“You don’t have to be cruel. I simply thought it an idea worth discussing with him. I suppose I should have known others would think of it too.”
“That’s the problem. You think you’re so much wiser than everyone else, yet if anything you are more ignorant. You have only to look at your current situation to see the truth of what I say.”
“Speaking of my situation, I feel there are things we must discuss before you leave.”
What was the best way to approach the matter? Should he tell Harrison that Gladys was just too sick and the doctor had told her not to work? Perhaps if they could convince him of that, as they had hoped to convince Susanna, Harrison might let them both off the hook. Or if not, maybe he could convince Harrison to give him more money in order to hire more staff.
Manuel greeted them as the bells hanging over the hotel door rang out to announce their presence. The bells had been Harrison’s idea to allow the staff to be busy elsewhere but hear whenever someone came into the hotel or left. Herbert had to admit it was a good idea. He just wished that he’d thought of it.
“Good evening, Manuel. Did we receive any more guests?” Harrison asked.
“No, señor. It’s been a very quiet night.”
The young man smiled and talked with Harrison while Herbert made his way back to the private rooms. Harrison had chided him for being unwilling to live at the hotel even for these few days, but Herbert had reminded his brother that he could hardly leave his wife at home alone. This was a wild town, and who knew what might happen. They’d had a terrible fight about it until finally Harrison stormed off, muttering that he’d stick around and man the hotel at night until Susanna returned.
Herbert had felt like he’d won the round until Harrison announced he would deduct four nights’ pay from the stipend he gave them. He’d already docked a large portion for Herbert’s admission that he’d been away more than he’d been there. That, added to the fact that Gladys wasn’t helping in any way, left his brother quite angry and very vocal about them having their wages cut.
Of course, there was Susanna. Surely she would take pity on them. His brother had made it clear that she would be paid in her mother’s stead. Herbert just needed to find a way to get her to turn her portion over to the family. They’d been having enough trouble trying to exist on the small stipend Harrison provided. A reduced salary was simply impossible. Susanna would have to understand and give them the money.
Herbert considered how it might be accomplished but couldn’t help remembering the way Gladys had tried to fool Susanna into giving them money to go to California for a doctor. Herbert had thought his wife’s idea was a good one. Susanna was quite tenderhearted, and he honestly thought she’d willingly hand over the money. Instead, she’d wanted to go with her mother to the doctor. It might have been different if they’d been able to talk to the doctor first—maybe cut him in on some of the money. But instead, realizing the doctor had no idea what they were doing, Gladys had known she would be found out. Of course, then she was found out simply by refusing to let Susanna do as she suggested.
Harrison came into the private quarters with Manuel on his heels. “I’m heading home, Mr. Ragsdale,” the young man announced.
“Very well.” Herbert gave him a nod. “Thank you.”
“The hotel has four guests, Mr. Ragsdale,” Manuel told him as he headed for the front doors. “They are all in their rooms. Good night.”
“Good night, Manuel. Susanna should be back tomorrow.”
“Thank you for your help, and I’ll arrange for your pay, just as we talked about,” Harrison replied.
Harrison watched from the door and gave a wave. Herbert could see no reason to be so friendly with the help. The minute you acted like a friend instead of an employer, they took advantage of you. And what did Harrison mean that he’d arranged for Manuel’s pay?
The bells rang melodiously, signaling the boy’s departure, and Herbert got to his feet. “What arrangements did you make with him?”
“I learned what you were paying him. I wonder how you would like it if I paid you the same.” Harrison sat down at the dining table and picked up the newspaper.
“He’s not responsible for all that I have to take care of,” Herbert argued. Then he forced himself to calm down. He needed to figure out how to convince his brother to move them away from San Marcial to a better place. Perhaps now, with Susanna and Manuel, Harrison would realize he could send them elsewhere.
Herbert joined his brother at the small dining table. He leaned his elbows on the table and folded his hands. He pressed his chin against his hands, wondering what he could say to convince his brother that this punishment wasn’t the answer.
“Harrison, we need to talk about this arrangement.”
“What’s to discuss?” his brother asked as he turned the page.
“It’s not working out. My wife is sickly and miserable living in the desert. I’m unhappy myself.”
Harrison dropped the paper and looked at him. “That misery is born of your own mistakes.”
“All right, I made a mistake in my investment,” Herbert admitted. “But it doesn’t mean I should be punished for the rest of my life.”
“I have no intention of punishing you for the rest of your life. I want you to learn a lesson. Unlike all the other times before, when you learned nothing and went on to do it again and again. There are consequences for your actions, Herbert, but all your life you have avoided them. Now you must answer for what you’ve done.”
“I’ve learned my lesson. I have. I know that I should have listened to your counsel.” Herbert knew what his brother wanted to hear and was ready to lay it on thick. “I was foolish. I realize that now. I’ve made my family miserable and unhappy. It’s a wonder they’re still with me. I think Gladys would have left me by now were she healthier.”
“There is nothing wrong with your wife that a little honesty wouldn’t cure.”
“Well, I cannot say for sure that is true, but I know I have made mistakes, and that is all I can confess to. I know what you want me to understand now. Money is hard-earned, even amongst the wealthy. I haven’t appreciated the mental work that has gone into securing decent investments and am ready now to accept that I was to blame for all that happened.”
“I’m glad to hear you confess that, but I’m sure there’s more that you might say on the matter.”
Herbert shifted uncomfortably. “I’m not sure what else you want me to say, but I am sorry. I’ve told you that and am truly remorseful for my lack of wisdom. I am a changed man. I assure you. Losing everything has taught me a valuable lesson.”
Harrison studied him for a moment, then frowned, as if disappointed in his reply. “You haven’t exactly made good choices here.”
“No, not always,” Herbert admitted. “I’m not proud of my attitude, but I am working to do the right thing and to listen to your counsel.”
Again Harrison looked at him as if waiting for something more. Finally, he shook his head. “I’m sure in time you will be much better at making decisions, but for now this is an important time of learning.”
“But I have learned. It was never my desire to hurt you or our father.” Herbert’s mind raced to figure out what Harrison wanted to hear. “I was prideful and thought I knew best. I see that now. I was a disappointment to you both, but I just didn’t realize that my ways were so flawed.” He continued to ramble about his poor choices and how he wished he’d allowed Harrison and their father to teach him, all while watching his brother’s face for any sign that he’d finally hit upon the right topic.