But this was nothing like what Alberta had served. Stringy, too salty, and what was in that lumpy gravy? Kate hid her distaste over a long drink from the overly tart lemonade before her.
“How many visitors did you have at the Geyser Gateway this season, Mrs. Tremaine?” Captain Harris asked, forking up another mouthful as if he hadn’t noticed the state of the food.
Kate poked at the gray mass of mashed potatoes and couldn’t make herself take a bite. “Double last season. The reports in the newspapers from those who have visited seem to have made the public more aware of Yellowstone.”
He nodded, stirring the gravy into his mashed potatoes. Would that help the texture? “And you’ve had no troubles with vandals or poachers?”
Kate looked to Will, who quickly swallowed his food as if getting down a bitter dose of medicine.
“A few guests had to be taught the proper respect for the formations,” he allowed. “We only found evidence of the one poacher.”
“Jessup,” Vickers growled. “The fellow’s a blight.”
“Slippery, though,” Tutherly commented. “We still don’t know where he went.”
“He’ll be back,” Captain Harris warned them. “Men like him will continue to plague Yellowstone until we have rules and the means to enforce them.”
“For everyone,” Kate added. “I noticed the National Hotel had elk on the dinner menu.”
Captain Harris leveled his fork at Vickers. “I thought you took care of that, Lieutenant.”
Vickers colored. “I have had detailed discussions with the hotel management.” He nodded to Kate. “I’m sure it was only what they had left from our last conversation, Mrs. Tremaine.”
She highly doubted that. “Of course, Lieutenant. And it may have been brought in from outside the park. But I promise you the Geyser Gateway will never serve an ounce of game.”
“Forgive me, Mrs. Tremaine,” the commanding officer said, signaling to his private to pour more lemonade. “You are here as our guest, not to talk business. How is your son? Danny, I believe?”
And here she had been hoping to talk business. Still, considering all the people with whom he must have interacted since arriving in the park, she was impressed that he remembered her son.
“Danny is well,” she told him. “He’s taken to mimicking your troops, especially Lieutenant Prescott.”
“Has he?” Captain Harris eyed Will, who seemed to sink in his chair.
“Indeed. And he is fascinated by baseball. Lieutenant Prescott told him about it and has been tutoring him in the sport. He happily tells anyone who will listen about the game he played last week with Lieutenant Prescott and his men and Lieutenant Kingman and the engineering crew.”
“Must be nice,” Lieutenant Vickers said with a look to Will. “Having nothing better to do.”
Will inclined his head. “We patrol the Lower Geyser Basin a minimum of twice a day and maintain the camp. If we have a moment to reciprocate the fine hospitality shown us, it seems a good use of our time.”
“Is it so much more difficult at Mammoth Hot Springs?” Kate asked, locating a piece of meat that yielded to her fork.
“Rather challenging,” Tutherly allowed.
Vickers wasn’t content to leave it at that. “I’ll say. The visitors, the supplies coming through, the infrastructure we must construct. And the fire didn’t help.”
“I can see all that would stretch you thin,” Kate commiserated. “It’s hard enough managing a hotel in one of the busiest visitor areas of the park. At least I don’t get many complaints to deal with. Having Lieutenant Prescott and his men patrolling has only helped.”
“Yes, Lieutenant Prescott is a wonder,” Captain Harris said, holding the nearly empty tureen out to Kate. “May I interest you in a second helping of potatoes, Mrs. Tremaine?”
She’d gag. But he’d given her an opening. “No, thank you. I hope you didn’t use your last potatoes on me. How are you fixed for winter supplies, Captain?”
“We should be fine here at Mammoth Hot Springs,” he said, scooping out the gray mass for himself. “I am told it’s rare a teamster cannot reach Gardiner at least. And I can send men for the supplies if we need them here, unlike other areas of the park that are more remote.”
Kate made a face. “Oh, then the manager of the National Hotel hasn’t offered to house you over the winter?”
His smile was crisp. “He has not.”
“Pity.” She smiled at the other two lieutenants. “Well, you are all welcome at the Geyser Gateway any time you’d care to visit. We fully support the Army’s good work in Yellowstone.”
She allowed Captain Harris to steer the conversation into other areas for the remainder of the meal, which ended with a dessert of bread pudding that wasn’t too bad. But Kate made sure to bring the discussion back to hotels before she left.
“Thank you for a lovely evening,” she told Captain Harris as he and Will accompanied her to the door. “I do hope we’ll have an opportunity to return the favor soon.”
“I’ll see if I have time before winter sets in,” Captain Harris replied. “But certainly when I come through on my inspection tour next spring.”
“And if I could improve the Geyser Gateway in any way before then?” Kate asked. “What would you advise?”
He smiled. “From what I understand, the Geyser Gateway is a rare jewel. Just see that it retains its shine.” He bowed to her. She inclined her head.
As he straightened, he looked to Will. “Report to me after you escort Mrs. Tremaine to her hotel, Lieutenant.”
Will saluted. “Sir.”
Kate waited only until the door had closed behind them before turning to Will. “I’ve gotten you into trouble, haven’t I? Something I said upset him.”
“It wasn’t you,” he said, starting back for the hotel. “You were perfect tonight, Kate, as I knew you would be. We’re leaving in the morning. Captain Harris probably just wants to relay
