Camptown ladies sing this song,
Doo-da, Doo-da
The Camptown racetrack’s five miles long
Oh, doo-da day
Goin’ to run all night
Goin’ to run all day
I bet my money on a bob-tailed nag
Somebody bet on the bay…
Mary looked up at James and over the music remarked, “This is our glory, James, our friends, our staff, our life here. I’m not sure there could be more. Look at this moment, I wish it could last forever.” James placed his arm around Mary and pulled her toward him.
Chapter 97
Maizie’s Diary
Late December 1934
Capp and I took a trail ride today. Mary gave us permission. She has to give us permission. I can tell she doesn’t want to. She still thinks I’m just a girl but I’m not.
I told Capp about a time Mama and I lived in a big house. I know it wasn’t in Vicksburg, but I saw houses like that from the window on the train. Meadowlark called them antebellum houses. Mama worked in the house and I played with the kids. I remember we celebrated Christmas there. We had a Christmas tree and I got a present wrapped in pretty paper with a bow, my first. That was the only Christmas I remember celebrating until I came to Glidewell.
Mary gave me a string of pearls—a string of pearls! I do love them. But this Christmas was not only a dinner with presents, but also with family and love. Yes, I call the folks at Glidewell my family. I’m not that girl who arrived at Glidewell four years ago. I’m going to college, learning important things. I have to say I had no idea how much I didn’t know about history and literature. I can see what James and Mary meant about an education. I’m learning if you talk a certain way, look a certain way and act a certain way, you get along better in this world.
I enjoy all my classes, especially music. Meadowlark taught me a lot, but there is a lot more to learn. I’m in a Gershwin musical review this winter called Girl Crazy. It’s about a ranch! Mary, James, and the whole backside want to come. Capp can’t cause he’ll still be gone. That’s all right.
Since I returned from Vicksburg, I feel free to be happy. I don’t feel guilty anymore. Meadowlark said he can hear it in my voice when I sing. But he told me not to worry, because a person with a life like mine never loses their “bluesy soul.”
Bonne nuit, mon ami,
Maizie Sunday Friedman
P.S. I dreamt I saw my daddy singing. His voice was like nothing I had ever heard. In my dream, Meadowlark and Sugar were with me. He didn’t see us in the crowd, but it was a good dream. I wonder if he watches over me, like a real angel. I wonder if he knew Mama was going to have a baby. I guess it doesn’t matter now. I guess I’ll never know.
Chapter 98
The Glidewell Horse
January 1935
Tilly was keeping to herself at home on her daddy’s farm. She slept late in the morning and fought daily with her mother about finding a good, rich man. Occasionally, to calm herself, she would go for a horseback ride through the hills around her farm. Her days and nights were consumed with thoughts of the Missouri wrangler. She was beginning to convince herself things would work out with Capp. They had to.
The Coombses had received their foreclosure notice from the bank. Tilly had only a few months to get her problem figured out. She thought when Capp saw her, he’d feel for her situation and do all he could. He’d talk Mr. Glidewell into investing in her farm. They’d swing an amazing deal. She was certain.
George Coombs returned home every evening with news of the backside. He never talked about the impending foreclosure at home. Tilly listened carefully to the backside updates, feigning mild interest. One night he came home with the news that horses in serious training were arriving and would be headed to Arkansas soon.
“Is that so, Daddy?” questioned Tilly.
“Yes, Bob’s barn will be empty, and so will many others. It will be quieter around the backside until spring.”
“Are there any horses on the track who look like Derby winners?” asked Tilly.
“They don’t run them hard in the cold, but there is one standout.”
“That so? Where’s the horse from?”
“The stallion was foaled in Missouri but conceived in Lexington, Kentucky at the Rising Star. He stands out as one of the best.”
“We don’t see too many horses from Missouri. Is it a Glidewell horse?”
“It is. The Glidewells have a staff here working with him and three other two-year-old colts. They all look good.”
“Well, I better get out there and take a look before they leave for Arkansas. What’s the Glidewell horse’s name?”
“Glory Be.”
“What does he look like?”
“He’s a beautiful bay with black points.”
“I’ll find him and take a look.”
“No Matilda, stay away from Bob’s barn.” Tilly didn’t give a hoot about her father’s pleading. She was on a mission and would not be deterred. The next morning Tilly drove to Churchill Downs. She had some checking to do.
Parking near the backside office, Tilly jumped out of her car and opened the office door. The doorbells jingled, drawing Marion, the new secretary from the back office. Marion took one look at Tilly and immediately said, “Oh it’s you. Your daddy isn’t here. He’s at the track.”
Tilly fingered a few pencils on the counter separating her from Marion. She didn’t look up as she asked, “Glidewell Ranch still here?”
“Yes, they are. Nice group. Leaving soon for Arkansas.”
“I know them. One of them’s a good friend. Well, more than that really. Think I’ll go down to the track and see what’s going on.” Tilly turned on a dime and hurried out the door. She didn’t go to the track but rather walked directly to Bob Hench’s barn. There were a few horses in the stalls, covered with warm blankets, eating hay. One young groom
