Chapter 14

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1904

Steam hissed as the giant steel wheels of the train squealed on the tracks. The sound bounced off the brick building, echoing through the platform. Seconds later, people poured from the train. Carts clacked across the wooden planks, ready to be stacked with luggage and other goods the train held for the town.

The lovely two-story depot held a dear place, and Marvella had never acknowledged it. Now, the thought of losing this heart of her town ... She shook her head against the thought. Scanning the scene, she refused to allow any melancholy to waylay her love for Kalispell. The depot’s tall windows were plentiful, giving it a welcoming effect to anyone around.

Couples embraced. A young boy and girl tugged on the suit coat of a man kissing his wife on the cheek, clearly happy their father was home. A railroad worker raced down the platform to the head of the train, a brown slip of paper flapping in his hands.

Marvella watched the scene, a smile turning up the corners of her mouth. It was a blessing to watch people reunite with those they loved. To see the relief of many travelers, knowing they were home. How empty the town would be without the bustle of life the railroad brought to it.

“Mrs. Ashbury?”

Marvella turned from the bustling platform and spied Gus approaching, a small brown box tied with twine in his hands. “Gus, you are a treasure.” She smiled. “You found it.”

The ginger-haired man blushed to his roots. “It was buried under a stack of papers in my office. I’m not sure how it got there.”

Sir Theophilus squirmed in her arms, whining. “No, sir. You will be a good boy and stay right here. There is a treat at home for good behavior.” She glanced at Gus. “No harm, Gus. I know things happen. If you’ll just slip it right under my arm here and—No!”

The box fell to the ground as Sir Theophilus wriggled free and bounded to the ground. He danced in a circle around his mistress as she tried to catch him. The train hissed steam again, and the white dog jumped, barking at the train. The whistle blew, and Sir Theophilus took off across the wooden planks, yipping all the way.

“After him, Gus!”

The man took off after the white fluff ball, and she followed, puffing her way through the crowd. Shoulders bumped into her own. Luggage hit her shins, and she barely withheld an unladylike grunt.

Were these travelers oblivious to the emergency at hand? Why were they not moving out of her way? Breaking free of the mass of people, she paused and strained on her tiptoes. Gus’s red head bobbed only fifteen feet ahead of her. He was running toward the exit of the depot.

“No, Sir Theophilus! You stay right there, mister!” Gus’s voice ricocheted off the brick building. Rough yips followed, and Marvella entered the cool shade of the depot to find Gus on the ground, papers everywhere.

Her bosom heaved. “Where?”

“Up East Avenue.” Gus grunted.

Marvella turned and looked through the open doorway. Sure enough, Sir Theophilus was bouncing up East Avenue, zigzagging under a wagon and up on the sidewalk. “Naughty dog!” She ran as fast as her skirts would allow.

Several townspeople paused in the street and on the sidewalk. It wasn’t every day one saw the Judge’s wife run through town after a miniature canine. Tendrils of hair escaped her once-impeccable updo, waving behind her like a flag. Sweat slid down her temples into the lace collar of her light blue silk day dress. Silk! She sucked in a breath. What an impractical fabric to run in.

Marvella could feel the curious stares and knew word of her escapade would reach the Judge. She practically skipped across the dusty street, a frown deepening on her face. Her husband had warned her Sir Theophilus needed a leash when she was in town. But she had stubbornly refused. He was such a good boy and never ran away.

Oh, how she disliked being proven wrong!

Marvella slowed her footsteps, spotting the little terror. He was flipped upside down on the porch of a white house, pink tongue lolling out the side of his mouth. He rolled back and forth, body wriggling with delight.

At last! Marvella clutched her skirts in her hand, easing her pace to a manageable stroll. She didn’t need him running away again, but the dog spotted her. Sir Theophilus sat up and yipped.

“You scoundrel!” She stepped up on the porch. “Come here, pup. It’s time to go home. We’ve had enough excitement for one day.” She leaned forward, arms outstretched, expecting him to jump into her arms as he always did.

His black eyes glittered in the afternoon sun. He shifted on his haunches, seeming to measure each step his owner took toward him.

Marvella swallowed. “Please, Sir Theophilus. I am tired of running.”

But he was unmoved. He barked again and bounded down the stairs, barreling under Marvella’s skirts. She twisted around to catch her balance and fell with a loud oomph on the porch stair, landing on her rump.

Tears stung her eyes, and Marvella dropped her head into her hands for a moment, her shoulders shaking. Then she tipped her head back and let out a peal of laughter.

“Well, Lord, I must have needed a little humbling today.”

Sir Theophilus ran back up the stairs and jumped into her arms, snuggling into the crook of her elbow. Marvella sighed and snuggled the dog close.

She was never going to hear the end of this.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1904

One last look in the mirror and she gave herself a nod. “Well, Eleanor, you’re ready for society.” With that, she headed down the stairs.

She peeked into the dining room and it took her breath away.

The grandeur of Marvella’s formal dinner table was not to be ignored. The servants had outdone themselves in arranging her chosen silver, crystal, and china. The table glittered under the electric chandelier where hundreds of crystal pieces reflected the light.

Fresh flowers from the Ashbury gardens were arranged in tall crystal vases. Each arrangement was lavish and full and set on risers so as to not interfere with table conversation once guests were seated. The finest of ivory linens graced the table, and everywhere Eleanor looked, things sparkled.

“I see you’re sneaking a look.” Marvella’s voice caused her to jump and put a hand to her throat.

“I couldn’t help myself.” Eleanor turned. “It is stunning. It would rival the tables of the Astors and Vanderbilts. No one in high society could find fault with it.”

Marvella looked at her oddly, then laughed. “Oh, my dear, someone will always find fault with something, but I never let it give me the slightest worry.” She gave Eleanor a wry grin. “Like when I had to chase my darling dog through the streets of Kalispell. I’m sure several tongues wagged about that as I looked very silly. But I can’t let wagging tongues disturb me.”

The Judge came to stand next to his wife, slipping an arm around her shoulders. “Well said, my dear. However, you could listen to your husband when he suggests that it is best to get a leash for outdoor walks.”

Eleanor giggled as Marvella waved a hand. “Oh fiddlesticks, dear husband. It was one incident.”

“Whatever you say, my dear.” The Judge chuckled. “I just stopped to tell you how beautiful you look tonight. And you as well, Miss Briggs. You both shine.”

Eleanor dipped her head, his kind words washing over her. “Thank you, Judge. I was just telling Marvella a similar sentiment over her dining arrangements.”

“And that is where I take my leave.” The large man shrugged. “Enjoy your discussion, ladies.”

Marvella sighed as she watched her husband cross the room to some acquaintances. “That husband of mine. What would I do without him?”

The love in the older woman’s voice made Eleanor smile. “You two are a perfect match.”

“We are, indeed, my dear. And we will come back to your perfect match in a moment. But I must say I am pleased the dinner setting is to your liking. I don’t do these things for approval or for society. I do them to share what God has given us. And because I think it’s important to appreciate traditions and heirlooms. I haven’t used the Meissen china in ages. It dates to the 1780s, when my great-grandmother was gifted the set on her wedding day.”

“It’s beautiful. I’ve always been fond of Meissen.”

Almost as much as she adored Marvella’s gown. Dark plum, the neckline was modestly appointed with a slight vee that held a velvet bow at the point. The gown appeared to be silk with a very fine, sequined tulle overlay. The sleeves were long and full and fell loose at the wrist.

“I must compliment you on your gown. You look lovely in it.”

Marvella gave a slight bow. “Thank you, dear. It’s a bit lavish, but I found it in Paris. Milton and I took a trip to France last year, just before Christmas, and I haven’t had an occasion to wear it. Usually I’m content with our dressmakers here. They are just as talented, and I don’t need to go touting around that my gown is from Paris. But the color was just too perfect to pass up.” She smoothed away a wrinkle in her sleeve.

“It does compliment your figure and complexion.” Eleanor meant every word. Marvella wasn’t one to brook nonsense nor false praise, and Eleanor respected that enough to not even attempt such.

“As does your gown. That blue silk draws out your eyes. I believe you will charm the stuffing right out of Carter Brunswick and any other single young man who happens to see you. Now, come along. Let’s go and see what the men have gotten up to. I’m sure some of our guests have already arrived and I want you to help me host. Having you at my side will be a blessing, and it will allow you to get to know all of my dear friends.”

Eleanor followed the older woman to the large parlor, where she found her father and others discussing the national park. She glanced around for some sign of Carter, but he wasn’t present.

She touched Marvella’s shoulder. “Excuse me just a moment. I’d like to greet my father.”

The older woman waved her on. “Of course, my dear.”

Sir Theophilus appeared from out of nowhere and insisted on Marvella’s attention as he began to dance around her and yip.

Eleanor grinned at the small pup—funny how it had grown into her affections—and moved across the room to her father, her gaze sweeping the large area. Still no sign of Carter. Anticipation zipped up her spine. Heavens, she was actually looking forward to seeing him. Still, she needed to be careful tonight. If she showed even a sliver of interest in Carter, Marvella would spot it right away. The less interference on that front, the better.

“My dear Ellie. What a charming dress.” Father studied her as she approached. “You’re the image of your mother.”

The compliment snatched the breath from her lungs. She warmed with his kind words. Swallowing tears, she leaned forward and kissed her father’s cheek. “Thank you, Father. That is kind of you to say. And you look dapper.” She turned to Mr. Grinnell and another man she didn’t know. “Good evening, gentlemen.”

“Miss Briggs, it’s so nice to have your company once again.” Mr. Grinnell gave a slight bow. He turned to the man at his side. “This is Mr. William Whipps, one of Kalispell’s most celebrated citizens.”

She offered the older man a nod of acknowledgment. “Mr. Whipps.”

“This is Eleanor Briggs, Stewart’s daughter.”

Mr. Whipps bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you. These gentlemen speak highly of you.”

“I’m sure they are prejudiced.” She slipped her arm through her father’s and gave it a slight squeeze. “I’ve heard great things about you, Mr. Whipps. I believe you were the first elected mayor of Kalispell.”

“Yes, and the only one to serve three consecutive two-year terms.” He rocked back on his heels, chest puffed out.

Eleanor almost expected his buttons to pop off his snow-white dress shirt.

Several new guests arrived, and Eleanor excused herself. “I’ll let you men get back to your discussion. I promised Mrs. Ashbury I would help her host tonight. She wants to make sure I get a chance to meet all her friends.”

She turned and ran right into someone’s shoulder. Strong hands gripped her arms, helping to right her before she tumbled. “Good evening, Miss Briggs.”

Carter Brunswick’s voice washed over her like a warm breeze. Eleanor cleared her throat and took a step back, pulling her arms from his grasp. Gracious, when had it gotten so hot in this room? “I apologize for not looking where I was going. Good evening, Mr. Brunswick.”

He grinned. “You look different tonight. Quite pretty.”

“Meaning that I look terrible the rest of the time?” The retort slipped out before she could stop it. Why couldn’t she graciously accept his compliment like a normal woman?

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 prettiest unmarried woman 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.

Eleanor placed her hand on his black coat sleeve. “Sorry that you had to be singled out. I’m sure my father would have been happy to escort me.”

Carter shook his head. “I’m happy to be chosen.”

Something in his tone assured her he spoke the truth. Carter never seemed to pretend to be anything more or less than he was. He was always simply himself.

Up and down the full length of the Ashburys’ table the conversation picked up. The man on her left was deep in discussion with another man, leaving Eleanor no choice but to look to Carter. She caught him gazing at her profile, and he smiled once again when their eyes met.

“I’m glad we have this time together.”

She nodded and rubbed her fingers along her linen serviette. She wanted to ask him why he was glad to have time with her. Especially since almost every conversation ended with some sort of argument. Better to change the subject. “It’s such a well-set table, don’t you think? Such a spread.”

He glanced to the left and then to the right. “Marvella knows how to impress.”

Eleanor met his warm gaze. “By the way, I very much enjoyed having dinner with your parents. Father did as well. I think he figured your father would be all about his profits and money, but said he was quite knowledgeable about conservation and land management.”

“Dad has made it his goal to tend the land as he felt God had called Adam to do. We’ve always tried to nurture the land and care for it in a way that improves it rather than uses it up.”

“I like that.” Her shoulders relaxed a bit. After the stress of meeting the Ashburys’ guests, it was nice to talk to a friend. A friend. Nothing more. “I still don’t understand the need for one person to own so much land, but coming here has caused me to see things from a different angle. It’s clear that wheat is beneficial to all, and we should be thankful for the farmers who are willing to work so hard to grow the crops.”

“A great many people benefit, to be sure.” He placed his napkin on his lap. “So how goes the national park plans?”

Eleanor winced. While things were certainly better between her and Father, she still didn’t understand why he kept her in the dark about his work. “I’m not sure. I think I might have said some things that were contrary to what my father and Mr. Grinnell and Mr. Hill hope to accomplish. They’re less than eager to have me in their conversations these days.”

Carter settled his knife and fork on the edge of his plate and took a sip of water. “What in the world could you have said that would cause them to put you aside?”

“I don’t like the idea of building hotels and concessions in the park.”

“I agree. The area they’ve chosen for the park is my favorite place to go and commune with God. I can’t imagine it being blemished by hotels and such all over the place.” He twirled the stem of his water glass between his thumb and index finger. “On one hand, I appreciate the progress we’ve made in the last few decades. Trains, horseless carriages, industry making all sorts of things easier. But I’m also sad about some of the ways it is changing our country.”

She pulled back and looked at him. Blinking several times, she realized her jaw had dropped. Terribly unladylike of her. “Carter Brunswick, I’m shocked that we agree.”

“Over time, Miss Briggs, I hope to amaze you even more.” He gave her a wide grin and turned back to his meal.

The servants brought in platters and moved around the table to offer their amazing dishes to the guests. Eleanor helped herself to baked salmon and asparagus. Carter did the same. For a time, they ate in silence, accepting or refusing other foods that came throughout the course of the meal. But soon they picked up the conversation right where they’d left off.

The more they chatted, the more Eleanor found that Carter agreed with her on a great many things.

“Attention, please.”

Eleanor turned toward Mrs. Ashbury’s voice, as did everyone else at the table. The older woman had a captive audience.

“I apologize for interrupting your meal. However, I have something important to say.” She glanced at the Judge, and he nodded.

“I’m not sure all of you realize it, but Mr. Briggs and his daughter Eleanor plan to settle down in Kalispell. It’s my hope that they will love our little town, and that was why it was so important to bring you all here tonight. I hope you will all extend friendship to them as they settle in. I believe they will become an important part of our community.” She gave a little chuckle. “And, in keeping with my gifting, I’ve assured Miss Briggs that I am determined to aid her in finding a husband. With her beauty, I’m certain it won’t take long.”

There were chuckles from the dinner guests as they all turned to smile at Eleanor, who had all but dropped her fork. Still, unwelcome attention notwithstanding, she kept her features neutral and even managed a small smile at Marvella. The woman couldn’t help herself. But it would be nice if the older woman would listen to her every once in a while. Surely she knew by now that Eleanor didn’t like having her personal business shared for all to hear.

Besides, marriage was something Eleanor wanted someday, but right now she had so many other pressing matters.

Eleanor glanced at Carter, who seemed amused by the entire thing. Her chest burned even more. He didn’t seem to care a whit about the embarrassment the older woman had caused. Of course he didn’t. He wasn’t the one on display.

“I’d say Carter has the best seat in the house,” someone commented and again the crowd chuckled.

Eleanor forced a smile. If she said or did the things she wanted to do and say, she would cause a scene. She drew a deep breath and refocused on her plate. She would get through this.

Soon enough, the guests turned back to their dinner, and the most critical subject: the railroad services being terminated. Odd that they all seemed to see it as the end of the world. Surely Kalispell had more to offer the community than just a train depot. Albeit a lovely one.

She had to be missing something.

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. If the 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 be adapted to.”

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.”

“It wasn’t a 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 is that supposed 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 ... how dare he? 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. He must know 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 lets horrible, 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.”