Posted November 2, 2018
"A wonderful suggestion." Smiling, Jonah offered his arm as they headed for the buggy. "Now that you mention it, I do find that I am craving lovely scenery!" He laughed. "And a good picnic would be welcome as well."
He helped her up, then climbed in beside her. "I do look forward to seeing more of the environs, I'll need to know my way around some, and I can't think of anyone better to show me."
Honestly, the scenery didn't mean much, a tree was a tree, but it was true that he needed to at least have a passing knowledge of the roads and what was where so he had some orientation when he was needed. Besides, the company was charming!
Posted November 5, 2018
When they reached the buggy, Harriet stepped up and settled on the passenger side. "The best way to learn your way around is to walk it, ride it, or drive it yourself." She confidently handed him the reins. Rory was a well-mannered horse and not the handful to drive that her teams were.
"This home is just south of the town proper and on the west side of Main Street. Its location is one of the many reasons that I thought it might suit you." Harriet pointed at the road, "Kalispell's Main Street is also the main trail south to Missoula and north to Whitefish." It was hard to keep the disdain from her voice when mentioning Whitefish. Her dislike of the Thorntons was tightly linked to her loathing of their pet lawyer.
"Jonah, I am going to offer an unsolicited piece of advice," Harriet turned to look at him. "If you are ever in need of legal help, come to me or go to anyone other than Carson Tyndall. He is a very well-known and powerful attorney, but he is on the Steelgraves' payroll. He represents their interests, not his client's." Jonah might as well learn about some of the undersides of the region as well. Sooner or later, Jonah would find himself treating the victims of Steelgrave justice. It was best that he be made aware of some of the local tensions before getting comfortable in the town.
Posted November 11, 2018
Jonah wasn't too good on keeping his souths from his wests, but he did know where Missoula was from here, so that would give him a frame of reference, and she was right, being on the edge of town kept the building from the main bustle while still being close to the action.
"Well, I don't plan in needing an attorney any time soon, unless you know something I don't?" He snapped the lines and the horse moved out at a brisk pace. "Tell me about this 'Steelgrave? I've heard the name, but it seems to be requisite to spit it out. I take it the man isn't well-liked in town?" That wasn't uncommon, especially in these smaller towns. Some puffed-up blowhard had the notion that he was the be-all to end-all, and just made life miserable for everyone.
Posted November 14, 2018
Harriet pointed toward where the road split and continued to the west of town. It also led to the boundary of Lost Lake Ranch which was her destination. She wanted to show Jonah one of her favorite places, a quiet forest glade next to the Chogun River. Giving the driving directions also let her consider how much to tell him about the Steelgraves.
"Two of the largest ranches in the area are Lost Lake Ranch which is owned by the Thornton family and Evergreen Ranch, owned by the Elias Steelgrave." Harriet made the distinction in the ownership on purpose. "There are other large spreads, but those two are the biggest and share a border."
How could she explain Elias Steelgrave without bringing the volatile history of both families into the conversation? Unconsciously, Harriet settled into her court-presentation voice. "The Steelgrave family started out in Missouri. They were and still are quite prominent in the northeast. Elias settled in Missoula in the early 1860s and established the family's western headquarters there. I have heard rumors of illicitly trafficked goods with various Indian tribes. How he did it is unclear, but he quadrupled the family's holdings and fortunes."
"Elias' goal was - or is - to take over this territory. He has stated a willingness to do whatever it takes to expand his empire. Right now, there are some obstacles to his plans here in Kalispell. Scott Cory, our town marshal, is an honest and upstanding man who believes in the rule of law. However, Elias' son, Case Steelgrave, has made himself town marshal in Whitefish - not a good situation." Harriet paused in her narrative. "The bad blood between the Thorntons and Steelgraves started from the moment Elias set his sites on the Chogun Valley. It certainly worsened when Shade Thornton killed Calvin Steelgrave in a gunfight thirteen years ago." Her voice trailed off, "Elias is not a man to cross swords with lightly. He and his entire family feel they have a right to run this region."
Posted November 21, 2018
"No one has the right to run anything he doesn't own," Jonah observed, shaking his head. "I try to steer clear of politics, but sometimes that just isn't possible." At least he was forewarned, although he'd never let politics or disagreements stand in the way of caring for a patient. "Never did understand the lust for so much power...takes too much effort to get it and even more to keep it. And it makes everyone around you miserable. I just want to be comfortable with what I have and not worry about someone wanting to kill me to get it!"
Of course, the less work it took to get what you wanted, the better! "I'll mind myself if I go to Whitefish, or just steer clear altogether. It's pretty enough here to keep a man in place!"
Posted January 11, 2019
Conversation lagged for a bit as Harriet directed Jonah to the spot she had chosen for their picnic. It was a small wooded grove next to the one of the quieter pools on the Chogun River. The water still moved fast enough that it would be treacherous should one fall in. There was also deep rapids further down the river. She got their blanket spread out while brought the large picnic baskets over.
Once they were settled with food served and wine poured, Harriet leaned back on her hands and let her gaze roam over the area. A breeze ruffled the leaves of the towering aspens and river birch making it sound as if they were whispering to one another. The sound of the water flowing over the rocks on the north side of the pool was soothing. It was a beautiful setting, showcasing some of the best of Montana's natural beauty.
Harriet took a sip of her wine before turning her eyes to Jonah, "I never felt at home in Savannah, Boston or San Francisco. When I took that first job for Chance and Regina Thornton, I felt as if I had come home. It is time I consider opening my own office in town. It is time to give Carson Tyndall some competition."
Posted January 12, 2019
"It really is beautiful here," Jonah commented, looking around , but his eyes settled on her. He was more of a city man, preferring to be lost in the hustle of the crowds, but he had to admit that for the circumstances, this was really nice, and the company was exceptional.
"I agree whole-heartedly, you should start up your own business...in fact," he paused a moment to be sure his idea was viable, "you should consider going in on me with the property. There's plenty of room, and it would save money..."
Posted January 18, 2019
Harriet considered Jonah's offer. It was tempting. The property was certainly large enough that she could add on her office without disturbing his living space. It would take a bit of work, but she had never minded getting her hands dirty. Also, it was not like she would be in the office on a daily basis. It was too far to travel back and forth from the ranch and she was not ready to move into town yet. There were too many potential issues at the ranch.
"It is...or would be...doable," Harriet said, her voice quiet and musing. "I was only planning on holding office hours a couple of days per week. I still have a great deal of responsibility for the Thornton twins' inheritance."
She turned her eyes to Jonah, "There is not much work out here for a lady attorney. It would alleviate some of the financial difficulties involved in setting up a new medical practice as well."
A place to stay in town would not be a huge issue either. Harriet had leased a suite at the Belle-St. Regis in the past. There was also the option of the boarding house or finding a small cottage.
"If you are sure, then I accept," Harriet said finally.
Posted January 25, 2019
"I know it would certainly help me," Jonah answered, "since I know that I'll likely be paid in milk and eggs for the most part, so any chance to save real money would be welcome." He smiled and nodded as he munched on lunch. "We can stop by on the way back and look over the property again, to be certain it will suit our needs, but I do think it would benefit us both." And besides, he could do with seeing the charming young woman on a regular basis.
Posted January 31, 2019
Harriet gave a firm nod of approval. Leaning forward, she snagged a piece of fried chicken out of the basket. Pulling off a piece of the meat, she nibbled on it and then a bite of cheese.
"With my sister on her way to Boston to study medicine - I think she would love to meet you should she decide to come back west - it is time for me to dispose of my property in San Francisco." Harriet looked past the tumbling river to the towering peaks of the Chogun Mountain range that cradled Lost Lake Ranch in their embrace. She felt no pull of melancholy at the thought of leaving California for good. "I can see my west coast clients in their offices should the need arise."
Her gray eyes lightened with humor, "I am also a fair hand with a hammer, saw, and nails."