Rye Fulton was focusing this time on the poetry that was Glidewell. He listened as Capp talked about the Osage orange-tree fence that surrounded the property. He was careful to get pictures of the fence in winter and would return in the spring. Rye saw the fence as a barrier from the troubles of the times, a metaphor. Glidewell seemed immune to the hopelessness many felt in the Depression and drought. He wrote down the descriptive phrase “horse high, bull strong and hog tight.” As the hedge trees grew and entwined, the fence had become a living symbol of Glidewell, a symbol of refuge. This was the story he would tell with his photographs. His feelings for Maizie were carefully under wraps for now.
The grand hall was decked out with tables and chairs for a sit-down dinner. Everyone was expected to attend, even the wait and cook staff. Corky and Billie joined Philippe and Leon in the preparations of a Christmas feast of roasted duck, turkey, and ham accompanied with all the fixings. A large Tennessee pine, decorated with red glass bulbs and white lights, stood near the piano. A huge wreath hung above the stone fireplace. The tables were covered with white linen. White candles creating a warm, ambient atmosphere, stood in the center of each table. Ruby, Josie, and Claire helped with the serving but then joined the others at the tables.
It was a joyful time, full of conversation and laughter. Capp went from table to table shaking hands and playfully kissing all the females lightly on the cheek. When he got to Josie, he stopped. He didn’t kiss her like he did the others, he said, “Forgive me, Josie. I’m sorry for what happened to you.” Josie pushed a few short strands of hair under her red headwrap and looked down at her plate. She said nothing but there was a gentle blushing on her face. Capp found his seat next to Maizie and kissed her on the cheek as well.
After dinner Meadowlark and Maizie walked slowly, hand in hand, to the grand piano and performed a few songs. Maizie’s college choir training was evidenced by her mastery of more difficult and tighter harmonies. Her stage presence was dynamic, and all listened intently and applauded loudly. They couldn’t help but stare at Maizie and feel the warmth and emotion of her singing, rising and falling with every phrase.
There was no gift exchange, but the Glidewells surprised everyone with a personal and fitting gift. James gave a champagne toast expressing his gratitude to each and every one of his staff and friends. The speech was warm and caring, but a little long. James mentioned how his employees all worked for the common good. “This,” he said, “makes us different from the rest. We can be proud and hold our heads high.” When he was finished, all raised their glasses. “Hear, hear” rang from the crowd.
Corky, in his cavalry uniform, stood and raised his trusty bugle, and to everyone’s surprise he began his rendition of “Boots and Saddles.” Suddenly a familiar clip-clop sounded through the open front door of the ranch house. The entire dinner party stood up to look. Soon all were clapping and cheering as Tommy O’Rourke, on the back of Glory Be, rode into the large front hall, horse hooves sounding their arrival. Tommy was wearing the new cobalt-blue Glidewell silks and orange jockey’s cap. Under Glory Be’s saddle was a bright orange blanket with “Glory Be” embroidered on the side.
Mary could be overheard saying, “Good God, a horse is in the house.” Laughter filled the room. But as everyone knew, it wasn’t just any horse, it was Glory Be. The stallion had proven himself in many preliminary races to be one of the best racehorses in the nation. Glory Be often finished in the top four, his times fast, his attention keen. Tommy was smiling broadly, tipped his cap, and stayed astride while Rye took pictures of the spectacle. After the arrival of horse and jockey, Capp stood and gave a little speech of his own.
“Seeing Glory Be here gets me choked up.” Capp looked at his father. “Look at that stallion. He just knows he’s something. We’ve got some fine quarter horses and fine thoroughbreds and are having more all the time, but this guy is special. Dad says he’s one in a million, a freak of nature.” Capp raised his champagne glass again and continued: “Tommy, Dad, Corky and I leave for Churchill Downs soon to hook up with Bob Hench and his team for a few weeks. Then we are off to Arkansas for winter training and races.” Capp paused for a moment and then turned to James and Mary: “It’s gonna be a Kentucky Derby none of us will forget. If Glory Be keeps going the way he has, he’ll win it. With Tommy as his jockey, we can’t lose.”
Everyone cheered and many moved closer to the horse. The room was alive with excited chatter and laughter.
Maizie was on her way to get a better view of Glory Be when she nearly ran into Rye Fulton. Rye looked at her and again was enraptured. “Maizie.”
“Mr. Fulton,” she said, not looking at the photographer. Her eyes focused on the camera he held in his hand.
“Merry Christmas.” He raised the camera to his chest. “Look, if you ever need new pictures taken for anything, I would do them for free.” Maizie looked up at the sad face of a lonely man, a voyeur behind a camera lens.
“Mr. Fulton, I don’t think I’ll be needing any just yet. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
“Of course,” he said, moving out of her way to let her pass.
Meadowlark ran to the grand piano and started playing “Camptown Races,” the old Stephen Foster song. The crowd started to
