Some offered William more money than he had ever seen.
One businessman arrived from the city wearing a fine black coat and carrying a leather briefcase filled with maps.
He sat at our kitchen table and explained how a carefully managed operation could make us wealthy.
William listened politely.
Then asked about the underground watercourse.
The businessman hesitated.
He hadn't reviewed it.
William asked about the unstable lower chamber.
Again, the man had no complete answer.
Then my husband asked whether the company would accept responsibility for protecting the old burial ground.
The businessman looked confused.
"What burial ground?"
William closed the folder.
"Then you haven't studied the land carefully enough."
The man began explaining again.
William raised one hand.
"No."
The businessman blinked.
"Mr. Harlan—"
"No."
He leaned forward.
"My father closed that mine because men were getting hurt."
The visitor shifted.
"Technology has improved."
"Then prove the site is safe before asking anyone to risk their lives."
The businessman smiled thinly.
"You're refusing a tremendous opportunity."
William glanced toward me.
I was standing beside the stove.
Annie sat nearby reading a book.
He looked back at the visitor.
"I have the opportunity I want."
The businessman frowned.
"And what is that?"
William smiled.
"My family."
The man left shortly afterward.
I watched his carriage disappear down the mountain road.
Then turned toward my husband.
"Do you ever wonder what we could have bought with that money?"
He considered.
"A larger barn."
I laughed.
"William."
"Maybe a new stove."
I smiled.
"You're impossible."
He crossed the room.
Wrapped one arm around my waist.
Then whispered, "Would silver make your dumplings taste any better?"
I laughed.
"Certainly not."
"Then I reckon we're wealthy enough."
He kissed my cheek.
And I believed him.
Not because money meant nothing.
We needed money.
Everyone did.
The roof required repairs.
The horses needed feed.
Winter supplies were expensive.
Annie needed clothing, books, and eventually an education beyond what we could provide at the kitchen table.
But William was right about one thing.
A fortune that demanded we sacrifice our peace was not the fortune we wanted.
So we began looking for another way to use the land.
The idea came from Annie.
She was sitting beside me one afternoon while I prepared preserves.
The windows were open.
Summer sunlight warmed the floor.
A large basket of peaches stood on the table.
Annie watched me carefully.
Then asked, "Rose?"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Why don't more people come here?"
I glanced toward her.
"What do you mean?"
"People who are hungry."
I smiled.
"Travelers stop sometimes."
"I know."