"I'm afraid that if they don't see any personal gain, most people won't be in any hurry to do something inconvenient." Emeline shook her head. "I'm not sure who is on the council, but speaking for myself, it seems that most anyone who owns a business doesn't have time for that sort of thing. I'd run for council if I had time..." she grinned, "and the inclination. It's one thing to brandish a shotgun when thugs come to town, and quite another to argue with people who only have their self-interest in mind."
Of course, she might have more time after she was married, but even if she gave up the cafe, she'd be out at the ranch.
She suddenly chuckled. "I did hear about the meeting, and I'm a bit disappointed that I missed it! Granny Miggins can throw a mean punch, I'd wager!"
"Well, Emeline, you missed quite entertaining afternoon, I'll grant you that. I'm afraid it did not go anywhere near how I had envisioned it, what with the spiked punch that resulted in some of the most unladylike like behavior I believe I've ever seen in one place at one time!" Leah stated and then started laughing.
"My God, Poor Matthew Wentworth, having to shoot up his own place to restore order. I tell you, it was an afternoon I'll never forget, and, I'm afraid that as humorous as the afternoon was, it did me and the project no good at all, and that was what I had hoped for. Using the sensibilities of the ladies to intercede with their husbands about the merits of the project." Her laughter had faded, and it showed in her eyes, the sadness caused by the afternoon. Damage that was perhaps irreparable.
"I suppose that's true, you don't want to be a laughing stock, or have that appearance reflect on your projects." And the sad think was, the ones who would suffer in the long run were innocents, orphans wishing for a safe place to stay and people who were in need of medical care.
"Have you thought about using the paper?" she asked, "Talking to Mr. McVey about doing stories about people who would benefit from the services...people with names and stories, to show what the impact would be..." She shrugged. "Maybe talk to Dr. Danforth about how a hospital could have saved lives. I don't know of any orphans in town who don't have someone looking after them, but there were several from Whitefish who would have had an easier time if there had been an orphanage to look after them until we could find them homes."
Maybe it would put a different outlook on things if people started to think about it more personally.
"It's no secret that Doctors Danforth and Boone are involved with the project, tho Doctor Boone had to move to Columbia Falls, the Doctor there died suddenly, but he can still be counted on." She appeared a little downcast, "The sad part, as you point out, are those who are in need of longer term medical treatment, and in time, of course, the orphans."
"Our plan was, and is, to offer care to the people of Flathead County and that will require a hospital setting to accommodate those treatment needs that a town doctor is unable to provide. I mean, look at Doctor Danforth and what care he is able to provide. The man has turned his home into a small hospital when necessary. He does have a nurse, a trained, competent, nurse which is a blessing, while both would be better suited to work in a dedicated facility. I'm sorry, I do tend to go on about it." She smiled, and shook her head slightly.
"Of course you're passionate about it," Emeline said, shaking her head, "your causes are good, and without passion, the projects would likely just wither, considering the opposition you are up against." Without conviction, nothing was likely to happen. "There are plenty of people who would have been dissuaded by now, and that would be a pity. I don't know if I could stick with something like that, however noble the cause. Owning your own business is something else, more reliant on your skills and not other people...well, besides the customers, but that goes back to your own skill."
If you made an inferior product, no one would buy it, and you didn't have a business. But no council to have to please!
"You're welcome to come by for tea any time you need to blow off some steam," Emeline assured her, "and if you need a change of pace, there are always dishes that need doing or vegetables to chop!"
"Thank you so much. May I say, you set a fine table for a high tea, and perhaps it is something that should be done more often for the good ladies of this town. I don't blame them for the spiked punch, not one bit. I have discovered who the culprit was, and honestly, if there's no punch to spike, then a ladies tea would do wonders for the ladies hereabouts." She explained.
"We're out here, away from the refinements of the cities and the larger towns. Remember the dance, which actually seemed to be a genuine ball? You saw how the ladies responded, and the gentlemen as well. Certainly having, say, a quarterly tea, save for the winter months, divide it up from thaw to first frost. Or first snow fall. How does that sound to you?"
"That's a really good idea!" Nodding, Emeline smiled. "Saturday afternoons aren't very busy, so that might be a good time." Shutting down a few hours early wasn't going to make a significant impact on business, and besides, this was just a different sort of business. "And I really wouldn't mind the change of pace. Yes, it's cooking, but not the usual fare, and it will be something else Miss Redmond can learn...and she could benefit from rubbing elbows with some other ladies."
Not that that would all be positive, but even if there were disagreeable ladies there, it would be a good lesson for both Clara and Emeline, in how to diplomatically deal with bitches, and gently put them in their place without them even realizing that they had been insulted!
"A very good idea, even though there is much work involved, and I would be happy to lend a hand with whatever is needed. I was not pampered, my mother insisted I learn to cook and to bake, for which I am eternally grateful." Not that there was any love lost between her and her mother. Leah was happy that her mother finally broke away from her father.
"I might have suggested Sundays, however that might limit those women who would be able to come." She added. Nothing about the Hospital, though, of course, I would be willing to field questions about it, but nothing like the last debacle." And she laughed. " How wonderful that you are willing to take this on. It is something that will help connect the ladies of Kalispell, socially. And who knows what might come of that."
"I'd love to have your help in the kitchen," Emeline said with a grin. "And I've recently decided to close on Sundays so that I can spend more time with Barnabas, and that's something I enjoy!"
Laughing, she added, "As for trouble, there's a shotgun by the front door, and I'm not afraid to use it!" Of course, she didn't think that that sort of trouble would happen here, but she added, "I'll be sure to keep an eye on Granny Miggins when she's here, but it will be smaller and easier to keep track...and it won't be specifically offered as any sort of club or 'meeting'. If the conversation turns to specific topics..." she shrugged, "all the better! Oh! I can even invite a guest speaker...on any subject, it doesn't have to involve politics."
"I can jump right in, and would be glad to." She offered in response. "It's like being a prisoner most days. I mean especially with the uncertainty of what my father might attempt. Well, not him personally, but those that ride for him, if they are still willing to 'ride for the band,' as they say."
"You know, it would be grand to help out, meet with some of the ladies here in town. So, you just point in the direction you need me, and tell me what is to be done. Even say, Friday evening to prepare, only if you should think that necessary, of course." She added. Yes this would be enjoyable, and different than how she was currently living. "And if I don't hear a word regrading the hospital or the orphanage the afternoon will be well worth it."