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back home. She would, of course, have to maintain her duties and adhere to the schedule in the strictest manner, but I see no other problem. After all, your estate adjoins the resort gardens, and it is merely a short walk across the footbridge. I see no reason to force Ivy to remain here.” Rachel turned her attention completely to Ivy and added, “If that is what she wants.”
    â€œNo doubt,” Ivy whispered none too quietly, “I would be made to suffer for a decision such as that. Perhaps Miss Taylor says it would meet with her approval, but I seriously doubt it does.”
    Rachel clenched her teeth and refused to be goaded by the younger girl. Ivy maintained a pose of angelic indifference, while Esmeralda considered her words.
    â€œI would not have you treat my niece with hostility.”
    â€œI wouldn’t dream of it,” Rachel countered. “And I would seriously reprimand any girl who would try. As I told my girls when they first arrived, Ivy is not to be treated any differently, neither because of her inexperience with the Harvey system nor because she is your niece. Partiality would only lead to conflict.”
    Esmeralda seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding. “Yes. Yes, you are correct. Ivy, I believe it would cause a threat of conflict between you and the other workers. However, you may always resign your position. You don’t have to work here, and you know it better than anyone.”
    Ivy frowned, seeming to sense that the tables were starting to turn against her. Rachel smiled pleasantly and leaned closer to Esmeralda. “I’ll leave the decision to you and Ivy. After all, we want our girls happy. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must see to my work.”
    Rachel took herself away from the ordeal, a smile still playing on her lips as she walked into the solid form of Jeffery O’Donnell.
    â€œJeffery!” she exclaimed, then glanced around her. “I mean, Mr. O’Donnell. Please excuse me, I wasn’t paying attention.”
    Jeffery laughed. “It’s quite all right, Miss Taylor.” He emphasized her title and gave her a wink. They had been on very informal terms in Topeka, and would be again in moments of privacy, but for now they carried the formalities for the sake of the organization.
    Rachel smiled. “How is your wife?”
    â€œBearing up as well as she can. These first few months are said to be the most trying.”
    Rachel nodded, a twinge of jealousy coursing through her heart. Simone O’Donnell had become a dear friend during her training in Topeka as a Harvey Girl. Her marriage to Jeffery and their move to Morita had seemed to coincide nicely with Rachel’s promotion to house manager for the resort’s restaurant. She had even intended for Simone to be her head waitress. That is, until Simone had become pregnant shortly after their wedding. Jeffery wouldn’t hear of her working in her condition.
    â€œSo what brings you here today?” Rachel questioned.
    â€œI have brought the new hotel manager. You two will work closely together to control every aspect of this resort, so I want you to get to know the man well. You should both have a clear understanding of each other’s jobs and responsibilities.”
    â€œI see,” Rachel replied, looking behind Jeffery but seeing no one.
    â€œAnd where is he?”
    â€œHe’ll be right along,” Jeffery replied, turning to look outside the dining room doors. “Looks like he’s been stopped by Mr. Smith, one of the top men from the Santa Fe offices in Topeka. He happens to be here to see to some of the details of the grand opening. He had several things to share with our new hotel manager. Ah, here he comes now.”
    Rachel couldn’t yet see the man, but she immediately smoothed down the lines of her black serge skirt. No sense in making a bad impression , she thought. She looked down to make certain she had no food