Hannah's Dream by A.L. Jambor, Lenore Butler Page A

tapping his fingers on his knee.  Despite the chill in the parlor, he began to perspire.
    "You see, I made some investments.  Your late husband trusted my judgment and I saw no reason to disturb you, so I used your late husband's money as well as my own."
    "It wouldn't have disturbed me in the least.  You could have talked to me about my late husband's money."
    This was not going well.  Mrs. Dawes looked peeved.  Mr. Ross soldiered on.
    "The railroads were a solid investment.  They should have given a healthy return.  But construction was halted by certain unforeseen circumstances and the money, well..."
    "Well what, Mr. Ross?"
    "The men have absconded with the money."
    "You mean they've stolen it, isn't that what you mean?  You've invested my late husband's money, my money, Mr. Ross, with thieves."
    "I had no idea they were thieves when I gave them the money, Mrs. Dawes.  I never would have been so reckless."
    "But you were reckless, Mr. Ross."
    Becky was standing at the door holding the tea tray.  Mr. Ross saw her face and knew she had heard.  She walked over to the table in front of the settee and put the tray down.  She glared at Mr. Ross.
    "Thank you, Becky," Marian said.
    Becky left the room, but she stood outside the door where Marian wouldn't see her.
    "Is there anything left?" Marian asked.
    "The firm has dismissed me, but they voted to give you a settlement."
    "How much money, Mr. Ross?"
    "One thousand dollars."
    Marian sipped her tea.  She could feel her hands shaking, but she willed them to stop.  She wouldn't let this man get the better of her.  She thought about the money.  It wouldn't see them through a year.  She continued to sip.  Let him stew a while.  She put down her tea.
    "When will I get this money?" she asked.
    Mr. Ross reached into his pocket and pulled out a bank draft.  He placed it next to the tea tray.
    "I had a bit set aside for myself," he said.  "I added it to the amount.  I know what you think of me, Mrs. Dawes, but I feel terrible about this."
    "I don't think you really know how I feel about you, Mr. Ross, and I'm too much of a lady to tell you.  I think it's best you leave now."
    Becky was at the doorway with his hat and coat.  Mr. Ross stood and bowed.
    "I am truly sorry," he said.
    "Goodbye, Mr. Ross.  Thank you for taking the time to see me in person."
    He took his hat and coat from Becky and left the house.  Becky came back to the parlor and sat in the chair vacated by Mr. Ross.
    "I know you heard," Marian said.
    "How much did he add?" Becky said.
    "Becky!"
    "We have to be practical, ma'am.  We have to make plans."
    "I can't think about that right now."
    "I'm afraid you have no choice.  The bills are due for next month and you know they amount to one-tenth of that money."
    Marian began to cry.
    "What about your brother?" Becky said.  "He's always writing you to come and visit.  Couldn't he take you in?"
    "You're talking about us leaving this house."
    "Do you have a choice?"
    "Oh, God, what will I tell the children?"
    "You'll tell them the truth.  Hannah is a grown girl, and Jimmy is no stranger to the hardships of life."
    "Poor Jimmy.  He's been through so much.  He was just beginning to enjoy his life."
    "Your brother's would be a great place for him."
    "You act as if my brother had invited us to live with him. I haven't even spoken to him yet."
    "I can't imagine him turning you away."
    "Becky, please, let me be.  I have to think."
    "I'm sorry.  I just...I've been part of this family for so long.  I apologize if I'm too familiar."
    Marian stood and went to Becky.  She put her arm around Becky's shoulder.
    "You are part of the family.  But I have to make the final decision.  You're right.  I have to write to James."
    Marian went to the corner of the parlor.  Her desk had been moved there when Jimmy took her special room.  She sat down and wrote to her brother, James Hughes.  James owned a ranch in High Bend, Colorado.  He had never married.