“Respect, kindness, ambition, love, honesty, and faithfulness,” responded Ella Grace hoping Michael had all those traits.
“If he has all of that, don’t let him get away. Some of the ladies in town will line up for their chance, and I’ll be first in line,” Clara giggled before heading off to finish her chores.
Thirty minutes later, Michael returned to the front desk. “I’m impressed by what I saw. The third floor is remarkable. Have you had any guests stay in them yet?”
Ella Grace smiled, “The best guests we’ll ever host were the miners that stayed here after the cave-in. We lost several of them, some recovered enough not to need the medical care Miss Hattie provided each day. The men with the worst injuries were taken to the saloon where they were given the best of care, too. You’ll like Miss Hattie and the saloon girls were angels taking such great care of them.”
“Was Mr. Bastion still here or was the decision to turn the third floor of the Inn into a hospital ward your idea?”
“It was mine. Mr. Bastion left immediately after the mine collapse leaving me in charge, and when Miss Hattie asked, I wasn’t going to say no. Those men were sons, fathers, brothers, husbands. How could I turn them away?” She fisted her hands on her hips and glared at him.
“Slow down, Ella Grace. It was a question. I didn’t mean to accuse you of anything. What you did was exactly what I would expect from you. I know it’s only been a few hours, but I can see your kind nature.” Michael stepped closer and took her hand. “You have a gentle soul.”
Mr. Donlinson walked up to the front desk and cleared his throat. Michael jumped away from Ella Grace as if he’d been burned. Ella Grace blushed, and Mr. Donlinson laughed.
“It is nearly six. You asked me to watch the desk until Riley comes on duty, so you could have dinner with Ethel and Edie.”
Ella Grace’s eyes widened. She grabbed her black hat and plopped it on her head. Reaching for Michael’s hand, she said, “Grab your hat and coat if you need it. We can’t be late.”
Ella Grace hurried along the street toward home nearly dragging Michael along. He hoped for a leisurely stroll to get to know her better, but maybe they could do that tomorrow. It appeared she didn’t want to be late for dinner.
Ella Grace let out a deep breath of relief as she opened the front door just as the large grandfather clock began to strike the six o’clock hour. “We made it,” she whispered.
Before Michael could respond, Miss Edie peeked around the corner of the dining room and said, “Hurry and wash up. We’re about to eat.”
Ella Grace showed Michael to the washroom and hurried to avail herself of the kitchen sink. They both arrived back at the dining room at the same time to six sets of curious eyes and the smiling face of Miss Edie and the equally scowling look of Miss Ethel.
Ella Grace glanced at Michael and said, “Michael, you’ve met my guardians Miss Ethel and Miss Edie and my sister Katie before her shift at the Inn’s dining room. I’d like to introduce you to my other six sisters.”
Michael nodded at the guardians watching his every move. He turned his attention to the six young women sitting around the dining room table.
Ella Grace began with the eldest sister at the table, Maude, and in turn introduced Anna, Beth, Julia, and the youngest girls, five-year-old twins Ivy and Rosie. The girls smiled at Michael, and he told them he was pleased to meet them.
Miss Ethel motioned to the empty chair across from her and Miss Edie, “Please be seated and have dinner.” Her dislike of him wasn’t lost on him when he noticed the only remaining chair for Ella Grace was as far from his chair as possible. When Ella Grace was seated, Miss Ethel bowed her head and said grace. Bowls and platters were passed around the long table immediately after Miss Ethel’s “Amen,” and the chatter of young girls filled the air.
Midway through the meal, Miss Edie looked across the table at Michael and said, “Well, young man, tell us about yourself.”
Michael swallowed his bite of roast beef and answered her question giving as many details as he thought were pertinent to the situation. He smiled at the two guardians who paid rapt attention to every word hoping he didn’t sound like an idiot.
“That’s admirable,” Miss Edie commented, and Michael took a breath of relief believing the two ladies would begin to see him as an honorable person until Miss Edie added, “How could you leave your poor mother alone without any children near her?”
Michael stammered, “My sister’s farm is only two hours away, and the train ride to Milwaukee where my brother lives only takes a few hours. I plan to visit them, and they are welcome here anytime. Train travel from Wisconsin to Oregon is no longer difficult.” He said a silent prayer his answer was what the ladies wanted to hear.
Miss Ethel added, “As long as you don’t make a habit of abandoning family, you might make a suitable husband.”
Ella Grace’s face turned red, and Maude came to the rescue, “Come along girls, let’s clear our plates and have dessert. I made a cherry cobbler. All the girls including Ella Grace stood and took their dishes to the kitchen. Michael followed suit hoping to escape from the inquisition.
Michael whispered to Ella Grace, “Maybe I should sneak out the back door and go back to the Inn. I don’t believe your guardians like me.”
She smiled at him, “Just wait here until I get their plates and then we’ll all have dessert. It’ll be all right. They just worry about all of us.”
Ella Grace hurried out and removed Miss Edie and Miss Ethel’s plates. When she was back in the kitchen with the rest of the girls and Michael, Miss Edie smiled and said, “Do you think we were too hard on the young man, sister? He seemed a bit flustered.”
“Not at all, my dear,” she returned her sister’s smile. “If Edward were here, he would speak to him, and you know how protective he was. We must take his place, but to be honest, I do like the young man, but I can’t let him know. At least, not yet.”
Miss Edie stifled a small laugh. “I understand. I like him, too. I do hope he loves our Ella Grace.”
Chapter Twelve
As Michael hurried from the house after dinner, he nearly ran into Katie returning from her shift at the Inn.
“Oh, I’m sorry Mr. Karson. I wasn’t paying attention. Everything is going well at the Inn.”
‘I’m happy to hear that. I have to run, and please call me Michael. After all, I’m marrying your sister, I think.” Michael hurried down the road leaving a confused Katie staring after him.
She pushed the front door open and heard the giggles of young girls and wondered why Michael seemed glum. Ella Grace saw her and said, “We saved you a piece of cobbler.”
“I just saw Michael, and he seemed a bit distressed. Did dinner go badly?”
“Not for the girls or me. Miss Edie and Miss Ethel asked Michael a lot of questions. I think he was nervous.”
“That explains it. He needs to get used to our guardians. They are sweet souls and where would we be if they hadn’t opened their hearts and homes?” Katie answered.
“I know. If he’s the man I hope he is, he’ll understand why they’re protective of us.”
Meanwhile, Michael was walking back to the Inn with his hands shoved deep into his pockets doing his best to understand the eccentric ladies. He supposed they were difficult since Ella Grace didn’t have a father to speak to him and their brother perished in the mine collapse. It was understandable, but he could relate better to a man when it came to his intentions. He was uncomfortable speaking his mind to the ladies. He chuckled to himself when he remembered Miss Edie telling him that if he behaved he could take Ella Grace on a picnic on Sunday. Did they forget he’d see her at work in the morning?
Work. The word made him stop dead in his tracks. Right now, he was a guest at the Inn and helped Ella Grace so he could understand how they did things. If his plans went through and the bank accepted his offer tomorrow, he’d be Ella Grace’s employer. Would that affect their relationship? Would the ladies still a
llow her to work for him? Would she want to work for him as an employee until they married, and she would then be his partner? What if they didn’t marry? That wouldn’t happen, would it? She already owned his heart. He never thought it could happen so quickly, but even the embarrassing questions the ladies asked him in front of all the giggling young girls couldn’t dampen his feelings. He loved Ella Grace. Yes, he loved her, and he’d tell her as soon as he could find the right moment. He could wait for the picnic. But maybe there might be an opportunity sooner than three days. He smiled and picked up his pace. He was going to marry her no matter what the old ladies thought. Now, the only question was, did she want to marry him? She must, she asked for a mail-order husband. He whistled a happy tune on the remainder of his walk back to the Inn.
The following morning, Michael was talking to Riley, the night clerk, when Ella Grace arrived shortly before eight o’clock. Michael looked up and smiled.
“Ella Grace, Riley and I were discussing the Inn’s bar room. When business picks up, I thought it might be a good idea to hire someone to serve the drinks rather than having Riley work the evening in the bar and then all night behind the desk. I appreciate Mr. Bastion’s forethought when he added the room. It adds class to the Inn and offers men a place to have a drink and talk without some of the chaos that can ensue in the saloon, not to mention the Inn carries the best selection of liquors and wines I’ve seen.”
Ella Grace returned his smile and added, “Mr. Bastion was a wonderful man, and when he drew up the renovation plans, he added what he thought would be welcome with the turn of the century so close. The lounge, as Mr. Bastion preferred to call it, is also meant for ladies to sit and enjoy a glass of wine or something more if they wish.”
“Of course,” Michael stammered, “I didn’t mean that it was only for men.”
Ella Grace laughed, “Don’t be so nervous about what we discuss. I’m not my guardians, and I’m not about to send you packing. I appreciate your input into the running of the Inn. I hope it stays the way it is now.”
“It will if I can buy it. I have an appointment at the bank this afternoon. With luck, I’ll be the owner before the day is out.”
“Then I wish you luck,” she answered and strode down the hall to leave her jacket and parasol in the small employee parlor Mr. Bastion insisted on adding beside the kitchen. Michael’s eyes followed her, and he felt that tug on his heart again. Yes, he was in love with Ella Grace Mulvaney.
Michael turned to Riley, “Will you watch the front desk for a bit longer, I’d like to speak with Ella Grace for a while?”
Riley nodded with a knowing smile, “Sure, take your time.”
Michael entered the small parlor just as Ella Grace was about to leave.
He smiled at Ella Grace and asked, “We haven’t had much time to share our past with each other. You learned some of mine last night at dinner. How did you come to live with Miss Ethel and Miss Edie?” He sat on a lounge chair and motioned for her to take the one across from him
Ella Grace drew in a shuddering breath and sat. She tried not to think of what happened even if she was too young to remember but knew Michael would want to know. “My mother was sixteen when she married my father. He was nineteen. They were both orphans and only had each other. They decided to head West to Oregon for a better life. My mother was already carrying me, but they hid the fact afraid they might not be allowed to join the wagon train. I was born a month into their journey, and the wagon master allowed them to continue on the journey when my father promised that he would not fall behind while my mother recovered. Two months further into the journey they arrived at a large river crossing. My mother was terrified of water. One wagon ahead of them nearly toppled over, and she refused to allow me to travel in the wagon. There was a ferry carrying people across, but my father needed my mother to help keep their possessions from moving about in the back of the wagon while they crossed. Miss Edie was taking the ferry, and my mother pleaded with Miss Edie to carry me safely across and take care of me if something happened to them.”
Michael reached out and took her hand. “You don’t have to tell me.”
“I want to. You should know about me.” She drew in another breath and continued. “My mother watched me cross with the ladies and felt since I was safe she could be brave enough to go across the river, too. She spoke to another woman on the wagon train about her worries and her brave decision just before it was her and my father’s turn. That woman assured my mother that everything would be safe and sound. All went well until about halfway across. No one is quite sure what happened, but there was a loud crack, the mules bucked in fear, and the wagon tipped. Those who saw it told Miss Edith and Miss Edie that when the wagon tipped it trapped my father beneath it before it broke up and disappeared down the river. They never found him. My mother made it to shore with a large gash on her head. She lost consciousness and never woke up. She died the next day. Mother was clutching the family Bible in her hand when she reached the shore. Miss Edie carefully dried the Bible and read what they could of the family information. That is why I know as much about my past as I do. Both my parents were only children and orphans. No aunts or uncles. Only each other and me. My mother told Miss Edie that she named me after my grandmothers, Rosella and Grace. My mother’s name was Rose, and she named me Ella Grace. It’s why I only answer to both names. It’s all I have left of my family along with the Bible.”
Her tears fell unbidden, and Michael drew her into his arms. “When we marry, I’ll be your family and God willing; we’ll have children to enlarge our family.”
Ella Grace blushed at the thought of having children with her handsome soon-to-be husband but smiled through her tears at the thought of her own family.
Chapter Thirteen
Ella Grace hummed as she did her paperwork. Michael was at his bank appointment, and she was hopeful he’d be able to buy the Inn. Her only concern was the cost to pay the silent partner. If Michael chose not to buy the Inn, what would happen to it? Would he move on to another city where he could find a business? Would she go with him? Would he want her to? Her thoughts changed her humming to a sad song that matched her mood until she saw a smiling Michael return.
“Do you have good news?” Ella Grace asked the hope apparent in her voice.
“I think so. I spoke with the banker and made an offer that will pay off the mortgage, the silent partner, and allow Dexter some profit. It will be enough for him to start saving for whatever he wants to do with his life. The banker said Dexter loves ranching. It could be his start to buying his own place.”
“I know Dexter is happy working out at White Oaks with Laura. I hope he accepts your offer.”
Michael shrugged, “The bank is sending him a note to explain the offer, and hopefully I’ll hear soon. Maybe not soon since tomorrow is Saturday, but maybe Monday.” His excitement showed on his face, and Ella Grace shared in his hope.
“You were gone quite a while and skipped lunch. I waited for you to come back. The dining room is empty, and Mrs. Donlinson is cleaning the kitchen. If you’d like, Mr. Donlinson will watch the desk while we have a quick lunch in the kitchen.”
Mr. Donlinson walked down the stairs as if he knew Ella Grace needed him. He smiled and winked when she asked if he’d watch the desk. “Always willing to help young love along.”
Ella Grace blushed again, and Michael took her hand, and they walked into the kitchen. Mrs. Donlinson greeted them and placed two plates of chicken and dumplings on the table along with a plate of biscuits and honey. She poured herself a large mug full of tea, dropped in two spoons of sugar, and announced, “I think I’ll sit in the parlor and drink my tea. My feet could use the rest.”
Michael and Ella Grace smiled at her not so subtle way of giving them some privacy. Michael dug into his meal and was half-finished before he spoke.
“I know you didn’t show me the private quarters that belonged to Mr. Bastion since you weren’t sure if I was planning on buying the Inn.”
“I didn’t think anyone should go through it until they were serious about buying.”
“I believe I proved I’m serious,” Michael said as he dripped golden honey over his biscuit. “I’m not concerned with myself since I don’t need much, but are the quarters comfortable enough for two?”
Ella Grace’s eyes flew open wide. She thought about getting married, working with Michael as his partner, helping to build their dream, but hadn’t given any thought to where they’d live. Oh Mercy, she’d have to live in the hotel with him. Everyone would know. If they married, of course, they would know.
She drew in a quick breath, “I never thought about it.” She looked back at her plate and lifted a bit of chicken on her fork.
“Well,” Michael continued as if he was speaking about the weather. “If it’s small, it will probably do for the start. We could buy a house in town. My grandfather left me a generous inheritance. I suppose we should decide how big a house we need. How many children do you want?”
Ella Grace nearly choked and swallowed two gulps of water before looking at Michael. “Children?”
“Of course, children, you do want children, don’t you? I do, but more than one. I have two siblings, and I’d like my children to enjoy siblings.” He stared right into her eyes.
Ella Grace’s mind whirled. Children. With Michael. That meant. Oh, my. “Umm,” she finally muttered. “Two would be nice, but I think God will decide how many we have.”
“Of course, I was only asking if you were willing to have more than one or two.”
Nodding her head slowly, Ella Grace answered, “Yes, I’d like that.”
“Good,” Michael said reaching for another biscuit. “Then we should find a house with three bedrooms, maybe four. One for the girls, one for the boys, one for guests, and one for us. That should do it, don’t you think?”
Wanted: Innkeeper: Silverpines Series (Book 6) Page 6