John nodded. “And it would make it a lot easier for me to transport my wool to market,” Johnadded.
“Then what can I do for you today, oldman?”
“I understand the proposed railway route is being developed and the surveyors are buying up land for the right ofway.”
“And that isso.”
“Might you be able to direct me to these gentlemen? I’d like to see if they might find Haverford estate an attractiveroute.”
“My good man, I know for certain they would. The far north section of your land would be right along the proposed route. I would be more than happy to set up a meeting with them foryou.”
“Excellent.”
“And, I might suggest, in your negotiations with the railway, you might be able to convince them to put in a railway stop on your property so that you could ship directly fromthere.”
John smiled broadly. “Harcourt, do you have any idea how quickly a deal could be made? You know I have my note due in just a few weeks. If we closed on the deal I could pay my debtoff.”
Harcourt rubbed his chin. “Not so fast there, young man. Business does not move that quickly. It would probably take a number of months before any kind of a deal couldclose.”
John looked crestfallen. “Oh. That’s adisappointment.”
“But…” Harcourt nodded. “If a deal were agreed upon I am fairly certain the bank could offer you a bridge loan—with the deal ascollateral.”
“Now, that is excellent news.” He went over and shook Harcourt’shand.
* * *
Susan was teachingElizabeth how to tie knots when John burst into the school room. He raced over and picked Elizabeth up and twirled her around in a circle as she screamed with both fear anddelight.
Susan stood back in amazement, having never seen John behave this waybefore.
Putting Elizabeth back down, he turned to Susan, his face beaming, and said, “We did it. Well, you did it. Well, it’s thanks to you and your suggestion. I’m selling the right of way for the railway, and my bank is loaning me the money to pay off my father-in-law.”
Susan felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. “Oh, John, thatissplendidnews.”
John went over and took Susan’s hands. “Thank you. Thankyou.”
Elizabeth ran over to her father and grabbed his legs. “Do it again.Please?”
John looked down. “What? Do what?” heasked.
“Swing me aroundagain.”
John bent down and picked up Elizabeth again. “You liked that, didyou?”
“Yes, do itagain.”
John swung her around in more circles with her screaming at the top of her voice, until John became dizzy and he had to put herdown.
Susan couldn’t help but laugh. She went over to steady John who was wobbly from theswings.
“Are you all right?” she asked, putting her hand on hisarm.
“I will be. No, I am, thanks toyou.”
He turned to her and put his arms on her shoulders and pulled her to him, ending with his arms around her in a hug. Suddenly, they stopped, looked up at each other in embarrassment, and then pulledback.
“I’m sorry”, John said. “That wasinappropriate.”
