Hidden in a Whisper by Tracie Peterson

available for concerts, operas, plays, or even lectures. There is a ballroom more grand and glorious than any New York has ever seen. The chandeliers were shipped from Tiffany’s, and the decor will enchant even the most hardened heart.”
    Rachel thought this a rather poignant expression. Against her will she glanced at Braeden and felt a small amount of relief to find his gaze fixed upon Jeffery.
    â€œThere are also sun porches and gardens,” Jeffery continued. “You will find because of Mrs. Needlemeier’s meticulous attention that the gardens on the east side are as much an oasis as any desert could boast.”
    â€œMrs. Needlemeier?” Braeden questioned.
    â€œShe was the elderly woman in the dining room,” Jeffery replied. “The one who maneuvered herself closer in order to better understand your reunion with Rachel.”
    Rachel felt the wind catch in her throat. Why couldn’t this meeting just be over with so that she could go to her room and rest? She desperately needed to think about all that had happened, but Jeffery didn’t seem at all concerned.
    Braeden was smiling and nodding, while it was all she could do to remain seated. “I do recall her. Done up in widow’s garb and armed with that silver-headed cane.”
    Jeffery laughed. “Yes, armed is a good way to think of it. The woman is fanatical about this town and about issuing her opinion. Nevertheless, she has maintained a lovely ten-acre garden and is graciously allowing us to share it for the benefit of our guests. Her mansion adjoins the gardens on the other side.”
    â€œI see.”
    â€œThe hot springs and bathing pools and houses are to the north of the hotel. There are separate facilities for men and women, as well as a lovely common pool for all to enjoy. The resort maintains very conservative bathing apparel for the guests, and as a staff member, you are also welcome to enjoy this refreshment when duty does not require you to be elsewhere. Besides this, we have stables for riding, croquet, lawn bowling, badminton, and a bandstand where musicians will perform periodically throughout the day and evening hours. Indoors we have a wonderful library with writing desks and quiet nooks for those who would rather remain inside, and as you were already told, we are fortunate enough to have electricity. The powerhouse is just across the front drive, positioned at the base of Morita Falls.”
    â€œI must say, I’m impressed,” Braeden said, considering all he’d been told. “And how many rooms are available for hotel guests?”
    â€œAt this point, seventy. There are ways to allow for additional rooms, but for now this seems sufficient.” Jeffery passed his gaze to Rachel. “As you’ve already been told, Miss Taylor is house manager over the Harvey House Restaurant. She has absolute charge of twentyfive girls, most of whom you saw there in the dining room. She also has final authority over the kitchen staff, including the chef. She will be responsible for ordering all food items and arranging with the local citizens to provide what Fred Harvey does not ship in.”
    â€œShe was always very capable,” Braeden stated matter-of-factly.
    â€œShe has proven so for the Santa Fe as well,” Jeffery confirmed. “Rachel has been a longtime favorite of mine. She was responsible for training other Harvey Girls during her time in Topeka and has worked her way up the ranks over the last—” he paused and looked at Rachel. “What has it been? Five … six years?”
    â€œSix.” The words came from Braeden before Rachel could even open her mouth.
    She could only nod.
    â€œWell, for what it’s worth,” Jeffery continued, “it is hoped Casa Grande will offer the Santa Fe a bit of salvation from its economic woes. Kansas farmers suffered a horrible crop last year, and that, along with poor investments, has brought problems