“He’s hurting a lot of folks around here by moving the main line. I work for him, and it ain’t right that one man should have so much power as to leave hundreds of men out of work just because he doesn’t like the route he made. Says it’s too dangerous and steep and demands it be altered.”
“Safety should be an important issue to everyone.” Why was the man so set against a less dangerous set of tracks?
“Safety is important, but so is keeping a town alive. A lot of people are going to lose their jobs, me included.”
Oh. That explained his reaction to her mention of the railway. “I am sorry for that, but maybe if you worked to support a national park you could get a job there. You appear to know something of the outdoors.”
For a moment, she thought he was considering the idea. But then he shook his head. “I’ve worked for the railroadfor a long time. It’s what I know. What I’m trained to do. You can’t go around telling people to get a different job just because it suits your opinion.”
“Perhaps if you considered mankind’s greater good and how preserving the scenery could benefit and bless them, you might find that a national park job would suit you better.” Oh dear. Once again, she’d allowed her opinionated self to spout off. She peered over his shoulder for the exit, willing to abandon the purchase of a new tent for now if she could simply walk away.
“Mankind has never consideredmygreater good.” His laugh was rough. “I’m not sure I care to worry about their greater good.”
Another man ambled up to stand alongside Grant, his demeanor less than congenial.
She really should be on her way...
The first man nodded to the second. “This is my brother, Alvin. He cares even less than I do about the greater good of mankind. We do well to see to our own good. We’d be just as happy if the rest of the folks in this country just stayed where they are and left Montana alone.”
The darkness in the brother’s eyes sent a chill up her spine. What had she gotten herself into? She had nothing to say in response, but it didn’t matter. The men turned and walked away.
Releasing her breath, she put a hand to her chest and her limbs relaxed. Goodness, when had she grown so tense?
It was impossible to understand these Montanans. Owning thousands of acres of land. Mad at the railroad for wanting a safer route. Surrounded by all this incredible beauty and not willing to do what needed to be done to preserve it.
She turned back to the tents just as the clerk returned. She pointed to the tent in front of her. “I believe I’ll take this one.”
Perhaps staying in Kalispell wasn’t the best idea after all.
7
WEDNESDAY, MAY18, 1904
The exact arrival of Mr. Louis W. Hill had been kept a secret.
Mainly because after the town meeting turned into an outdoor brawl, the railroad didn’t want to risk any danger to the owner’s son. Eleanor and her father had been sworn to secrecy so that the railroad tycoon could arrive at the Ashburys’ without event. She didn’t mind. The poor man would probably be bombarded the whole time he was here.
Putting a hand to her stomach, Eleanor took several breaths. She’d barely had time to change from the split skirt she wore to ride her bike into her lavender gown. There’d been no time for a bath, so she felt rather unkempt. And now she had to meet this new man, whom Father had been anxious to meet.
The Judge stood in the front parlor with his hands in his vest pockets. The man portrayed wisdom and confidence and yet quiet humility all at the same time. How did he do it? She’d only known him a few short days, and already sherespected him far more than any other man she’d met. “The peace and quiet of our little town will be interrupted for a bit. Let’s pray for calm heads to prevail.”
“Excellent suggestion, my dear.” Marvella shifted on the settee. “I can’t say I’m in agreement with the railroad on this matter.”
Mr. Grinnell grunted from the window.
What a rude thing to do!
Marvella, of course, was the picture of courtesy and ignored the man.
Time to redirect the conversation. For all their sakes. Eleanor inclined her head to Marvella. “Do you know Mr. Louis Hill, Mrs. Ashbury?”
Her smile was broad. “No, but the senior Mr. Hill is a dear friend. He and his wife have been our guests on many other occasions. They love to travel.”
“They own the railroad so I would expect as much.” Father smiled. “I’m looking forward to meeting their son.”
At that moment, Eleanor heard the front door open and Tobias’s low, calm voice. Their guest must have arrived. A hush fell over the room and Eleanor held her breath. What would he be like?
After the butler announced Louis Hill to the room, Father stepped forward. “Stewart Briggs, at your service. I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Hill. I’ve heard a great deal about you and your father.”
