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congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I’m sure it’ll be beautiful. When do you plan on doing it?”
    “In the spring.”
    “I’m sure Cybele’s beside herself with plans and dresses and things. It must be exciting. My sister might be engaged shortly too. She’s seeing Benjamin Lloyd, as you must know by now. Nothing’s a secret in this town.”
    “Is…” he looked almost pained, “is there anyone for you?”
    “How do you mean?”
    “Is there someone you might picture yourself with?”
    That question was entirely unexpected, and the most bizarre thing happened, as an image went through my mind. A face appeared briefly of a scruffy-looking man with friendly, smiling eyes. Mr. Hindman . That was odd.
    “No, sir. Not yet.”
    “When you do find your ideal mate, I hope you’re able to trust him,” he said cryptically.
    “Pardon?”
    “I, oh, never mind.”
    The moment had grown heavy suddenly, as the weight of something unpleasant hung between us. Did he know of his fiancés unfaithfulness? Should I say something to him on this subject? Before I was able to contemplate this further, the door swung open, as Leona appeared.
    “Oh, there you are! Ellen’s been asking for you.” She glanced at Mr. Stanford. “Hello, William. How are you? Aren’t you freezing, sir?”
    “I am, but it was worth it.”
    Grasping the heavy overcoat, I handed it to him. “Here you are.”
    “Thank you.”
    “It was lovely talking to you. There really is no reason you and I can’t continue our friendship. Please come eat with us whenever you wish. I’ll come out to talk to you, if you let me know you’ve arrived. I’d love to hear more about the wedding plans and things. It’s all very exciting.”
    His look was bland, yet there was sadness in his eyes. “Thank you. You’ve been far kinder to me than I have ever been to you.”
    Leona hadn’t let go of the door; her worried expression had taken on an edge. I was sure she thought I had divulged the secret letter. “Think nothing of it,” I said with forced gaiety. “I should go. Please give my regards to your fiancé, and tell her that I’m happy for her good fortune. She’s lucky to be connected to you. You shall both be very happy, I’m sure.” I reached the door, as a shiver went through me. Without the coat, it was absolutely freezing. “Good day, William.”
    “Good day.”
    In the hallway, Leona grabbed my arm. “What did you say to him?”
    “Nothing! I swear to you, nothing.”
    “What were you doing with him?”
    “He wanted to talk to me. It was quite odd actually. I don’t know what that was about. He apologized for not being a better friend. Isn’t that strange?”
    “That’s all?” She didn’t believe me.
    “Yes. I never once mentioned the letter. It’s dead and buried for all I care. Their troubles are none of my concern. I do feel sorry for him, Leona. He’s about to attach himself to someone he doesn’t love. Isn’t that sad?”
    “Why would he talk to you about such private matters?”
    “I don’t know.”
    “This makes little sense.”
    I sighed. “Maybe he’s regretting his choices, and he realizes it’s too late.”
    “He’s irrevocably tied to her now.”
    My smile was grim. “Yes, you’re right about that.”

Chapter Seven
    There were three turkeys, which had been run through with an iron spit, grilled in the hearth, while a fourth and fifth waited in the wings. The Thanksgiving day buffet would run from eleven to four in the afternoon, serving whoever wished to attend, whether they had procured a room at the hotel or not. Ellen, Leona, mother, and I had been up since daybreak preparing for the feast. Although not an official holiday yet, the Kansas Territory had issued its yearly proclamation, encouraging everyone to give thanks in this festival of gratitude.
    “It already smells delicious,” said pa, who had stopped by.
    Ellen was basting the birds with butter. “It’s going to be one for the Brady