Nick Barnett and his wife, Suzanne, entered the restaurant, noticing the lone woman sitting by herself. Her refined clothing and posture marked her as an outsider. Nick approached her table.
“Pardon me, ma’am. My wife and I couldn’t help noticing you’re dining alone. We’d be honored if you’d join us for breakfast.”
Eliza looked up, surprised by the invitation. The man had a somewhat sophisticated appearance, with a patch over his left eye, and his smile appeared genuine. Before she could respond, the cafe door opened again, admitting the sheriff, Gabe Evans, and his wife, Lena.
Gabe tipped his hat. “Morning, Nick. Mind if we pull up chairs at your table?”
Eliza hesitated, torn between her desire for company and her natural reserve. She looked at Nick. “You’re very kind, but I’d prefer to dine alone this morning.”
“We’re here if you change your mind,” Nick said. “We don’t stand on ceremony here in Splendor. Any newcomer is always welcome at our table.”
Eliza found herself drawn to the large window to observe the townsfolk passing by outside. Men tipped their hats to the ladies, who gathered in clusters to exchange news. Even in the storm, they stopped to talk to each other and exchange news.
It was all so different from the streets of New York, with their hurried crowds and strict social structure. Here, in this rugged frontier town, a sense of community prevailed. Status didn’t seem to dictate one’s worth. Eliza found it both puzzling and intriguing.
Part of her yearned to stay here and learn more about these gracious people. The other part still felt the pull westward to the opportunities awaiting in San Francisco.
Eliza sighed, her breath fogging the chilled windowpane. The snow continued to fall steadily outside, erasing the familiar shapes of the town. Perhaps it was intentionally hiding Splendor from view, forcing her to pause her headlong rush to the future.
She knew she couldn’t continue her travels until the passes cleared in spring. So, she was trapped here, at least for now. Eliza wondered if she was trapped by the weather or by the faint stirrings of hope this town had rekindled in her heart.
“More coffee?”
Eliza started at Nick’s voice behind her. She turned to see her new companions watching her with friendly concern. Their open faces showed no judgment, only a wish to make her feel welcomed.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Eliza managed a smile. “Yes, thank you. That would be lovely.”
After finishing her breakfast, Eliza returned to her room upstairs. She stood at the window, staring out at the back alley and the snow steadily falling beyond. Everything was muffled and softened by the blanket of white.
She’d hoped to occupy her time with a book, but found she couldn’t focus on the words. Her mind kept returning to the unexpected encounter with the two couples downstairs. Their friendliness was so different from the polite distance of New York society.
With a sigh, Eliza set her book aside. She’d always prided herself on being a rational person, not one to make decisions based on emotions or whims. The cold pragmatism that served her so well in the city now felt more like a prison.
Perhaps it was time to take a chance. She would return to the restaurant. If they were still there, she would accept their offer to join them. It was time to embrace this unexpected new beginning.
After gathering her resolve, Eliza made her way back downstairs to the restaurant. Relief washed over her when she spotted the two couples, still chatting over steaming mugs of coffee.
Despite her lingering reservations, Eliza found herself softening. It had been too long since she had enjoyed easy conversation. And she had to admit, her curiosity was piqued by these pleasant Westerners. She almost turned around when she saw a third couple had joined them. Gabe, Nick, and a third gentleman stood at her approach.
“Is the invitation to join you still open?”
“Most certainly,” Nick answered, already moving to pull out a chair.
“Well, if you’re certain I won’t be a bother, I would be delighted to join you.”
After introductions, she sat down, feeling the gloom and heavy mantle of loneliness of the past week lifting. The third couple turned out to be Dax and Rachel Pelletier.
Settling into her chair, Gabe signaled the waitress for another coffee. Eliza took a deep breath, ready to embrace whatever surprises this town and its people had in store for her.
“We’re so pleased you came back, Doctor Gladstone,” Lena said.
Eliza smiled. “Thank you. So am I.”
The conversation resumed, with Eliza hesitant to open up too much about herself. The genuine interest and kindness of her new acquaintances soon put her at ease.
“What brought you out west, Doctor?” Dax asked.
“Please call me Eliza,” she insisted. “I came in on the stagecoach. The storm has delayed my travel to California.”
