“You cannot be serious Johnathan.” Anna was hissed under her breath at her husband. She had only been staying with them a month but Lillian had already learned to tune out her cousin and his wife’s bickering.

“Well, why shouldn’t I? You will just want to go home to rest and I am not tired.” Her cousin, Johnathan shrugged. “While I cannot wait for my son to be born, I do not wish to sit at home every night with you as you moan and groan about your ever growing stomach.

Lillian turned her chin a little, offering some sort of privacy as the two argued. It seemed Johnathan wanted to play cards after supper but a heavily pregnant Anna wanted him to stay in.  They had not even ordered their meal yet and already this discussion had begun.

Johnathan’s poker habit seemed a constant source of strife and from what the maid said, it had gotten worse when Anna became pregnant. 

Her eyes moved about the table. Her uncle and aunt sat, menus in hand and faces covered as if they could pretend the couple and their discussion did not exist. Her other cousin, Maxwell and his wife Jenny sat across from her. Jenny gave her a strained smile.

“I believe I will have the steak.” Her uncle Benjamin declared as he put his menu down. “And some sherry for us all to start. Yes, yes I think that is a good idea.”

Eventually, the table ordered, the sherry was poured and the men discussed the cattle.  Lillian smoothed the black material of her skirt before looking off towards a far window. The setting sun had cast the sky into shades of rich blues and purples with splashing of orange. 

Inside was warm, lit by oil lamps that cast shadows on the patterned walls. The Stewart family had a long table given the size of their party but also the table at the far side of the room. They were one of the more well off families in the area with a large cattle ranch that was prospering well.

Lillian picked up her sherry and took a sip. She missed the smell of the sea in Boston but there was something about this place that she found endearing. Maybe it was the normalcy of her family, away from the societal obligations of a city like Boston. Maybe it was the land. Or maybe it was that nothing here reminded her of her dead husband.

“Very good sherry. I should find out what it is and get some for the house.” Benjamin’s declaration pulled her from her thoughts.

“That would be lovely dear.” Her aunt interjected.

“Jenny, you should paint the sunset at some point. I have never seen such lovely hues in the sky.”  Lillian’s eyes were on the window again.

“Oh yes, well it is lovely but you get used to it. I prefer to paint the flowers.” 

Lillian nodded, “But of course, and your paintings are lovely.”

With that the conversation moved into its normal ebb and flow. The only difference between tonight and any other is they had chosen to go to the Golden Eagle Hotel and not at home.

The meals arrived and everyone was engrossed in their plates with the stranger walked in.  Maxwell and Johnathan noticed right away. Eyes took in the man, landing on his weapon before looking to each other. Neither recognized him. 

Jenny noticed but for a different reason. Colour rose in her cheeks as she muttered “oh my” just under her breath.

Lillian looked up and noticed the stranger as well.

“It is rude to stare and you were brought up better. As if you have never seen a new person before.” Mabel scolded the younger generation. “This town have plenty new who come in all the time. Put your peepers away, all of you and have some manners.”

The men chuckled at the scolding. Jenny’s blush deepened. Lillian pulled her eyes away and back to her meal.