He headed down the store aisle, pa.s.sing by the couches. "I'd do the rooms first. Figure out some kind of coordinating theme. Stylish but not too expensive."

We stopped at the beds and dressers. Gene pointed to a bed with square, four-foot-high posts and a headboard edged with scrollwork. "Like that, tasteful but not too ornate. And that matching dresser over there."

I nodded. "What else would you put in the rooms?"

"In the suites, a couch and maybe a secretary. In the regular rooms, a stuffed armchair, maybe two if there was room. And curtains and bedspreads to match the upholstery."

"And the lobby?"

"I'd splurge there. Sprinkle it with a few comfortable sofas and lots of stuffed armchairs. And coffee tables and side tables for drinks and newspapers."

"What about decorations-paintings, rugs, and such?"

"I'd put up paintings of the lakesh.o.r.e and area lighthouses. Maybe a few deer racks. And acquire some quality carpets. Should plan on a lot of feet pa.s.sing over those carpets."

"Hmm," I said, turning toward the door, "shall we discuss it over luncheon?"

Once on the sidewalk, Gene offered his arm, twisted his head toward my ear, and whispered, "But first I'd check the Sears and Roebuck Catalog. Likely to find better prices there than at Shimek's."

After we'd been seated at a corner table in the Erdlitz Hotel's dining room, Gene flattened his forearms on the table. "Are you going to tell me what this is all about?"

I revealed my recent Arkansas purchase and asked, "Can I hire you to remodel and manage the place?"

"Why, you little fox," Gene said, leaning back and appraising me with crossed arms. "Why not ask Paul? He's handier with tools."

"Because I need someone who gets along well with people. Workers can always be hired."

Gene chuckled. "I don't know. Don't think I'm cut out for that kind of work."

"What kind of work are you cut out for?"

"Haven't figured that out yet."

A waiter headed in our direction. I put a hand up to warn him off a moment. "What about dentistry?"

"Who wants to muck about in people's mouths all day?"

I drew my spine up straight and glared at him. I'd paid for his dentistry schooling and this was how he thanked me? "What have you done lately to help Maman put food on the table?"

"Now, that's not fair."

"Do you expect to live off my contributions all your life?"

"Of course not."

"I'll pay you well. And deposit a portion of your pay with Maman. You won't even have to think about it."

He nodded, knowing full well he had no choice. "All right, then."

"Good, you'll leave next week. The remodeling will take at least six months."

Two weeks later, I received my first letter from Rudolph. While I'd been traveling, he'd had no mailing address for me, but I'd written him three times, informing him of my movements and the resort business.

November 8, 1901

My darling May, How lonely the house is without you. I even miss Daisy's cheerful face and d.i.c.ky's way with the horse and carriage. That nice elderly couple who live next door have had me to dinner once or twice a week. (Remember the Allens? They helped us find the nearest grocer and the shortest route to the train station.) Miriam is well, but Mother took a spill and broke her ankle. Of course, she is terribly aggravated over being in a wheeling chair. She cannot get around without Miriam or her maid, and you know how she hates depending on others. I will leave London sometime this month and spend Christmas and January with them, unless you can hurry back for Christmas. If so, I can wait for you and we can travel together.

It sounds like the hotel purchase was wise, that is, if it turns out as you hope. But do be careful about taking advice from strangers. From what little I know of America, not all its businessmen are above reproach. In any event, I expect you to not become enc.u.mbered with the hotel. If it truly is a good speculation you should be able to take your profit once word gets out about that racetrack.

Darling, I think of you constantly and miss you more than words can say. Please come home soon. I promise I'll take you to the theater and opera, just as we did those summer months after we first met. We'll have a grand time.

Write soon, and tell me of your plans, my dearest.

All my love, Rudolph

GENE AND FRANK.

CHICAGO AND PITTSBURGH-1902

I begged my husband's indulgence-I couldn't possibly be home for Christmas-and informed him I'd embarked on a thoroughgoing remodeling of the Arkansas resort, a project that sorely required my supervision. And since Rudolph was incapable of understanding the sort of financial woes burdening my family, I explained that the situation required delicate handling to avoid wounding anyone's pride, at least not Maman's and Paul's.

As for Gene, it wasn't his pride that concerned me but, rather, his ability to oversee the remodeling and effectively manage the business. Thus, I provided detailed instructions, required frequent reports from him, and meted out funds for the expenses in small lots.

Five months after Gene traveled to Arkansas and undertook the remodeling, a number of important decisions had cropped up, and I suggested we meet in person to discuss them. I chose Chicago, because Frank and I had been corresponding regularly and she'd invited me to visit. When I mentioned having my brother join us, she said she'd love to meet him.

Such delight I took in my return to Chicago, relishing the carriage ride from the train station through Chicago's gleaming downtown: its upright citizens bustling about their business in springtime attire; buds plumping out on the trees; avenues lined with potted pansies and violets; and here and there a shiny new automobile zipping around the horse-drawn carriages. Not even the knowledge that Dougherty resided here dampened my spirits-after all, I was now a baroness living a respectable life.

Inviting though the evening's sun-warmed streets and brick buildings were, Gene and I found ourselves exhausted from our travels and business discussions, so, our first night in town, we asked Frank to meet us for dinner in the hotel's dining room.

"You couldn't have picked a more modern hotel," Frank said as the maitre d' escorted us to our table. (I'd insisted Frank take a room-at my expense, of course-at our hotel, the Auditorium Annex, so that we'd have more time to visit.) "It was built for the Columbian Exposition."

Gene pushed Frank's chair in for her and circled his glance around the high, gilded ceiling. "And to think May wants me to turn a broken-down Arkansas firetrap into this."

Frank and Gene had a giggle at my expense.

"Only an approximation," I said. "It's a rather different clientele."

Frank, who wore a long-sleeved, burgundy dress that showed off her buxom build, turned to Gene. "How do you find Arkansas?"

"Scorching hot already," Gene said. He caught the eye of a nearby waiter before continuing. "Would you believe it?"

"I found it quite pleasant into fall," I said.

Frank smiled at me. "I suppose it's all part of the bargain-heat half the year and temperate weather the rest."

"I'm sure Gene is grateful to be employed," I said, mostly for his benefit. "After all, he could be fighting in the Philippines."

Frank shook her head. "Roosevelt's winding it down. Public's turned sour on this war."

"You know," said Gene, "you can actually build down there in the winter. Can't do that in Michigan. Or Illinois."

Frank leaned toward me. "I've never been that far south."

Just as I said, "You must visit," Gene rushed in with, "Then come on down."

Frank threw her head back and laughed. "Two invitations! How can I resist?"

"Sir?" said the waiter who glided up to our table.

"A bottle of your best champagne, please," said Gene, once again proving his apt.i.tude for spending my money.

"Now, tell me about this Arkansas purchase," Frank said, putting on her business demeanor. "Everything in good legal order?"

Even though Frank had put the question to me, Gene responded, wagging his head in my direction: "Better ask the mastermind. And moneybags."

"Yes," I said, "I've got the t.i.tle. And Gene's managed to keep some rooms open. So the cash is flowing."

"That must be demanding," Frank said to Gene. "Tending to guests while you're remodeling."

Frank, who'd bl.u.s.tered about keeping men in their place at our first meeting, surprised me by fawning over Gene as she did.

Like a playful pup, Gene slapped his hands to the table. "How else can I find poker companions?"

We all had a wonderful time getting acquainted that evening. When talk turned to the hotel business, Frank freely shared her expertise in real estate, including sales strategies. But I hadn't expected Gene to pour on the charm as if he were a gentleman gone courting. He'd turned into a real ladies' man. And I had to admit: He was pa.s.sably managing the hotel remodeling.

After dinner, we dropped Frank off at her room, and Gene walked me to mine.

"My, my," I said, "aren't you and Frank thick?"

"She's one of a kind, that Frank. A woman you could take to the ballroom and gambling hall."

"You're not serious? She's a good five years older than you."

"What's wrong with that?" Gene winked at me. "I like older women."

"Oh, fiddlesticks," I said, borrowing one of Maman's favorite expressions, "though it might take an older woman to keep you in line."

Regardless of what I thought, Gene and Frank obviously enjoyed each other's company, bantering and baiting each other like brother and sister. But it was Frank and I who formed the strongest link of our triangle. We had a ripping good time: sharing tete-a-tetes on morning walks while Gene slept in; and shopping at The Fair and Carson & Pirie, where I found a silk nightgown, French-made shoes, and the most irresistible three-stone diamond ring.

At the end of our four-day visit, Frank told me: "By G.o.d, I can't believe I allowed you to host me in the city I live in. There's only one answer to that. You have to come to Pittsburgh and stay with my family. Absolutely no later than my next visit there."

I reported to Rudolph that I'd befriended a capable woman attorney who advised me to complete the remodeling before putting it up for sale. Yes, I told him in response to his most recent letter, the racetrack was under construction, its site was near the hotel, and the track would open sometime in 1904 or 1905. But his impatience would not be a.s.suaged.

August 2, 1902

My dear May, Do you know that as of next month you will have been away a full year? I understand that your family needs you, but we can easily provide any a.s.sistance they need from a distance. You have installed your brother Gene at the hotel. I trust Paul, who is obviously more industrious, will soon find employment in Menominee. You have them on the right track now.

I must remind you that you have another family-me, Mother, and Miriam. You belong with your husband. I need you here to help me. Mother has recovered from her broken ankle, but she gets out very little now. I think she is afraid of another accident. That means her world is limited to visitors, and I fear that pettiness is taking over her outlook. You and your cheery disposition are exactly what this household needs. Not that I require you to stay here year-round. We still have the London home, and I know how you love it. I would never dream of depriving you of the joy that London society and its distractions provide.

Only I must insist that you make plans to return soon. A full year apart is intolerable. We are husband and wife. Please write soon, and tell me when you will return.

All my love,

Rudolph

I informed Rudolph that the remodeling was nearing completion and that I wouldn't linger in the States any longer than necessary. However, I didn't want to leave any loose ends. To nurture my blossoming friendship with Frank, I accepted her invitation to visit Pittsburgh in September. When Gene found out, he begged me to finagle an invitation for him as well. I objected on the grounds that he had work to do, but he promised that his a.s.sistant manager could handle the few remaining projects.

I broached the topic with Frank during a phone call to arrange the details. "Gene says he's jealous of me getting to visit you."

Without missing a beat, Frank replied, "Well, h.e.l.l's bells, tell him to come, too. There's plenty of room at the house."

"Plenty of room" proved to be an understatement. Frank's parents lived in a s.p.a.cious three-story stone home with the most lovely touches: stone columns supporting an iron fence that skirted the cobblestone street; a four-story turret with a tile dome and gargoyles circling its spiraling levels; and, behind the house, a cutting garden with the cutest stone cottage for potting and storage. A copper weathervane of Mercury topped the turret, and a trellis of jasmine lined the entry walk, with just enough bloom to sweetly scent the entranceway.