Mercury's Rise (Silver Rush 04) by Ann Parker Read Free Book Online

medicinal draught of brandy—without censure during her stay.
    Susan said, “No!” just as Inez said, “Yes!”
    Lewis tsked-tsked and said to Epperley. “Perhaps a little more brandy, to be certain the chills have departed.”
    Epperley picked up the empty snifter from the occasional table. “But of course, sir.” When Lewis turned his attention back to Inez, Epperley looked at Inez from behind his employer’s back, one eyebrow raised in question or perhaps amusement.
    Inez said, “That would be wonderful.”
    Epperley exited again.
    “What about Mrs. Pace and the children?” Susan asked.
    Lewis said, “She asked they be taken directly to her rooms.”
    He hesitated, looking from Susan to Inez. “The town marshal will probably want to talk with you both about what happened in the coach. Dr. Prochazka is understandably concerned about what happened as well.”
    “Is it really necessary?” Susan asked.
    Mindful of more brandy in her future, Inez gave a mock shiver. Lewis ventured to pat her hand timidly. “We shall make it as painless as possible for you both and for Mrs. Pace. But, such unfortunate circumstances require a certain amount of inquiry. I’m certain it will add up to little. Mr. Pace was of an age that I’d not advise him to take such an arduous journey, and his wife—” He caught himself. “Well, I am no physician, I leave all that to Dr. Prochazka. However, I’ve seen my share of ailments and conditions here in Manitou over these past few years, and, I can assure you the climate of Manitou and the therapies of the good doctor are truly miraculous.”
    He ventured another hand pat.
    Inez wanted to whop him.
    “We have had customers and clients come from all corners of the country and Europe, with complaints of consumption to colitis, hysteria to neurasthenia. They come through our doors, take the therapies and follow the doctor’s instructions, and recover.”
    He stopped as Epperley returned and offered Inez another brandy, saying, “Should madame require anything further, I am at your service.”
    Lewis added, “Epperley is my right-hand man. If there is anything that you need or something does not meet your satisfaction, do not hesitate to call on him or myself.”
    The second glass did much to augment the benefits of the first. She had barely finished when the parlor door flew open. Inez looked around, expecting to see Epperley with yet another offer of more brandy.
    Instead, hands clasped before her pale satin evening dress, eyes large and liquid in the dim parlor light…her sister.
    Harmony.

Chapter Six
    Momentarily forgetting her role as invalid, Inez rose to her feet. Harmony’s face brightened. Inez held out her arms. Has it truly been a year since I last saw her?
    Harmony moved forward, evening shoes making no sound on the deep carpet.
    The sisters embraced. Inez closed her eyes, feeling the slight frame of her sister solid and real within her arms.
    “Mrs. Jonathan DuChamps. Let me look at you.” Inez pulled back to put Harmony out at arm’s length.
    The first thing Inez marked was how pale Harmony was, nearly as pale as the antimacassar lace on the back of the settee. Far paler than she’d been the previous year. The second thing Inez became aware of was her sister’s youth: twenty-two, and three years married.
    At thirty-one, Inez felt suddenly old.
    Harmony’s smile seemed to bring light to the room, then her expression sobered. “I heard about your travels, and the Paces. We met them here at the hotel before they set out to Leadville. They have been at the Mountain Springs House most of the summer, so they told us, and were doing so much better in this climate and under the doctor’s care. Oh, poor Mrs. Pace, and the children. I cannot imagine.” She stopped, wiped a tear with one hand. A diamond bracelet sparkled at her wrist. “But that is not for us to talk of now.” She turned toward Susan, who was now standing. “Is this your traveling