“What did I tell you?” he declared with a wave of his gauntleted hand. “Nicest inn in the park. And here’s Mrs. Tremaine, the owner, to greet you.”
Kate smoothed down her bodice and put on her best smile. “Welcome to the Geyser Gateway. We have a room ready just for you.”
The woman, a buxom blonde who looked to be about Kate’s age, gowned in a cream walking dress whose hem was dotted with the orange of a geyser field, glanced over to where Will was just finishing his sweep. “Do we have to share the sleeping room with soldiers?”
By the tone of the question, Kate couldn’t tell whether she thought it a good idea or a poor one.
“No soldiers are staying at present,” Kate assured her. “And every family is given its own room, a suite if there are children.”
The husband, a tall man with raven hair waved back from his forehead, put a hand on his wife’s elbow and narrowed his eyes. “How much?”
By the time Kate had finished explaining the costs, the meals, and the rules, she had them registered, and Pansy was standing by to escort them to their room. Elijah brought in their bags.
“Thank you,” Kate said when he returned to the salon. “I understand they aren’t the first ones expressing concerns about the Geyser Gateway.”
Elijah shook his head. “Rumors are flying faster than my horses’ hooves. Is it true? Are you going to house the Army?”
“Only this winter and only Lieutenant Prescott’s detachment,” Kate assured him. “No guests will be inconvenienced. And the Lower Geyser Basin will still have all its glories come spring.”
He nodded. “I’ll let my passengers know.”
“Maybe put in a good word with the other drivers?” Kate suggested.
He chuckled. “Most of them like working with the Yellowstone Park Association too much to bring their riders to other hotels. And a few are hoping the Virginia City Outfitters will pay better. But don’t you worry, Mrs. Tremaine. I’m not about to accept their offer.”
Kate clutched his arm. “The Virginia City Outfitters made you an offer?”
“Second one this month.”
She dropped her hand. “Oh, Elijah. Can I match it?”
His smile flashed. “Doubtful. But neither can they. They may like to pretend all is well, but they haven’t managed to buy up a single lease. How are they going to pay with no beds to bring in income? You pay, and you pay reliably. And you treat me better than most. That counts with me.”
The new couple, who Kate had learned were the Weatherbys, came down the corridor.
“How long do the geysers run?” Mrs. Weatherby asked.
“All day and into the night,” Kate assured her. “Just stay on the path as I explained.”
They ventured out onto the veranda.
“Thank you,” she said to Elijah as the Weatherbys descended the steps. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Miss your mail and all the good stories,” Elijah said with a laugh. “Nothing for you in the mail today, by the way, but I heard something else you might want to know. Lieutenant Kingman has been recalled. He leaves in about two weeks.”
Kate stiffened. “Daniel Kingman has done more to build the roads in Yellowstone than most of the superintendents combined. Who’s replacing him?”
“I expect we’ll find out come spring,” Elijah said. “I’m sorry to see him go too. Any road he built is built to last.”
Kate cocked her head. “Do you expect to see him before he leaves?”
“He was up at Norris inspecting the changes there,” he supplied. “You want to get word to him?”
“Yes. I’ll write a formal note for you to take, but I’d like to invite him and his staff to dine before he goes. It’s the least we can do to thank him for all he’s given to the park.”
“You write that note, I’ll see it delivered,” Elijah promised. His dark eyes sparkled. “You going to invite your lieutenant too?”
“Lieutenant Prescott is not mine,” Kate informed him, but her cheeks were heating.
Elijah pursed his lips. “So, I should ignore the rumor that he’s courting you.”
“Absolutely,” Kate said. “He’s helping at the inn, and I’m helping guide him around the basin. That’s all.”
“If you say so,” Elijah replied. “But he looks mighty intent for a man only interested in a guide.” He nodded over Kate’s shoulder. Turning, she saw Will coming into the hotel.
He removed his hat and nodded to Elijah before focusing on Kate. “Your new guests asked me about Fairy Falls. Have I seen that yet?”
No, because the route traveled perilously close to her and Danny’s special spot. But Elijah was watching her, and she didn’t dare mention her concerns.
“No,” Kate said brightly. “It’s a little ways from the hotel. You hadn’t planned to stay more than one night, had you, Elijah?”
“No, ma’am,” he said. “We are on a schedule. Norris tomorrow, then Mammoth Hot Springs and Cinnabar. And I’m taking Ida and Sarah with us.”
That’s right. She’d be down two staff shortly. “Then I guess the Weatherbys will have to miss seeing Fairy Falls.”
“If the spot is well known,” Will persisted, “I should see it.”
“Maybe you should ask your guide,” Elijah said with a look to Kate.
Will was watching her too.
Kate made herself smile. “Danny and I can take you there sometime. When Elijah hasn’t brought me more guests.”
Elijah laughed. “And that’s my cue to go. I think I’ll ask Alberta about dinner.” He nodded to Will. “Lieutenant.”
Will nodded back. “Mr. Freeman.”
Elijah turned for the kitchen, and Will looked to Kate.
“Everything all right?”
Had he caught the interplay with Elijah? No way was she telling him about the rumor that she and Will were courting. But she should tell him about the other.
“Everything’s fine,” Kate assured him. “But Elijah had heard about the Army staying here too. I think Mrs. Weatherby also knew.”
He winced. “Maybe we should call things off.”
Not on her life. “No,” she insisted. “You’re staying with us this winter. But
