“But it’s not?” Owen asked.
“No. It never has been. You can’t convince him, however. Uncle Harrison and Grandfather Ragsdale were well aware of my father’s flaws, however. They were cautious and careful to safeguard his inheritance, but Father never understood that, nor did he ever figure out how to invest wisely. Grandfather died some years ago, and Father was given a lump sum to work with, but unbeknownst to him, an additional portion of his inheritance was given to Uncle Harrison for management. Uncle Harrison was able to double that amount, but my family knows nothing about it—at least I don’t think they do. Through the years, Uncle Harrison has had to go behind my father’s back and clean up messes he’s made, and this inheritance has had to be used. Thankfully, Uncle Harrison is gifted in earning it back.” She frowned, remembering how her uncle had shared all of this just a few weeks back. Susanna had been so embarrassed for her father.
“He never told Father how much of a mess he’d made of things until recently, when Father lost everything and Uncle Harrison let him fall despite there being inheritance still available. He told me he had to do this, or when he died and Father realized the full amount was his, he’d no doubt squander it and be left a pauper.”
“I’m sure your folks couldn’t have been happy at that turn of events.”
“No. They thought it a joke at first. A poorly executed one, but nonetheless a joke. Uncle Harrison told them that my father had refused to be taught, and so they had to face the consequences.”
“That would have been hard to endure.”
“It was terrible. My mother has always believed herself to be of the highest society. She came from a political family who had more power than money, so she was always seen in the right circles, but everyone knew she was of little worth financially. When she married Father, she was finally able to attach herself to money. But even so, she’s never been accepted among the truly elite. Those in power with longtime wealth realize exactly what she and my father are and how they operate. People have always known and laughed at them behind their backs. I never knew this until I had my coming-out ball. I remember overhearing girls I thought were my friends talking about how ridiculous it all was. I heard them say that we were of no account—that Father was a fool and my mother a braggart who had nothing to brag about.
“I remember asking Mark about it, and of course he knew. He explained some of it to me, but he didn’t tell me all. It wasn’t until Uncle Harrison explained before we came here that I finally knew how bad it truly was.”
“And what did he tell you?” Owen asked, still not having taken a single bite of his sandwich.
Susanna motioned to him. “Eat. It’s not important. You have probably already guessed. My uncle paid my father’s debts and moved him down here. Uncle built the hotel, having heard that San Marcial was a booming community slated to grow even bigger because of the Santa Fe Railway. It was just going to be an investment, but after what happened, Uncle Harrison saw it as a teaching opportunity. My father is to run the hotel and make a good show of the business and a tidy profit for my uncle. Uncle Harrison will judge his work and decide his future.”
She began to nibble on her sandwich and found that she was quite hungry. It wasn’t long before she’d devoured the entire thing. Owen too seemed hungry. He ate the sandwich and apple and was quickly working on the pie when Susanna got up the nerve to ask him about his life.
“So, turnabout is only fair. Tell me about your childhood. Where did you grow up?”
“Albuquerque, and elsewhere before that. My father was a train engineer.”
“Ah. So that’s how you came to work for the Santa Fe?”
“Yes. Trains were always a part of our life. I often snuck on board when I was young, especially after my mother died. I was just twelve when she passed away from an infection.” He drew a deep breath. “I had a younger brother too. Your brother Gary reminds me of him.”
“Had? Is he gone?”
“Yes.”
It was all he offered, and Susanna didn’t pry.
Owen continued, “My father passed on a couple of years back. He loved being an engineer and died doing what he loved when his train derailed near Winslow.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. So your family is all gone?”
“Yeah. I’m the only one left.” He finished off the pie and leaned back on his elbows. “I tried my hand at a variety of railroad jobs, but working with the boilers was what I found most intriguing. I even trained in Topeka, which makes me smile when I think of how you were there. The world really isn’t so very big after all.”
“No, I suppose not.” Susanna studied him a moment, wondering if she might ever have seen him. But truth be told, she had only had eyes for Mark back then.
It was pleasant under the shade of the twisted cottonwood, but after a time, Susanna couldn’t help but notice the growing heat.
Owen seemed to read her thoughts. “I think we should head back. Today’s a scorcher without any clouds to ease the temperature.” He got to his feet. “I’ll get the horses saddled.”
“I’ll pack up our things here,” Susanna offered.
He reached down to help her to her feet. She stood and was quite content to let Owen hold her and gaze into her eyes. It was a lovely moment.
“I have to tell you that this has been the best day I’ve had in some time,” he said.
Susanna could see the sincerity in his eyes. “It’s been the best for me as well. Thank you for suggesting it.”
He dropped his hold on her. “Thank you for coming along.”
7
The next week Uncle Harrison arrived. He inspected the hotel with Susanna’s father following in close step. Susanna manned the front desk while the two men made their way around the hotel, which at the moment was empty.
Susanna had already stripped the rooms where people had stayed the night before and remade made the beds with fresh linens. Her mother had encouraged her not to change the linens every day—after all, who was to know, unless the sheets were mud-smeared or stained? But Susanna didn’t like the idea of letting different people sleep on the same sheets. She wanted their guests to know the room was completely clean—bedding and all.
“Well, the rooms aren’t as big as I thought they’d be, but the furnishings are good, and if need be, you could fit another bed into most of the rooms,” Uncle Harrison declared as he and Father made their way down the stairs.
Uncle Harrison was a large man who appeared rather imposing to most. He was six foot two and broad shouldered with a thick waist. Susanna had once seen a photograph of Queen Victoria’s son, who was to be king one day. Uncle Harrison was the spitting image of that man and just as intimidating as if he were a king.
“Susanna, how are you, my dear?” he asked. She had been in the back and not quite dressed when he arrived, so she hadn’t yet greeted him.
“I’m doing well, Uncle Harrison.” She embraced him as he kissed her cheek. “And how about you? How was the train ride?”
“Completely without error. I came in my own car, and it was luxury at its best. I cannot complain. And how about you? Is life treating you well?”