As he walked down the stairs to the lobby, Walter adjusted his coat and looked over to the desk to see who had rung the bell. He had been upstairs, helping Widow Jenkins who claimed that her window was stuck and wouldn't come down. By the time he realised that this had been a ruse to get him to come into the room, he was at her mercy. Widow Jenkins was a woman, in her late fifties, who travelled to Kalispell a few times a year to visit her daughter, who was married to a local farmer. The problem was that every time she came to town, she would try her hardest to get him into a compromising situation and he was having none of that. Thankfully, the bell on the desk ringing was the excuse he needed to make a quick exit. There was no way he was going to lose his job on the account of an overly amorous guest.
Seeing no-one at the desk, he scanned the room and saw a dark-haired, young woman standing looking a bit lost. Now, she was more his type. Putting on his best smile, he walked behind her the desk and greeted her.
As soon as he had finished, the woman was joined by someone else he didn't expect to see here. Not knowing what to make of the situation, he turned to her, "Good evening, Mrs. Steelgrave."
Storyteller / Shared NPC
"Good evening, Mrs. Steelgrave."
Elinor paused, “Good evening. I’ll need a room for the night, no sense in trying to get to the Evergreen tonight. My daughter, as you know, is in our suite, so anything will suffice.” She deplored night travel through open country, especially if there was another option. And the Belle S. Regis was a perfect option, even if she did not have the suite, all the other amenities were available.
"So I would assume there is still plenty of time to be seated for supper? She asked, the pangs of hunger evident as she asked the question. The food at the hotel was always superb, Missus Thornton-Carlton and I will be having dinner as soon as our check in is complete."
As Sarah watched the desk clerk deal with Elinor's requests, she got the impression that the man was a little bit intimidated. She didn't quite understand why Elinor would make the feel this way but she did remember what Elinor had told her about her family. Maybe that had something to do with it.
She heard Elinor say the man's name during their conversation, so when it was her to sign the ledger, she smiled at him, hoping that he would feel more at ease. After signing, the ledger, she wanted to get some help with her luggage, "Mr. Simpson, my luggage is outside on the landing where the stagecoach driver left, could you please get someone to take it up to my room."
As soon as she had described what her trunk looked like, Simpson smiled and said that it would be taken care off. He seems to be more than eager to help her in any way that he could and remarked upon this. Sarah smiled in return and thanked him, before turning her attention back to Elinor.
"I suppose we may as well go in and find a place to sit. The desk clerk said that there would be plenty to choose from."
Storyteller / Shared NPC
“Yes, I had seen that we al most have our choice of tables this evening.” Elinor agreed. “There are times like this where the dinner hour finds the place al but empty. It is a fair bit above what most locals can afford, at least on a regular basis.” She sped a table away from Leah and the doctor. “How about that one?”
There seemed no sense in engaging with her daughter who could be bull headed and argumentative, a gift from Elias. There seemed no reason to subject Sarah to the family dis-function, not that she wouldn't learn about it soon enough. Actually, she liked the woman and was regretful at the dynamics between the two families which would eventually impact any friendship that might be forged. Although Elinor realized she would not be long for Evergreen or the area.
It's not a question of who's right. It's a question of what's right.
Matt had been in the bar area talking to one of the local townsman, when the front desk bell rang. After making his excuses, he had gone over but stopped short when he saw Walter arrive to take care of whoever had rang it. When he saw that it woman, and a very beautiful one at, he became he intrigued. He became even more interested when the woman was joined by Elinor Steelgrave. The two of them seemed to be familiar with each other. The mystery woman was either a friend of the family or a relative and that in itself gave him just cause to go and introduce himself. Anyone associated with the Steelgraves might be prove to be useful.
When the two ladies had finished checking in, they began to make their way to the restaurant. Seeing Elinor pointing out a table and the mystery woman agreeing to the choice, he decided to make his move.
Going up to the ladies, he smiled, "Good evening, Mrs. Steelgrave."
Storyteller / Shared NPC
“Good evening Mister Wentworth, may I present a recent acquaintance, Missus Sarah Thornton-Carlton, this is Mister Matthew Wentworth, the owner of this hotel.” Elinor introduced. "She’s here from San Francisco to visit Shade.”
It just seemed so easy to be pleasant instead of her usual curt behavior. In fact she was beginning to enjoy it. The idea that within days she would be free of this place, of the Evergreen, Elias and even her children, gave her cause to be elated. Elation changes ones outlook to be sure.
It's not a question of who's right. It's a question of what's right.
"A pleasure to meet you Mrs. Thornton-Carlton." Matt smiled, "I welcome you to the Belle-St. Regis. If you have need of anything just let me know."
Sarah nodded, "Thank you, Mr. Wentworth. At the moment, our need is to have a good meal. The trip here was long and it's been some time since we've had something to eat."
"Well, then by all means. I'll will escort you both to the best table in the house, which by chance happens to be free." Matt offered both of his arms to the ladies and escorted them both to the table.
After they were seated, he motioned to one of the waiters. "May, I recommended the roast chicken. Our chef has outdone himself tonight. I will also like to offer you both a complimentary glass of our house wine."
"I think that will be fine, don't you Elinor?" Sarah asked her new friend.
As Matt waited for Elinor to answer, he wondered how on earth a Thornton and Steelgrave seemed to be at ease with each other considering the bad blood between. Either Mrs. Thornton-Carlton didn't know the full story or she didn't care. However, it was not his place to tell her truth, her cousin Shade would have that honour.
Storyteller / Shared NPC
Elinor smiled,”Yes, yes it does, and it’s been far too long since we had decent meals or accommodations.” Adding, “You’re too kind Mister Wentworth. Your hospitality is most appreciated. A glass of good wine will be wonderful.”
It was so close now, freedom and a new life were just within reach. A few things to tie up and she would be on her way, far from the Evergreen, out of reach to Elias Steelgrave, there was a sense of relief even if she was not yet removed from Montana, soon it would be an unpleasant memory .
Sarah stifled a yawn as she listened to Elinor's remarks. Her yawn had not gone unnoticed by Mr. Wentworth and she quickly apologised, "I'm sorry. It's been a long trip and I'm starting to feel it."
Matt nodded, "That's understandable. Kalispell is not an easy place to get to."
"I agree but this was a trip I had to make." She was beginning to think that she should rest up for a day or two before going to visit her cousin. A thought then struck her that she should first let Shade know that she was here before turning up unannounced at his home.
"Could you tell me how far away is Lost Lake Ranch is? I can't even remember if the town was here the last time I came as it has been over 16 years, so I am a bit confused."
Matt told her how far it was, and she sighed. It was indeed some distance and it could take some time to send word. There was nothing for it but to go there tomorrow or the day after and hope for the best. She looked at both Elinor and Matt. "Will either of you be able to recommend someone that I can buy or rent a buggy from?"