Carter had heard at church that they were due back in a day or two. Mrs. Ashbury had told him that there would be a formal dinner held very soon after that and that he and his folks were invited. He really didn’t care much for dressing up, but the thought of seeing Ellie in all her finery gave him cause to look forward to the event. Mrs. Ashbury promised they would be seated together, too.
Carter smiled. The Judge’s wife loved to matchmake. And this time, he really didn’t mind. With any luck at all, maybe he’d get a chance to know Ellie Briggs and find out if she’d realized yet that she liked him.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE15, 1904
“It’s so good to have you back under our roof.” Marvella handed Eleanor a teacup and saucer. “You take it without cream, don’t you?”
“Yes, please.” Eleanor glanced around the room. It was lovely to be back in Kalispell. Though she would cherish the trip in many ways, it was a relief to have a private bathing space, her own bedroom, and even her serviceable skirts and blouses.
“So tell me everything. Was the trip worth the time for your father and George?”
“I believe so.” Eleanor held her cup steady while Mrs. Ashbury poured tea.
“And what was the most interesting thing that you discovered?”
Marvella took her seat and then poured her own tea while she waited for Eleanor’s response. Eleanor took a sip, savoring the rich flavor of the black tea, then rested the cup on the saucer. She wanted to bring up her father’s decision to remain in the area, but how to start?
Marvella held out a plate. “Cookie?”
Sir Theophilus, who had been sleeping in a most contented manner until that moment, perked up. He came bouncing across the room to jump and yip until Marvella emptied her hands and could take him in her arms.
“Before I talk about the trip, I did wish to speak to you about something else.” Eleanor took another sip of tea. “Father is considering settling here in Kalispell. He wants to get on with writing a book—his life’s work.”
“That would be wonderful!” Marvella seemed more than a little excited. “Oh, my dear, you could not ask for a better place to call home. Kalispell is picturesque, as you know, and the people are so kind. I know there are worries about the train services being removed, but between you and me, there will always be a way to come and go, and such things do not worry me. Once Louis Hill realizes the money to be made with a spur line between Whitefish and Kalispell, we’ll have regular service again. Until then, our men are capable of figuring a way to keep us moving. Never fear.”
“That wasn’t a real concern of mine. What I have seen of town seems pleasant and, like you, I don’t believe the people here will allow Kalispell to become a ghost town.”
“Mercy, no. We shall continue to thrive. And if you remain, it will be very beneficial to finding you a husband.”
“I wasn’t really concerned about that either.” She neededthe older woman to focus on real estate for the moment. “I was hoping that you might have some properties in mind that we could consider for a home.”
“Oh, I surely do.” Marvella’s expression grew thoughtful as she considered the matter. Theophilus settled into her arms as if concentrating with her.
“There are three properties that come to mind right away. They aren’t very far from here. In fact, I could arrange for you to see all three as soon as you’d like. It will take nothing more than a word to the owners. They’re all good friends.”
Eleanor smiled. Perfect. Marvella would pave the way for them to settle and help take the panic out of trying to find a house to suit their needs. Normally, people who took control annoyed her, but in Marvella’s case, she couldn’t find fault. The woman enjoyed helping people, and even though her own agenda was often benefited, it was not done with any sort of malice or self-focus. “That sounds wonderful. I’m sure Father will be able to take a few hours to consider the possibilities.”
“All of the houses are spacious and have gardens and a carriage house. Of course, you’ll need a carriage and horses.”
“Of course.” Eleanor chuckled.
“However, if you are soon to marry, your father might not prefer a large estate.” She frowned and tapped her chin. “I don’t know of any smaller houses.”
“That’s all right. I don’t have a plan to marry right away. Even if you managed to find a good match.” She added the latter to keep the older woman from launching into a soliloquy regarding why Eleanor should be looking to wed immediately.
Marvella’s gaze fixed on Eleanor for a moment, as if shewere about to do that very thing, then she seemed to think better of it. “The larger places are also far more fitting when considering company. No doubt you’ll be having plenty of visitors as your father writes his book and continues to help George with plans for the national park. At least for a time, he will want to be able to host guests and probably fundraisers.”
“Yes, you are right on that fact.” Perfect. That would keep Marvella’s focus off her marital state. “Father will want to have George come to stay, as well as others. There are many who have been helpful to him over the years, and I’m sure he’ll want to invite them to visit once we are settled.”
“You know, I just thought of the perfect house. It’s only two blocks away and has a little more land than most places. Given your father’s love of the land and plants and such, it would be perfect. The Hennessys own it, and she told me only two days ago that her husband’s health is failing and they need to move to a warmer climate. Let me get in touch with her immediately and arrange for you to see the place.”
“That sounds like just the thing, thank you! I’ll let Father know.” She got to her feet, which prompted Sir Theophilus to take notice. He lifted his head and wagged his tail, no doubt hoping for a little attention.
“Before you go, my dear. There’s one thing that has greatly troubled me. I’m generally not so remiss in my duties, but there were a variety of things that took my focus.”
Her tone seemed odd. “Whatever is wrong?” Eleanor reclaimed her seat. Having been gone for three weeks, she couldn’t imagine that she’d done anything to offend the poor woman.
“It’s just that, well, it is apparent that you and your fatherare struggling with your faith, and I believe that must be fixed straightaway.”
