The following material is an extract from NOT JUST ANY MAN, A Novel of Old New Mexico, Copyright © 2018 Loretta Miles Tollefson. Published by Palo Flechado Press, Santa Fe, NM

A Note about Spanish Terms: This novel is set in northern New Mexico and reflects as much as possible the local dialect at that time. Even today, Northern New Mexico Spanish is a unique combination of late 1500s Spanish, indigenous words from the First Peoples of the region and of Mexico, and terms that filtered in with the French and American trappers and traders. I’ve tried to represent the resulting mixture as faithfully as possible. My primary source of information was Rubén Cobos’ excellent work, A Dictionary of New Mexico and Southern Colorado Spanish (University of New Mexico Press, 2003). Any errors in spelling, usage, or definition are solely my responsibility.

CHAPTER 39

“I have not asked you many personal questions,” the tall thin man in the black coat says. His eyes sharpen on the younger man’s face. “My daughter says they aren’t important. I disagree, but she insists.”

Gerald steadies himself and looks into Jeremiah Peabody’s face. “If you ask it of me, I will tell you everything,” he says.

Peabody’s face darkens. “I have determined not to pry,” he says stiffly. Then his lips twitch and he waves his hand in the air. “It is between you and Suzanna,” he says. “You will answer to her, anyway.”

A great wave of relief unbinds Gerald’s chest. He tries not to smile too giddily. “Suzanna has spirit as well as brains,” he acknowledges.

“And that is what I wish to speak to you about,” her father says. “Your history is a matter between you and my daughter. But your treatment of her is a matter between you and myself.”

Surely it can’t be this easy. Gerald opens his mouth, but Peabody raises a hand to silence him. “As you know, I have not raised Suzanna to be a common household drudge,” he says. “She has been carefully educated. If she wished, she could make her way in the world alone. She does not wish it, and she will be a fine helpmate to any man she chooses. She has chosen you. She was raised to choose, not to be chosen.”

Jeremiah Peabody smiles ruefully, his eyes a little sad. “She has a will, and where her will and her heart are engaged, she will be a strong support. She was not trained to cookery and such. I think you know that she has no aptitude in that direction. She will need assistance. I trust you will be able to provide her that aid.”

All the obstacles are gone now. Gerald tries to keep the gladness from brimming over too far. He works to keep his voice steady. “Suzanna has been clear with me on that point,” he says. “Ramón Chavez has been kind enough to agree to assist with the kitchen work for the time being.”

Jeremiah Peabody raises an eyebrow. “You will employ him?”

“We are to be partners. He will provide me with much needed expertise, and I will contribute what cash I have.” Gerald sobers as he looks into Peabody’s face. “He hopes to make a home for Encarnación and himself alongside us. In the meantime, he will be of great assistance to both Suzanna and me.”

“And this home? It will be in your black valley?”

Gerald smiles. “A portion of the valley I have spoken of, yes. With Suzanna’s agreement.”

Jeremiah Peabody permits himself a small smile as Gerald continues. “It’s a fine country,” the younger man says eagerly. “I believe we can prosper there. And with Ramón accompanying us, I’ll feel more secure in taking her to such a remote location.” He pauses and looks firmly into Jeremiah Peabody’s eyes. “I treasure and respect your daughter, sir. I know I am only a man, but I will do all I can do to make her content.”

The older man’s lips twitches. “She tells me you are not just any man and I’m not sure contentment is something she wishes to find,” he says drily. Then he moves forward and takes Gerald’s hands in his. “But I am relieved to hear that you have considered her safety and her happiness,” he says. “I believe you are sincere, sir, and Suzanna loves you dearly. I give you my blessing.”

They smile into each other’s eyes. “I aim to make you glad that you gave it, sir,” Gerald says.

Copyright © 2018 Loretta Miles Tollefson

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