Susanna had seen her mother’s apprehension melt away as Mrs. Payne explained she wanted to have Mother and Susanna to luncheon to introduce them to a few of the ladies from church and make them feel properly welcomed. This appealed to Mother, who felt it was a good way to assert her position amongst the community members. Susanna, however, wasn’t at all sure what position she would insist on having.
As soon as Father arrived, Susanna turned the front desk over to him and made her way to the little adobe house, where her mother was already flitting about, trying to figure out what she would wear.
“Where’s the laundry you always bring?” her mother asked.
“I thought I’d wait and do it tomorrow, since we have the gathering today. There were only four rooms rented, and I can clean those up this afternoon.”
As if she hadn’t even heard, Mother looked at Susanna, who had donned a gray and lavender print day dress. The lightweight material was perfect for the heat of the day, but Susanna knew her mother would consider it much too casual. Even if it was designed by Worth.
“You can’t wear that,” Mother said.
“But I’m going to, and that’s all we’ll say about it. I’ve barely come out of mourning and must use what I have at hand. In the future I will arrange for other clothes, but for now this must do.”
Mother turned back to her own wardrobe. “I don’t want to be remiss in my dressing. This might very well be a small town in the middle of nowhere, but these women still readGodey’s, I’m sure. Not only that, but I’m told important railroad officials come here often. It could be that some of these women are no different than I am—temporarily required to live their life in rural repose for the sake of their husband’s duties. We cannot neglect our appearance.”
“I’m a shoe salesman’s widow.” Susanna smiled. “Honestly, Mother, no one will care.”
Her mother gave a huff. “If you won’t dress appropriately, then I must.” She pulled on a snug-fitting mauve jacket and adjusted her lace jabot. “Now for the perfect piece of jewelry.”
Mother was in her element as she prepared for the gathering, but Susanna did her best to temper matters. Especially when Mother pulled out a sapphire and ruby pin. Not only did it not match the mauve, but it was too extravagant.
“Mother, it’s much too informal a gathering to wear an expensive piece of jewelry. Maybe just use Grandmother’s cameo?”
“Bah, they need to know I’m from good breeding and that we have money.”
“But you don’t have money any longer, and frankly, I’m surprised you got away with keeping your jewelry.” Susanna shook her head. “You’d probably do well to keep it hidden.”
“The bank didn’t know about my entire collection, nor shall they.” Mother put the piece aside. “But I suppose you are right. It is too early in the day for such things. Still, I want to make a good impression. Perhaps my pearl brooch.”
“Perhaps you could just be kind and attentive. Show some friendship. Remember, these ladies have husbands who work for a living, and now your husband also works. We are no better than they are and need to accept our place.”
“Susanna, honestly, you do go on and on about the silliest notions. We are merely experiencing a brief situation. Your father was lied to and then robbed. That’s hardly his fault, and we will be fine in just a few months. He’s assured me. I don’t like the circumstances we find ourselves in, but it’s only temporary. Your father is even thinking we might relocate to San Francisco. Apparently, he has a lead on an investment there.” She fastened on the cameo.
Susanna hoped her mother didn’t see her eyes roll heavenward. Why could her parents not understand or accept that this situation was far more permanent? Uncle Harrison had told them so. He’d made it clear that had he not given them the hotel to run, they would have been left on the streets in Topeka. Mother thought him just being unkind, while Father felt confident there was a quick and easy path to solvency and success. But there wasn’t, and Susanna was hard-pressed to get them to understand the truth of the situation.
They arrived at Mrs. Payne’s little two-story house at precisely eleven o’clock, as instructed. Susanna both dreaded and looked forward to the outing. She wanted to get to know the women from the church and gain a sense of belonging. But she knew her mother would make a scene at some point, and she dreaded the very thought. How could she possibly explain?
Mrs. Payne ushered them into the front room. “I want you two to have these chairs so you’ll be able to see everyone. The ladies are quite excited to welcome you to San Marcial, so we thought we might have a pounding.”
“A pounding?” Mother asked.
“Yes.” Mrs. Payne pointed to the corner. “We’ve all brought gifts of food and other things you need to set up decent housekeeping. You won’t have to shop for some time.”
“How wonderful,” Susanna replied. “Mother and I were just discussing getting our cupboards in order.” From the look of the overflowing table, they wouldn’t have to shop for quite a while, except to buy perishables.
“I was discussing hiring a maid,” Mother said, ignoring Susanna. “I hope perhaps someone here might recommend a young woman who can clean, do laundry, and cook.”
“I’m sure we can,” Mrs. Payne replied. She seemed momentarily confused by this interruption in her plans but quickly recovered. “I’ll bring refreshments.”
“Let me help, Sylvia,” one of the other ladies volunteered, jumping to her feet.
It was only a matter of minutes before the dining table was covered with a variety of foods, as well as coffee, tea, and iced lemonade.
Everyone was encouraged to help themselves. Mother seemed put out not to be waited on, so Susanna, hoping to avoid a scene, offered to bring her a plate. This satisfied her mother momentarily but left her alone to tell the women around her whatever she chose to say. The very thought terrified Susanna. Her mother would think nothing of exaggerating and outright lying to make herself appear important.
Susanna brought her a plate with several tasty-looking treats. There were delicate little sandwiches, as well as sweet treats that were sure to please, along with some of the most enticing fruit Susanna had ever seen. Susanna also broughther mother a cup of tea. Mother always declared that nothing was quite so soothing as a good cup of tea. Hopefully, this one would qualify.
“We, of course, come from old money back east,” her mother was saying. “The family lineage is positively abundant with nobility and wealthy financial geniuses like my husband.”
