To Have and To Hold Read Online Free PDF

stand. “I suppose I can fix the refreshments, but I won’t serve him. I’m dead set against that idea.”
    Audrey patted Aunt Thora’s shoulder. “Thank you for your willingness to help me.”
    Thora pointed toward the south end of the porch. “I’m going around and let myself in through the solarium. You go on back and visit with your Yankee friend. I’ll ring a bell when the tray’s ready.”
    Audrey didn’t argue, but she hoped Aunt Thora wouldn’t think of some way to poison Mr. Morley. The thought sent Audrey scurrying after her. “What do you plan to serve, Aunt Thora?”
    Her skirt wrapped around her legs as Thora came to an abrupt halt and made a quick turn. “Uninvited visitors can’t be picky, Audrey. You can be sure I won’t be serving him syllabub or ambrosia—those are for special guests. There’s some leftover caramel cake, and I’ll set a pot of coffee on to boil. Don’t think he’ll be wantin’ tea—Northern folks don’t take to tea like we do down here in the South.”
    Audrey clipped back a smile. Telling Aunt Thora that she knew many folks in Pittsburgh who enjoyed a cup of tea—and some Southerners, her own father included, who preferred coffee as much as a cup of tea—would only begin another long discussion. And Audrey didn’t want to lose a minute of visiting with Mr. Morley. Her curiosity had continued to mount since she’d first set eyes on him. Why he would suddenly appear on Bridal Veil Island was beyond her imagination.
    â€œThe cake will be fine.” Audrey headed back toward the parlor while Aunt Thora mumbled that uninvited Yankees should be more than satisfied with leftovers.
    â€œI hope I haven’t missed anything of importance,” she said, settling on a chair across from her father.
    Mr. Morley met her gaze. “Nothing of significance. You appear to be faring well since the move, Audrey. Are you content in your new home?”
    Audrey glanced at her father. “Yes. I am comfortable, and Father is quite happy. For his sake, I hope we’ll be able to remain here. I can’t tell you how surprised I am to see you appear. I didn’t know you had interests in the South.”
    â€œWell, I hadn’t until recently. And that’s exactly why I’m here. I suppose you two are aware of the transformation taking place on Jekyl Island, the large resort and hunting club being constructed.”
    Audrey nodded. They would have to be completely isolated not to have heard of the plans. The island to the south of them had been sold to a group of New York investors, who had formed some sort of club and wanted to build a retreat where they could hunt, fish, boat, and escape the cold winters up north. “Jekyl is quite the talk among folks in Biscayne and in the local newspapers, as well, but I don’t believe they’ve actually begun construction. Then again, I could be wrong.” Suddenly it had all become clear to her. No wonder Mr. Morley had come for a visit. He wanted to see the island before he became a member. “So that’s why you’ve come for a visit. You and your wife intend to join the Jekyl Island Club.”
    The idea sent Audrey’s spirits soaring. If the Morleys belonged to the club, they would be making visits to the nearby island. And that would mean she would have an opportunity to see Mattie and the Morleys’ children, June and Thomas. Before Mr. Morley could answer, Audrey was jarred from her thoughts by the unrelenting ringing of the bell.
    Had the jangling been less insistent, she would have waited for Mr. Morley’s response. Instead, she jumped to her feet. “Please excuse me. I’ll fetch our refreshments, and then we can continue our conversation.” She stopped in the doorway. “I do want to hear about your plans to join the Island Club.” With a slight wave, she scurried to