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Seeing no harm in granting him the small boon, she smiled. “Breakfast is at six, and we’ll head to the stables around seven-thirty.”
“So early?”
“Yes, it’s best to get started before the heat of the day.”
“I see.”
They were interrupted by Kent riding up. “Excuse me, MissCarmichael. Sorry for the interruption. I just wanted to let you know that the guests’ trunks have been taken inside and the staff is placing them in their suites.”
“Thank you, Mr.Randolph.”
Jakes was eyeing Kent’s horse. “Randolph, what breed of horse is that? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one quite that color before.”
“He’s a blue roan.”
“Where did you buy it?”
“I didn’t. I found him in a wild herd in Montana. Broke him to the saddle myself.”
He looked startled. “My. That’s impressive.”
“All part of a cowboy’s life.” Kent then turned his eyes to Portia. “Do you need me for anything else today? If not, Matt and I are going back to the ranch.”
“You aren’t joining us for dinner?”
“No. I know we had some things to discuss this evening, but I’ll let you get settled in with your guests. The other thing can wait.”
Only they knew what he was really referencing. That he was able to relay it so blandly was impressive. “No, I won’t need your help with anything else.” The scandalous parts of herself that had looked forward to being caught alone were disappointed.
“Then I’ll see you in the morning. Sorry again for the interruption.” He touched his hat, turned his stallion, and rode off.
“So that’s a real cowboy,” Jakes said, eyes focused on the departing rider.
“As real as they come. Aren’t there Colored ranch owners in California?”
“I’m sure there are but none are in my circle of friends or acquaintances.”
“I see.” From his tone, she couldn’t tell if he was like Darian Day and Edward Salt and thought himself superior to men who worked cattle and busted broncs. “Let’s go in and join the others.”
That evening as the guests gathered in the dining room for dinner, Rhine, with Eddy by his side, welcomed them to the hotel. “Although my wife, Eddy, and I own the Fontaine, our niece Portia is responsible for putting together the activities you’ll be enjoying so if you have any questions or concerns please let her know. Let’s move to the table.”
In keeping with the hotel’s stellar reputation for quality and elegance, the white-clothed table was splendidly set with Eddy’s imported Minton china, silverware polished to a high shine, and delicate crystal stemware.
As they took their seats, Ada seemed particularly taken by the blue, gilded Minton plates. “These are stunning.”
“Only the best for our guests,” Eddy replied.
Elvenna said, “I have a question.” Her low-cut gray gown showed off the rise of her breasts. “Where is Mr.Randolph? Isn’t he part of the activities?”
Portia took in the dress and saw Eddy eyeing it critically as well. “Mr.Randolph will join us tomorrow. Any other questions?”
There were none so the meal commenced. They made small talk at first and Portia learned that the two doctors shared a practice in San Francisco and were indeed on their way home from a medical convention in Atlanta.
“Rhine’s brother lives in San Francisco,” Eddy said. “We visit him quite often. In fact, Portia apprenticed at his bank for a time after she and Regan finished their schooling at Oberlin.”
“I attended Oberlin as well,” Mrs.Jakes said, sounding pleased. “What did you train for at the bank?”
“Bookkeeping.”
