Chapter 8
Blake entered the hotel and walked to the front desk and spoke to the man on duty, “Hello, Cyrus. I’m here to pick up my aunt and her traveling companion. I hope they had a good night.”
Cyrus nodded. “I’m not sure. Your aunt was not pleased that the only person on duty last night was my son. He did his best to make her a pot of tea at eleven last night, but I’m not sure it suited her. You know our kitchen is closed after supper.”
“I know. Aunt Hortense is used to having whatever she wants exactly when she wants it. I’m sorry if she caused your son any problems. I’m taking them to my ranch this morning. Your hotel can return to normal,” Blake explained, offering a smile.
“My son needs to learn to deal with difficult guests. Oh, not that your aunt is difficult, uh, she’s used to a different life than we offer,” Cyrus stammered as he did his best to explain.
Blake laughed. “She is difficult, Cyrus. She has always been this way, and I think she may turn my ranch upside down.”
“Thanks, Blake, I can send someone up to bring their luggage down, or you’re welcome to go up to their room. They’re in 214.”
“Just send a message up that I’ll meet them in the dining room for lunch. I’m expecting my wife at any moment. When Ray gets here with the ranch wagon, he’ll pick up the luggage,” Blake said.
Cyrus nodded his understanding, and Blake turned to head to the dining room just as Eliza and her friends walked into the hotel, giggling like schoolgirls. Blake could only stare at the beautiful young woman laughing with her friends. She was vibrant and caring, and Blake wished he had met her under different circumstances. She was the type of woman he would have courted.
Dressed in a new yellow dress with small white flowers scattered on the skirt, Eliza looked like a bright ray of sunshine. Blake walked up and took her hand, leading her into the dining room. Amalie and Faith followed bright smiles on their faces.
When the four were seated at a table large enough to accommodate two more, Blake asked, “Did you have an enjoyable time?”
Eliza stared at the tablecloth, and Amalie said, “We had a delightful time spending your money.”
Eliza looked up and stared into Blake’s eyes before adding, “Yes, we did have a nice time. Thank you for your generosity. I can never repay you.”
“There is no need. The clothes are yours to keep regardless of where you go when you leave here. I told you that, and I meant it. You look lovely in yellow.”
Eliza’s smile brightened the room, “Thank you. I’ve never had a dress in this color before. At the orphanage, we wore whatever drab clothing was donated. Most of it was used and faded. At the Richards, my work clothes were simple gray or brown dresses. This is quite a treat.”
“Then you should have more. I hope you purchased a lot of things that make you smile the way you are now.”
“Don’t worry, we made sure she bought everything she needed,” Faith answered.
Their conversation was interrupted by a commotion at the door. Blake turned and saw the young waiter trying to escort his aunt to their table and her refusing, motioning to a table in the corner of the room.
Blake hurried over to ask what was wrong, and his aunt’s shrill voice filled the dining room. “You know Blake that Constance is fragile. I will not have her sitting near that window where the sun might injure her skin. This table is more suitable, but this young man insists we sit at your table.”
Blake closed his eyes for a moment to gain his composure and asked the waiter if he would change their seating arrangements. The waiter nodded, and Blake escorted his aunt and Constance to the table. By the time they were seated, Eliza and her friends were also taking seats at the new table.
Aunt Hortense scowled at Eliza. “Blake hasn’t formally introduced us. I know nothing about you except that you look like a vase of flowers? Surely you own something more appropriate for a luncheon.”
Eliza’s eyes widened, and Faith answered for her. “It’s a brand-new dress. Our seamstress is quite talented, and it’s one of the latest fashions.”
“I expect that response from you. That green dress you’re wearing looks as if it came from the same garden.”
“Aunt Hortense,” Blake scolded. “Enough. You are addressing my wife and her friend.”
“They should know how to dress,” Aunt Hortense argued. “We are in public. At least the third young woman is dressed a bit more conservatively, although she looks as if she could go back to the farm and work in that dress.”
Amalie bit her tongue hard before answering, “I do not wear this to work in. I’m meeting my husband in town after lunch. We’re buying some new horses, and I want to ride them first. This is my riding skirt and blouse.”
Aunt Hortense’s eyebrows lifted. “You don’t have a proper riding outfit? It’s a good thing Constance brought hers. You will see what a proper lady wears when riding.”
Blake shook his head. “Aunt Hortense, please. Amalie is wearing what all women wear when riding a horse. This is Wyoming. If Constance brought the type of riding outfit I think she did, she will not be able to wear it. I do not own a side saddle.”
“Certainly, you do not expect Constance to ride a horse like a man,” Aunt Hortense grumbled.
Blake shrugged. “If she wants to ride, then, yes. She’ll have to use a Western saddle.”
Aunt Hortense whispered to Constance, and Blake motioned for the waiter. “Bring us six specials and hurry, please. Bring tea for the ladies and coffee for me.”
The young man nodded and hurried to take the order to the kitchen.
“You ordered for us,” Aunt Hortense said. “I hope they have something palatable.”
“Everything here is good,”
