Her blue eyes widened a fraction. She took a step back and clutched her bag to her chest. “I don’t see what that has to do with anything.”
“I was just curious as to where it is folks like you come from.”
Her trepidation vanished at his tone. She stiffened and one eyebrow arched high on her forehead. “Folks likeI? What do you mean?”
“Well, most folks are taught manners ... to wait their turn. It would seem wherever you come from ... well ... that apparently wasn’t important.”
Oooh, she didnotlike that.
“I amnotwithout manners, even though it appears you are, sir. Dripping blood all over the place and looking like you just came from a saloon brawl.”
He cringed and opened his mouth to respond, but she plowed on ahead. “I simply am in a hurry and figure yourchitchat and hometown gossip could wait. My father is inside even now meeting with his friend and I’m certain he’s concerned about my delay.”
In truth, her father was probably grateful for a break from this demanding young woman. “Perhaps he’ll consider that you weren’t the only ones on the train and that maybe you had to wait in line.” He motioned to the numerous people milling about the platform behind her, then pulled out his handkerchief to dab at his lip.
“Or maybe he’ll hope that apolitegentleman will see my need and attend to me.” She lifted her chin. “Or are we too far west for that type of man?”
Carter narrowed his gaze. If she wanted a gentleman, she’d get a gentleman. “I do apologize. I’m Carter Brunswick, m’lady.” He tipped his hat and gave a sweeping bow, ignoring the throbbing in his eye. “And you are?”
Gus laughed, but when she pointed a stare at him, he swiped it away.
She gave both men a curt nod, a frown fixed on her face. “Miss Eleanor Briggs. My father is the famous conservationist Stewart Briggs, and we’re meeting the evenmoreimportant George Grinnell. Perhaps you’ve heard of him.”
Rubbing his chin, Carter shook his head. “Can’t say I’ve ever heard of either of them, and certainly not you, Miss Briggs. But I will point out, you’ve stood here arguing your point and wasting my time as well as Gus’s. If you’d just practiced some manners and waited your turn, I would have been long gone.”
“And as pleasant as that sounds, instead I’m stuck here waiting for you to make your point and attend to whatever it is you’ve come to do.” She crossed her arms.
Gus chose that moment to walk away.
Smart man.
She huffed. “Very well, Mr. Brunswick. I will wait.”
“See. That wasn’t so hard.”
Gus came back to the window and slid a sheet of paper toward Carter. “Sign here for the part. It’s out back near the rear loading dock.”
Normally, Carter would have rushed off his signature.Normally.
However, the meeting today, getting hit in the face not once buttwice, and now Miss Briggs’s attitude left him feeling rather ornery. He carefully signed his name, giving attention to every detail. When finished he just as thoroughly perused the paper before handing it back to Gus.
“Ellie! Are you all right?” Two well-dressed men approached.
Carter grinned. “Ellie?” Now that wasn’t near as stuffy asEleanor.
“It’sMiss Briggsto you!” She turned to the two men. “My apologies. I’m just fine. It’s just taking along”—this time she pointed her glare at Gus—“time to arrange things, Father.”
Carter tipped his hat and looked at the gentlemen. “You must be the famous conservationist Stewart Briggs.” He heard Eleanor give another huff.
The older man looked a bit confused. “I am. Are you all right?” He pointed to his own eye.
“Rest assured. I’m fine.”
Mr. Briggs turned to his companion. “This is my friend and fellow conservationist, George Grinnell.”
Grinnell tipped his derby hat at Carter. The man’s bushymustache twitched with a fascinating rapidity. Whether it was with amusement or irritation, Carter couldn’t say. Most likely the latter.
“Pleasure to meet you both. Carter Brunswick. Hope you’ll enjoy your stay in Kalispell.” He touched his fingers to his hat. “Nice chitchatting with you ...Ellie.”
