“They’ve been thinking toward it for a while now. At least that’s what I heard,” a voice threw out.
“Yeah, well, you’ll need to let Mr. Hoffman know if you want to move to Whitefish and remain employed with therailroad. He says most everyone will retain their jobs if they want them. There are a few who won’t, myself included. I’ll likely have to rejoin your ranks.”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd at that news. These men, his friends and coworkers, had been his companions for several years now and watched him come up through the ranks. They respected him and never failed to do the job he asked for. He knew he’d be accepted right back into their numbers, but that wasn’t what he wanted. The urge to go pout in a corner was strong.
Keller clapped Grant on the shoulder. “You’re always welcome, Boss. A bunch of us have already talked about it, and some don’t plan to move to Whitefish. Some of us are heading out to Missoula.”
“Yeah, I’m considerin’ a move there myself.” Grant pulled his leather gloves out of his back pocket. “But for now, we have a job to do. Make up your minds about the move, and tell Mr. Hoffman as soon as possible.”
One by one the men went back to their stations.
All except Alvin. His face was black fury.
Grant steadied himself for his brother’s reaction. Out of all the workers, he worried about Alvin the most. He was unpredictable most days, but this...?
This might just set Alvin off in a bad way.
And that wouldn’t be good for anyone.
The carriage approached a three-story, red-brick home, and Eleanor smiled up at the beauty of it. White columns gave it a stylish and moneyed look. The lawns were manicured and lush looking. Pink and white rose bushes linedthe front of the house, softening the harsh lines of the red brick.
She hadn’t expected such elaborate architectural design in the middle of frontier Montana. The mansard roof with its white-trimmed dormer windows set it apart from other houses in the neighborhood.
Architecture had always intrigued her, and this home seemed to be of the Second Empire styling. Perhaps she could go to the library and do a bit of research in her spare time. She’d been told the Carnegie Library here was a charming building in its own right. Anything to get her mind off her tedious thoughts of late and these unsettling feelings.
“I know you’ll enjoy staying here with the Ashburys. They have a most excellent cook and spare no expense with the meals. Marvella is an exceptional hostess.” George Grinnell faced her and her father. “Although she’s opinionated and not afraid to speak her mind.”
“Ellie is the same way.” Her father patted her knee. “They should be satisfactory companions for each other.” His mischievous grin made her want to roll her eyes, but she squelched the impulse.
Had Father decided to just use the forbidden nickname all the time now?
With her mood the way it was, it might be better if they were to camp out under the stars. Dealing with a cantankerous woman wasn’t going to help matters. Not until Eleanor figured out whatever it was that plagued her.
Mr. Grinnell droned on. “They definitely support the idea of a national park. Mrs. Ashbury is in charge of a women’s group and has been instrumental in getting themto write letters to President Roosevelt. Judge Ashbury is also supportive. He will be a great advocate for our cause.”
The carriage came to a stop in front of the mansion. The driver immediately jumped from his seat to help them from the carriage as a boy came to take hold of the horse.
Eleanor could barely contain her need to escape the conveyance—and the conversation. She jumped to her feet, laid her hand on top of the driver’s gloved hand, and descended the step of the carriage. It was a bit unorthodox, but she walked right up to the rose bushes and took a deep inhale.
Heavenly. Nothing smelled quite like roses. And the air here was so clean and fresh.
“Good for the soul, isn’t it, my dear?” Father held out his arm for her.
Time to pull herself together and follow etiquette.
Grinnell led the way, but the door was opened by a uniformed butler before their party reached the door.
“Good day, Mr. Grinnell. Won’t you all come in?” The tall man bowed and held out a welcoming arm.
“Tobias, I’ve brought Mr. Briggs and his daughter.” Mr. Grinnell waved a hand at them.
“Very good, sir.” The butler took their hats and gloves and placed them on a nearby marble table. “If you will follow me.”
“After you, Miss Briggs.” Mr. Grinnell nodded at her.
As Eleanor stepped into the marble foyer, she made a quick study of her surroundings. A grand staircase. Tasteful decorations. And the scent of something marvelous baking wafted through her senses.
The butler knocked on a tall wooden door.
