To Love and Cherish by Tracie Peterson Page A

working in a timely manner. Later you’ll be needed to see that the service goes as planned. Your ability to make this a wonderful event is of utmost importance to Mrs. Mifflin.”
    Sally’s shoulders relaxed. “I suppose you’re right. And if I do my best work with the tea, I’m sure the president’s wife will thank me.”
    Melinda wasn’t certain Mrs. McKinley would go so far as to thank the staff for performing their duties, but she didn’t express that thought to Sally.
    After one final assessment of the parlor, dining room, and kitchen, Melinda ascended the stairs. With only two hours until the guests would begin to arrive, Mrs. Mifflin would expect a detailed report when Melinda entered to help her dress for the tea. Thankfully, she could honestly state that everything was in order.
    With her thoughts centered upon how she would fashion Mrs. Mifflin’s hair, Melinda hurried down the hallway. She would like to try a different style that would flatter the older woman’s sharp features and narrow face, but that likely wouldn’t happen today.
    Holding the rail as she took the final step into the upper hallway, Melinda turned when the door to Mrs. McKinley’s rooms clicked and her lady’s maid appeared. “My mistress wishes to speak to you.”
    â€œMe?”
    The only answer was a slight nod. “Please, don’t keep her waiting.” The words rang with an air of urgency that caused Melinda to hasten forward without further question. “In here,” the maid said, leading Melinda through the sitting room and across the threshold into the bedroom.
    Melinda stared across the room and attempted to hide her alarm. She’d captured only a fleeting glance of the tiny woman when she’d arrived, and there had been no introductions. Jean, her lady’s maid, had been clear that her mistress needed to rest.
    â€œHow may I be of service to you, Mrs. McKinley?” Melinda thought she should curtsy or somehow acknowledge the status of the president’s wife, but she didn’t know the protocol for this particular circumstance, so she remained as stiff as a board just inside the doorway.
    â€œDo step closer,” Mrs. McKinley said.
    When the president’s wife struggled to gain a more upright position in the bed, Jean rushed forward and tucked another pillow behind her. Her dark brown hair splayed across the pillow like unruly feathers.
    Melinda attempted to hide her concern as she did the woman’s bidding. To see Mrs. McKinley abed when there remained only two hours to dress and prepare for the tea caused a knot to settle in the pit of her stomach. The woman’s pale complexion only served to deepen Melinda’s concern. “Do you continue to feel weary, Mrs. McKinley?”
    â€œI have not fully recovered from the rigors of my travel. I fear it will be impossible for me to be in attendance at the tea this afternoon. I know Dorothea will be terribly disappointed. I also know that in her younger years she was prone to fainting or painful headaches when she received distressing news.” Mrs. McKinley reached for Melinda’s hand and gave a gentle squeeze. “I’m relying upon you to deliver this news in the most delicate manner possible. Will you do that for me?”
    Melinda swallowed the knot that had risen from her stomach to her throat. “I’ll do my best.” She could manage no more than a whisper. “Mrs. Mifflin is going to be very disappointed.”
    â€œI know she is. That’s why I’m depending upon you. I thought it best you speak with her rather than have one of my maids deliver the news.” Mrs. McKinley released her hold on Melinda’s hand. “Poor Dorothea has gone to so much trouble that it truly pains me to let her down.”
    â€œBut you must, madam.” Jean’s words were heavy with worry, and she lifted her head to look directly into Melinda’s