by R. Castro
Miss Winkelman didn’t look at all put-off; instead, she seemed excited. “Well, I’ll be happy to welcome you. And besides, I love an enthusiastic learner. It makes my job that much easier,” she said with a wink.
Hope and Martha had wandered away toward the pie tables, while Maribel’s new friends found her and stole her away. Gustavo had long abandoned them to play with his friends while Valerio found himself discussing the railroad with a group of the more prominent men from Belle.
Grace Winkelman and Lupe exchanged a few words before Grace was called over to help with some of the children’s games. That was when Elias snuck up behind Lupe who was quietly sitting on the grass watching the day’s events unfold.
“Hello, Miss Cortez.”
Lupe turned almost too quickly as her lemonade nearly spilled.
“Oh! Elias. I mean, Mr. Hill.”
“Elias is fine. You know this.”
“Yes, but it is not proper of me to speak to you on such familiar terms.”
He sat just far enough away from her, so they could continue their conversation without being easily overheard. “We’ve known each other almost all of our lives. I’m sure Elias is fine.”
Lupe pushed her glass of lemonade into the grass, hoping to balance it so it wouldn’t spill over. “But we’re in Belle now. And the people here might not see it that way.”
“Ah, I see. Well, Miss Cortez. Are you enjoying your day?”
The sunlight shown through the trees just enough to bring his golden locks to life.
“We only arrived a half hour or so ago. So far, so good. And you?”
His sky-blue eyes stared at her with such care. “I’ve been mingling. It’s a very quaint community.”
“Quaint? Do you want to elaborate more on that?”
He laughed. “I didn’t mean anything negative with my comment. But truth be told. I’d love very much for us to get moving on this project much faster. However, everything around here moves at such a slower pace. It’s almost maddening.”
Lupe’s brows furrowed. “If you are getting paid, why would it matter how much slower or quicker the project moves along?”
“I believe I mentioned before; I want to grow the business. I can’t do that if I’m stuck too long in one spot. Besides, my father was wise in making a couple of investments that are paying high dividends. I just received a telegram from my mother. She and the attorney will be traveling to Pittsburgh, to go over contracts. I might have to join them. Either way, if everything works out as we hope, I might be shifting my focus in that direction.”
“Wait! And what of your workers here?” Lupe paused, trying to gather herself and avoid exploding at Elias’ matter of fact attitude. “My father.”
“Oh. No worries there. I’ve spoken to your father at length about this. My father actually wrote in his will that if I ever stepped away from the business, that your father was to take over.”
Lupe wasn’t sure if she should feel happy or irritated. Her family followed Elias on this venture to Wyoming, to support his vision, and because he was paying them well. However, if he was simply going to walk away from it all, why on earth move at all? She took in a deep breath, hoping she could speak calmly.
“So, you moved us all, knowing this could happen?” she said, her eyes piercing back at him.
Elias shifted uncomfortably. “I guess if you put it that way, yes. But don’t think it wasn’t thought out. This opportunity to help build the railroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The contract I procured is with the U.S. Government.”
She didn’t flinch.
“Do you understand what that means? There is job security in this venture, whether I’m at the helm or not.”
“Yes, I understand what that means, Elias. I’m not stupid. I’m just irritated that you’d up and leave us out here in the middle of nowhere after we abandoned our lives back home in pursuit of your dreams!”
Lupe was shocked at herself for raising her voice. She had to be careful. After all, Elias Anthony Hill was still her parents’ employer. It was because of him that they had food on their table and a roof over their head.
“Now that’s unfair. Your parents understood this could happen, and they more than agreed. Do you want to know why? Because it meant to them that they could give their children a semblance of a lifestyle they once enjoyed before the war took it all away from them.”
The words pulled at Lupe’s heartstrings. She had never been about status or money. Lupe was content to live the way they did. What mattered most to her was that her family be together.
“Lupe.”
Her heart raced when she heard her first name escape his lips as smooth as silk.
“I’m sorry you are missing home. I truly am. To be honest,” he said, looking off into the distance. “I’m missing California as well. Belle and its people are very nice, but it’s been taking me time to settle. And maybe that’s because I’ve had one foot out the door from the moment I arrived. Regardless, I would never leave your family in an unfavorable predicament. Your family is like family to me. Your father was important to my father and is important to me. I really hope you can understand that I’m not just up and leaving.”
“And if you did, you’d be within your right in doing so. As you said, my parents knew what they were signing up for. They made the decision for our family, and I wouldn’t begrudge you for leaving and doing what is best for you. Aside from it not being my place, it is also none of my business.” She stood, leaving the glass of lemonade on the ground. “Have a good day, Mr. Hill," she said, quickly moving away from the gathering until she was out of sight. Then, she took to running back to their cottage, sobbing. Lupe flung the door open and slammed it behind her and repeated the action when she reached the bedroom. Without a second thought, she curled up on the bed, boots and all, hugging her pillow as she sniffed it, hoping to find a faint trace of her favorite orange blossoms. But there was nothing left. Nothing. She thought as she pushed her face into the pillow, crying herself to sleep.
July 1881 Late July
It was late July when Gustavo came rushing through the door, kicking off his grimy shoes to the side. “Mrs. Hill is here!” he said, running toward the washroom.
“Wait, what are you doing?” Martha ran after her youngest child, while Maribel and Lupe sat at the table cleaning beans, watching.
Gustavo cracked the door open. “Mrs. Hill is here, and she will host a dinner at the café for all of us blacksmith workers,” he said, dipping back into the washroom.
“Oh, so now you’re a blacksmith worker?” Maribel loudly teased.
“Gustavo, if you are planning on bathing, you make sure you clean up after yourself. It’s about time you do more around here.”
He hollered something from behind the door, and Martha returned to help her daughters.
Maribel, who could never keep her curiosity at bay, immediately started asking questions, which Martha tried answering one by one.
“Wait? Will this bring about a move? Do we get to move?” Maribel said with an edge of excitement.
“No. I doubt that is what this means, but Elias might move.”
“Elias? And what of us, mother? Does that leave you and father without a job?”
“No, it doesn’t,” Lupe interceded. “It means Father will become the boss. You see, Maribel, it was always part of the plan. Mr. Hill never intended to stay out here with us. He has bigger plans than Belle.”
Maribel slouched in her seat. “Well, that hurts after we all followed him here.”
“Yes, well, mom and dad aren’t young anymore, and they simply are trying to provide a better life for the three of us,” Lupe said, avoiding eye contact with her mother. “Hurry so I can get these beans washed and onto the fire before it gets too late.”
Martha watched her eldest daughter, and as she was about to say something, a knock came at the door.
Maribel jumped up and rushed to open it. “Mrs. Hill!” She shrieked as she threw herself
onto the woman.
“Oh, my dearest Maribel. How are you?” Mrs. Hill said, embracing the young girl.
“I’m so happy to see you. I’ve missed you.”
“And I, you. But I brought you and your family some treats.” She said, waving in an assistant who was carrying a stack of boxes. “I took the liberty of buying your kids some new clothes and plenty of sweets.” The woman said, looking up to find Lupe staring from the kitchen. “Lupe! My, how you’ve matured in these past two months. Look at you.”
“Hello, Mrs. Hill,” Lupe said, moving in closer to properly greet the always well put-together mother of Elias. “It’s so nice to see you, and especially nice to see a friendly face from home,” Lupe said, choking up a little.
“I hope they’ve been treating you all well in these parts?”
Martha moved in to greet the woman. “Absolutely. Belle has been very kind to us. How are you? Exhausted from the long trip?” Martha said, taking the woman’s hand and helping her to a chair.
“We stopped last night to get a proper night’s rest and wash up. It’ll be nice once we build the railroad out this way. It’ll make it easier for you to get out to visit.”
“That would be something,” Martha said, taking a seat across from Mrs. Hill. “I suspect you are returning from Pittsburgh? It seems rather soon.”
“Yes, they agreed to meet us closer. It seems my dearly departed husband was so keen in all his dealings with this company, that he left no stone unturned. As if he knew he wouldn’t be around to see this deal through,” she said, looking away. “Anyway, it went in our favor. They’ll be expecting Elias in Pittsburgh before the end of summer.”
“So soon?” Lupe blurted. “I mean, is that enough time to leave matters here in order?”
Mrs. Hill smiled. “Child, your father has been running this business since my dear Anthony passed away. Who do you think has been mentoring Elias?”
Lupe didn’t say another word; instead, she moved to the kitchen to prepare tea while trying to tune out the conversation from across the room.
“I’ve asked Elias to plan for a dinner tonight at the café. You all need a break, my friend. I can only imagine the added burden this move has been for you.”
Martha smiled. “I really don’t mind. I land on my pillow at night ready to sleep,” she said, laughing out loud.
“Well, don’t worry about any cooking and cleaning while I’m here. You and I will find some help to take care of these matters from here on out. Your husband will lead this company now, it’s about time you return to your position as a proper lady of society. I will see that we build a better home for your family.”
“Mrs. Hill, that truly isn’t necessary. Please…”
“Martha, please, don’t challenge me on this. You know I don’t like to argue.”
Maribel perked up from rummaging through the boxes, her mouth full of chocolate. “Mrs. Hill, you are the greatest.”
Both women broke into laughter as they stared at the girl.
“If you’ll excuse me. I need to go fetch water. Maribel, please serve the tea, it's ready on the table,” Lupe said as she exited the house with a pail in hand.
Once outside, she took her time getting to the well.
“You look awfully somber. Is everything all right?” Elias said, approaching from his own cottage.
“I’m fine. If you’re looking for your mother, she’s indoors.” Lupe said, picking up her pace.
“Wait! Lupe. Please. I feel you’ve been avoiding me since the picnic.”
She stopped and turned to face him. “Why would I avoid you? I’m just busy, that’s all. I’m trying to help my mom keep everything running smoothly, so the workers are as comfortable as possible.”
“And trust me, they appreciate it. Still, I feel as if you are angry with me. I want to assure you, I’ve really thought this through. Your father and I…”
“Mr. Hill, that’s enough. Your business matters do not concern me. Whatever my father decides, I’m sure will be in our best interest. Besides, the railroad will soon be here, and maybe then I might get to visit my family on the coast. In the meantime, this is now my life. And from what I heard from Mrs. Hill, we’ll be here for a rather long time, perhaps forever.” Lupe said, jerking her head away from him as she allowed the reality to settle in.
“Lupe are you crying?” he said, approaching her closer.
“No! I’m fine. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to be alone.” She continued toward the well.
Elias tried desperately to understand what exactly was tormenting Lupe. Since they’d left California, her typical word sparring had subsided, and she was moodier. He understood the move had a lot to do with it, yet her sadness was almost too much for him to bear, as he had fallen in love with Lupe. He had always been attracted to her because of her independent thinking and quick-witted comebacks. But it was her pure heart, and love for justice that truly captivated him.
When he'd left for Europe, she was but a teenage girl. When he returned, he found she'd blossomed into the most beautiful woman he'd ever set eyes on. And that was saying a lot for him, considering how much he'd traveled in his young years.
The relationship his family had with hers, held him back from making a move on Lupe. Yet the more time he spent with her, the more difficult it became to resist formally declaring his love to her.
Elias walked around the Cortezes' cottage and tapped on the front door.
"There you are! Come in." Maribel said, yanking him by the hand. "Your mom came bearing wonderful gifts. I can't wait to wear my new dress. And the candy is the most delicious I've ever had." She stuffed a chocolate truffle in his mouth, without warning.
The chocolate was extra soft and made a mess over his mouth. The women all laughed.
"Elias, come join us. Maribel, please serve Elias some tea," Martha said. "What a wonderful surprise to have your mom join us. She was just sharing her plans for Hill Blacksmith here in Belle."
He licked his lips, causing Maribel to giggle. "Yes, my dear mother has many plans for the business. Please, opinionate. Nothing is final yet."
Mrs. Hill looked at her son. "Elias, wasn't having the business headquartered here in Belle all part of the plan?"
He shifted in his seat as he gave room for Maribel to place the tea in front of him. "Not really. I figured we'd be here until the contract with the U.S. Government was finalized, but we'd move somewhere bigger before signing a new one."
"Is that so? And when exactly were you planning on cluing me in on this?" The middle-aged woman pressed.
"Now." He laughed.
"Elias, I'm being serious. Your time will be split between New York City and Pittsburgh, now. You won't have the luxury of traveling as much. At least, not to attend to these business matters. I figured Valerio would head up this operation going forward."
"And he will, Mother. That is my full intention. But really, do we want to leave our friends, the Cortezes, here in Belle indefinitely? I mean, it is a great community. But it is rather small. Too small if you ask me."
"Need I remind you, son, that it was you who influenced this move? Work was steady back home. But you dreamed of more."
Martha sat back uncomfortably witnessing the exchange. She looked around, thankful that Lupe wasn't there. So, she dispatched Maribel to help her sister fetch water. The young girl didn't protest, although it was clear how irritated she was to leave the conversation.
"Yes, Mother. And I still do. My dreams for the blacksmith business aren't just for me. It is our opportunity to right a wrong done onto the Cortezes, even if it isn't our wrong. It just seems highly unfair that someone like Valerio is not valued for the human being he is. Besides, his craftmanship is the best, bar none."
"Mrs. Hill, I assure you that my husband and I have been fully supportive of Elias and this vision of his. The undertaking of this move has always been transparent," Martha said. "Besides, I really believe Valerio needed a change of scenery. The valley was feeling
too small for the Cortezes and the de Angeles. More so, since Diego set his eyes on our Lupe."
Elias froze. "What do you mean, Mrs. Cortez?"
"About Diego?" she asked.
He nodded.
"Oh, well, Diego was keen on our daughter. Word was that he had plans to make Lupe his at any cost," she said, looking down into her tea. "As you can imagine, that didn't sit well with us. Diego has a terrible reputation. He's out of control. We couldn't risk him making good on his word."
"What?" Mrs. Hill shouted. "That dirty mongrel. You should have told me this sooner, Martha. I would've addressed the situation as firmly as needed."
"My dear friend. I know. In fact, the extended family was ready to march on over to the de Angeles hacienda. Valerio stopped them. Don Gerardo is powerful and well connected. He's already taken so much from us; we didn't need him making our lives more difficult." Martha smiled. "Besides, this opportunity is like a blessing. Belle may be small, but everyone has been so kind and welcoming. I'll admit, I had many doubts. I mean, one hears stories. Thankfully, our experience has been all positive. Sure, we'll probably encounter those who won't like us for the color of our skin. But we'll deal with those if the time comes."
Mrs. Hill reached over and cupped her friend's hand. "I missed you dearly. Still, I respect the decision and will continue supporting this venture."
"Great!" Elias added. "I just want to know one thing, Mrs. Cortez, if you don't mind answering. Did he ever hurt Lupe?"
His words were like ice, freezing over the room.
"No," Martha said.
Just then, Lupe and Maribel returned, letting the icy conversation out the door, welcoming in a warmer mood.
July 1881 A Dinner And A Date
Elias paced the shop, back and forth. The crew ignored him except Valerio, who seemed to be aware that Elias had something on his mind.
"If you’re not careful, we might have to replace those floorboards a lot sooner than planned." He grinned. "Tell me, what's on your mind?" he asked, placing his tools aside.
