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

companion?”
    “Mrs. DuChamps, may I present my dear friend from Leadville, Miss Carothers.” Inez, still holding her sister’s hand with her own, took Susan’s hand as well, drawing her forward to meet her sister. “Miss Carothers is a photographer. Only in the West, I’d imagine you’re thinking. Yet, talent finds a way, no matter where it resides, and Miss Carothers has considerable talent. She is also my dear friend and confidant in Leadville, and has been like a sister to me.”
    Inez looked from one woman to the other and was struck by the resemblance. Both were of modest height, with dark hair and eyes. Harmony had even adopted a stylish frizz of curls bordering her forehead, much like Susan. They differed in their costume, Harmony’s elegant eveningwear and diamonds contrasting sharply with Susan’s plain, travel-worn clothes. But the most striking difference to Inez was in their skin tone. Susan’s face exhibited the rosy flush and darker hue of someone who, despite bonnets and parasols, was no stranger to the sun. By comparison, Harmony’s pallor would have suited an alabaster statue.
    Her sister’s paleness troubled Inez, putting her in mind of invalids lying under blankets and shivering despite fires roaring in the grates. Inez mentally shook off the grim vision.
    Harmony took Susan’s free hand and said, “My sister’s letters mention you often. I look forward to getting to know you during this short time in Manitou.”
    Susan smiled. “I look forward to that as well, Mrs. DuChamps. I will only be at the Mountain Springs House for tonight. After that, I’ll be staying at Mrs. Galbreaith’s Ohio House.” She glanced at Inez. “I should retire and leave you two to talk. Inez? You’ll be all right?”
    Harmony looked a question at Inez.
    “Fine, fine.” Inez said hastily. She added to Harmony, “A momentary faintness. Nothing serious. The travels and the strain, I suspect.”
    After Susan said her goodnights and departed, the two sisters sat on the settee.
    Harmony said, “The arrival of the carriage caused quite a stir among the staff. I had been expecting you, so was more sensitive to their whisperings than others who were in the music room. A tragedy. Those poor children, and Mrs. Pace.”
    “Sad indeed.”
    Harmony hesitated, then said, “I have much I need to talk to you about, but it can wait until tomorrow.”
    “As I have with you.” The weight of Mark’s return sat like a mountain upon Inez’s thoughts.
    The mantel clock began chiming. Inez glanced at the time: midnight. “I should be retiring. But, I’d like to see William first.”
    “Of course!” Harmony paused. “He’s sleeping, but we could wake him.”
    “No need,” Inez said. “I just want to see him.”
    A discreet knock at the door and Lewis entered, key in hand. “Mrs. Stannert, your luggage is in your room, and the warming stove is stoked. Feeling better, I hope?” His eyebrows raised to his nonexistent hairline.
    “Much.” Inez stood, moved to the coat rack, and gingerly folded her cloak over one arm. “I shall need these cleaned.”
    “We have an excellent laundress on staff. She’s a seamstress as well. If you have anything that needs repairing or cleaning during your stay, she is quick and reliable.” Lewis ushered them out of the parlor. “Mrs. Stannert, your room is on the second floor, not far from the DuChamps quarters. May I?” He made as if to escort the women up the stairs.
    “No need.” Inez took the key from him. “Thank you for your attention.”
    “We hope your stay here will only improve, after such a taxing beginning.”
    They mounted the stairs pausing on the landing before the looming statue of Hermes. The second-floor hallway branched to left and right, their lengths punctuated by widely spaced doors facing the front of the hotel. Harmony said, “Our rooms are to the right. Yours is a short way on the left.”
    She headed down the right branch, Inez close behind her. She