by Annie Boone
Would she ever get to a place where she was completely comfortable with who she was and where she was in her life?
“All right, then. I suppose we can be on our way to the Lodge. It’s a lovely journey, ma’am. The mountains rise in the distance and the foliage is lush and green. The road we’ll travel is smooth and developed. Our little town benefits from the growth in Denver. Sawmills, and such, you know. Anyway, I think you’ll enjoy the trip.”
Eva took his hand to help her get into the carriage. Then she settled in and got ready for the ride to see the man she hoped would soon become her husband.
Chapter Three
As the carriage drove into the little town, Eva noticed that there was a tailor on the right side of the street, a saloon on the left, and numerous other shops tucked in beside each other. It appeared that though small, the town had quite a bit to offer its residents.
The open air carriage pulled up in front of a large building with a huge front porch that spanned the whole front. It was a most impressive structure, two stories of weathered wood with a balcony running the length of the second floor. The broad porch provided plenty of shade, with comfortable benches and chairs for weary travelers and townsfolk alike.
The hotel was the last building on the street and Eva could see a beautiful lake with deep blue water that sparkled like diamonds in the bright afternoon sun just beyond the hotel. Row boats were lined up on the bank of the lake and there was one boat floating in the middle of the lake. There appeared to be a couple in the boat and the woman had a parasol lifted to protect her from the sun.
Oh, how I want to do that! she thought.
She was mesmerized by the lovely view when her thoughts were interrupted by Mr. Fremont.
“Shall I take your bag inside, Miss Eva?” he asked, almost timidly, not wanting to disturb her reflections on her new surroundings.
It was apparent she was already falling in love with the mountains and the lake. The setting for the Evergreen Lodge was serene and peaceful. She didn’t really want to go inside and leave the lovely view behind, but she needed to seek out Mr. Stevenson. It was time to meet him and he would want to know that she had arrived.
“No, thank you, Mr. Fremont. I’ll carry it myself.”
Eva turned away from the mountain lake view and stepped up on to the wide expansive porch and walked through the welcoming front door of the Evergreen Lodge.
When Eva approached, the long pine counter in the lobby there was a handsome young man working figures seated behind it. He was dressed in professional attire such as would be expected of the clerk of an established hotel business. Not wanting to interrupt his serious ciphering but desperate for warm food and a hot bath, she spoke up.
“Pardon, me. I am looking for Mr. Stevenson, the proprietor. Would you be so kind as to fetch him for me?” She smoothed her skirts down while waiting for his reply.
“Oh, I can fetch him for you right quick like, ma’am,” he replied, finally looking up with a smile, “I am Luke Stevenson.”
Eva saw clear green eyes and a strong jaw while the slightly crooked nose gave an air of maturity to a man not much older than herself. She had expected an older man and was discomfited to realize she found this man very attractive. Not what she thought she would find when she finally met her Mr. Luke Stevenson.
“Oh, my. Well, um. So nice to meet you,” she stammered. “I am Eva Rutledge, your betrothed.”
Upon hearing those words, he came from behind the counter. “Well,” he mused, “permit me to say you are quite lovely, and humble indeed. In all our correspondence you never trumpeted your beauty. Most women would mention that fact – even if it wasn’t completely true.”
Eva laughed, “You never mentioned your age, either. I believed you were much older. Why, you're twenty-three if you're a day.”
“Alas,” he replied, seizing her bag, “age does not make the man. The school of Hard Knocks is an effective teacher if one heeds the lessons well. Where are your trunks? Is Robert Spencer bringing them later, or shall I send my boy to get them?”
“This is what I've brought with me,” she motioned towards herself and her bag. “Anything else I hope to prove myself worthy of. I have long been a student of the institution you refer to.”
Luke Stevenson was astounded there was no pity for herself in her tone and he admired that trait. “Hand me the bag, and I’ll carry it.”
Eva looked surprised and continued to hold her bag. “Carry it where?” she asked.
“My house. We’re going to walk there now for supper. I know you’re probably tired from your journey, but it’s a short walk. Can you make it a few more steps?” Luke spoke in an assuring tone as he explained what the plans were for the evening.
Eva nodded her assent and they walked out the front door away from the lake. As they headed toward town, Eva’s attention was drawn back and she looked over her shoulder at the large inviting pool of water. Luke noticed and stopped to turn and look at the feature that was pulling her concentration away.
“Isn’t it splendid?” he asked.
“Oh, indeed,” responded Eva. “I’m captivated, I must admit. In Independence we didn’t enjoy such a breathtaking landscape. Certainly, there were no lakes as scenic as this. I can’t wait to row to the middle and float for a while.”
“Perhaps that can be arranged for tomorrow, dear Eva. It is quite relaxing to spend the afternoon on the water.”
The two turned reluctantly and continued walking toward the little town of Evergreen and closer to his small house. The white clapboard structure was situated only a few streets over from the hotel.
As they walked in the setting sun, Luke waved casually to his neighbors as they passed by. Most owned businesses in town and wanted to be within walking distance if trouble arose. Fire being the thing they all feared in this place of wood, funds had recently been collected to purchase a pump wagon.
Luke fervently hoped the wagon would never have to be used, but Sheriff Woolsey had shown the townsfolk how to use it in case they were unfortunate enough to need it. The demonstration had been attended by most everyone in town. Janine Morell, a saloon girl at The Tin Cup, was among the group of attendees.
Miss Morell had shown Luke that lots of jewelry was typically needed to decorate a woman these days. Along with hats and any other baubles that caught their fancy. Looking at Eva's plain green dress, with none of the plumage he was accustomed to seeing a woman wear, he noticed she wore pear shaped earbobs with an opalescent sheen. They looked mighty dear for someone who grew up in an orphanage.
“Those earbobs are right fine,” he gestured, “where’d they come from?”
Eva bristled at the question, hearing the unspoken, but implied, thought that she had done something unsavory to acquire them. She lifted her chin a bit further as she explained, “They belonged to my mother. They were part of a jewelry set she left to me. I gave the matching necklace to the undertaker for her and Paw's funeral expenses and grave markers.”
Luke looked sideways at her profile and realized it had been much easier to converse in writing. His prickly nature was reined in when he had time to consider the meaning of his words. “Forgive me for offending you,” he said sincerely, “losing your parents at the tender age of twelve must have been terribly difficult.”
“Losing your parents at any age, Mr. Stevenson, is difficult.” Eva’s chin raised even more as she felt the need to defend herself at his insensitivity.
“Of course it is, Eva. I understand that you’ve had a difficult time without your parents love and support. Rest assured that you will find love and acceptance here.” He hoped this response would smooth things over and help them move away from this rocky subject.
Eva sighed and looked over at Luke. “I’m sorry to be so thin-skinned about my parents and the fact that I spent the last six years in an orphanage. I promise to work on healing those scars in Evergreen.”
They stepped on to the small porch of Luke’s w
hite house. He placed his hand on her arm to stop her before they went in. “I will help you heal those scars, Eva. You’re not alone. Now, let me show you to your new abode. Kate,” he called out, as he opened the front door, “Miss Rutledge has arrived.”
Eva followed him into the main receiving room, stunned by his quick change from an insensitive cad to the caring man who would one day be her family.
Chapter Four
Kate Wilmot strode deliberately into the parlor and she was easily the tallest woman Eva had ever laid eyes on. Bright red hair flowed back into a simple twist that looked elegant and refined. She wore a dark green dress with a pattern of cream-colored swirls and a squared-off neckline. Her skirts were full, but Eva saw no evidence of a bustle. Fashionable though they were she couldn't abide the cumbersome things herself.
This woman is going to knock me over, she thought wildly, as the woman hastily approached her with a determined look on her face. Instead, Eva found her feet leave the floor and swing from side to side as Kate Wilmot picked her up into a warm embrace.
“I'm simply delighted you're finally here,” she exclaimed, with a melodious lilt in her voice. “It seems we've waited an eternity for your safe arrival. Thanks be to the Mighty Good Lord,” she said, as Eva continued to dangle in her arms.
“I think good fortune is more accurate, Kate,” Luke said drily. “And please put Eva down, she's looking a bit peaked.”
Mrs. Wilmot gently settled Eva down, taking her hand and retorting, “This little one is a miracle all on her own. Why, when you first placed that advertisement for a wife in that silly rag, Mr. Wilmot and I thought you'd gone off your rocker. How could you possibly marry someone you'd never met. However,” she said, looking Eva up and down like she was a prize heifer, “me and the Mr. both knew this little gal was special when you read us some of those letters she wrote you. Yes, I knew right away she was meant to be your bride.”
Chuckling to herself over the joys of young love, she was happy to see she had properly embarrassed them. They were both blushing. She finally decided to have mercy on them. “So,” she said brightly, striding over to a small pie-crust shaped table, “I just made a fresh pot of tea. We have sugar cubes, fresh cream, and a bit of lemon, if that's more to your fancy,” she added, nodding towards Eva. “Oh, and also some wonderful little almond cookies!”
Eva recalled the years spent at The Home of Promise, times when all she wanted in the world was a hot cup of tea and her mother to speak to. Times when all she wanted was to curl up in her father's lap. She dreamed of those things when life was harsh and she grew weary of battling Matron for even the smallest of comforts for the little ones.
Here in this room full of warmth and golden flocked walls, she felt some of that inner tension drain away. Mr. Stevenson seemed oddly wound up though, and she felt he wasn't being the man she had grown to admire in his letters.
“Let him be,” she heard from the small, still voice in her heart. “In my time he will be ready.”
“Yes, Lord,” she silently answered. “I leave him in your hands.”
Turning to Mrs. Wilmot, she replied with a laugh, “I’ll have all of it in my tea, please.”
The three talked and laughed over tea until their evening meal was ready. Eva enjoyed hearing about some of the townspeople and funny events that had occurred involving them. She knew she wouldn’t remember everyone they talked about, but she was starting to get a sense of what the town and it’s people were like.
Luke returned to the hotel shortly after supper, a delectable mutton roast, and would reside there until after the wedding took place. Eva met Mr. Wilmot, who turned out to be just as spry as his wife. He returned from his duties at the hotel just in time for supper.
While Kate saw to the needs of the house and cooked some of the meals for the hotel, William Wilmot kept the building in tiptop shape. He was a very handy man with tools and pipes. Eva saw the affection the older couple had for one another. When he had arrived earlier for supper, he had handed Kate a spray of blue golden flax and she had delightedly kissed his cheek in praise of his thoughtfulness.
Even though the hour was growing late William did not balk at all when Kate asked him to bring the washtub to the kitchen. When Mr. Wilmot was through hauling in water to heat for Eva's bath she applauded him profusely. And Eva was ever so grateful.
“Mr. Wilmot, I can’t thank you enough for making it possible for me to have a bath. I feel gritty and dirty. A bath will make a world of difference in my recovery, I believe,” Eva gushed.
“It is my pleasure, young lady,” he boomed.
He and Kate left Eva to bathe and complete her toilet for bed.
After washing away the dust and fatigue of the trip, Eva wore her thick cotton nightgown to bed. The wooden bed frame was embellished with carved lion's heads and the mattress was stuffed with down. It was wondrously comfortable after sleeping in the passenger car seat on the trip to Colorado. Having a blanket and pillow was a luxury.
Tomorrow Luke will start teaching me how a hotel is managed, she thought excitedly, and we will start to learn more of each other. Snuggling deeply into the quilts, she soon fell asleep.
Chapter Five
When she woke in the morning, Eva learned Kate had allowed her to sleep in. After quickly eating a boiled egg with salt, she rushed through her toilet. She was excited to see Luke and learn the workings of the Evergreen Lodge.
“It would be my pleasure to walk you over to the Lodge,” Mr. Wilmot told her as he entered the kitchen from the back door.
Eva noticed the strange clothing he wore. She thought she had concealed her inquisitive glance his way, but he had seen it.
“These are called denim overalls,” he explained, pointing to the dark blue material. “They’re very comfortable to work in. It matters little if they get dirty, either,” he grinned. Smoothing his thick gray hair down, he placed a battered Stetson on his head.
Eva smiled and nodded. “I suppose I’m ready to finally get this day started. So, let’s go.”
“How do you feel today, dear? I hope you had a restful sleep.” he kindly chatted as they walked leisurely toward town.
“Very well. Thank you. I’m excited today, and a little nervous,” Eva replied.
“This is a momentous day for you. A new city, new people. It will be much to take in. If you ever feel overwhelmed,” his craggy face smiled, “Kate and I are here to talk to.”
William Wilmot looks like an imposing bear of a man, but he was a sweetheart, Eva realized, as she guaranteed him she would call on them if needed.
They walked through the ornately carved wooden door of the hotel together and Eva was struck anew by the comfortable interior. Fresh flowers graced a side table and the lobby was papered in green with a repeating pattern of laurel leaves. She was quite pleased with the feel of the place.
Luke called out a cheery, “Good Morning,” to Eva and William as he motioned for Eva to walk behind the long counter. “Thank you for escorting her,” he told William, as Eva took in the papers, inkpots, and books strewn about.
“We had a good chat, Luke. It was a nice stroll over. Beautiful morning, it is. Well, I'm off to fix that wobbly chair in room fifteen,” he said, as he started up the stairs.
“Glad to hear your first morning in Colorado had been a good one, Eva. You’ve had breakfast?” Luke inquired.
“Oh yes, I did. My belly is content and I’m ready to spend the day with you. I hope I will learn quickly. I want to be a help to you, Luke.” Eva looked Luke right in the eyes as she didn’t want there to be any misunderstanding about her intentions. Yes, she was here as his intended, but she also had sincere plans to be helpful to him. She would not become a burden or a parasite. Helping him gain more success as a hotel owner was an important goal.
“Oh, Eva. You’ll do fine, I’m sure. I know you’ll be a help and I’m happy to have you here,” he replied. “So why don’t we get to it, then?”
&
nbsp; Eva nodded and drew herself closer to him so that she could see everything he was going to show her.
“This is the ledger for recording guest's names when they arrive,” Luke pointed to a green bound book. “We call that checking in. We also record their mailing address beside their name.”
“What do you do with the names and addresses?” inquired Eva.
“We need to keep records of who is in the building in case there is an emergency.”
“I wonder what else we can do with the addresses? Send greetings in the post or ask them to come back for another stay?” pondered Eva.
“See, you’re already helping. I hadn’t even thought of trying to do anything else with the addresses!” exclaimed Luke. “Getting back to the ledgers, this black book is the ledger for keeping track of sums. Are you any good with arithmetic?” he inquired.