“Susanna, you need to know that oftentimes things of a more serious nature interfere with my ability to show patience and even kindness. I’m afraid you caught me at a bad time the other evening. I had just learned some particularly worrisome news.”
“I’m sorry that you were upset.” Susanna picked up her fork and began to eat more of her dessert. She knew her mother’s game. She would dole out little bits of information in order to coax Susanna into prying for answers. Usually Susanna cooperated so as to get the game over with as soon as possible. This time she simply wasn’t in the mood. “For pity’s sake, Mother, just say what you’ve come to say.”
Her mother put her hand to her chest. “The doctor says I must have immediate tests and expensive medicines if I am to live.”
Susanna stared at her mother, who continued rambling without pause.
“Of course, I’ll need to go to a better doctor. Probably one in Albuquerque to begin with, but most likely a specialist in California. Your father is quite worried, and he won’t hear of medoing anything in the way of work. We will probably need to hire Lia for longer hours, as I’m sure to need someone to help me.”
“But I thought you were going to California,” Susanna replied in a matter-of-fact manner.
Her mother nodded. “You’re absolutely right. I will probably be in some hospital or convalescent facility. It is a grave worry, for I’m certain the cost will be exorbitant.”
Susanna wasn’t sure what to say or do. She felt confident her mother was making this up. It was probably the best idea she and Father had for getting Susanna to part with her money.
Susanna toyed with her remaining cake and then put aside her fork. “Well, there’s only one thing to be done. You and I will go see the doctor who has diagnosed you thus far. We will talk to him about the best course of action—the best facilities to handle whatever it is that is wrong—and we will go there together. You can hardly be expected to travel alone, and Father must stay and run the hotel.”
“No. You don’t need to worry about that. Your father is certain Harrison would wish for him to accompany me. He felt that you could run the hotel in our absence.”
Susanna shook her head. “I don’t think I could rest easy without being at your side.”
Her mother paled a bit and shook her head. “We can figure that out later, but there is the matter of the expenses for travel and for the doctors and medicine. We will be quite unable to pay for such things without your help.”
“Well, I wouldn’t feel comfortable without being there to speak to the doctors and hospital personnel myself.” Susanna dabbed her mouth with her napkin. “It’s such a worry to imagine that you might die without the proper help. I want to know that the doctors are doing everything possible. You know there are many great hospitals, and we must wisely consider which would be best. Now, what exactly is wrong?”
“Susanna, your father and I can manage this ourselves,”Mother said firmly. “We just need to know that you can manage the hotel.”
“Oh, I see. I thought you needed me to pay for it.”
“We will,” Mother replied in such a hasty manner that even she was concerned at the urgency. “I mean ... well, again, my nerves are completely exhausted by all that’s going on.”
“Mother, I don’t want you to worry about a thing.” Susanna reached out to pat her mother’s hand. “That’s why I intend to speak with your doctor in the morning. We’ll figure out what he believes will be the best place for you to go for further diagnoses.”
“No, that isn’t necessary. I don’t need you to take over the situation. Your father and I can manage those details.”
“Yes, but as you’ve already said, your nerves are exhausted, and Father will be no better, knowing that his dear wife is ill to the point of possible death.” Susanna shook her head. “I remember how hard it was when Mark was sick. You will thank me later for being there to manage the financial demands and stand as support. We will speak to the doctor tomorrow. I’ll come and get you first thing in the morning.” Susanna paused and looked at her mother. “By the way, who is your doctor? I’ve not had time to meet any of the medical folks in this area. I know there are doctors for the Santa Fe and that the railroad has its own little hospital, but I have no idea what is available to those not associated with the railroad.”
“I have managed for myself, Susanna. I don’t need you to speak to my doctor.” Mother’s agitation was growing, and Susanna had taken all of the lies she was going to stand for.
“There is no doctor, is there, Mother?” Susanna signaled the Harvey Girl. “I’d like to pay the check.” She handed the girl some money. “Will this cover it?”
“More than.”
“Good. You keep the rest as your tip.”
Susanna got to her feet while her mother watched with hermouth clenched tight and her eyes wide in fear. When Susanna headed for the door, she heard her mother’s chair scaping across the floor as she hurried to follow.
They were outside before Mother called to her. “Susanna, wait!”
Susanna turned and shook her head. “How could you lie about something so important as being sick enough to die? Did you honestly expect that I would just hand over my money without checking into what was going on?”
“You don’t understand. I simply don’t want you in the middle of it. I have my pride, you know. My health is my business.”
“Mother, you have always made your health issues the business of anyone and everyone who was close enough to hear your complaints.”
Her mother gasped and put a gloved hand to her mouth. “That isn’t true. Oh, you are a heartless child. It is hardly my fault that I am so weak and frail.”
Susanna laughed out loud. “I know of no one stronger or healthier than you, Mother.” She fixed her mother with a look and shook her head as she sobered. “And for that I am glad. I only wish you were.”
