Taking the Plunge Read online

  "Sir? Do you need a glass of water?" Delphina offered.

  Hugh's face looked worried. "I'll get it."

  "Give me a moment," Mr. Broadwater rasped.

  Hugh returned as Delphina walked with the resort owner to a nearby sitting area. "This should help a bit."

  The older man nodded his appreciation and sipped at the healing mineral waters. "Sorry to trouble you two. This cold doesn't want to let go." He coughed a few more times. "My wife is beside herself since I just got over the influenza." He smiled. "You'd think I was a two-day old kitten the way she wants to coddle me." Mr. Broadwater seemed over the spell.

  The peaceful moment gave her the chance to apologize. "I'm terribly sorry for being rude, gentlemen. That's truly not my intent."

  Hugh swung to look at her as he took the seat beside Mr. Broadwater on the wood and rod iron bench. "I haven't made it easy for you. But I hope you understand I'm not trying to limit women at all. My concern, as manager, is to make sure we begin to make a profit while maintaining a safe recreational area."

  Mr. Broadwater agreed and tucked the handkerchief away. "I'm afraid the crowds I expected haven't materialized. I was sure once the rails went in we'd have more traffic from the East than we could handle." He stared out at the nearly empty plunge. "As much as I want to do exactly as you request, Miss O'Connor, this venture hasn't yet operated at a profit."

  "What if we could attract more women through this change? Would it be worth it?"

  "You have a good mind, Miss O'Connor." Mr. Broadwater tapped his fingers on his knee. "You are a creative problem solver and you think about how these things will affect the future." He turned to include Hugh. "You, young man, are trustworthy and reliable." He waggled a finger between the two of them. "Together, I have a team that can bring success to this business now and into the future. That is why I chose each of you. For your strengths. Now rather than fighting about money, I suggest the two of you use your strengths to bring the solution into being and more people into the resort. I do believe it's possible."

  Hugh looked as chastised as Delphina felt. "You mean with my idea remaking the outfits?"

  "Who knows if you're ahead of your time? It's a valuable idea. Let's see if it might help us now." He bobbled a little as he rose. "I'll leave you to come up with a plan so that I don't have to close the natatorium down." He scanned the massive aqua theatre. "I had a big dream. Maybe I, too, am ahead of my time."

  Hugh watched the colonel walk out the door. "Something's not quite right. Not just his cough." The door closed behind his boss and mentor. "Do you notice his lack of energy?"

  Delphina drew her brows together and nodded. "I only met him a few weeks ago, but I agree. I see a difference. Though having a cold can drag it out of a person."

  "Let's hope that's all it is. I have the greatest respect for that man. He's built transportation companies, banks, and railroads—all extremely successful. I know he can make the Hotel Broadwater and Natatorium successful as well. He just needs a little more time."

  "He's built railroads?"

  "You know the trolley line into town belongs to him, right?"

  "Of course, but I didn't realize how many other endeavors he'd achieved."

  Hugh became animated in his admiration. "Without Charles A. Broadwater, Helena and Montana wouldn't be the modern Queen of the Rockies that she is. When I said transportation companies, I meant with his efforts the infrastructure within our great state became a reality. He started as a superintendent with the Diamond R Freighting Company. Then he moved the home base here to Helena and bought the company with three friends."

  "So he went from an employee to an owner." Delphina studied the incredible design of the building they sat in. "From modest beginnings to such a lavish resort, his vision coupled with business acumen makes him a rare man."

  "That's not all of the colonel's accomplishments."

  "Colonel?"

  "An honorary title the army bestowed on him for his patriotic acts supplying the troops at Fort Assiniboine and Fort Maginnis. He owned a trading store and never overcharged. Charles Broadwater is known for his honesty, courtesy, and generosity. After founding the store, he opened the Montana National Bank."

  "Astonishing! One wouldn't expect a resume like that from such a kind, unassuming man."

  "He has no need to impress. His example does that for him." Hugh glanced at the door. "If I can be half of that, I'd consider myself an overwhelming success." He shook his head. "But even half of that is more than most men can hope to be in a lifetime."

  "I understand why you'd want to mentor under such an accomplished entrepreneur."

  "Yes, I came on board just prior to our grand opening. Five hundred people attended."

  "My goodness, that's a huge party."

  "Not large enough, unfortunately. One of the reasons the colonel's investments thrive is his ability to prospect in business the way other men mine gold. He has a knack for knowing where to dig for business gold. This resort, however, may not pan out." Hugh ran a hand over the back of his neck. "Some mines cave in. It's just so unusual for Broadwater to be wrong." He stopped and thought. "I hope the stress of potential failure isn't adding to his load."

  "What do you mean? It's popular and there's a constant flow of visitors." Delphina motioned at the plunge where quite a few bathers frolicked with their children. The waterfall, forty feet of stacked boulders, rained two lovely terrace cliffs into the pool below. The backlit waterfalls and their glowing reflections mesmerized her each time she walked into the aquatic theater. The playful spray fountain in the center created constant squeals of glee. Surely it would continue to build in reputation and attendance.

  "The Broadwater was built to become the greatest resort in the world. Five hundred people are a small percentage of what she can host. With fifty rooms, the grounds, the natatorium, and the many outdoor recreation opportunities we should have overflowed." He saw the dawning in Delphina's eyes. "Only thirty-five were booked for one night."

  "And so, asking for new swim costumes truly is a drain on constrained resources." Delphina's eyes filled and she dipped her head as she rolled her thumbs around one another in her lap. "Then how do we find a way as Mr. Broadwater has asked us to do?"

  "Your idea does have merit. We need to be diligent about the research so we don't stumble in the execution and cost our employer more money. For instance, would other women feel the way you do? Would that help us build clientele or would it drive us into lower attendance at the natatorium? If we go forward, what's the least expensive option while producing quality that won't require constant replenishment?"

  "Might I suggest I do a little research this week?"

  No arguments? No reasoning him around to her way of thinking? She could raise his hackles faster than a coyote snatches a chicken, but their conversations left him invigorated rather than irritated. Other women he'd met didn't have the confidence to stand up for their beliefs. She had confidence, courage, and candor.

  "The physician will not allow me to enter the water or take on my classes for another week. I disagree, however who am I to challenge a doctor?" She sat back in her spot on the bench. "But I can't expect Mr. Broadwater to pay me for doing nothing. Since we need more information, I'll earn my keep by obtaining it."

  Delphina's resilience attracted him more than the beauty of her face and figure. He liked looking at her, no doubt. But the confidence that sparkled in her eyes and the way she carried herself drew him. Beautiful, yes, because of the energy and presence about her. Nothing seemed too big of a challenge. If David facing the giant had been a woman, she'd have been Delphina. And weren't they facing a giant now with a half-a-million dollar business on the line?

  If Hugh wanted to find a woman of substance, someone he could talk with, build a friendship like he saw between the Broadwaters, someone who intrigued him, then Delphina O'Connor definitely met that criteria. She fearlessly shared ideas and opinions. Even more, with her on his team, Hugh's confidence grew.
A woman like that, who inspired him and believed all things possible, she'd be the kind of wife to help him build his dreams.

  This suffragette created fireworks in his blood. Hugh tugged at his collar. Then he smiled to himself. At the rate Miss Delphina O'Connor was going, he'd have to make sure she lived so he could court her. But she seemed quite content without a husband, without children. Hugh never envisioned a future family life without children. Asking to court her would be fruitless. Unless she changed her mind…

  Hugh stood and offered a hand to Delphina. So far, the last few minutes were the most amenable they'd had. Did he want her to change her mind?

  Delphina touched his palm and triggered an instantaneous thumping in his chest.

  Oh yes. He'd find a way to bring her around. That thump grew to a thundering gallop.

  Chapter 4

  The fresh spring air tickled across Delphina's face as she waited for the trolley into town. She fashioned her hair as far forward as possible and tipped her wide-brimmed hat slightly to hide the two-day old dark purple bruise, now yellowing around the edges but not faded enough.

  Hugh tapped her shoulder and stepped up beside her on the lawn near the trolley rail. "May I join you on your mission today?"

  "That's a funny thing to call business with a seamstress shop." She smiled. "I'm just taking one of the swim dresses to see what it would cost to remake them or use the excess material to create the new ones."

  "Downtown then?"

  She nodded. "Yes, and I hear there are a few seamstresses in Reeder's Alley that might be willing to work less per piece if I can guarantee quantity."

  "Then I'll definitely accompany you."

  "Oh?"

  "That area can be a bit rough for a lady these days. It's becoming mostly, well," he shrugged.

  "I see. But you don't have to curtail the business you've planned in town. I'm sure I'll be fine."

  He looked down the track as the trolley came into view. "You are my business in town."

  Did his voice soften just then? Delphina cocked her head. What did he mean she was his business?

  Hugh glanced from the trolley's arrival to Delphina's confusion. "You do remember we're a team, don't you?"

  "Of course. But—" she squinted against the sun in the blue, blue sky and raised a hand to block the brightness. For a cold winter morning, the sun didn't seem to believe he should be in hiding with spring around the corner. It seemed like the coming spring had an embrace waiting.

  "Even manager's get a day off. I saw you heading into town with the large bag and thought I might help you." He held out his hand for the valise. "May I?"

  "You followed me?"

  "No, I happened to be heading into town to do my banking. But if you don't mind, I'd be honored to accompany you on your errand. The faster we get the answers, the faster we're able to help Colonel Broadwater turn the resort into a success."

  She couldn't argue with his logic. Nor should she after agreeing to work as a team. "All right, then, I plan to get more than one estimate." She controlled the grin that wanted to break loose at his surprised expression. "I'll also want to see some of the seamstresses projects to prove workmanship."

  "What you're telling me is that this is a longer expedition?" His lips twitched. "Possibly into the dinner hour?"

  "I wouldn't think it need go that long." Maybe men did think with their stomachs. She couldn't stop the grin. "But should you need sustenance, then I'll be happy to release you from escorting me."

  The trolley's passengers streamed off into the grounds in various directions. Hugh climbed up the steps and held his palm up to assist Delphina. "Should we need sustenance, and I hope we do, it would be my pleasure to invite you to share dinner with me."

  Delphina's hand fluttered and stopped mid-air. " Mr. Thomas, I did not finagle to get an invitation to dinner." The whistle blew. The trolley would leave without her if she didn't hurry. She landed her hand in his and raised her skirts as she stepped up, then settled in the bench for the trip to town. Glad she'd chosen the lavender walking suit that made her feel more confident. The jacket tailored perfectly to her pleat at her hips where the matching skirt moved smartly at the ankle, but didn't drag beyond her favorite kid leather boots.

  "No, Miss O'Connor, it was I that hoped to finagle you into dining with me."

  "I'm sure it won't be necessary." She peeked at him sideways. "But thank you, just the same."

  He faced forward and gave a sidelong glance with a mischievous smile. "Ah, but I hope it is necessary. We should get to know one another better, don't you think?"

  "We have the beginnings of a good working relationship."

  "Exactly." As he set the carpetbag down beside her green and white striped walking skirt, he added, "the beginnings. We need to work in unison, as one. You should know me well enough to not only support my decisions, but to make the kind of decision I would make should that need arise. I should know you well enough to understand any decision you would need to make on behalf of your students and the resort. This is all for the good of everyone, you know. If the resort fails, imagine how many people would be out of work. We just can't let that happen as the two people who Colonel Broadwater counts on, can we?"

  She swallowed. He made it abundantly clear. Hugh Thomas would be involved every step of the way. "Why are you so passionate about the Broadwater's success?"

  "I'm an investor. I want the resort to succeed for all of us, not just myself."

  "I had no idea you were personally invested. It makes sense that you feel so strongly about the future of the business."

  "Delphina, I believe in the vision and future of the hotel and resort. So do a lot of other people. Montana's silver brings new residents while building for future tourism brings the foundation for financial stability. You must believe it also or you wouldn't be here." He stopped talking and turned to her. "Why did you come all the way from Philadelphia?"

  "I have an uncle and his family out here. My parents allowed me to answer the advertisement from the Hotel Broadwater for a female swimming instructor because I'd have family to watch out for me."

  "You don't strike me as someone who'd need permission to do whatever you want to do."

  "Is that an insult?"

  "Not at all." He looked puzzled. "I meant you know your own mind."

  Then why didn't she right now? Sitting this close, Delphina could feel the warmth of his arm and became acutely aware of her own shortness of breath.

  "I find that characteristic unusual in both men and women."

  "You do?"

  "Doesn't it annoy you everyone is so busy deferring to answer that conversation can't ever go anywhere?" He clasped his hands together between his knees. "It's like no one can think for themselves. They're too busy being careful and polite. How will we grow and change as a society if we can't talk courteously about real issues?"

  "Every time I say anything I tend to cause an uproar, according to my parents." She gave him a conspiratorial smile. "Evidently I have the inability to maintain a peaceful, civilized repartee. My mother says it's the gift of advocacy. But then I didn't help things along last spring when I raced against a boy at college."

  He stared at her. "Did you win?" he finally asked.

  "One arm stroke behind."

  "I'll remember that next time I hop in a pool with you nearby." He winked. "My boys might be tough to teach if—"

  "You don't believe me?"

  "Thing is, Delphina, I do." The trolley came to the end of the electric line and stopped. Hugh picked up the bag and held out his hand to help her slide out of the wooden bench. "Shall we?"

  A warmth rushed over her. Hugh hadn't minimized her for the loss or the action. Maybe they could grow to like one another after all. She looked at his dark brown, curly hair and profile. He seemed strong and kind and genuine. Quite handsome too. But the man who'd jilted her for the gossip had been quite handsome. He didn't like her speaking her mind either. Another quick perusal at his face as she st
epped down to the street level. Hugh never failed to act the gentleman and he'd heard her speak her mind.

  Three shops and estimations later, Hugh ushered Delphina into a café on Last Chance Gulch. "Why don't we consider our notes and options over a good meal?" The luscious scent of roasted chicken and freshly baked apple pie wafted over them as they entered. He'd have loved to take Delphina to a much nicer establishment, but she agreed to a casual setting. She continued to surprise him liking simplicity over extravagance. With the wealth continuing to build in Helena, finding anyone enjoying a more simple life was getting harder.

  "I could use a little food." She inhaled and closed her eyes. "Mmm, that smells delicious."

  The pleasure on her face enjoying simple apple pie aromas struck Hugh. He couldn't take his eyes off her. When she opened her eyes, the sparkle of joy about knocked him flat.

  "I don't care if I eat a meal, but I'd really like a piece of that pie."

  He swallowed in order to answer her. "I'll buy the whole pie for you."

  She laughed. "No, that won't be necessary."

  He held her chair as she sat. Draping her the light wrap over the neighboring chair, he slid his hat onto the seat as well. "Would you like more than dessert? It's been a long time since breakfast."

  The smile she bestowed on him grew slowly until she held him mesmerized. "It hasn't felt like it." Delphina's stomach growled. "But then again…" She pressed her hand into her abdomen. She leaned in and whispered, "It might be a smart plan."

  Was she feeling the connection between them too? "I do want you to see me as a smart man. Chicken dinner and pie?"

  "Perfect."

  He called the waitress over. "We can think of nothing better at this moment than to order your chicken dinner with the pie for dessert."

  "Some reason, that's all we're sellin' at the moment." She gave them both a friendly smile and went to place their order.

  "Would there be enough funding to start with the ten swimming costumes I suggested?"

  Hugh calculated his budget. "I'm sorry to say I don't think so."