Nick stood, holding out his hand to Suzanne. “Eliza, may I escort you to the stairs?”
Eliza was still reeling from the news brought by Lucien Hunt. “Thank you, but I’ll finish my coffee before returning to my room.”
She watched as the three couples, plus Lucien Hunt, left the dining room, feeling the familiar sense of isolation. Eliza leaned back in her chair to stare again out the window at the continuing storm. She’d spent most of her life alone. As an only child, as one of two female students in her class at medical college, and as a lone traveler after leaving New York. Her life had always been one of isolation.
Even after the wonderful conversation, Eliza felt a jarring letdown. Standing, she reminded herself how she’d long agoreconciled herself to the fact she was a woman destined to always be alone.
Chapter Three
Eliza stood in the lobby of the hotel, watching as large flakes of snow wafted through the air, creating a festive atmosphere. Over the last few days, she’d been surprised to see shop owners hang wreaths, garlands, and hand-painted signs wishing Merry Christmas in their store windows. With a sigh, she walked upstairs, determined to get through an article on a new surgical procedure.
She’d been relaxing in a chair by the window when a knock on the door had Eliza looking up from the book she’d been reading, a little annoyed at being interrupted from her studies in one of her medical journals. Setting it aside, she pulled the door open a few inches, revealing Rachel and another woman standing in the hall.
“Hello.” Eliza tried to put warmth in her voice.
“Hope we’re not interrupting you,” Rachel said.
“Not at all. Please come in.” Eliza gestured toward two chairs.
“This is my sister-in-law, Ginny.” Rachel picked up her skirt, attempting to keep the rug from getting wet from the soaked hem. “Ginny, this is Doctor Eliza Gladstone.”
“Pleased to meet you, Doctor.”
“I’d appreciate it if you’d call me Eliza.”
Ginny sat down next to Rachel.
“We wanted to see if you’d join us for a bite to eat at the boardinghouse restaurant. It’s owned by Suzanne Barnett.”
“Ah, yes. Nick’s wife,” Eliza said.
“Yes. Suzanne has a fine way with simple, hearty meals.”
Eliza nodded, tucking a strand of raven hair behind her ear. “How thoughtful of you. I confess, I’m eager to try one of the other establishments in town.”
The three women chatted as they maneuvered the icy boardwalk the short distance to Suzanne’s, glad for the break in the storms keeping them confined.
Inside, the warmth and low voices of the few diners welcomed them. Suzanne greeted them, her face glowing. “Sit anywhere you like. I’ll be with you in a few minutes.”
They settled at a table near the window, removing their coats and gloves. Before long, Suzanne arrived with steaming mugs of coffee. “Now, what can I get you? The meatloaf’s real nice today.”
“I haven’t had meatloaf in a long time. Sounds perfect,” Eliza said.
“It comes with mashed potatoes, gravy, and carrots.”
“I’ll have the same, Suzanne,” Ginny added. “And save me a piece of pie. I don’t really care what kind.”
Rachel nodded. “I’ll also have the same. Thank you, Suzanne. Do you have time to join us?”
“Wish I could, but my cook couldn’t make it to town, so I’m doing her work and mine. I’ll get these to you as quick as I can.”
Soon, the women were tucking into the hearty fare, savoring the rich gravy and seasoned meatloaf. Eliza smiled as she ate. “My compliments to the chef. Delicious.”
Rachel looked at Eliza. “So, what brought you out west to the Montana territory? I can’t imagine it was for the fine dining.” She chuckled.
Eliza dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “I stayed in New York for about a year after receiving my medical training. Some doctors would allow me to practice with them. Most were skeptical of my skills. The hospital only called me in when noone else was available, and those were for minor issues. At least they were minor for me.” Taking a sip of coffee, she set down the cup. “It was time to venture out and put my skills to use where they’re most needed. Traveling west seemed a good idea.”
Ginny’s eyes widened. “It must have been difficult for you.”
