A dizzying array of people rushed past us: men in crumpled, white linen suits with gold teeth and silver fobs, cowboys who doffed their hats to us, their horses tethered to railings, and women dressed in low-cut gowns as if on their way to a ball.

“Prostitutes,” Mayflower announced. “They flock to every makeshift camp town like this one.”

I noticed that among the well-dressed women and the men in linen suits were drably dressed men and women with weathered faces and stern expressions. Mayflower said they were farmers and ranchers.

“God-fearing people who disapprove of all these newcomers,” she said, “exceptin’ for the money they get for leasing out their land to wildcat drillers and oil companies.”

As we walked, sweet and spicy aromas from the cafés wafted across the street, and I realized I was starving. Mayflower led us to one she said Hans had said was good and clean.

“Good and clean is important to Hans,” Mayflower laughed. “He never lets me forget he’s German.”

“Can we sit outside?” I said, anxious not to miss a minute of the activity on the street.

We sat in the shade and ordered spicy, chicken-filled tacos with lemonade. I had come to enjoy these new foods, especially the jalapeño peppers, which sent hot waves of flavor up my nostrils and down my throat. I’d never tasted the like of them in New York, and certainly not in Donegal. As we sat, the sound of singing, shouting and laughter drifted out from the saloon next door, and the street was filled with accents of all kinds.

“That’s where Daddy stays,” said Lily, pointing up to the Kearney Hotel. Then her attention jumped back to the empty plate before her. “I’m thirsty,” she announced. “Can I go in and get a soda?”

“I’ll go with you,” I said, standing up.

She put her hands on her hips and stuck out her bottom lip. “I can order it myself, Miss Delia,” she said. “I’m a big girl now.”

“Oh, what harm can it do?” said Mayflower, giving Lily a coin.

“But . . .” I began to protest, but the child had already run inside the café. I made to follow her, but Mayflower grabbed my arm. “Stay here, darlin’” she said. “I have to go see the dressmaker right quick.” I sighed and sat down. I looked over at the Kearney Hotel and up to where Lily had pointed. I imagined Aidan looking out one of the windows, shirt unbuttoned and hair falling over his forehead. I imagined I came up beside him and he smiled and whispered sweet words in my ear.

“Should I check on Lily?” Mayflower’s return called me back to reality. I shot to my feet.

“I’ll go,” I said. “She’s been gone a while.”

“Probably prattling to the owner,” Mayflower said. “That child could talk the leg off a table.”