Carter let out a laugh. “I would have been just fine with you wearing that bicycle costume of yours, but I would imagine Marvella would have had something to say about it.”
“You might be surprised. Our hostess seems at ease with my costume, as you call it. She probably would have dressed it up a bit with a corsage or perhaps let me borrow some jewelry. She definitely would have made me feel like a princess. If you don’t believe me, note Sir Theophilus. You’ll see he’s wearing one of the Judge’s bow ties.”
They both glanced over at the small dog curled in Marvella’s arms.
Carter snapped his gaze back to hers with a wide grin. “I would expect nothing less. I’ve never seen Marvella make anyone ill at ease. She has a kind word for each person and makes everyone feel as though they are the most important person in the room.”
Eleanor nodded as she watched the older woman move from one guest to the next. She took time with each person, leaving a trail of smiles and laughter in her wake. What would it be like to be so confident? To make people feel at ease and cared for simply by being herself? “I wish I could be more like her. I think my nerves get the better of me, however. You might not believe this, but I’m shy by nature.”
“You’re right, it is hard to believe.” He moved a little closer, his tone playful. “The woman who accosted me at the train depot certainly did not seem shy.”
Her cheeks grew hot. Goodness, the last thing she wanted to do was blush like a silly schoolgirl. “I was worn from the trip that day. I just needed to get things arranged and be done with it. I am sorry for the way I acted, you know.”
“I know. Ellie, I—”
“Leave it to you to already have Ellie cornered.” His mother’s tone was warm and teasing, cutting off whatever Carter was about to say. “How are you, my dear?” She leaned over to give her a hug.
Eleanor embraced the woman, trying to catch a look at Carter from her periphery. What had he been about to say? “I’m fine. Your son is always entertaining.”
“That’s one way of putting it. I must compliment you on your gown. The style is so flattering and you make it regal.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Brunswick. It was a last-minute choice that I am glad to have found. After spending years traveling around with Father, I haven’t bothered to keep up with my wardrobe. Mrs. Ashbury startled me when she mentioned this dinner and how she intended to introduce us to all her Kalispell friends.”
“Well, it suits you perfectly. Don’t you think so, Carter?”
“I do.”
Their gazes met again and Carter gave her a wink.
Her face was now definitely on fire. Ignoring Carter’s impudence, Eleanor turned back to Mrs. Brunswick and studied the woman’s evening gown. Though her style was much simpler than many of the other women present, the modest neckline, puffed sleeves, and navy-blue silk with black velvet trim brought out the deep blue of her eyes. “You look beautiful, Mrs. Brunswick.”
“Now, I thought you were going to call me Sarah.”
“Oh, here you are. I see Carter has already found you.” Marvella joined the trio. Sir Theophilus lifted his head to examine the group. When no treats were produced, he sniffed and snuggled back into Marvella’s arms.
“How could I not gravitate toward the prettiestunmarriedwoman in the room?”
Eleanor restrained a smile. Such a wise man to qualify his statement. No woman wanted to feel she was less attractive than another. As far as she could tell, most of the women in the room were years older and married.
No doubt Marvella had planned it that way.
“She is at that.” Marvella took hold of Eleanor’s arm. “And she has promised to help me host this evening. However, I want to ask that you be her escort into the dining room, Carter. I’ve seated the two of you together so that you can get to know each other better.”
Of course she had. Eleanor wasn’t sure if she should laugh or be upset that the woman was so determined to marry her off.
But Carter hadn’t lost his manners. “I appreciate that, Mrs. Ashbury, and will be happy to act as Ellie’s escort.”
She hooked her arm through Eleanor’s and pulled her away from the Brunswicks. “Well, come, my dear. I want to welcome my guests and introduce you at the same time.”
Eleanor enjoyed meeting each of Marvella’s friends. Many of them wore expensive, tailored clothes and jewelry that bespoke their fashionable upbringing. However, none of them were pretentious nor the least bit standoffish. In most of the social circles Eleanor had been a part of in New York, the women were reserved to the point of being cold. She had been taught by her mother at an early age that women in society were the eyes and ears of their husbands and fathers. They were raised to listen carefully, read between the lines in conversations, and make open judgments of what wasn’t being said as much as what was.
The ladies in Marvella’s social circle seemed far less concerned with such things. They laughed and were witty and shared stories of their lives without hesitation.
What a delightful gathering!
When dinner was finally announced she glanced around to find Carter. She hadn’t far to look as he was at her side.
“I’m here to do my duty.” He offered his arm.
