20

The larger she grew with this baby, the lower Cassidy sank into the bed. She was pretty sure it would have a permanent indentation from her time of bed rest.

Shaking her head, she pushed up with her arms to sit higher.

Allan walked in with her dad. “Good evening, my darling. How are you feeling?”

“Large.”

Dad chuckled.

Allan came over and kissed her cheek. “But you’re beautiful as ever.”

“I’m glad you think so.” Cassidy put her embroidery aside. “Tell me about the fire. I’ve been hearing different stories all day.”

“Coal dust got into an overheated engine and it blew. The fire is contained now, no one was hurt, and Mr. Bradley is already talking to the railroad executives about moving the power plant out of the engine house when they rebuild.” Allan was good at being concise. She’d give him that.

“Mrs. Johnson told me that a lot of the workers were worried. Because we’re so remote, they were afraid a fire could spread and burn down everything before anyone could come help.”

Dad came over and patted her hand. “That’s true. But we’ve had some good discussions downstairs. When they rebuild, they’re talking of more water lines and fire hydrants to help in case of another fire.”

“That sounds like a good idea.” Cassidy crossed her arms over her growing middle. It made a nice shelf. “And how is the new annex coming along? I heard that the bunkhouse is done and all the cottages.”

“It’s fine.” Dad shrugged. “But I thought you’d be more excited to know that your cottage is ready, and as soon as the doctor says we can move you, you’ll have your own home.”

She looked at Allan. “Really?”

“Yes.” His smile exploded on his face and he leaned down to hug her. “But we will wait to see what the doctor says, right?”

She huffed. “All right.” Looking down at her belly, she spoke to it, a common habit now. “You behave yourself in there and promise to wait until it’s time to make your appearance, little one.”

“It will all be worth it in the end.” Dad leaned over the other side of the bed and kissed the top of her head. “I better get back down to the agent’s office. Now that they have the new gas car to take people to the Willow and Montana Creeks, we can barely keep up with the scheduling.”

“Love you, Dad. Thanks for stopping by.” Cassidy turned back to her husband. “You don’t have to go too, do you?”

“Not for a few minutes. But since you’re laid up, we’ve had to let Mrs. Johnson have Thomas two days a week. It makes for an interesting time—we’ve gotten spoiled with all his help.”

She tapped the mattress with her hand. “Fiddlesticks, I forgot to ask Dad something.”

“What is it? Maybe I can help?”

“Collette was in here earlier. I was wondering if maybe he had some time to spend with her brother. He needs . . . something.”

“We did discuss this earlier. Jean-Michel has to be willing to receive help.”

“I think maybe he is now. Collette said he was asking her questions she didn’t feel she could answer.”

Allan kissed her hand. “Always out to help the hurting, aren’t you, darling? If I recall, you’ve always cheered on the underdog.” He leaned back. “I love that about you.”

“I love you too.” Even after two years of marriage, the looks he gave her could still make her blush. “You’ll ask Dad?”

“Yes, I’ll ask him. I think Mr. Langelier is scheduled to go on the hike up to Regalvista later this week.” He leaned in to kiss her. “I hate to leave you, but I have to get back to work.”

He tasted like coffee and chocolate cake. “I know.” She licked her lips. “Would you have someone bring me a piece of chocolate cake? I suddenly have a hankering for it.”

Just then the door burst open. “I’ve absolutely had it with that man!” Mrs. Johnson declared as she came into the room with a plate of cake and glass of milk.

“Look, darling, ask and it shall be given.” Allan grinned at the sheepish-looking Mrs. Johnson. “She was just asking me to get someone to bring her a piece of cake.”

“I’m sorry for my outburst.” She hurried to Cassidy’s side. “I thought you could use some milk to drink—strengthen the baby—and I thought it might go down better with a piece of cake.”

“Well, you two gals have fun settling the problems of the world.” Allan gave a casual salute before exiting the room.

Mrs. Johnson went to the door and closed it. “I can’t work with that Scotsman!”

“What’s the matter now?” Cassidy picked up the fork and dug into the cake. Oh, but it was good!

“He’s rearranged my kitchen. My kitchen!” Mrs. Johnson paced at the end of the bed. “The nerve of that man to tell me he was just trying to set it up to be more practical and efficient.”

Cassidy washed down the cake with some milk. She dabbed her mouth with a napkin, then asked, “And was it?”

Mrs. Johnson frowned. “Was it what?”

“More practical and efficient?”

The older woman’s face reddened. “That’s not the point.”

Cassidy giggled. “Sorry.” She turned her attention back to the cake.

“I can’t have a total stranger waltzing into my kitchen and making changes. I can’t even find half of my ingredients. He says they’re in perfect order and clearly labeled, but there’s nothing either perfect or clear about it.” She plopped down on the chair by Cassidy’s bed.

“So change it back.”

Mrs. Johnson looked at her like she’d lost her mind. “I haven’t got the time. I’m already meeting myself coming and going.”

“I guess you miss me.” Cassidy took another bite.

“Oh, Cassidy Faith, you’re exasperating. I don’t know what to do with him. He’s capable—there’s no doubt about it, but he even suggested I change the recipe for my rolls. I want to haul off and slug him a good one.”

Cassidy couldn’t contain her laughter. “If you do . . . please let me know when.”

Mrs. Johnson looked at her with an odd expression. “What? What are you talking about?”

“If you decide you’re going to hit him—let me know first.”

“Why? So you can risk life and limb to come down and try to stop me?”

“No. See, there’s a bet going on with the kitchen staff and some of the laundry girls as to how long it’ll be until you lose your patience and wallop him. I just want to know so I can place my bet and win.”

Mrs. Johnson’s mouth dropped open, and without another word she got up and went to open the door. She turned back and shook her head. “And I thought I might get a little sympathy here.”

Cassidy raised her glass toward the woman. “Remember where you told me to look for sympathy.”

Mrs. Johnson rolled her eyes and muttered, “In the dictionary.”

JULY 20

Collette had an idea and was on a mission. Maybe if she could get Katherine to spend some time with Cassidy, she could see how happy a married couple could be. Then Jean-Michel could heal, they could get married, and they could all have their happily-ever-after.

After traipsing all over the hotel, she finally found Katherine in the dining room with her grandmother.

“Good morning, Collette.” Mrs. Harrison smiled and waved.

“Bonjour. How lucky to find you two this morning.” She bounced on her toes. “I have an idea for today and was hoping you’d like to come with me to visit Mrs. Brennan.”

“Who, dear?” The older woman tilted her head.

“Mrs. Brennan—she’s the chef’s assistant—except right now she’s laid up in her room because she’s with child. Her husband and father are the expedition guides.”

Mrs. Harrison glanced at Katherine. “Well, we normally don’t spend a lot of time with the staff—”

Katherine laughed. “Oh, Grandmother, the times are changing. I’ve never known you to act this way.”

Collette found her opportunity. “She’s a lovely person, and has been a friend to me. You would both like her very much, and since she’s confined, I’m afraid she’s quite lonely.” Well, maybe that wasn’t the whole truth, but it might help her cause. “I’ve even been teaching her a little French to keep her mind off things.”

“It would be lovely to meet this friend of yours, Collette.” Katherine stood.

Mrs. Harrison sipped her tea. “Why don’t you two go on without me? I think I’ll enjoy the morning with a good book.”

Collette wrapped her arm around Katherine’s and they headed out of the dining room. “You’ll love Cassidy.”

“I’m sure I will. And I apologize for my grandmother. She’s been a little on edge lately.” The woman hesitated. “How is your brother?”

“He’s resting. The doctor said it might take a few days for him to recover from all the smoke he inhaled, but I think he’s doing very well. He’ll probably come down for dinner this evening. Thomas comes to help him with his exercises every day and you can tell that Jean-Michel is getting . . . how do you say it . . . hmmm . . . antsy.”

Katherine laughed. “I can imagine. Please tell him that we’ve been praying for him.”

“I will. Merci.”

“Has he been having nightmares?”

“Oui. A lot more than before, but I guess that it is to be expected with the events of the fire. He was actually getting better. I think being away from home really helped him.” She watched Katherine’s face carefully and noted the worry there. “But the doctor says that he will heal and they will go away in time.” Again, she hadn’t told the whole truth. No need to worry Katherine further by telling her about Jean-Michel’s violence as she tried to calm him after his terrors. Hopefully, God would forgive her. Wasn’t she doing the right thing by her brother by helping him?

“Well, we will just have to help him recover from the memories, won’t we?” Katherine shot her a big smile.

Collette knew she liked this woman. She was perfect for Jean-Michel.

As they reached the Brennans’ quarters, Collette knocked on the door.

A muted “Come in . . .” floated through.

She opened the door and grabbed Katherine’s hand. Dragging her new friend into the room, she held out her other hand toward Cassidy. “Mrs. Brennan, this is Mrs. Demarchis.”

“It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Demarchis.” The expectant mother tried to sit up straighter. “My husband, Allan, has told me about you.”

Collette beamed at Katherine.

Katherine smiled. “It’s nice to meet you too. And please, call me Katherine.”

“I told her you were learning French, and Katherine also speaks it quite well, so she can help.”

“Goodness, that’s wonderful.” Cassidy leaned forward and rubbed the small of her back. “Collette, could you please grab me another pillow from the blanket box over there?”

“But of course.” Collette hurried to the box and retrieved the pillow. She helped Cassidy adjust it behind her back, then waited until she settled back. “Is it good?”

Cassidy sighed. “Yes, much better.” She turned back to Katherine. “I think I heard that your husband was a senator?”

“Yes.” Katherine’s face darkened a bit. “He died last year.” She paused and drew a deep breath. “So, how are you feeling? I can imagine it’s challenging to be bedridden during this time.”

The change of subject was a bit abrupt, but Collette assumed it was because of her loss. She understood that. She did. Father had only been gone a few months and she missed him terribly. The two older ladies chatted, and Collette brought over two chairs.

“So what brings you to my tiny part of the world?” Cassidy asked.

Clapping her hands together, Collette couldn’t contain her grin. “I thought we could keep you company a little each day and we could work on projects for your new home, or the bébé, or . . . anything. I can embroider quite well.”

Cassidy nodded. “Your company is kindness enough. Katherine, what do you like to do?”

Collette looked to Katherine. What did she like—besides Jean-Michel? For a moment Jean-Michel’s long-lost love looked blank. Her light brown hair was the color of rich honey in the sunlight, and her brown eyes were a delicious color of caramel. Collette thought her one of the most beautiful women she’d ever known, but at the moment she looked lost.

“I . . . I don’t know.” Katherine recovered and a smile was back in place. “What could we help you do?”

While Collette wanted to pry further, Cassidy obviously understood something else. She lifted a finger to her lips. “I’ve got some embroidery to finish on a few things. Collette, you mentioned being good at that.”

“Oui. What do you have?”

“Some gowns for the baby and some dish towels for the new cottage. After that, I was thinking I could teach Collette a thing or two about cooking, and then when she goes out on expeditions she could bring back more flowers we could press for bookmarks to sell at the hotel.”

Katherine’s eyes lit up. “I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook. Could you teach me as well?”

“Of course!”

“From your bed?” Collette couldn’t help asking.

“Well, I could get you started from here. You’d have to arrange with Mrs. Johnson about actually practicing down in the section gang kitchen. But we can talk about the various techniques, and you can familiarize yourself with phrases and what they mean.”

“That sounds wonderful. And I would be glad to help embroider as well. I used to be quite efficient; it was something my mother insisted on. As to the bookmarks, as long as you teach me, I think I can handle the job.”

Collette watched their tennis match of words go back and forth. Her plan was working. The two were getting along and Katherine would be inspired to marry again.

Jean-Michel could heal.

Then Collette would be free to go on any adventure she pleased.

A conversation with little Davey floated back into her mind. “But Miss Collette, it’s not about how much fun we wanna have. It’s about putting other people first. That’s what God wants us to do.” How she missed her little friend. And such wisdom from a six-year-old.

Her conscience pricked. But she was putting others first, wasn’t she? She was thinking of Jean-Michel’s happiness before her own . . . wasn’t she?

The stairs were not his friend today. After exerting too much at the fire and then trying to keep up with all the exercises while his lungs choked out the smoke, Jean-Michel felt every muscle in his body protest. But he had to see Katherine again.

Had to convince her he wasn’t crazy. He was all right. She needed him.

So he headed to the dining room with Collette in search of Katherine and her grandmother.

“There they are.” Collette pointed to the table across the room. “Come on.” She all but pulled him across the dining room, weaving in and around other tables.

“Good evening, Collette . . . Jean-Michel.” Katherine nodded.

“Good evening.” Collette smiled and curtseyed. “Mrs. Harrison, you look so lovely in blue.”

The older woman smiled back. “Why, thank you, my dear. What a sweet thing to say.”

Jean-Michel reached for his sister’s chair and pulled it out for her.

“Thank you, frère.” She lifted the napkin at her place and unfolded it. “Well, it’s true, and that peacock blue is one of my favorite colors too.”

Mrs. Harrison smiled and motioned him to sit. “Please sit, Mr. Langelier.”

Two empty chairs rounded out their table. He chose the one beside Katherine.

The waiter came and chattered about the menu, but Jean-Michel wanted nothing more than to watch Katherine’s every move and listen to her every word.

“And for you, sir?” The man waited, his brow tilted up, pen at the ready.

Jean-Michel realized he hadn’t listened and now must order. “I . . . uh. . . .”

Collette came to the rescue. “He’ll have what I’m having.”

The waiter nodded and quickly stepped away from the table.

Jean-Michel looked at his sister. “And what is it that you’re having?”

“Prime rib and poached salmon.” She turned to Katherine. “I thought Miss Cassidy to be quite hard on us today with all her utensils and knives.”

Had the world shifted its course in the last few days? “Whatever are you talking about?” He gave a pointed look to his sister. What was she up to now?

“We are learning how to handle ourselves in the kitchen so that we can prepare our own meals.” Collette tilted her blond head to the side—all innocence and smiles.

Katherine nodded. “I never knew there were so many different utensils that could be used.”

Her smile was bright tonight as she shared about the adventures she’d had with Collette as Cassidy made them take notes about cooking. “Collette was completely perplexed when Cassidy held up a whisk and asked what it did.”

Since this seemed to make Katherine happy, he decided to ignore the fact that his sister hadn’t told him about her new adventure. He turned to Collette. “And what was your answer?”

She blushed and reached for her water goblet. “I thought it was for beating rugs.”

Laughter rumbled around their table as the stories continued and Katherine’s face lit with happiness. Mrs. Brennan had been good for Collette and it sounded like all the women got along quite well.

“I could never abide cooking.” Mrs. Harrison tapped the table with her finger. “I abhor the smell of the gas stove.”

“Well, we’ve been blessed to have others who could cook for us, Grandmother.” Katherine reached over and patted her hand.

A French onion soup was served, but Jean-Michel barely tasted it as he listened to Katherine and the others. Mrs. Harrison seemed quite tired. Perhaps she might slip away early and leave him to stroll with Katherine after supper. The thought made his smile widen.

“Fairbanks was quite interesting.” Mrs. Harrison spoke as the waiter removed the soup bowls and returned with their entrée.

Conversation flowed around the table, but with each course, Mrs. Harrison seemed to lose strength. In the middle of dessert, she set her fork down. She lifted her glass to her lips and took a sip. “It has been a pleasure to be with you all, but if you don’t mind, I think I will excuse myself and retire for the night.” She placed a hand on Katherine’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about me, dear. You stay and enjoy the evening.”

“Are you sure, Grandmother?”

“Yes. Quite.” She looked up. “Now if you all will please excuse me.”

Jean-Michel stood and helped her from her chair. But when he offered the older woman his arm, she shook her head.

“No thank you, young man. I’ll make it.”

He returned to his chair and chocolate torte.

Katherine and Collette began to discuss the recipe that Cassidy had given them to copy out for themselves, as well as the different techniques used in it. Katherine shook her head. “I have no idea what ‘fold’ means. I can fold a pretty napkin, but I do not understand how to ‘fold in egg whites.’”

“I think she told us, but I can’t remember now. Maybe I’ll run and ask her after we finish.”

The night had been such a joy that Jean-Michel’s heart felt like it would explode. There was hope for them after all. Now if he could just convince everyone else at the hotel that he wasn’t crazy, he’d be doing even better. Maybe he should just make an announcement. He chuckled to himself.

Collette and Katherine both looked at him.

“I’m sorry—I was thinking to myself. Please continue your story.” He placed a hand over Katherine’s and squeezed.

She gasped and yanked her hand to her lap. Her eyes went wide. “I’m sorry.” She reached out and laid her hand atop his as red crept up her face.

The touch soothed his heart, but the struggle on her face made him want to hurt the man who did this to her.

“I didn’t . . . I don’t . . .” She stood abruptly. “My apologies. I can’t explain right now.”

“Katherine?” Jean-Michel jumped to his feet as well.

She waved him off. “I need to check on Grandmother. Excuse me.” She put her napkin on the table and rushed out of the dining room.

“Qu’est-il arrivé?” Collette looked across the room, then spoke the question again in English. “What happened?”

“I don’t know for sure, my sweet. But I have a pretty good idea.” Anger burned in his chest.

It was a good thing Randall Demarchis was already dead.