Under the Midnight Sun

by Tracie Peterson

  “You won’t find her here, Mr. Pruitt, so you’d best be on your way. Miss Hale left Yellowstone for parts unknown.” The man almost smiled under the mustache.

  “What do you mean she left?” He was practically yelling, but the thought of having come all this way only to find her gone was too ridiculous to believe.

  “Exactly what I said, Mr. Pruitt. Now unless you’d like to be escorted out of our fine establishment, I suggest you lower your voice and behave like a gentleman.” The man squinted at him and then walked right past.

  Rage boiled inside Emerson. How could she leave? And where on earth would she go? Stubborn woman. Apparently, Mrs. Hale’s letters hadn’t done the trick. He replayed the conversation with Cunningham over in his mind. That man knew something, and Emerson intended to find out exactly what it was, but first he had to get some sleep.

  He fingered the room key and made his way to the stairs. Tayler couldn’t have gone all that far, could she? She loved her work, and it would be impossible for her to leave it for long. Chances were better than not that she was still working for the national parks. Maybe he could get someone to check their records.

  Perhaps the little clerk who’d checked him in. She’d known that Tayler wasn’t here. Maybe that wasn’t all she knew. He smiled to himself. After a bit of rest and a bath, he would explore that avenue and see if perhaps she might recall something more about Tayler’s absence.

  12

  THURSDAY, MAY 30—CURRY

  The past week had flown by for Tayler. Allan immediately took her out on every hike and outing they offered. He said the best way for her to get acclimated would be to dive right in. Some of the outings were pleasant hikes—nothing arduous—while a couple of the others were more strenuous. It didn’t bother her at all. She’d enjoyed each one of them, and she’d already filled an entire notebook with everything she’d learned.

  Though some of the flora and fauna were different from what was found in Yellowstone and Colorado, they were still her expertise. What she didn’t know from personal encounters, she had learned from books. She had a knack for providing information to the guests that Allan said he didn’t even know. She also spoke three additional languages—French, Spanish, and Italian—thanks to her mother’s insistence on the high-society tutor. All three languages had come in handy at different times.

  The animals they encountered provided some of her favorite experiences—especially the hard-to-find caribou, who were rarely spotted. No matter what, each day, Allan had congratulated her on her knowledge and a job well done.

  But the same couldn’t be said for her interaction with Thomas.

  He’d been guiding other outings so they could keep up with the schedule. She knew that soon she’d have to work on her own or even with Thomas on other events, but he still hardly even spoke to her. Not that there had been much of a chance, but still. She didn’t know what to do about the situation.

  The end of the workday was upon her and she sighed. Was there anything she could do to gain Thomas’s respect?

  The object of her thoughts walked into their shared office at that moment. He went straight to Allan. “Only one sprained ankle today.” He wiped a hand down his face. “I really wish some of these people would listen a bit better to the precautions.”

  “Was it another woman in fancy shoes?” Allan shook his head.

  “No, this time it was a man. But his shoes were definitely fancy.” Thomas’s face lit up in a smile. It made him very attractive. “When I informed him that he’d stepped in a pile of moose scat, he had a fit and took a tumble down the hill. And it wasn’t even much of a hill. . . .” Thomas shook his head and laughed. “And then the ladies all wanted to examine the droppings. Lots of giggling ensued as they examined the pellets and talked about how uniform their shape and size were. You know how it goes.”

  Allan laughed along with him. “Unfortunately, I do. Everyone is fascinated with moose scat.” He looked back down at the papers he’d been working on. “Tayler, would you join us over here?”

  She walked over and stood next to Thomas. “How can I help?”

  Allan looked at both of them and put his hands on his hips. “We have two camping excursions scheduled for the middle of June. These are the first overnight trips of the season, and they will be going on at the same time. I’m taking a group of men up to the Ruth Glacier, and you two will be taking a group up to Curry Ridge.”

  Tayler felt the tension in the air increase. Maybe if she stayed positive and professional, she could defuse it. “I saw those on the schedule. I’m happy to do whatever you need me to do.” But was Thomas willing to work with her?

  “Well, I just saw the list of members of the excursion to Curry Ridge.” Allan sighed. “I’m sure you’ve seen a group of young ladies around who will be here all summer?”

  Oh, great. The snobbish socialites who always seemed up to no good? That wouldn’t make for a fun time at all. They’d complain about everything—Tayler was sure of it. “Yes, I’ve seen them on several occasions.”

  Thomas sighed. “They took a hike with me yesterday.”

  “Well”—Allan shook his head again—“they are part of the group going camping. I hope there won’t be any problems, because their families are going along, but this is not a group of rugged outdoorsmen like the ones I’m taking up to the glacier. These are people who will probably have a difficult time with the length of the hike to the Regalvista lookout. I just wanted you to be aware.” Allan took a deep breath and crossed his arms over his chest. “I also think it’s time to let you spread your wings, Tayler. You are more than qualified, and I’m confident in your abilities. Maybe some of these young women can learn a thing or two from you on the trip.”

  His praise made her heart soar.

  “And it’s high time that you two work together as well. We’re a family here, and you should probably get to know each other.” With that, Allan patted her on the shoulder and headed to the door. “I’m going to check on my wife, and then I’ll be back to finish the paper work before we have dinner. If I don’t see you both before then, I’ll see you in the dining room.”

  Then he was gone.

  And Tayler was left standing next to Thomas.

  He turned and gave her a small smile. “Sounds like we should plan plenty of things to keep the guests occupied on the camping trip.” He headed off into the corner where he kept his things.

  Tayler put her hand to her stomach and took a deep breath. Maybe this was the opportunity she needed to bridge the gap between her and Thomas. “Thomas, could I speak to you for a moment?”

  He turned back around and his brow furrowed. “Sure.”

  Best to just blurt it out. “I know you feel that I’m not good enough for the job and that you have a problem working with a woman—specifically me—but I just wanted to apologize. I’m sorry if I offended you with anything I said the first time we met. I was a bit hurt and surprised when I arrived that you didn’t think a woman could do the job, and well, I was very defensive, and I’m sorry. But if you would just give me a chance—I’m sure you’ll see that I’m very qualified and know what I’m doing.” Her courage was bolstered a bit. “I think you just need to get used to the fact that a woman is fully capable of doing this job.”

  He blinked and his expression was hard to read. “Allan has said that you’ve done a great job.” Thomas went back to what he’d been doing.

  That was it? That was all he was going to say? More frustrated than ever, Tayler walked out of the room. What was she supposed to do now?

  Fuming, she stormed out the back door and walked toward the river. Cassidy and Mrs. Johnson sat on a bench on the pathway with a little boy in each of their laps. She stopped in her tracks and tried to make a quick getaway before anyone noticed her.

  “Tay!” the boys called out to her.

  Too late.

  “Tayler, come on over here for a minute,” Cassidy’s voice called to her.

  Working to control her fo
ul mood, Tayler turned back to her new friends.

  The boys clapped and smiled at her. “TayTay!” Her name had become a new chant for them as they said it over and over, and she had to admit, she liked it. A bit of her frustration slid away, and she smiled at the sweet toddlers.

  “Oh boy, did you see that face?” Mrs. Johnson laughed. “Someone has a storm cloud over them.”

  Tayler grimaced. “Is it that obvious?”

  “Yes.”

  “Yes.” Both women laughed at their simultaneous response.

  “So you might as well just spill the beans, Tayler.”

  Plunking herself down in the grass in front of the women, she huffed. “Thomas is a thorn in my side. Or maybe I should say that I’m a thorn in his. I don’t know. He’s snooty and hardly speaks to me, and I don’t think he thinks I can do my job!”

  The two looked at each other and laughed.

  Cassidy’s expression of unbelief was obvious. “Thomas? The Thomas who works here?” She pointed to the ground.

  “Of course. What other Thomas is there?” Tayler didn’t understand. Why were they laughing?

  Mrs. Johnson just shook her head. “Young lady, I can say with absolute honesty that a long time ago, Thomas was a thorn in my side too. That poor young kid couldn’t keep his feet under him if he’d put glue on his shoes. But now he is the sweetest and most accepting person I’ve ever known.” She looked down at Tayler with a protective look.

  Cassidy laid a hand on the chef’s arm. “What I think Margaret is saying is that Thomas is the least ‘snooty’ person we’ve ever known.”

  Tayler groaned. “Then what is it with men thinking women can’t do the same job?”

  “Tell me about it, Miss Hale. I’ve been dealing with that my whole life.” Mrs. Johnson didn’t look very sympathetic. “The question is, How are you handling it?”

  With a hand to her forehead, Tayler let out a long breath. “Well, I even asked to speak with him just now. I apologized to him if I offended him, and he didn’t say anything other than ‘Allan said you’ve done a really good job.’” She mimicked a lower voice. “But then nothing. Not another word.” She watched the two women for their response.

  Cassidy and Mrs. Johnson shared a look.

  Cassidy turned back to Tayler. “Have you thought about the fact that maybe Thomas is nervous working with a pretty girl?” Her voice was softer now.

  “Because he doesn’t think I can do the job?”

  “No, because he thinks you’re pretty.”

  The words sank in. “You think Thomas thinks I’m pretty?”

  Mrs. Johnson laughed. “Of course, dear. You’re a very attractive young lady. I’ve seen you turn the heads of many of the men as you walk by.”

  Tayler felt herself frown at that. “Really? But my uniforms aren’t very pretty. . . .” She looked down at her clothes. “I don’t dress to lure men to look at me. And I’m not . . . well . . . I am not at all ladylike when it comes to things like sitting and sewing and making polite conversation.” None of this made sense to her. She wasn’t here to attract men. “In fact, I’ve had some ladies say that I’m rather . . . boyish.”

  Cassidy reached a hand out to her. “Tayler, you are really quite beautiful, and even if you were wearing a potato sack, the men would notice you. There’s nothing boyish about you.”

  “But I don’t understand. Why do you think that’s the problem with Thomas?”

  “Because we know Thomas.” Mrs. Johnson smiled. “He’s not snooty or aloof or against working with women. Goodness, he has worked with the two of us for years.”

  “And she’s really good at bossing people around.” Cassidy pointed at the chef.

  The older woman gave a nod. “Yes, I am, thank you very much. I just think maybe you need to get to know Thomas a little better. He’s not at all like what you’re judging him to be.”

  “Besides”—Cassidy winked at her—“I’ve heard you are absolutely amazing at your job. Thomas knows that . . . he’s just got some things to work through.”

  At that moment, Thomas rounded the corner of the hotel and headed toward the men’s dormitory. A couple of the young socialites were sitting on the grass, and they called out to him.

  “Yooo-hooo. Thomas!” The girls waved their handkerchiefs.

  He turned to them and waved. “Good day, ladies.”

  “Won’t you come and play with us?” one of them called in a simpering way. “We do miss you so very much. Don’t you like our company?”

  Thomas smiled. “That’s very nice, but I have work to tend to. Maybe later.” He turned back around and slammed into one of the maids carrying a large basket of linens. The two bounced off each other and landed on the ground.

  Giggles from the girls on the lawn followed as Thomas and the maid both turned red and got back up. He leaned down and tried to help pick up the sheets but ended up yanking on the one underneath the maid’s feet and she went down again.

  Tayler watched as he reached down and helped the young girl back to her feet as the gaggle of socialites made comments from their seats.

  Mrs. Johnson grimaced. “Looks like Thomas hasn’t completely gotten over his old ways.”

  Cassidy laughed. “Poor guy.”

  The chef stood and set one of the twins down on the bench. “I left Chef Daniel in charge of dinner this evening, and while the break has been nice, I need to make sure he hasn’t made a mess of my kitchen.” She winked at Tayler. “Now, don’t you worry about a thing. It will all work out.”

  “Bye, Gamma!” A chubby little hand waved.

  “Bye-bye, my darlings. I will see you in a little bit.” She walked back to the hotel.

  Cassidy turned to Tayler. “I never divulge confidences, Tayler, and I don’t mean to start now, but just remember everyone has things from the past that trouble them. Thomas is no different. He’s going through a big transition in his life, having just graduated. You also went to college and graduated, if I remember right.”

  Tayler nodded. “I did.”

  “Well, then, you know how it can be. I would imagine after years of going to school and knowing exactly what was expected of you with classwork and such that after it came to an end, you were probably questioning the future.”

  Tayler was amazed by her insight. Could Cassidy know more about Tayler than she let on? No. That was silly. No one up here knew about her past. “I knew what I wanted to do, but I had already been warned that it was a very difficult field for women and that jobs would be scarce.”

  “I’m not sure what Thomas plans. I think he’s going through a time of trying to sort out the details. Everyone has to grow up and embrace the future, but that means leaving behind the old ways. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Let’s get together and chat again soon, but right now, I need to get these boys cleaned up.”

  “Thanks.” She watched the beautiful young mom walk away. Maybe she didn’t have anything to worry about. But then Mrs. Johnson’s words came back to her mind.

  “Looks like Thomas hasn’t completely gotten over his old ways.”

  Great. The thought hit her square in the face. Could Thomas be another Emerson? A man who played upon the affections of young ladies and used them to his advantage? Maybe he was even hired to do such a job or at least encouraged to carry on in such a way. Entice the women young and old to better enjoy their stay at the Curry. No doubt the gratuities he’d receive would be well worth his efforts. Hadn’t she been encouraged at Yellowstone to do the same?

  “Always make the tourists feel special, Miss Hale. They come here for excitement and adventure. Some might even hope for a little summer romance.” She remembered Mr. Cunningham’s words and shook her head.

  Tayler sighed. Thomas was certainly handsome enough for the job. Oh, it all made so much sense now. Of course he wouldn’t spend time talking to her or even befriending her. It made her sad to see the truth of it because she was hoping they could become friends.

  But Cassidy and
Mrs. Johnson thought very highly of Thomas. Allan too. In fact, it seemed that Thomas was beloved by most of the staff at the Curry. Could Thomas truly be a shallow cad and fool all of these people?

  She sighed again. It wasn’t worth getting hurt. Tayler decided then and there she’d just have to learn to work with him and keep him at a distance.

  “Guard your heart,” Dad had often advised after she’d learned the truth about Emerson. And so she would.

  13

  A breeze fluttered through his open window and pushed Thomas’s hair over his forehead. As he sat on his bed, embarrassment washed over him. He just had to knock Lucy down, and then to make everything worse, he’d knocked her down again. In front of an audience that included Tayler Hale.

  The past week had been really trying. While it had been a shock to meet the new guide and find out she was a woman, it was even worse that simply being in her presence was doing strange things to him. Anytime Tayler came near, he seemed to lose the ability to put his thoughts together.

  And she was really pretty too. Those thoughts invaded his mind on a regular basis.

  Now they were going to lead an excursion up Curry Ridge together. Could his life get any more difficult?

  The biggest problem right now was that Tayler thought he didn’t like her. She thought she had offended him and was kind enough to offer him a sincere apology.

  And what did I do?

  Nothing. He hadn’t even really responded to her apology. He’d made some comment about how Allan thought she’d done a good job. Why didn’t he just tell her she had no need to apologize—that she was proving her merit and that he . . . that he . . . What? That he liked her? That he spent way too much time thinking about her?

  He let out a moan. She thought he hated her, when the opposite was true. At first, yes, he hadn’t been sure of her abilities. But unlike Caroline, Tayler Hale had proven more than once to not only be knowledgeable about nature but sensible about it too. And the fact that Allan thought highly of her wasn’t lost on him.