“I know we discussed getting a new tent”—Father folded his paper—“and George suggested an outfitter that might have what we need.”
The footman was at her side. “What would you like for breakfast, Miss?”
“I’d like a cheese omelet and toast.” She gave her order and then looked at the man. “I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.” It was high time she started taking notice of more than just landscape details. People deserved her respect.
“Clarence. I’ll put your order in with the chef, Miss.”
“Thank you.” Ah. There was the cream. She poured a generous amount into her coffee and looked back to her breakfast companions. “I’ll get the name of that outfitter when we conclude our meal, Mr. Grinnell.”
“Of course.”
It wasn’t but a minute or two before another footman brought in steaming plates of food. Ham steaks and eggs for the men. Toast in silver racks shaped like swans. An assortment of jams, jellies, and plenty of butter. Then Clarence returned with her omelet.
For several minutes the silence continued except for the occasional clank of silver or buttering of toast.
It brought her thoughts back to what kept her awake last night.
Boring indeed. No wonder she was restless.
There had to be more to life than this.
There had to be more toherthan this.
If only Mrs. Ashbury hadn’t left. More than anything, Eleanor needed another woman to talk to. The mistress of this home had something in her eyes that Eleanor longed for.
Peace.
The Judge had it as well. Mrs. Ashbury was jovial and full of life. No matter how opinionated she might be, or that she was determined to marry Eleanor off, something in the woman drew Eleanor like a magnet. And the Judgewas full of wisdom and yet calm even when he disagreed on a subject.
Mr. Grinnell set his fork on his empty plate and interrupted her thoughts. “Have you had a chance to ride your bicycle around town?”
“A bit. It’s a delightful place. I rode past the Carnegie Library—which I still intend to visit—and the Brunswick Flour Mill. Yesterday, I went back to the train depot. It’s an inviting building. The town seems to be bustling.”
“That, of course, is about to change.” Grinnell shook his head. “What with the railroad pulling out. Such a shame. But it will be to our benefit.” He stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I must get ready for the day. The letter to the president is our top priority.” He handed her a slip of paper. “Here’s the information about the outfitter.”
“Thank you.” But his words made her stomach sour. Is that what she sounded like to others?
“Do you think you could enjoy living in a town like this, Ellie?” Father’s voice was low and warm.
She blinked several times, still pondering Mr. Grinnell’s careless words. “I’m not sure I understand. For a few weeks? Months?”
His eyebrows shot up with his smile. “Permanently.”
Permanently? In Kalispell? That was a large jump from what he said to her on the train just a few days ago. She grappled for a response.
“I am wearying of all the travel, and you know I hope to write a book one day.”
She thought it through. What if theywereto settle ... to give up their nomadic existence and stay in one place? “I don’t know a lot about Kalispell yet, but it seems like awonderful place to live. I love the mountains. And Flathead Lake isn’t far.” The first time she’d seen the Rockies, she’d talked about them for days, until her parents finally asked her to stop. There was just something about the mountains and water that ... nourished her soul.
“We can talk about it later, I just thought I’d ask while we were alone.” Her father stood. “Oh, my dear, would you drop my watch off at a repair shop?”
“Of course, Father, I already had it on the list. I just need the watch.”
He left, and Eleanor lifted her chin. It seemed she had some errands to run. Might as well make the most of it.
After fetching her hat and gloves and Father’s watch, she asked for her bicycle to be brought around. Bart, the stableboy appeared moments later with the bike at his side. He seemed enthralled by it.
“Thank you.” She took the bicycle in hand and grinned at him. “Have you ever ridden?”
