Before Emily could even walk, she sensed things others might have put aside. She still remembered sitting on the kitchen floor flailing to the music, the door opening and her grandfather walking in and how just the look on his face killed her joy. Her grandmother let her know afterward and times more, that those looks were not about her, but because his precious daughter died and it still ate at his soul. That each time he looked at her, he was reminded of his little girl Rachael and that she was never coming back.

No matter what was going on in her life a the years of putting up with Claude, and Grandfather's rejection of her a they were still battles she fought. Just when all seemed forgotten, the memories came back to haunt her. Yet, at times, the memories appeared like an army ready for battle, raising her guard to even the smallest of signs that came to warn her.

So it was natural for her to take everything Donald did, said, or didn't say, and let it nest in her mind. She mixed the good with the bad and finally came to believe that, whatever drove him, it was at least in part his obsession for power, and his need to have control of those around him. He was fueled by the misfortune of others. Those who were most vulnerable were like prime rib to him, and he demanded they maintain his scrupulous order.

His confidence that he was molding her into one of his pawns would have been almost laughable to her, if it weren't so frustrating.

She thought this through many a night and now, with a completed plan and a purpose in mind, she went to find him. Not knowing what sort of mood he would be in, she felt a sense of relief when she didn't find him in the library.

Even so, she continued down the hallway, nervous but anxious to begin her crusade. First, she wanted to find out if Bruce was coming back. He had been gone for months now.

When Donald was expecting guests he didn't plan to take up to his private quarters, or if he was getting ready to leave on a trip, he usually hung about his sprawling office downstairs with its sleek bar and fireplace.

When she approached and found his door ajar, she knocked and poked her head through. He was sitting at his desk, folding a letter. "Excuse me, Mr. Schillings?"

He turned in his chair. "What is it?"

"Uhm, do you have a minute?"

He stuffed the letter into a pocket of his wool sweater and nodded to a chair.

She took a seat, and watched him carefully for any signs that he might turn on her. "I was wondering whatever happened to Bruce, when he's coming back."

"Your last concern should be what happened to the old guy. Now, is that all, because I've got a plane to catch."

"There's no concern. The kids have just been asking if he was coming back, and since Otto said he didn't know, Ia"

"They could've asked me and I would've told them *no'."

She wanted to tell him that if he spent more time with them, they might've asked. Nevertheless, she decided to stick with her original plan, with something that might do them some good.

"The reason I came by was because Maria's birthday is coming up in a few months, and I'd like to invite her friends over for a party. She said she hasn't seen them for over a year."

"I don't know what your point is. That girl's had her share of friends over, only the little rats ended up where they didn't belong one too many times."

"But this'd just be for her birthday. And I'd be with them the whole time."

"So how old's she going to be?" he asked, fumbling for his cigarettes.

She wasn't surprised at his lack of knowledge regarding his daughter. "She'll be nine, sir."

"Oh, yes. How could I forget? Nineteen fifty-one. The year we left Texas."

She cringed at his indifference, although fortunately, many things that had happened would now play in her favor. "So, uhm, you and I talked sometime back about the children, and... well, I just wanted to mention that I'm feeling more concerned than ever that something's got to be done."

His face turned dark all of a sudden, and she realized there was his ego to keep in mind.

"Mr. Schillings, I know how busy you are. But I spend a lot of time with them, and honestly, I'm concerned. They're growing up fast, they're changing, and it's natural for them to want something more. And, what I've been thinking is that if they had a hobby they could look forward to, it would do wonders. Of course, you could always send them back to public school. They'd lovea"

"That's out of the question." He sat up and tapped his cigarette over an ashtray. "They'll get all the socializing they need when they get to college. Which, I might add, is already set up and paid for."

"You've already paid for their college?"

"I have."

"But that's nine or ten years away. Their birthdays only come once a year. Well, in theory not always. Maria told me that last year Pearl forgot to bake her cake. Off on a trip or something, I don't know. Anyway, I could see it still hurt her. But I've got an idea that'll make up for that, and also keep both of the children amused for years to come."

As she spoke, he began to fidget, his jaw muscles tightening, his eyes darting. She knew she'd better hurry before he threw her out. "You mentioned that Maria got into trouble with a couple of her friends. Well, I think this plan will help keep her and Nathan both occupied, give them something to look forward to. It'll make up for what they don't have, for what they've lost."

"How dare you. What else could they possibly need?" He glowered at her, and then as if he suddenly recalled the loss of their mother, and maybe even his own bereavement, his shoulders dropped and he leaned back in his chair. "So what's this plan of yours?"

"Well, Maria told me more than once that she'd like to have a horse. I mean, she's got pictures of them plastered all over her bedroom walls. And then she's still clinging to that battered stick-horse that's way too small for her. Anyway, so what I thought was... maybe you could buy her a pony for her birthday. She could have herself a real birthday party with friends and all. And of course, you could buy Nathan a pony too, sort of like an early birthday present for him. Two wrapped into one."

Donald rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for such things."

"But I've thought it all out, and you won't have to do a thing. Otto can make a few calls to set things up."

"I've heard enough of this." He rose abruptly, flipping his briefcase open.

Emily sat up, clutching the arms of her chair. "But Mr. Schia"

"I've got a business to run, and I don't have time to worry about a bunch of smart-aleck brats running around my house when I'm gone. Now, I have to go." He collected some papers off the desk and dropped them into the briefcase.

She knew she had to do something quick. "Let me remind you again, Mr. Schillings, of when Nathan brought the skunk up to his bedroom. And then there was the river incident. Remember? He was just bored, that's all."

Donald started rummaging through an open drawer.

She moved forward in her chair. "You have to realize th-that the real problems will begin when they both start sneaking around to find excitement. I've been reading up on this, and I've learned some important facts that'll make things a lot easier on you."

He dropped something in his pants pocket, closed the drawer, and looked up. "Oh? Now what could that be?"

"Well, for one, they need more stimulation, more challenges. You see, as they get older they're likely to start misbehaving in ways they never did when they were younger. Before long, they'll be bringing friends home, like maybe... when you're out of town. I can't sit up all night watching them. With you gone, who knows what they'll get into. I really believe if they don't have something to look forward to, they'll find the excitement their own way. Remember when you were young?"

He slammed the lid of his briefcase and sat down again, brooding. "You're getting too big for your britches, young lady." He thought for a moment, groaned, and then softened his tone. "You might have a point, though. Maybe I'd be better off buying them a couple of ponies."

"They're going to be so happy, sir. You won't regret this." She waited for a response, but he had something else on his mind.

He sat back and fumbled with the letter in his pocket. "This Peter fellow over at the Palace. You left with him that first night."

Taken aback, she had a feeling the less she said about Peter, the better. "Peter... oh yes, that first night. Uhm, there really wasn't anything. Right after we left, we were heading upstairs and I told him I had a headache. You might've heard of some of the excuses I used over there." She chuckled, trying to make light of the subject. "Anyway, he left right after. And I haven't seen him since."

Donald seemed satisfied. He secured his briefcase, lifted it from his desk and stood, then walked around to where she sat. "As far as the children are concerned, you may have brought something to my attention. But don't think I don't know what goes on around here." He turned, motioning her from the den, then locked up, and rushed down the hallway and out the front door.

Emily noticed a piece of paper on the floor, and realized he must have dropped it on the way out. She looked to see if Otto was around then went to pick it up. It was an address in Monterrey, Mexico. She wondered if that was where he spent his time away from home.

Footsteps came up the hallway, and she dropped the paper back on the floor, then hurried up the stairs and watched from the landing as Otto bent to pick it up. When he let himself into Donald's office, she went to Maria's room.

Maria was sitting at a table playing with paper dolls. "Here. You dress her," she said, handing Emily one of the dolls.

"So, what's her name?"

"Lolita."

"Hey, nice name, I like that. Say, Maria, you were telling me about your best friends from the third grade, remember? Who was it now, Bethany, anda?"

"Yeah, her and then there was Heather, and Sheri Anne."

"So was there anything in particular that happened the last time they were here?"

Maria looked up, suspiciously. "What, did father say something to you?"

"A little. I gather you guys got into some trouble?"

"Mm... That's the night I had them over for a slumber party. Bethany was the one that noticed the attic entrance. It's covered now, but it was right up there." She pointed to a spot in the ceiling. "She told me that except for the missing handle, it was just like her aunt's, and that she knew how to open it. We decided to check it out and brought a ladder from the garage. She was up on the top step, prying a knife in through the opening when the door flew open and Father walked in." Maria scrunched her nose. "One of the maids ratted on us."

"Yikes, I'll bet your father was angry. So what happened?"

"Well, Bethany dropped the knife as she was coming down the ladder. Father picked it up and started screaming so loud that he made everyone cry. Then he had Bruce take my friends home. Heather's mom came over the next day, threatening to call the police. After she left, Father told Nathan and me we were lucky he finally got her calmed down. He said that was the last time we were having friends over. That's when we started with the tutor."

"Has your father ever said anything about college?"

"He says we're going to a college back east somewhere. He never said where exactly."

"You know that's a long way from here. Do you mind?"

"He says by the time we finish school, we'll be so tired of this place we'll want to get out of here. Because we're being tutored, Nathan and me get our diplomas the same year."

"Hmm, well, at least you won't have to go alone."

"And you'll come to visit?"

"Of course I will."

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN.

Donald kept his word, and in less than a month, a crew of men began construction on a barn. When the barn was completed, they built a bunkhouse and then put in a large corral. It wasn't always easy keeping the surprise from Maria and Nathan, but they seemed satisfied enough and obediently kept away when told the building project was for their father's business.

Emily caught up with her boss one day as he was heading off on another trip. She thought he seemed pleased when she told him about her riding experience. She walked alongside him, going on about how excited she was for the opportunity to teach the children to ride. Later, she recalled that he hadn't really said anything. Yet, he hadn't stopped her either.

All and all, everything came together seamlessly into a fabulous setup. The buildings were charming, there was grass in the corral instead of dirt, and there were trees and shrubs left at the east end, which would make riding so much more interesting. Emily was thrilled, although when she recalled what Beatrice said about the recreation plans for the new Palace, she wondered if this had been Donald's ultimate goal from the start. She gave his work of genius a few moments of chagrin, and then decided to concentrate on the enjoyment the children would receive in the meantime.

Following breakfast on the morning of Maria's birthday party, Emily began to decorate the patio with balloons and crepe paper. Maria's friends from school weren't invited, although after some goading from Pearl, Donald had a couple of his business associates send over two of their children. They arrived just as the last of the decorations were being put in place. Even though the guests were strangers when they walked in, it wasn't long before they were all out in the back yard playing games.

Pearl brought out sandwiches cut from various shaped cookie cutters, a chocolate cake topped with chocolate icing, caramel swirls, lemon and cherry jellybeans, and nine red and yellow candles. After lunch, Maria opened her presents, and then the party ended with games and prizes for everyone.

Emily saw how disappointed the children were when the guests left and she couldn't wait to spring the big surprise. "Guess what, you two? I almost forgot the most important part of the day."

Bouncing back from their post-party blues, the children perked up when she pulled two blindfolds out of a pocket and covered their eyes.

"Blind man's bluff?" Nathan asked.

"Mmm, in a way, I guess." Emily placed her hands on their shoulders and led them outside.

Maria giggled as they neared the barn. "I'll bet we're gonna play hide-and-seek."

Emily moved in front of them and opened the barn door. "Not even close. This is far more exciting." She led them inside and placed each of them in front of a pony. "Okay, take off your blindfolds."

Nathan ripped his off and flung it aside, squealing as he ran to his pony. Maria on the other hand just stood there and gaped in awe.

Emily gave her a nudge. "Go on. She's yours."

Maria placed her blindfold on the floor, walked over and gently stroked the pony. "I'm calling her Happy."

Nathan gave his pony a nice pat on the hindquarters. "This one's mine, right, Emily?"

"He's all yours, only be careful. Pet him for a while, but be gentle like your sister is, and stay away from his feet. Remember everything we went over, okay?"

"Oh, don't worry, I will. And guess what. His name's Mr. Ed," he announced as if he'd decided this months ago.

Emily watched them for a few moments, and then moved around into another stall to a horse she realized was meant for her. She picked up a grooming brush and began to run it over the black mare's silky coat. "Hey, pretty lady, I think I'm going to call you Star." She just knew they were all going to have so much fun, and couldn't wait to begin the riding lessons.

There was movement next door and she stepped around into the next stall, surprised to see another horse. "Well, I'll be... ha!" She knew the beautiful stallion wasn't meant for Donald, since he didn't even like animals. She laughed at the thought of Pearl attempting a graceful mount. Visions of Otto and the new driver were just as comical.

She was still trying to figure out why the extra horse when a shadow filled the doorway. She stood back and looked around a post into the eyes of a tall strapping Negro. Whether it was the shock at seeing him show up out of nowhere, or if it was the way he seemed to be forcing himself on them with such intimidation, she knew her plans were ruined. The extra horse was obviously for him, and she had just lost what was going to be one of the most exciting things that had happened to her in a long while. This was supposed to be her sanctuary.

Nathan was examining one of his pony's hoofs and hadn't noticed the man yet. "Hey, Emily, can we go for a ride now?"

The man swept into the barn and over to the children with catlike strides, unencumbered by his large frame. "Not until you've had your first lesson," he said. He smiled, gazing down at their surprised faces. Then he looked up at Emily, his grin fading. She turned away in a hurry and moved back to the horse she'd claimed for herself, making sure she was able to keep an eye on the stranger.

He reached for a set of reins from a hook and slipped them around his shoulders. "Your father hired me to give you riding lessons, among other things."

Emily glowered at him as he pulled a saddle pad down from a stall partition and placed it on Maria's pony. "My name's Paul, if anyone's interested."

Nathan turned his attention back to Mr. Ed. "Can we start the lesson now?"

"Just as soon as we get the ponies ready. But before we do that, everyone needs to hear the orders from Mr. Schillings."

Orders? Emily wanted to scream. She turned furiously back to her horse. You're giving us orders when this was supposed to be my responsibility?

She could hear the excitement in Maria's voice. "What kind of orders, Paul?"

"For one thing, you don't ride alone. And just as important, no one..." He paused and looked at Emily. She crooked her neck to the silence and their eyes met before she turned back in a huff. "No one's to ride outside the corral," he continued, helping Nathan ready his pony. "It's plenty big enough, don't you think? Personally, I thought that was a good idea to extend it a ways into the forest."