step onto the porch. “I assure you I mean nothing but good, Mrs. Lund. I am quite fond of both Boyd and Audrey, and I hope my visit will prove that I am your friend, as well.”
    â€œHumph! If you think you can spout a few sweet words in my direction and I’m gonna trust you, then you don’t know Thora Lund.” Aunt Thora straightened her shoulders and shot a haughty look at Mr. Morley.
    â€œWhy don’t we all go inside to the parlor? I’m sure you could use some refreshment after your journey, Mr. Morley.” Audrey ushered him toward the front door. “I can’t wait to hear how the children have been progressing. And how is your wife? And Mattie? I haven’t had a letter from Mattie in a while.” The men followed, but Aunt Thora remained in her rocking chair.
    Audrey missed the Morley family, but she missed Mattie more than anyone else she’d left behind in Pittsburgh. Even though Mattie had been the head housekeeper and Audrey’s supervisor at the Morley home, the two of them had become fast friends. Audrey cherished letters from Mattie. They were always filled with news and funny stories about the latest happenings.
    â€œMy wife sends her regards, and you’ll be pleased to know Mattie sent a letter. She was excited when she learned I’d be visiting you and your father.” Mr. Morley followed Audrey into the parlor and withdrew an envelope from his jacket pocket.
    Her heart swelled at the sight of the familiar handwriting. Never had she had a friend as dear as Mattie. Someone she could confide in and trust, someone who’d stood by her and wiped her tears when the problems with her father’s drinking had been at their worst. Mattie hadn’t judged or tried to solve Audrey’s problems, but she’d listened to Audrey’s heartache and offered unyielding friendship. When Audrey’s father persuaded her to leave Pittsburgh, it had been Mattie who had offered encouragement and wisdom.
    Audrey clasped the envelope to her bodice before she slipped it into her skirt pocket. “I’ll save it for later so that I can savor each word.” The men smiled and nodded, but she doubted they understood. “I’ll prepare some refreshments, but please don’t exchange any news until I return.”
    Her father chuckled. “You don’t want us to sit here in complete silence, do you? Perhaps you could ask Thora to prepare the refreshments. It would keep her busy.”
    Audrey wasn’t certain Aunt Thora would be pleased to prepare food and drink for a Northerner, but her father was correct. It would keep her busy. Audrey opened the parlor door leading to the porch. Aunt Thora glanced up when she drew near.
    â€œThat Yankee still in there?”
    â€œOf course he is. You would have seen him if he’d departed.”
    â€œHumph! Never know about them Yankees. The way they sneak around, he could be anywhere by now.”
    There was no way she was going to win this conversation with Aunt Thora. “I’m going to serve some refreshments. Would you like to help prepare them?”
    â€œYou gonna serve that Yankee?”
    â€œI am going to serve Mr. Morley, a friend and our guest, and I would appreciate your help.”
    The woman rested her weathered hands on the chair arms and pushed to a