Page 55 of Valley of Dreams

“A dream you kindly didn’t laugh at.”

He got to his feet and offered a quick, friendly smile. “No one should have to dream entirely alone.”

Patrick set back to work. She stayed only a few minutes longer. But his words stayed with her. What dream washeharboring in his loneliness?

Chapter Thirteen

That Saturday, Patricklistened as Eliza presented her well-thought-out and detailed business proposal to Joseph Archer. He knew she was nervous, but it didn’t show. He was glad he could be there, offering what little support he could, but he could tell she didn’t truly need him there.

“An overnight stop at Hope Springs, rather than where it is being undertaken now, would change the stage schedule.” Joseph made the observation without censure. “But, having a barn in which to stable their horses and a place for their drivers to rest, as well as being able to tell potential passengers about accommodations, would be a boon to the stage company. I have no doubt they’d welcome that.”

The hope in Eliza’s eyes was tempered with caution. “But I have no connections to anyone at the stage company.”

“I do.” Joseph’s expression was that of a businessman working out complications, not someone boasting. “They might even be willing to put up some of the capital for the project, but if they did, that would grant them control over some aspects of your venture.”

Eliza’s brow pulled. “I don’t fully understand. Are you saying that the stage company would run the inn?”

He shook his head. “Not fully, but they could likely set the cost of your lodgings or meals, or dictate whether or not they pay you for stabling their horses and putting up their drivers.”

“They wouldn’t pay for those things?”

“They may exchange their initial investment for free accommodations.”

Patrick didn’t like the sound of that. He’d mostly stayed out of the discussion, but he’d found neither of them objected to him speaking up now and then. “For how long?” he asked.

“Likely indefinitely,” Joseph said.

Eliza steepled her hands in front of her. “They would make back their investment dozens of times over.”

“Precisely,” Joseph said. “But if that’s what gets your inn built, you might decide it’s worth it.”

She let out a long breath. Patrick had noticed her doing that often. He was nearly certain it was a response to worry. She wove her fingers together and rested her clasped hands on the tabletop. “What wouldyouwant in exchange for your investment, assuming you decide to invest?”

Joseph leaned back in his chair. “A percentage of profits. We can determine the amount, choose something we both feel comfortable with.”

The man was proving to be as fair minded as Patrick had promised he’d be. That was a relief.

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