Small knots of women chatted in the halls, lobbying for pet projects or gossiping about Mariahs computer crash. Some found it suspicious. Others felt that those things just happened.
Flo fanned the suspicious people. Until we have an accurate accounting, I must assume all is not well with our funds.
Are you suggesting Mariah misused them? DeeDee Halstead, head of the L.A. chapter, leveled her gaze at Flo.
Flo hesitated just enough to intimate perhaps that was the case, but she said, Mariah has enough money; she doesnt have to steal ours.
Flo left this group, satisfied shed stirred the pot. She passed a few other members on her way to the ladies room. As she opened the door to enter, Mariah pushed it to exit. They knocked each other off balance. Regaining that balance, they stared at each other for a moment.
I should have known it was you. Mariah brushed back a straying lock of expensively colored hair.
All you had to do was get your fat butt out of the way, Flo sniffed.
Diva that you are, Flo, your buttwhich surely harbors more cellulite than you care to admitis no smaller than mine. But, you know, Ive always respected your success. Thats why I know youre trying to ruin me.
What? Flo was puzzled and irritated.
Whenever weve been forced to talk to each other about school projects, youve mentioned a company or two. I researched them and sometimes even invested in them. Much as I hate your guts, I know you are a financial wizard.
Whats your point?
You set me up for a fall. I made moneyuntil now.
Youre not my client. I have nothing to do with whatever it is youre talking about.
Mariah spat, Liz is your protegee. Im her client and Ive lost a lot. Youre behind it, and I know it!
I did no such thing. Youre out of your mind. Flo raised her voice.
Im going to take you down, and you wont get up again. Mariah shook her finger in Flos carefully made-up face.
Youll go down with me. Flo brushed by her furious enemy.
While Flo and Mariah displayed their mutual antipathy, Inez, alone, walked to a window that faced north. Tree branches denuded of leaves waved in the wind. A front was on the way. She hadnt watched the weather today, but her body proved more reliable than newscasters. Whatever was behind the front made her bones ache.
Kenda Shindler, a cheerful soulwhich was helpful in her role as assistant to the presidentwas walking down the hall and stopped to chat with Inez. Have you heard the weather report?
No, Inez replied.
Unfortunately, a big snowstorm is heading our way. The weatherman predicts it will last at least two days. She paused. Hows it going?
Id like to take Flo and Mariah and knock their heads together. Its only ten oclock. By lunch I may be ready to kill them.
Ah. Kenda knew well their conflicts.
Inez shrugged. Ever notice how some people are energized by an enemy? Kenda nodded, so Inez continued, Thats what weve got here. Tons of energy but to no good purpose.
Well, if anyone can straighten them out, its you.
Thank you. Inez had her doubts. Tally in yet?
Yes, thats why I came by the meeting. They arrived an hour ago. Big Mim, Little Mim, and Tally. Good thing they flew in a day early. Oh, yesHarry is here, too. With two cats and a dog. Kenda lowered her voice. Is the dog properly housebroken?
Tucker? Oh, my, yes. And knowing Harry, she probably brought kitty litter and a box. Shes good that way. Ill be glad to see all of them. It will be like old times, Tally and I rooming together.
I wish Id known William Woods when you were a student here. Kenda smiled.
Smaller then. William Woods fosters lifelong friendships. Thats certainly consistent. One becomes educated and grounded in our culture and uplifted by friendships.
Down the hallway, Mariah had raised her voice, and both women turned to look in her direction.
I dont think they got the message about friendship. Kenda half-giggled.
Oil and water, chalk and cheese.
Board meeting tomorrow? Kenda asked.
Yes. Everything is taking twice as long as it should. Inez grimaced. Yet another meeting.
Maybe Aunt Tally would like to sit in.
Inez laughed. Kenda, I love Tally like a sister, but she has no patience with people. Never has. Shed take her cane and lambaste both Mariah and Flo.
Kenda said conspiratorially, That might be just what they need.
Youve got a point there. Inez glanced at her watch, which sported a big round dial, making it easy to read, then called out, Ladies, lets get back to it.
Kenda whispered, Good luck.
The thing is, they both want whats best for William Woods. I try to bear that in mind. And you know, Kenda, you work with the tools youre given. Does no good to complain.
Right. Kenda admired Inezs outlook.
Two hours later, an exhausted Inez approached Fairchild Alumni House. She noticed the new Volvo station wagon parked by the curb.
Tally flung open the front door of the house as Inez neared. Shed been watching from the front window.
Chickpea! Tally threw open her arms, cane in one hand.
Blossom! Inez embraced her old friend. We are going to have the best time ever.
Always do. Step in. Nasty cold.
Yes, it is. Inez closed the front door behind her as Tucker raced to meet her, sliding halfway down the short hall.
Inez! The corgi rejoiced at the older womans presence.
Tucker. Inez, with difficulty, knelt down to pet the dog.
We can all get down. The trick is getting up. Tally grinned.
Give me your cane and Ill make it look easy.
Tally handed over the cane with the silver hounds head for a grip. Need another one?
I do not. Inez put both hands on the hounds head, steadied on the cane, and then rose without a wobble.
Tally slipped her arm through Inezs. Were still upright.
Harry emerged from the kitchen. Inez. Im fixing tea. Like a cup?
Indeed. I took a chill walking back from the administration building.
Mrs. Murphy and Pewter shot out of the kitchen.
Inez! Mrs. Murphy rubbed against Inezs leg.
Arent you the pretty kitty. Inez liked Mrs. Murphy. She then spoke to Pewter. Off your diet, I see.
Im not fat. I have large bones.
Oh la, Mrs. Murphy sassed.
Pewter reached over to box her ears, but Mrs. Murphy easily eluded that paw.
Tally steered Inez toward the living room. No sooner had they settled down than Harry reappeared with a tray full of sandwiches. She placed it on the coffee table, then returned with the teapot and two cups. She called upstairs to Big Mim and her daughter, Little Mim, but they called back that they were unpacking.
Trudy Sweetwater had filled the fridge with all the necessities.
Arent you joining us? Inez asked.
Thank you, no, Harry politely declined. You two need to catch up.
By their second cup theyd done just that.
Tally leaned back in the comfortable wing chair. What do you think? She meant about the hostility between Mariah and Flo.
I dont think Mariah is stealing, but, Tally, my fear is those two will again divide the board into two camps. Happened five years ago, and we finally solved that problem when some of the more partisan people rotated off the board, while others, more open, came on to serve. Nothing will get done as each side jockeys for power.
I fear that, too, Inez.
Inez nodded. You see where gridlock brought Congress and the country. I dont want it to happen to us. Theres got to be a way to stop it.
What was it Professor Chuck Jones used to say?
They both said in unison, Trust your instincts and dont expect life to be logical.
Farmer that she was, Harry checked the Weather Channel. She could read the radar accurately for a layperson. A mighty clump of green with a yellow center and red spot bore down on Fulton, Missouri. From the sp
eed with which it moved across middle America, Harry surmised it would arrive in central Missouris lovely Callaway County by late tomorrow afternoon or early evening. If she wanted to explore the campus and visit the barns, this would be the time.
Big Mim and Little Mim were meeting with tomorrows event organizers. Inez and Tally chattered gaily in the living room, having emptied their pot of tea. Tally was also emptying her flask of gin. Happiness followed.
Harry wrapped a cashmere scarf around her neck; lined gloves and a non-bulky down jacket provided warmth. Cold though it was, the wind was what cut to the bone. She stepped outside, her three companions with her.
Pewter stopped, then wailed, Its too cold.
Harry looked down at the rotund kitty, fluffed up, hunched down. Pewter.
Wimp. Mrs. Murphy delivered her judgment.
I dont care what you think. Pewter narrowed her eyes.
All right. Harry scooped up Pewter, opened the front door, and placed her inside. Aunt Tally, she called out, Ive got Mrs. Murphy and Tucker with me. Pewters in the house.
Okay. Aunt Tally called back as Pewter hastened toward the sound of her voice.
Pewter remembered that Harry had put crackers on the tea tray. Perhaps she could snag a few.
Closing the door once more, Harry headed off to her left toward the Rowland Applied Riding Arena, which was behind Tucker Dining Hall and other buildings. A pleasant walk on a pleasant day, it wasnt a bad walk on an unpleasant day.
The first stable at the Bancroft Equestrian Center came into view after seven minutes of leisurely walking. Once inside, both Harry and her friends were happy to be out of the wind. A few students performed chores in the clean, tidy building. The large UPHA arena was under the roof behind the main entrance area. Harry walked back to it, leaning over the side of arena boards. Three students worked Saddlebreds.
Hello. A bright voice caused her to turn from the horses.
A petite, lean woman with an enormous smile held out her hand. Gayle Lampe.
That smile was infectious. Harry smiled back. Mrs. Fair Haristeen. Everyone calls me Harry.
And? Gayle indicated the four-footed contingent.
Tucker.
At the sound of her name Tucker sat and raised her paw, which Gayle solemnly shook.
Mrs. Murphy.
The tiger cat looked up as Gayle petted their heads.
Used to horses, I can see.
I have Thoroughbreds and one Saddlebred, Shortro, given to me by Renata DeCarlo.
At the mention of the movie stars name, Gayle replied, Joan Hamilton of Kalarama. You must know her, because Renata is a client.
I do.
Kalarama, Callawayboth help us with horses. We dont buy any horses, and you know we teach all four disciplines. Horses are donated, some of them very good. Were indebted to people for their help. Weve never sold a horse for meat price, and we dont put them down if they have injuries that render them nonserviceable. We find them homes and, more to the point, we check up on them when we can.
Thats an enviable record.
Thats William Woods. Gayle couldnt refrain from boasting, but as the university was her life and shed won many awards for both teaching and competing, she had good cause.
What a glorious legacy.
Gayle noticed one of the students losing energy. Keep your leg on, Tori. Shes going to break gait.
Yes, Professor Lampe. Tori pressed more firmly. Sure enough, the chestnut stepped up her pace.
You must be here for Tally Urquhart.
Yes, Miss Lampe, Harry answered with a slow smile.
Call me Gayle. You may call me worse when you know me. Come on into my office.
Her office, a rectangular space with a window so she could look into the arena, was a perfect location for the premier Saddle Seat instructor in America.
I read your book, Harry spilled.
You did? Gayle seemed astonished as she offered Harry a chair.
Mrs. Murphy jumped into Harrys lap. Joan Hamilton suggested it. I learned a lot. Saddlebreds are all in front of you. You need really good hands. Thank you for your work.
Are you showing?
No, I foxhunt and trail ride.
I wish we had foxhunting here. We have to go to St. Louis or Kansas City. It teaches balance over terrain, something we dont really get here. And, of course, the other professors and I have to tell the kids the fox isnt harmed.
Good for environmental studies. You see things and get to places many people dont get to even with ATVs. Harry noticed the framed photos on the wall. Quite a gallery. Saddlebreds are so beautiful, no wonder movie stars like William Shatner and Renata DeCarlo show them.
Beautiful they are. I wish more people realized how versatile they are.
Yes, Harry replied simply. Will you be giving a speech tomorrow night?
Me? No. Gayle smiled with relief. Jahnae Barnett, our president, will. Have you met her?
No, I just got in about three hours ago.
Ill make a point of introducing you. Shes extraordinary: a good administrator, someone who loves the classroom, a wonderful fund-raiser, but most of all, a true visionary. When people do what they love, everyone benefits.
I believe that. Your career testifies to that. Im sorry I wont hear you speak.
Come back. Actually do come back. We keep riding in the ring in winter, but when the show season starts, we do take the students outside. Do you know most of our equestrian science graduates are working in the horse world?
I didnt know that.
Gayle glanced down at Tucker, who had come around to sit by her. What an expressive face. Corgis are tough dogs. She paused. We are very grateful to Aunt Tally and to her family for allowing us to celebrate her centennial and raise funds. I dont need to tell you how tight things are.
Doesnt seem to be an end in sight.
Her niece, Mrs. Sanburne, whom Im sure you know, has pledged $250,000. Callaway Hills Stables has also pledged a nice sum, because the late Mrs. Weldon, Gayle paused, adored Tally. Tally stood up to her, but she was funny about it. Mrs. Weldon respected her because Tally never told her anything that wasnt so.
Thats Aunt Tally. Harry nodded.
We are hoping to raise half a million. I dont know where we are now, but perhaps after Tallys speech, which should be memorable, more will be forthcoming.
A half a million. Harry pursed her lips. Thats an ambitious sum.
Gayle pushed back a stray lock of hair. Yes, it is. Then I think about those mega-universities with portfolios worth billions. Its overwhelming. She smiled broadly. We arent a mega-university for which I am grateful. What we have, though, is our Ivy League Society. Did Tally mention it to you?
No.
Many of our alumnae and alumni and friends, as well as people who did not attend here but who are attracted to our ethic and our commitment to the student, make William Woods University a beneficiary of a will, insurance policy, or trust. Tally is a member of the Ivy League Society, but she warns us that she intends to live forever.
Harry laughed. Shes making a run for it.
I so look forward to seeing her tomorrow and to hearing her speech on the very day she hits the century mark.
At that moment, feeling a Tanqueray glow, Tally was discussing her speech.
And ? She had given Inez the gist of it.
Blossom, reality is always in order. From what youve told me, thats what youre doing: telling the truth. Odd, isnt it? We try to tell the truth throughout our lives, but for some reason people dont begin to listen until were old.
Idiots! Aunt Tally waved a dismissive hand.
More by the minute, too. Inez settled back in the comfortable chair. People believe what they see on TV. Astonishes me. Or what beeps up from their handheld BlackBerries and whatever.
All of that controlled by large corporations. Well, not blogging and messages, but I am always suspicious where large profits are in order. I mean, Chickpea, theres not big money to be made from a tablet and a pen
. Electrify it and well.
Profits, yes, but I dont think the power companies are perverting messages. However, all these devices draw power and give off heat. And think about it: You cant just throw out a computer. There are chips and things in there that apparently become dangerous when disintegrating, so they must be properly disposed of. If that is the caseand according to our refuse rules in Virginia, it isthen why arent they dangerous to use? Isnt heat coming off the screen? Arent those little semiconductors and wires emitting fumes or something unhealthy? Inez, trained in the scientific method, was highly suspicious.
Of course. Call attention to it with proof, and everyone and everything tied to computers will deny it. Remember when the tobacco industry fought the truth? How blindly stupid of them. Am I against smoking? No. But it damages the lungs. End of story. Am I against computers? No. But they damage the eyes and God knows what else.
Truth is ever and always in short supply. Inez smiled ruefully.
Aunt Tally raised her voice. You know what, I dont give a damn. I care about my people. If other people want to be sheep, let them march off to be sheared or, worse, to the slaughterhouse. You cant save people who wont save themselves.
I suppose the truth is, you dont want them to take you down with them. Inez drew a deep breath. To change the subject, this alumnae committee is making an old woman older.
Slyly, Aunt Tally purred, Is that possible?
Inez laughed. Youre older than I.
Aunt Tally laughed, too. Touche. Whats troubling you?
Inez scrunched down deeper in the chair. Pewter had artfully placed herself on the padded area so Inez stroked her, which pleased the little egotist.
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