by Regina Scott
“What have you heard?” she fumed.
He grimaced as he pulled off his hat, then went to tie Bess to the hitching post. “More than you should hear. Suffice it to say, your honor and the quality of the hotel are in question because you agreed to let us stay this winter. I’ll inform Captain Harris the arrangement is off.”
Her eyes narrowed. “No. This is ridiculous! You can’t tell me the other hotel owners wouldn’t welcome the opportunity to have the Army protect their property through the winter.”
“Most of the other hotel owners are men,” he pointed out.
“So, I’m to be deprived of the protection because I’m a woman?” She threw up her hands. “I won’t have it. We have an agreement, Lieutenant, and I expect the Army to honor it.”
He knew only one way to respond to such bravery. He stood tall and saluted her. “Ma’am.”
“At ease, Soldier,” she said, familiar twinkle starting in her eyes.
Will shook his head as he lowered his arm. “I can’t be at ease, Kate. I don’t like the idea that our presence could damage your livelihood.”
“It isn’t your presence. This is the fault of the Virginia City Outfitters. Can’t you see? They’re spreading rumors to stop people from staying at the Geyser Gateway. You heard the lodge keeper last night. My place is rough. I lost guests this afternoon because someone convinced them to try the Fire Hole instead. As if the Geyser Gateway was in any way inferior.”
“Smith overheard the guests claiming your inn was fit only to be barracks,” Will admitted.
Her face darkened even as her lips tightened. “Oh, how scurrilous! The Army should be so fortunate as to have barracks this fine.”
“No arguments there. Are you sure you want us here all winter?”
“Yes,” she insisted. “And it won’t be long now. Elijah and the other drivers are out of the park by October first. One or two private parties might come in by horseback or wagon in early October, but by Halloween, we’ll be snowed in.”
Hard to imagine those heated pools surrounded by white mounds. “Sounds like Yellowstone has three seasons—July, August, and winter.”
She laughed. “See how well you know the place?”
“I’m learning,” Will said. “And I wouldn’t have half this knowledge without your help.”
“Everyone needs help sometimes.”
“Even you?”
She climbed to the porch and sat on a bench, and it struck him that this was one of the few times he’d ever seen her still on purpose. He came to join her, and they sat a moment, watching the play of water across the geyser field. Much as he hated to admit it, Smith was right. It was an excellent vantage point. He could see clear across to the pines beyond.
“I need help,” she said, so quietly that her words were just audible over the plop of mud and hiss of steam. “You saw me the other day with the bear. If you hadn’t been there, Danny or I might have been mauled.”
“The bear didn’t look all that interested in charging,” Will demurred.
She knit her fingers together in the lap of her blue gown. “I thought I’d be fine, that I’d lived here long enough to know how to handle myself around animals. But look what happened. One glimpse, and I panicked.” She nodded out onto the field, where the waters of one of the pools trembled a moment before shooting into the sky, crystal and bright. “Toby’s death made me feel like that geyser, uncontrolled, unable to control. I don’t know what I should have done differently, how I should have reacted.” Her voice vibrated with confusion, pain.
“I suspect anyone could feel that way after someone they love dies,” Will allowed.
She shook her head. “My parents died when Toby and I still lived in Boston. Influenza. I mourned them, missed them terribly. This is different.”
He wanted to take her in his arms, but he settled on shifting closer to her on the bench. “What happened?”
She drew in a shaky breath. “We heard a noise out back one night, and we both went down to investigate. I could see it out the kitchen window—a huge grizzly rummaging around in the trash pit behind the hotel. We generally bury our waste, what the chickens don’t eat, but it was toward the end of a busy summer, and the waste had gotten away from us.”
Will nodded, letting the words flow out of her like steam from a geyser, hoping the very act of talking might relieve some of the pressure.
“Toby kept saying the poor bear was hungry. It probably was. Why else root through the garbage? I tried to tell him we didn’t need to help it, but he insisted on taking out some of the brisket that was left from dinner.” She paused to wipe at her cheeks. “Toby rarely listened to me. He did what he wanted, when he wanted. So he walked out to feed that bear. It went after the food, or maybe Toby—I don’t know. I just remember screaming and screaming.” She dropped her head, chest heaving.
Will put his arm about her back, and her head tipped onto his shoulder as if the memory had exhausted her. He could feel her trembling.
“There was nothing you could do,” he told her. “You said yourself he wouldn’t listen. If you had gone out after him, you might have been mauled too.”
“I should have brought a rifle,” she protested. “I should have thrown something from the kitchen. Elijah did. He heard my screams. So did Caleb. They both came running. They scared the bear away. But it was too late. Toby was gone. I couldn’t save him.”
She sucked in a breath, shuddering, and he just held her. What more could he say? He knew that feeling of helplessness, of wanting more than anything to change the past. But nothing would bring Danny’s father back. And nothing would bring back those he had wronged.
She straightened away from him, raising her head to show tears gleaming on her cheeks. “Thank you.”
He pulled back his arm, for all a part of him demanded he leave it right where it had been. “Just doing my duty, ma’am.”
That won a chuckle from her. “Ah yes. I’m sure they cover that in cavalry training—caring for your horse, shooting a rifle while charging, comforting widows.”
“Always was partial to the last,” Will said.
She nudged him with her shoulder. “Well, don’t become too enamored of it. I don’t require comforting often.”
No, she didn’t. Already she was gathering her composure, tucking away the pain the same way she tucked up her riding skirt.
“I don’t imagine you do,” he said.
She rose from the bench. “I promised Pansy I’d help her finish making the beds. I should go. Was there anything else you needed?”
To stand at your side.
The words hovered on his lips, begged to be uttered. But he didn’t have that right.
Could he earn it?
No denying the hope that surged up at the thought. He hadn’t had a home, a family other than the Army, in more than a decade. Since Oregon, he’d never let himself dream of more. But he could see himself here, beside her, protecting the park, protecting her, teaching Danny to be a man.
A finer man than he’d ever been.
“No,” he made himself say. “I’m glad you’re still willing to allow us to stay the winter. I’ll help, however I can.”
Because maybe then he might be worthy of a place in her life.
14
Will was offering his usual help, but Kate found herself yearning for more, like a shoot craved the first drop of spring rain.
She forced herself to step back from him. “Are you going to patrol now?”
“Might as well, since I’m here.” He slipped his hat back onto his head and tugged down at it. “Care to join me?”
Not feeling the way she did at the moment. She could imagine her hand slipping into his, their steps matching as they wandered the wonders, heads close together. Dangerous. Too dangerous.
“No, thank you,” she said. “Elijah is due in soon. I want to see what he’s heard about these rumors.”
He nodded. She watched him as he descended the stairs and headed for the geysers
, his walk purposeful, confident. If only she had similar confidence in her feelings. She turned for the hotel and went to help Pansy.
Making the beds, however, failed entirely to take her mind off the scene on the veranda. What was it about Will? Once more, she’d all but tumbled into his arms as she’d unburdened herself. Had those feelings festered since Toby’s death? She hadn’t realized she’d fallen into the trap.
If only, if only.
“If only wishes were horses, beggars would ride,” she muttered to herself as she tucked in a sheet.
“Beg pardon?” Pansy asked, plumping a pillow.
“Just thinking out loud,” Kate said.
Of course she’d wanted to help Toby that night. But the truth was, there had been nothing she could have done, much as she wished it otherwise. Will was right—if she had gone out after Toby, Danny could well have lost both parents. Terror had kept her rooted in the kitchen, watching the scene unfold before her. But that terror had saved her life and given her a chance to raise her son. She’d been carrying the guilt too long. Time to let it go.
She drew in a breath. “Where should I send word for you to return, Pansy?”
“I’ll be staying with my sister in Virginia City,” the older maid answered. “And I’d welcome hearing from you.” She straightened her back and glanced around. “There’s nothing like the Geyser Gateway.”
No, there wasn’t. If only Kate could help the park guests see that.
She and Pansy were putting sheets on the last bed when she heard the rumble of hooves that heralded the stage’s arrival. Leaving Pansy to finish, she hurried out onto the veranda.
Only one couple exited the coach, the husband handing his wife down. As Caleb came to take charge of the horses, Elijah jumped to the ground to usher the two toward the hotel.
“What did I tell you?” he declared with a wave of his gauntleted hand. “Nicest inn in the park. And here’s Mrs. Tremaine, the owner, to greet you.”
Kate smoothed down her bodice and put on her best smile. “Welcome to the Geyser Gateway. We have a room ready just for you.”
The woman, a buxom blonde who looked to be about Kate’s age, gowned in a cream walking dress whose hem was dotted with the orange of a geyser field, glanced over to where Will was just finishing his sweep. “Do we have to share the sleeping room with soldiers?”
By the tone of the question, Kate couldn’t tell whether she thought it a good idea or a poor one.
“No soldiers are staying at present,” Kate assured her. “And every family is given its own room, a suite if there are children.”
The husband, a tall man with raven hair waved back from his forehead, put a hand on his wife’s elbow and narrowed his eyes. “How much?”
By the time Kate had finished explaining the costs, the meals, and the rules, she had them registered, and Pansy was standing by to escort them to their room. Elijah brought in their bags.
“Thank you,” Kate said when he returned to the salon. “I understand they aren’t the first ones expressing concerns about the Geyser Gateway.”
Elijah shook his head. “Rumors are flying faster than my horses’ hooves. Is it true? Are you going to house the Army?”
“Only this winter and only Lieutenant Prescott’s detachment,” Kate assured him. “No guests will be inconvenienced. And the Lower Geyser Basin will still have all its glories come spring.”
He nodded. “I’ll let my passengers know.”
“Maybe put in a good word with the other drivers?” Kate suggested.
He chuckled. “Most of them like working with the Yellowstone Park Association too much to bring their riders to other hotels. And a few are hoping the Virginia City Outfitters will pay better. But don’t you worry, Mrs. Tremaine. I’m not about to accept their offer.”
Kate clutched his arm. “The Virginia City Outfitters made you an offer?”
“Second one this month.”
She dropped her hand. “Oh, Elijah. Can I match it?”
His smile flashed. “Doubtful. But neither can they. They may like to pretend all is well, but they haven’t managed to buy up a single lease. How are they going to pay with no beds to bring in income? You pay, and you pay reliably. And you treat me better than most. That counts with me.”
The new couple, who Kate had learned were the Weatherbys, came down the corridor.
“How long do the geysers run?” Mrs. Weatherby asked.
“All day and into the night,” Kate assured her. “Just stay on the path as I explained.”
They ventured out onto the veranda.
“Thank you,” she said to Elijah as the Weatherbys descended the steps. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Miss your mail and all the good stories,” Elijah said with a laugh. “Nothing for you in the mail today, by the way, but I heard something else you might want to know. Lieutenant Kingman has been recalled. He leaves in about two weeks.”
Kate stiffened. “Daniel Kingman has done more to build the roads in Yellowstone than most of the superintendents combined. Who’s replacing him?”
“I expect we’ll find out come spring,” Elijah said. “I’m sorry to see him go too. Any road he built is built to last.”
Kate cocked her head. “Do you expect to see him before he leaves?”
“He was up at Norris inspecting the changes there,” he supplied. “You want to get word to him?”
“Yes. I’ll write a formal note for you to take, but I’d like to invite him and his staff to dine before he goes. It’s the least we can do to thank him for all he’s given to the park.”
“You write that note, I’ll see it delivered,” Elijah promised. His dark eyes sparkled. “You going to invite your lieutenant too?”
“Lieutenant Prescott is not mine,” Kate informed him, but her cheeks were heating.
Elijah pursed his lips. “So, I should ignore the rumor that he’s courting you.”
“Absolutely,” Kate said. “He’s helping at the inn, and I’m helping guide him around the basin. That’s all.”
“If you say so,” Elijah replied. “But he looks mighty intent for a man only interested in a guide.” He nodded over Kate’s shoulder. Turning, she saw Will coming into the hotel.
He removed his hat and nodded to Elijah before focusing on Kate. “Your new guests asked me about Fairy Falls. Have I seen that yet?”
No, because the route traveled perilously close to her and Danny’s special spot. But Elijah was watching her, and she didn’t dare mention her concerns.
“No,” Kate said brightly. “It’s a little ways from the hotel. You hadn’t planned to stay more than one night, had you, Elijah?”
“No, ma’am,” he said. “We are on a schedule. Norris tomorrow, then Mammoth Hot Springs and Cinnabar. And I’m taking Ida and Sarah with us.”
That’s right. She’d be down two staff shortly. “Then I guess the Weatherbys will have to miss seeing Fairy Falls.”
“If the spot is well known,” Will persisted, “I should see it.”
“Maybe you should ask your guide,” Elijah said with a look to Kate.
Will was watching her too.
Kate made herself smile. “Danny and I can take you there sometime. When Elijah hasn’t brought me more guests.”
Elijah laughed. “And that’s my cue to go. I think I’ll ask Alberta about dinner.” He nodded to Will. “Lieutenant.”
Will nodded back. “Mr. Freeman.”
Elijah turned for the kitchen, and Will looked to Kate.
“Everything all right?”
Had he caught the interplay with Elijah? No way was she telling him about the rumor that she and Will were courting. But she should tell him about the other.
“Everything’s fine,” Kate assured him. “But Elijah had heard about the Army staying here too. I think Mrs. Weatherby also knew.”
He winced. “Maybe we should call things off.”
Not on her life. “No,” she insisted. “You’re staying with
us this winter. But I have a lot to do before then, so perhaps we can take our trip to Fairy Falls in a week or two.”
He frowned. “But I thought you said snow could be falling in a few weeks.”
It could. But that would mean she didn’t have to take a chance that he would find the meadow before spring. “Ah, well. There’s always next year.”
The kitchen door banged as Danny ran out. He dashed through the dining room and to her side.
“Is it true?” he asked, glancing from Kate to Will and back. “We’re going to Fairy Falls?”
She looked from one hopeful face to another.
Why not? something urged inside. What do you have to lose?
Kate sighed. “I guess so. We’ll leave tomorrow, right after Lieutenant Prescott makes his morning sweep.”
Will gave her the smile that warmed her heart, then turned to Danny. “In the meantime, let’s break out that ball and bat and see if they’re up to your arm.”
Danny’s eyes brightened.
The next morning dawned gray and thick. Despite her happy memory of Will and Danny behind the inn, tossing the ball and practicing with the bat, Kate felt a foreboding as heavy as the clouds. It didn’t help that Sarah and Ida had left on Elijah’s stage out of the park. Only Ida had looked tearful as she waved goodbye. Kate would have more work with them gone, and she had to keep Will away from the terrain she’d sworn to protect. Yet it seemed wrong, as if she shouldn’t be hiding things from him.
Danny had no concerns. He chattered all the way through breakfast.
“Perhaps we should make the acquaintance of these Fairy Falls as well,” Mrs. Pettijohn declared as she dug into a second helping of biscuits and gravy.
“It sounds lovely,” her sister agreed, forking up a dainty mouthful. “But perhaps a bit too far of a jaunt. Besides, we wouldn’t want to leave Mr. Jones without company.” She fluttered her silver lashes at the frontiersman.
Mr. Jones shoved back his chair. “I’m more interested in seeing the famous animals of Yellowstone. Do you have any idea where to find antelope? Elk? Buffalo?”
“I do not,” Mrs. Pettijohn informed him.
Kate wasn’t about to answer.
