To Have and To Hold by Tracie Peterson; Judith Miller

Author:Tracie Peterson; Judith Miller
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2011-10-17T16:46:01+00:00

CHAPTER 15

When Mr. Morley returned to the front porch a short time later, Marshall was still confused about Audrey as well as his future. He jumped to his feet, glad to get away from the house and have something other than Audrey to fill his thoughts. “I think you’re going to be surprised to see how much has been accomplished since your last visit. The bricklayers and stonemasons you hired in Pittsburgh have been a real help. They’ve even been training some of the other men.”

Mr. Morley clapped him on the shoulder. “Glad to hear that. I imagine those fellows will want to return to Pittsburgh to visit their families from time to time, and we’ll want the work to continue at a regular pace.”

As they neared the clearing and the construction site came into view, Marshall cupped his hand above his eyes. Leaving Mr. Morley to keep up with him, Marshall picked up his pace. “What’s going on?” he shouted, now at a full run.

Except for the workers who had arrived from Pittsburgh and a few of the other workers, most of the men were lounging beneath trees that bordered one side of the clubhouse. Frank Baker sat among them, his laughter ringing out louder than the rest. Although Frank glanced in his direction, he didn’t answer, and he didn’t get up. None of the workers appeared worried that he’d discovered them lounging about instead of working.

Marshall bent from the waist and panted for air. When he’d finally regained his ability to breathe at a somewhat normal rate, he pointed at the men. “Why aren’t you working? We’ve finally gotten back on schedule, and now I find you lounging around as if the building is already completed.” He turned an angry glare at Frank. “And why have you allowed this to happen?” Before Frank could answer, Marshall waved at the men. “All of you! Get back to work, right now!”

His shouted command echoed in the crisp autumn air, but the men didn’t move an inch. He clenched his jaw, his frustration mounting as Mr. Morley approached the group. The older man frowned at the men. “I’ve been told you’re making good progress on the construction.” He studied the completed foundation for a moment. “And I can see that’s true, but I don’t understand why none of you men are working.” He looked directly at Frank. “Care to explain?”

Moving ever so slowly, Frank pushed to his feet and extended his hand to Mr. Morley. “Truth of the matter is, these men aren’t feeling real comfortable working here right now. Not after what one of them discovered earlier this morning.”

Marshall moved closer. “And exactly what was that?”

Ignoring Marshall’s question, Frank stepped closer to Mr. Morley. “Don’t know if you realize it, but lots of Southerners can be mighty superstitious, and I’m afraid we got the superstitious type working here at the clubhouse. I think it’s gonna take a whole lot of convincing to get ’em back to work.”

Mr. Morley motioned Frank and Marshall away from the group of men.

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