She turned to Carter. “I know that the train is important to Kalispell, but why are so many afraid that it will be the end of the town when they lose it? There are a great many towns in this world who haven’t the service of a train.”
Carter dabbed the napkin to his lips. “But Kalispell has grown dependent upon it and losing it will be costly to the community. Hundreds of families depend on the work provided by the railroad. It isn’t easy to pluck up a family and move wherever the railroad decides it wants to go next. Not anymore.”
Eleanor frowned. “British naturalist Charles Darwin says that organisms best adjusted to their environment are the most successful in surviving and reproducing.” That made sense, didn’t it? “The people only need to adjust to the moving of the train’s headquarters and focus on finding something else to be known for, and they will survive. Ifthe town can’t make it without the railroad and refuses to adapt, then they must die out.”
“The ability to adapt to the changing circumstances of life is important”—Carter shifted, turning toward Eleanor and dropping his voice—“but it’s not the only thing. We don’t grow and change in isolation. Community, helping and loving one another in good and bad times, is just as necessary.” Both of his eyebrows rose high on his forehead as he locked gazes with her. “Maybe Darwin didn’t think through how his theories impact actual people with real problems and issues that can’t simply beadaptedto.”
Oooh! This man! He sounded so ... superior! She couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of her own voice. “I’m surprised you’re even familiar with Darwin and his theories. But I do find that most Christians take a stand against him, so your attitude isn’t surprising.”
Carter frowned, a muscle in his jaw twitching as if he were grinding his teeth to powder. “My being a Christian isn’t the reason I have no use for Darwin. I simply believe the man was wrong in the way he viewed the world. As for my faith ... I don’t believe you know me well enough to judge me.”
She stiffened. He had some nerve talking about judgment. That’s all he’d done since meeting her. She shrugged. “Your Christianity clearly shows. I’ve no doubt about your faith.”
For some reason, Carter’s frown changed into a glowing smile. His eyes seemed to light up. “Thank you. That blesses my soul. I had no idea that my faith was so evident. I do try to live a life pleasing to God and to share His Gospel when I can. It’s encouraging to hear you say that my Christianity shows.”
“Itwasn’ta compliment.”
He shrugged. “It was to me. I am sorry I’ve made you mad. I’m not entirely sure how we got from your questions about the railroad, to this. I suppose Marvella’s earlier comments didn’t help, but I had nothing to do with them.”
Eleanor placed her silverware on her plate and took a deep breath. Yelling at Carter would make an even bigger scene than what Marvella had done. “Just what isthatsupposed to mean?”
Carter lowered his voice to a whisper and leaned close. “I’m not seeking you out as a wife. You mentioned my faith and have made it clear to me that you do not believe as I do. Therefore, we are not likeminded in the most important area of life. So fear not. I do not consider you wife material.”
Eleanor’s eyes widened. So his attention had been all for show? At least Marvella had been trying to be kind and complimentary. Her hostess’s words had only been embarrassing. But Carter’s?
They wounded her.
He continued, either not noticing her hurt or not caring. “As for Darwin, the man was a confused soul who struggled to deal with his father and daughter’s death.” Carter leaned back and took up his water. “He had faith in God and then life wounded him, so he found himself confused and troubled. I feel a great deal of sympathy and pity for the man, but not the admiration that you seem to have.”
“Sympathy? Pity?” The words came out on a scoff.
“Yes. The man once had a strong relationship with God. Strong enough anyway that he planned to take up the ministry.I feel great sorrow for someone who allows the pain of this world to lead them away from God.”
Oh ... howdarehe? Her words stuck in her throat as pain tightened her chest. What did he know about the pain of this world? He had his family and a successful business. Carter had never lost anyone close to him. He had no right to speak of such things.
“Pity, too. They blame God for things that happen.” Carter toyed with the handle of his fork.
Was he trying to hurt her more? Or was he simply oblivious?
He speared a piece of meat on his plate. “Loss of fortunes. The death of loved ones. People respond by putting up a wall of resentment brick by brick until they feel protected from God’s interference. And yet ... bad things continue to happen, and sorrows continue to come, only now they bear those things on their own. They refuse the one thing that could make it all better ... God’s love.”
This was too much! Had his mother shared their conversation with him? She didn’t think Mrs. Brunswick would be so careless, but Carter’s words hit too close to home. Hemustknow her story.
It was all she could do to not run from the table to her room. As the dishes were cleared for the final course, Eleanor dabbed her mouth with her napkin and tossed it on the table. The action seemed to jolt Carter from his soliloquy.
She squared her shoulders and glared at him. “All the things you said may or may not be true”—she let her fury out in her whisper—“but until you have experienced loss of any kind, until you have had to figure out why God letshorrible, painful things happen to those who love Him, I’d keep my mouth shut, Carter Brunswick.”
She pushed back her chair and got to her feet. “My apologies, Mrs. Ashbury. I’m afraid I’m not feeling well. I’ll retire for the evening. Thank you for a delicious dinner.” She hurried from the room. No doubt all of Kalispell would be talking about this for weeks to come.
So much for not causing a scene.
“Can I do something to help you, Ellie?” Carter’s mother had followed her into the hallway.
She shook her head. “No, but thank you. I just have a headache.” She hurried for the stairs, muttering under her breath. “And his name is Carter Brunswick.”
15
SATURDAY, JUNE25, 1904
