Her father took out his pocket watch and frowned. “This thing isn’t keeping proper time at all. I just inquired of the porter, and it was completely off.” He shook the watch a bit. “Remind me when we’re in Kalispell to seek a repair shop.”
“I will.” Eleanor set aside the magazine and picked up her journal. Just like Father to change the subject and shut down a conversation when he didn’t like where it was headed.
Oh my. Shewasin a disagreeable mood.
She dug a pencil out of her pocket and made a note to herself:Watch repair in Kalispell.
She put the pencil back and closed the journal. “How much longer for this trip?”
“Not all that far. Four hours at the most. The mountainous terrain will slow us considerably, but hopefully we’ll soon be able to glimpse the full glory of Montana.”
After days on the train, four hours wasn’t all that much. So why did it seem an eternity? She picked up the magazine again but tossed it aside almost instantly. There was nothing in it to hold her attention.
Why was she so ... restless? Unsatisfied?
Every bit of this feeling was unsettling. She and Father had gotten into a comfortable pattern. Why couldn’t she just go on with the way things had been?
She released a sigh.
“I hesitate to mention it”—Father brushed lint off his trousers—“but before we left Chicago, I had a letter from New York.”
She turned to him and schooled her features. Father expected her to listen—no matter how mundane the topic. No need to react until he said exactly what the letter was about. Since New York had once been their home state, it was anyone’s guess what information the letter might contain.
“It was from the Brewsters.”
She tipped her head ever so slightly, keeping her eyes on her lap. The mention of the family threatened to twist her insides. But she willed her heart to slow and kept her mask of indifference. “And how are they?”
“They offered a bit of news. It seems their eldest son, Andrew, is marrying in August. They invited us to attend. A formal invitation will be sent later, but they know how busy I am and wanted to give some warning.”
“And do you plan for us to attend?” Every bit of her hoped against hope Father would say no. A long time ago, when she and Andrew were still young, they had been considered a couple. She found him compatible enough, handsome, and even intelligent, but he was also self-focused andrather greedy. She’d put an end to their relationship long before anything official was declared. It didn’t seem prudent to attend with such a history.
Still, Eleanor knew the family meant a great deal to her father. If he wanted to go, she would travel with him. Just as she always did.
“Areyouof a mind to attend?” He rubbed his bearded chin. “I am not opposed if that is your desire.”
“Not at all. I have no interest in his wedding.” She smoothed her hands over the cover of her journal. “Seems rather senseless to go all the way back to the East Coast when our summer plans clearly have pointed us west.” She had no desire to go anywhere back east after this horrid train ride.
Her father relaxed a bit in his seat. Had he been concerned about her reaction? “I’d rather hoped that would be your conclusion on the matter.”
“Would you like for me to send a gift when the time is right?” She picked up her journal.
Her father’s expression grew thoughtful. “I suppose that would be a kind gesture. What would be appropriate, Ellie?”
Her chest tightened. Why couldn’t he remember she wasn’t Ellie any longer? Not for ten years. Mother always called her that ...
And the nickname died with her.
Over the years, Eleanor insisted Father call her by her full name. But every once in a while, he forgot.
Best not to make an issue of it. She smiled at him. “Knowing them as we do, I might suggest crystal. Waterford, of course.”
“That sounds sensible. Pick out a piece and let me know when it’s ready. I’ll pen a letter to send when the time is right.”
Eleanor jotted a note, then glanced at him. “Anything else?”
“Nothing of importance.” He settled back and closed his eyes. “Your mother would tell me to use this time for a nap despite the growing beauty outside. I believe I’ll heed her advice and try for a bit of rest before we arrive in Kalispell.”
Mother.
