Capp guided the horse to where Mary was standing. “Seems she’s a good listener. Patient too. Lessons can get tiresome. But we are building up to some fun down the road,” Capp said proudly. Demonstrating awareness of the rules, he said, “See you tomorrow, Maizie, Mrs. Glidewell,” he tipped his Stetson and smiled. He is charming, Mary had to admit.
“Yes, Capp, she’ll see you. Don’t forget we have our big “New Rules” meeting at five p.m. tomorrow.” Mary reminded him.
On their way back to the ranch house, Maizie was talking nonstop. “I don’t know. Just so nice to have Capp teach me. I’m learning the right way now. Capp said the trail ride was just a chance for me to get comfortable on a horse. Now I‘m learning about balancing my body and sitting in the saddle. I was bouncing all over on the trail ride. It kind of hurt, but now I’m learning you don’t have to bounce so much.” Mary was warmed by Maizie’s enthusiasm but worried that Capp was the reason for it, not riding a horse.
“Maizie, tomorrow morning you and I will go to Springfield. We have to mail our invitations to our friends and pick up the posters I ordered. And place an ad in the newspaper about the match races.”
Maizie looked off into the distance said out loud, “Wish my mama could see me ride.”
Realizing Maizie had not heard a word she said, Mary looked at Maizie with sympathy and put her hand on the young girl’s back. “She is proud, I know. She raised one fine girl.”
“I don’t know. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t understand things.”
“Like what?”
“Like how people treat each other. Like how sometimes, I just don’t know anything. How I’m afraid to say what I’m thinking. How I’m afraid I might make a mistake.”
“But look at all you’re learning. If you ever need to talk about something, maybe I could help. I’ve lived a lot longer and have been around a lot of people, all types.”
“Sometimes I cry at night when I think of my mama. Here I’m in the best bed I’ve ever had, and I’m crying.”
“That’s what folks do when they grieve. Sometimes when you lose someone you’ve loved, it just grabs you and you have to cry to let it out. Over time it will get better, but you will always miss the person. And that is how it should be, I think.”
“Anyone ever die on you, Mrs. Glidewell?”
“Oh yes, my father and mother, my first husband, and I loved them all. Still do.”
Maizie nodded. “I just wish I could tell Mama all the stuff I’m learning. ’Cause she wouldn’t believe it. It would make her happy.”
“I would have been so proud to have a daughter as pretty and as smart as you.” Mary stopped short, not believing what she had just said. “I mean, we would have had fun, my daughter and me.” Mary felt a rush of sadness and fought to contain it. “But anyway, you sure did well in your horseback-riding lesson.”
Looking up toward the ranch house, Maizie said, “So you never been a mama.”
“No. Seems it wasn’t meant to be. Just as well, I guess. Mr. Glidewell and I have been so busy with our professions. And now we are busier than ever.”
Mazie nodded again.
“Look, when we get to Springfield tomorrow, how would you like to get your own riding outfit, one that fits you?” Mary laughed. “Maybe a few new dresses too. You’ll need a party dress, a pretty color just perfect for you for the dinner after the match-race opening.”
“I don’t have much money. Maybe just a few things.”
“Yes, whatever you can afford.” Mary winked at Maizie and smiled. “But I may want to buy you a few things myself. I think it’s important my assistant look nice for all the festivities.”
The two climbed up the stone steps to the ranch-house door. At the top they turned and hugged each other. Mary could feel tears forming in her eyes. When the embrace concluded, Mary turned so she could wipe away the tears. There was no denying it. This orphaned child had found her way deep into Mary’s heart.
Chapter 23
Maizie’s Diary
June 29, 1931
Capp gave me my horseback-riding lesson today. He is a good teacher and he says I’m a good student. Can’t do better than that. I love him, I think. Why, when I am with him I’m all nervous and then like magic I feel warm. I feel like I could do anything.
I found out today that Mrs. Glidewell never had any children. How does that happen? Mr. and Mrs. Glidewell have been married for a long time and they have no son or daughter to share this ranch. Maybe that’s why they are sharing everything with all of us who work here. Mrs. Glidewell seems sad about not having a baby. Seems I made my mama’s life a little better, but maybe not. It was nice to talk with her about my mama.
When I think about it, Mrs. Glidewell is not like my mama at all. She is rich and mama was so poor. My mama didn’t have a home or anyone who cared for her. I wonder if she would have ever stayed in one place. Seemed my mama was running from something. Don’t know what, but something. Or maybe she was running to something. Who knows?
And Mrs. Glidewell is smart. She knows a lot of things. My mama sure knew how to
