Then something yipped.
What in heaven’s name wasthat? These people had an indoor pet?
Eleanor darted her glance at Father, whose smile had turned into a frown.
A woman’s voice called from the other side. “Come in.”
The butler stepped inside.
“What is it, Tobias?”
“Mr. Grinnell has returned and brought your guests, ma’am.”
Father shoved Eleanor with his hand on her back and in the trio went.
A white ball of fur raced toward her and then jumped up and down at her knee.
Whatwasit?
Eleanor stiffened and backed up, but the tiny thing was tenacious. Then it yipped again, and a little face looked up at her with adoration. Tongue hanging out. Eyes alight with excitement.
She’d never been a fan of dogs or cats. Or any indoor pets, for that matter. Probably because her father didn’t believe animals should be domesticated and that’s what she heard her whole life. Only one time she’d questioned him, about horses being domesticated and his response had been that horses were different.
But now, staring down at the little face that begged for her acknowledgment, she wasn’t sure what she thought. She took another step back, trying to get the dog’s paws off her dress, and studied those mesmerizing black eyes.
“Sir Theophilus, get down and come here.” An older, thick-waisted woman strode over, took the dog into herarms, and smiled at her. “You must forgive him. He simply loves company and gets so excited at the prospect of making new friends.”
Grinnell smiled and offered a slight bow. “No harm done, of course.” He turned to Eleanor and her father. “Mrs. Marvella Ashbury, may I introduce Mr. Stewart Briggs, my dear friend and colleague. And his daughter, Miss Eleanor Briggs.”
Mrs. Ashbury fed her pup a treat and gave his head a stroke. Her smile was wide and welcoming. “I’m so delighted that you’ve come to Kalispell.”
“Thank you for having us, Mrs. Ashbury. We are grateful for your hospitality,” Father replied. “You have a lovely home.”
“Thank you, Mr. Briggs. And please, since you will be staying with us for a while, I insist that inside our home you call me Marvella.” With the dog still in her arms, she went to the bell pull. “You must be exhausted. I’ll have you shown to your rooms for a rest.”
Eleanor was tired, but the magnificence of this room was captivating. Floor-to-ceiling shelves held hundreds, possibly thousands, of books. At the other end of the room was a large fireplace with windows on either side. It looked like the perfect place to curl up with a book and a cup of tea. “Thank you for the offer of rest. However, we are waiting for our things to arrive from the station.”
Mrs. Ashbury shifted the dog’s position. “Well, perhaps you would join me for tea then while we wait. Supper will be at seven so it might be well for you to have some refreshment now.”
It was as if her hostess had read her mind. “That sounds delightful.”
A woman appeared at the door. She looked to be in her fifties and wore her hair in a tight bun. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Mrs. O’Neil, our guests have arrived, but their luggage has not. I believe we’ll take tea in the large parlor. When their things get here, please show them upstairs so they can freshen up and rest before the evening meal.”
“Very good, ma’am. I’ll see to everything.”
This household could clearly pass for one in New York City’s society. A bit shocking, since they were out on the frontier in Montana. But impressive, nonetheless.
The biggest difference was that it wasn’t ... oh, she should go ahead and admit it. The home wasn’t stuffy. The mistress wasn’t snooty and trying to show everyone she was wealthier or better than anyone else.
It was refreshing.
And made Eleanor feel ... at home.
“Let’s move to the parlor. I think you’ll appreciate the artwork there. The Judge has just received a shipment from back east, and the paintings were hung this morning.”
The men moved on ahead, while Mrs. Ashbury waited for her at the door. “My dear, you are rather lovely, but older than I imagined. What is your age?”
