“Okay, then what should I spend the money on? We need to do some talking about our holdings, Jess. Seems to me people our age are dropping like flies. We need to do some of that estate planning. We don't want those government men coming in here and taking everything we worked for all our lives. We really do need to talk about this, Jess. Don't you be putting me off again. Neither one of us has kin.”
“That means we have to talk about dying. I don't like talking about dying, Maud. We been over this before. I thought we agreed we'd leave our money to charity.”
“I changed my mind.” Maud's gnarled fingers plucked at the yellow-and-white afghan covering her. She'd made it one winter when she was down with the flu. Now she couldn't even hold the needles. “I'm not saying we shouldn't leave money to charity. What I'm saying is we need to maybe set up a foundation or something. We insure these Thoroughbreds for millions of dollars, and yet you and I only have a million each on our lives. If this place is going to continue after we're gone, then we need to make provisions for that. I'm going to look into it as soon as our guests are up and about. I want to know now if you're going to fuss and fret.”
“You're an ornery woman, Maud Diamond. Do what you want.”
Maud nodded. “Then I'd like another drink, Jess. Make it a double this time.”
“That bad, eh?”
“Yes. It's going to rain. It's worse when it rains. God sent that child to us for a reason. You believe that, don't you?”
“Yep. I'm going to build up this fire. Wouldn't be a bit surprised to find frost in the morning.”
Maud leaned her head back into the pillows. Was Jess right about the girl upstairs? Would she like the old, deep comfortable furniture? Would she curl up by the fire with the little one on her lap? What would she think of all the trophies on the mantel? Maybe this year she could talk Jess into setting up a real Christmas tree in the corner. She thought about her mortality then, because when the pain was bad like it was tonight she always thought about death.
Jess handed her the heavy cup with the wide handle. He watched her out of the corner of his eye as he stoked the fire, sweat dripping down his cheeks. “You never complain, Maud, why is that?”
“Because I did a damn fool thing. And because I didn't listen to you that day. Complaining isn't going to change anything. Sit down, Jess; this one is taking the edge off a bit. I was thinking, now that we more or less got ourselves a little family, I want a Christmas tree this year.”
“You do, do you?”
“Yes. Are the horses all right?”
“You know they are. I'll take a last look before I turn in. Maud, we got the best people in the world working for us. There's no call to worry. The way I figure it, we got one more crack at the Derby. We got us two already. One more will round it out nicely.”
“We need to think about some schooling for that girl upstairs. Maybe on the weekends.”
“I'm talking about Kentucky Derby winners, and you're talking about schooling. If you don't beat all, Maud Diamond.”
“I want to know more about that young girl, Jess. I think it might behoove us to hire on a private investigator to look into her background. We might need to know what we're up against down the road. She doesn't have to know. I'm looking at it as protection for her. Not for us. Make sure you understand that, Jess. Somehow or other, those two sneaked into this old heart of mine. Didn't think that could happen. Horses and dogs and, of course, you. That's all I thought I had room for. The same thing happened to you, Jess, so don't try to deny it.”
“Wasn't going to.”
Maud reached out for Jess's hand. She did her best to squeeze it. “We're coming into the home stretch, Jess.”
“You're getting maudlin. Time for bed. I'll walk you up and get you settled in before I check on the horses. Another thing. Tomorrow, when you start making all your phone calls, call that place and order the chair rail. If you don't do it, I will. I want it set up and installed by the end of the week. My knees can't take these stairs anymore.”
“All right, Jess.”
“You'll do it.”
“I said I would. New wallpaper. This is twenty years old. Looks like baby-poop yellow. I'll call about that, too.”
Jess held on to Maud's arm, his finger going to his lips. “Shhh.” He led her to the half-open door of Emmie's room. Maud's hand flew to her mouth as she listened to the tormented voice of the young girl.
“Shhh, Emmie, not a sound now. I know you understand what I'm telling you. I want you to be a really good little girl for Miss Maud and Mr. Jess. This is a wonderful place, and they said we could stay here. Mama's going to work hard, so they aren't ever sorry they took us in. Someday we'll go back home but probably not for a real long time. I'm going to buy you a pretty dress and some shiny black shoes. I'm your mama, so I have to do those things. I want to do that for you. I'll be getting a wage. Pa never gave me two cents, so the money Pyne gave me is the first real money I ever had. It's just a loan. Someday I have to pay it all back. I know you don't understand everything that's going on. Maybe when you get older I can explain it to you. Pa was going to send you to the orphanage, so that's why we lit out like we did. I couldn't let him take you away from me. He was just going to rip you away from me like I had no claim to you. I'm just a girl, not of age, so he could do anything he pleased. I hate him for what he did to us. I'll never forgive him as long as I live. Remember now, you have to be a good little girl and do what Miss Maud and Mr. Jess say. You have to remember not to wet your pants or mess in them. You're a big girl now. If we're both good, maybe they'll let us stay here forever and ever. Wouldn't that be the most wonderful thing in the world? I'll sing you a song now, but you have to close your eyes and go to sleep. Do you have your penny?”
The little girl held up her wrist and wiggled it. Nealy hugged her as she started to sing, “Hush little baby . . . ”
3
Nealy held her daughter's hand as she walked up the long driveway that led to the house where she'd been living for the past four weeks. She held up her hand to shield her eyes from the bright sun. A moment later she offered up a small prayer that she would never have to leave this beautiful place. Her eyelids started to burn with unshed tears. She'd found such goodness here, such love. Not just for herself but for Emmie as well. Her heart swelled with love when she looked down at the small child tugging at her leg. She laughed when the toddler sat down in the middle of the driveway and crossed her legs. It was obvious she wasn't about to move. She pointed to the house where Maud Diamond was sitting on the porch. She waved, the little velvet bag with her shiny penny secure on her wrist.
Following her daughter's example, Nealy sat down, too, and stared at her new home. It was so beautiful, so unlike the stark place she'd lived in till now. She squinted against the sun to stare at the beige-and-gray fieldstone that made up the house with all the diamond-shaped windows that sparkled in the bright sunshine. It was old, the stones almost smooth to the touch. She knew that for a fact because she'd walked all around the big house, touching the stones she could reach. Some of them felt like marble; some felt like satin. Maud said the house had character, and she was right. But it was the windows, patterned after marquise diamonds, that she loved the most. They glistened and sparkled like precious gems. Maud said when it rained they looked like diamonds with flaws. Nothing would ever convince Nealy that anything at Blue Diamond Farms was less than picture-perfect, from the bluegrass lawns that resembled a well-maintained golf course to the morning glories climbing up trellises all around the house. They were every color of the rainbow, and Maud called them her own personal rainbows. The confederate jasmine climbing up and around the outside lighting gave off a heady aroma that delighted her senses. Even from this distance Nealy could smell it and savor it. She loved the scent almost as much as she loved the pungent smells emanating from the long row of barns. For one wild moment she thought her heart was going to burst with happiness that God had allowed her to find this place for Emmie and herself. She couldn't help but wonder what the winter would bring. Would she think this place was beautiful when the bluegrass died off and the morning glories turned brown? Another few weeks and these beautiful Indian summer days would be nothing more than memories. But it was the first memories that were the best, the ones to hug to your chest, the ones to savor. Nealy knew in the years to come, nothing, no matter how grand, would ever erase her memory of her first sight of Blue Diamond Farms.
“Time to go, honey. I'll race you to the house. The winner gets a cookie!”
Emmie struggled to her feet. She smiled up at her mother before she waddled up the long drive, her pudgy legs pumping furiously. She would scramble up the four steps that led to the beautiful front porch where Maud Diamond waited for them, then bury her head in the old lady's lap. Maud's gnarled hands would caress the springy blonde curls as she struggled to lift the child onto her lap. She'd rock her in her old wicker chair and croon a lullaby until she fell asleep.
“Is she too heavy for you, Miss Maud?” Nealy asked.
“Not in the least. She's soft and warm, and smells the way a little one should, all powdery and clean. I never had a child to rock. I like the way it feels when I hold her close.”
Nealy sat down at Maud's feet and hugged her knees. “Can I get you anything, Miss Maud? Tea, coffee, or a soda pop?”
“If I drink any more coffee, I'll float right off this porch. Just sit and talk to me, Nealy.”
“I love this porch!” Nealy said. She waved her arms about to indicate the hanging ferns dangling from long white chains and the potted flowers on wicker stands and in colored clay pots. “I hate knowing all these beautiful flowers and plants will be withered in a few weeks. I hate it when something dies.”
“There's a season for everything, child. As you grow older, you'll appreciate it more. My pa once told me the seasons reflect one's life, and he was right. Spring is when you're born, summer is when you grow and bloom, autumn is when you begin to age, and then winter is the final season. When I was younger, I wanted summer all the time. Now I hate the winter because I'm at the end of my life. I guess God has a reason for everything. One can't wish her life away.” Her voice was so sad-sounding, Nealy wanted to get up and hug her. She stayed where she was. Affection was something she wasn't used to giving, except to Emmie.
“Was your father a nice man, Miss Maud?” Nealy asked.
“Yes, he was. He was fair and just, and he would whack my behind when it was needed. But he knew how to hold me close, and he always knew just the right words to say to me when things didn't go right. He worked me real hard when I was young because he knew someday I would be running Blue Diamond Farms. I loved him with all my heart. Now, tell me, what do you think about my idea to redecorate the inside of the house come winter.”
“Are you asking for
my
opinion, Miss Maud?” Nealy replied. “No one has ever wanted my opinion before. I don't know much about decorating.”
“Child, I would truly value your opinion. I know young people like bright colors and pretty things. All the furnishings are old and worn. They suit Jess and me, but we thought you and Emmie might want to pretty things up a bit.”
“Oh, no, Miss Maud. I love your house just the way it is. Please don't change it for me and Emmie. She loves that chair in your living room. She likes to curl up like a little rabbit in the corner. The inside is like what you said the outside is, full of character. When I was younger I used to look in the Sears Roebuck catalog and pretend I was going to furnish our . . . a house. I'd cut out curtains and rugs and chairs, then I'd paste them on paper. The rooms always looked like your rooms, quiet and comfortable. If you're asking my opinion, then my opinion is you should keep it just the way it is.”
“That's just what Jess said you'd say. I guess we'll keep things the way they are for now. Emmie is asleep, Nealy. Do you want to take her upstairs?”
“I've never seen her so happy. She loves being outside and going down to the barn. She never touches anything,” Nealy added hastily. “She understands everything we say. I just don't know why she won't talk.”
“Time, Nealy. In time we'll know. She's still young. Some children don't talk until later on, like around three or four.” Maud wondered if what she said was the truth. Where the little one was concerned she tended to make things up as she went along to drive the misery out of Nealy's eyes.
“I hope so, Miss Maud. I'll put Emmie in her bed, then I'll fix us a cup of tea. Would you like that?”
“Only if you add bourbon to it.”
Nealy smiled as she reached for her daughter. “I can do that. Jess showed me how to fix your tea and coffee.”
“Did he now?”
“That man purely loves the ground you walk on, Miss Maud.”
“I love the ground he walks on, too, but there's no need to be telling him that.”
Nealy laughed. “I think he already knows it.”
“Scat,” Maud growled.
Nealy returned fifteen minutes later with a tray holding two cups of steaming tea. Alongside Maud's cup was an extra shot glass full to the brim with bourbon. “I told Emmie she could play in her room until I came back to put her to sleep. Let it cool a bit, Miss Maud, or it might slip out of your hands. I love it here on the porch. It's so quiet, so peaceful. I don't feel all jittery inside anymore. I worry, though, about how I'm ever going to repay you and Mr. Jess. The doctor said I could start working next week. When are you going to tell me what my job is going to be? I want to be thinking about it, so I don't make mistakes.”
“Jess and I worked out a schedule for you. You're going to work in the office and learn the book end of things for two hours in the morning. Then you're going to work for two hours in the barn with the horses. Miss Emmie is going to go to our little preschool two miles down the road. We started it about eight years ago for the workers' children. We have a lot of husband-and-wife teams here. It's one of the best things we ever did. The children love it. The teacher is certified. She can work with Emmie one-on-one. When the preschool lets out, the teacher is going to come here and tutor you so you can get your high-school diploma. You need to have that today, Nealy. Later on, if you're interested, we can talk about college. The rest of the day and evening is yours to spend with Emmie and Jess and me if you want. You can study your lessons after Emmie goes to sleep. Why are you looking at me like that, child?”
“Because . . . I . . . I told you I was strong. I can work like a man. No, that's not true, I had to learn to work like a man. I can carry my weight. I'm used to getting up at five o'clock and working all day. Hard work is good for you.”
“Yes, hard work is commendable. However, you're a young girl,” Maud said, as if that explained everything. “For now, this is the way it will be unless you have some objections.”
“I'll do whatever you want, Miss Maud. I'm real good with the animals. I'm not half as good with schoolbooks. I'll try real hard.”
“That's good enough for me, child.”
“I can't get over how pretty everything is. This porch is like one of the pictures in your magazines. Did you fix it up yourself?” Nealy asked as she pointed to the wicker chairs and tables and all the colorful clay pots full of flowers.
“My pa loved flowers. Most men would never admit to loving flowers. He used to have a greenhouse and he would putter around in it. He enjoyed growing things from seeds. He always had the bushiest ferns, the brightest geraniums, and the bottle-brush plants were so full and lush and colorful. All the workers liked to come up here and sit and chew the fat. Pa did like to chew the fat. He'd hand out beer but never more than two to one person. The workers loved him as much as I did. When he died, I didn't think I could keep up this place, but with Jess's help, I did. Blue Diamond Farms is the second-largest breeding farm in Kentucky. Next year I'm going to have Jess or one of the others take you to Keeneland for the yearling sale. Before I die, I'd like to have one more Derby winner. Pa had one in his day, and Jess and I have had two. I don't want to go to the hereafter without another Derby winner under my belt.”
Nealy's heart raced inside her chest. She couldn't go to Keeneland. Her father went every year to the yearling sale, along with her brothers. But next year was a long way off. Better to pretend she was okay with the trip right now, so she wouldn't disappoint Miss Maud. She nodded in agreement because she didn't trust herself to speak.
Maud watched the girl out of the corner of her eye. She'd just said something that upset Nealy. She watched as she squirmed in the wicker rocker, the toes of her boots digging into the fiber of the porch carpet. “It's not something we have to decide right now. It's not until July. Anything can happen during that time. You might be needed here. We'll talk about it again. This is very good tea, honey.”
Nealy sighed with relief.
She heard the sound, knew instantly what it wasâa runaway horse galloping across the lawn and heading for the main road. She was a whirlwind as she heaved herself out of the rocker and over the railing of the fence. She hit the ground running as she raced after the runaway. She whistled sharply the way Pyne had taught herâjust loud enough, just shrill enough so the horse could hear and try to puzzle out what the sound meant. The horse slowed imperceptibly, giving Nealy just the few seconds she needed to race up to her, grab her mane, and hoist herself onto her back. “Easy, girl, easy. That's it, calm down. I'm not going to hurt you. Good girl, good girl,” she whispered, as the mare finally slowed to a trot. “Looks to me like you were born to run, little lady.” Nealy slipped off the horse's back and walked forward to cup the horse's head in her two hands. She stroked her head, loving the feel of the animal against her hands. The horse calmed immediately as Nealy rubbed her nose against the horse's nose. “See, now we're friends. You are one beautiful girl. I don't think I've ever seen one as pretty as you. Pa had some beauties but none to compare to you. Come on now, act like a lady, and I'll walk you back to the barn. No? I see, you want to give me a ride. Okay, but don't you buck me off, you hear? Ladies don't do things like that,” Nealy whispered as she hurled herself onto the horse's back.
It felt good, wonderful really, to be riding again. This was where she belonged.
“Did you see that, Maud? Did you see that? On my best day I could never have done what Nealy did, and I don't think you could have either.”
“I know, Jess. I know. Oh dear, Emmie must have seen from the window. There she goes. She's seen her mother, and she wants her. Fetch her, Jess.”
“No need. Watch, Maud. I think we're about to see something neither one of us is going to believe.”
They watched as the little girl toddled out to the edge of the lawn and waited for the horse and her mother to come abreast of her. Nealy leaned over. “Want to go for a ride, Emmie?” The little girl's head bobbed up and down.