Eleanor’s gaze darted toward them, and she pushed some escaping blond hair behind her ear. “My goodness, I didn’t realize I’d left the door open. Please come in.”
“Thank you, my dear. I’d like to introduce you to Montana’s very first female court reporter, Mrs. Rebecca Andrews.”
Eleanor moved away from her packing, her demeanor frazzled. “It’s nice to meet you. I apologize for the upheaval, but I must finish packing for our camping trip, and my father isn’t the most patient of men.”
Rebecca stepped forward. “How can I help?”
“It’s all right, you’re—”
“Nonsense.” The other young woman approached the suitcase. “It’s clear to see that you have a great deal to do and not enough time. Put me to work. I’m excellent at packing.”
Eleanor glanced at the clock, bit her lip, and then nodded. “Thank you. When Father moved up the time to leave, I became a bit frantic. It takes a lot of planning for this kind of trip.”
“Well, it looks as if you are organized.” Rebecca’s hands were on her hips. “Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”
“I try to pack as light as possible, and in such a way as to keep water out in case we have to cross swollen rivers, which happens a great deal.” Eleanor gave instructions to Rebecca and the two packed.
Marvella watched for several moments. “I’m so excited for you to see the area that is so special to us. Milton has taken me up there several times. He knows how much I love to see glaciers. They are impressive and glorious.”
“Mhm.” Eleanor darted to the closet and then dashed back with several items in her hands.
“It’s the most wonderful thing to sit under the great big sky and simply stand in awe of God’s creation. The mountains, the glaciers, the trees, the water”—she released a long sigh—“it’s simply magnificent.”
When no response came from the young woman, Marvella caught Rebecca’s gaze. The young wife shook her head.
She didn’t like to think of herself as the pushy sort, but the urgency of the moment spurred her on. “‘The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.’” She stepped closer to the bed. “That’s from the Psalms.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Eleanor finished up her packing and glanced up. Blowing a lock of hair off her forehead, she faced Marvella. “My mother used to love reading the Psalms to me.”
Perfect opening. “Well, I took the liberty of writing out some of my favorite verses about the glory of God’s creation for you.” Marvella stepped forward with the envelope. “I’dlove for you to read them under the myriads of stars, or beside the pristine waters.”
Eleanor’s shoulders drooped a bit. “Mrs. Ashbury, this is very kind of you, but I’ve already shared where I stand with God.” She didn’t take the envelope.
Marvella stepped closer. “Where you stand at the moment doesn’t mean that’s where you’ll be standing next week.”
Eleanor wrapped her arms around her waist. Her lips clamped tight.
Rebecca sat on the trunk at the end of the bed. “I understand you’ve been through a great loss. Pain and grief can cause us to shield ourselves from more hurt. Fear and doubt keep us even more closed off to the beauty and truth of love around us. It took me a long time to understand God’s grace—”
“Please. I appreciate both of you coming to help.” Eleanor snatched the envelope from Marvella’s hand. “And I appreciate you caring about me. I’ll read this later, thank you. But my father is surely waiting for me, and I don’t wish to hold him and Mr. Grinnell up any longer.” She marched over to the bell pull and gave it a good yank.
Marvella stood. At least Eleanor took the envelope. “I pray you have a blessed and fruitful time, dear. We look forward to your return.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Ashbury.” Eleanor’s smile was tight. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Andrews. Thank you for your assistance, it was greatly appreciated.”
“My pleasure.” Rebecca took Marvella’s arm and steered her toward the door.
SATURDAY, MAY28, 1904
A few days later, Eleanor pulled the envelope out once again. It was the third time today she’d read it.
Marvella’s loopy and perfect script filled the page. Eleanor’s hands shook as she read.
Dear Eleanor,
As I think of our great God—Creator of the Universe—I can’t help but be in awe of all He has done. I pray as you see His handiwork—His fingerprints—all around you, that you feel ensconced in His love, grace, and mercy. These verses are some of my favorites, I hope they bless you today and always.
Love, Marvella
