by Cherie Shaw
“It’s good that situation was taken care of and we probably won’t be seeing anything more of Henry again. Maybe he’ll disappear once we land.” Olivia stated as they continued their walk.
Olivia and her uncle had enjoyed dining in her suite often, though just as often had dined in the exquisite dining hall, usually at the captain’s table, and thankfully the once-ardent captain McBride had cooled his amorous pursuit of Olivia, possibly due to Lord Beckford’s obvious distaste for the situation, and for the fact that Lord Beckford, after all, was the captain’s employer. He certainly wouldn’t wish to lose his well-paid position as captain of the ‘Silver Princess’.
Now that the Henry Birch situation seemed to be under control, Olivia was enjoying the trip, though she hadn’t again ‘read poetry’ to Mr. Logan Wakefield, but then it was just as well. Things seemed to be working out for him now that he had regained most of his strength back, and was attending Lord Claude as his valet. He was keeping a low profile, working in Lord Beckford’s stateroom mostly, and no one had seemed to question his sudden appearance on the ship.
Olivia only saw him occasionally, and then spoke casually to him during those times, so as not to bring attention to the fact that she knew the man. She did note though, that whenever they did happen to meet in the hallway, he seemed to get that devilish gleam in those deep green eyes of his. At some point he had shaved off the bushy black beard, that he had grown for years, and he didn’t quite look so fierce now, though still had a roguish look about him, no less.
Olivia thought him a most impressive fine looking man, especially in the new well-fitted tailored suits her uncle had supplied him, though she’d never let him know her feelings. Well, this was an American and she really didn’t even know that much about him either. Olivia sighed as she and her uncle completed their walk along the main deck then descended the stairway leading to their staterooms.
As they paused outside Olivia’s suite of rooms, Claude gave her a kiss on the cheek, then bade her goodnight, and turned to go, and then having a second thought, said, “By the way, Olivia,” he began, “we won’t be traveling across the country by ourselves after all.”
“We won’t?” She queried, “Have you word of Garth, Uncle?” She asked hopefully.
“Oh no, no, Niece, not that. And we won’t until we reach the mainland, then possibly he will have left word for us. No, we’ll see about your brother at that time hopefully. It’s just that with Maria and her husband Ricardo still in my employ, they have agreed to continue on with us. Maria’s aged parents are still living in Mexico City, and she wishes to visit with them. Texas will be on the way anyway, and as Ricardo knows much about cattle, and ‘rancheros’, as he refers to ranches, he is willing to see that property of mine, then give me his opinion.”
“Oh, Uncle Claude, that is good news!” Olivia exclaimed, “Maria hadn’t mentioned it to me, so I didn’t know. Possibly she thought I already knew.”
“Yes, well I just spoke to them about this today, and they both readily agreed to the trip. So we’ll plan on reserving a room in New York for them at the same place we will be staying for a few days. However, I have a townhouse in that city also, so after a few days we will be moving there until time for our departure for the west. Of course Maria and Ricardo will be with us there also.” Claude paused then continued, “Also our new friend, Mr. Wakefield,” Claude paused and looked at Olivia for her reaction to the name.
“Oh?” She asked, and looked away, not wanting her uncle to see her interest.
“Oh, yes,” Claude continued seriously,, “My……valet, Logan, will no longer be my valet, as I feel there will be no need for one on this journey west. Ricardo has informed me that this will be a very difficult trip, but otherwise most scenic and enjoyable. They do have a rail service for part of the way, and then we will be traveling by stagecoach for at least two weeks, or more, stopping at inns along the way, or small hotels, whatever accommodations we can find.”
Olivia glanced questioningly back at her uncle, just as the door to her suite flew open, and Maria stepped out into the hallway, then put her hands on her ample hips and declared to Claude, “Señor Beckford, tell the señorita what she wants to hear, or I will!” She stated emphatically.
Claude laughed lightly, “Of course Maria.” Then turning to Olivia, he said. “Of course, young Logan will no longer be my valet, though he will be traveling with us to the ranch in Texas, as our guide, then he will go on to Wyoming, to his home there.”
“Oh really, you two.” Olivia huffed, “I certainly couldn’t care less.” Then she proudly walked into her stateroom, and closed the door, as Claude smiled brightly. He liked that young chap, Logan Wakefield. Yes, he did.
The weeks flew by, and then one gray, damp and rainy day, the liner pulled into the impressive vast New York harbor, with its countless ships, with sky-high riggings, docked there. The Manhattan skyline was breathtaking as they stood watching the shoreline come closer into view. Before they knew it, they had left the dock behind, and were riding in a shiny black carriage, with the driver pointing out all the sights of the city as they rode along. The baggage had yet to be unloaded from the ship, and would be delivered to their hotel later.
They hadn’t seen Henry Birch quietly join the crowd of travelers, getting himself lost in their midst as the crowd left the ship, then he had quickly hailed a cab, and instructed the driver to follow the carriage that had just pulled away, he told him that he’d been traveling with relatives, and forgotten to ask where they were staying. He figured the driver didn’t believe him though, but he couldn’t care less. Henry wouldn’t be staying at their hotel anyway, as that would be too risky, but he would keep tabs on the good Lord Beckford and his niece. She wouldn’t get away from him this time, but he was patient, though his funds were running low. Maybe he’d find a card game to sit in on, win some traveling expense money. There was always a way.
The streets, soggy with rain, were nevertheless a welcome sight, as Olivia and Claude rode in the one-horse carriage along Fifth-Avenue, to one of the finest hotels of New York City. As the driver reined in, he quickly retrieved a huge umbrella from beneath his seat, and then after alighting from his perch on the front of the vehicle, he opened up the umbrella and held it over Olivia, as her uncle assisted her in getting out.
It was about two hours later when their trunks were finally delivered to their hotel rooms, and Olivia was glad to be able to freshen up, and change her clothing to a light blue gown which had always matched her eyes nicely, then planned on having a quiet lunch with her uncle in the hotel dining room. Claude arrived at her door, and as they descended the stairs to the first floor, then into the dining room, Olivia asked, “Where are Maria and Ricardo, uncle?”
Claude answered, “Maria had some shopping to do at some of the shops in town, so they will arrive later. Logan decided to go with them, as he said he wanted to send a wire to his bank in Seattle, and check on an account that he may still have there, and possibly have some funds wired to the hotel for him. I told him that I would pay his expenses while we are here, but he wouldn’t hear of it. He said he owed us his life, and wouldn’t want to take another thing. In addition, he did promise that between himself and Ricardo, that they would see to it that we arrived safely at the ranch in Texas.”
Then looking at Olivia, as they walked to their table in the dining room, he asked, “By the way, dear, being as we are on a vacation and wish to see as much of the states and territories as possible, what do you think of visiting the Wyoming territory, that is after we see my ranch? Logan has invited us to travel with him to his father’s ranch, and Logan’s home of course. It seems that Logan’s father raises horses, also captures wild mustangs and trains them for riding, and you know how I love horses, having a few at home in the stables. Too it might be enjoyable for us to go riding through that wild country, and see just what seems to draw folks to leave the safety of the east coast, and homestead out there in the wilds.
“Anywa
y, Logan said that after that, he will see to our returning safely to New York, I’m not at all sure that I want to put the young man out that much though. Otherwise, we of course, will travel by stage and rail back by ourselves, which we would be most capable of doing. However, we wouldn’t see nearly so much of that desert land, and may wish we’d have gone, after we return to England. Though I told Logan that I would talk to you about this, also that it was too soon to decide. What do you think, dear?”
“Well, of course, although this is all very sudden, Uncle, again it’s entirely up to you. Certainly, I will go along with whatever you decide. You always know what’s best; after all, you are the businessman of the family.”
“Yes, Ollie,” he agreed, “though I wish just for once that your brother Garth would take on a little more of my responsibilities, and stop this never-ending foolish adventure hunt of his around the globe.”
Olivia laughed, “You know Garth, Uncle, and he will never change. Let’s just accept him as he is, along with his lovable adventure-hunting ways.” Olivia had been sorry to hear that Garth had not sent any messages to the hotel, as when they’d first arrived Claude had checked that out with the desk the first thing. He also told the clerk to direct Garth to the townhouse, where they would be staying for a couple of weeks before heading out west, or if there was a message, to be sure and have it sent. Olivia was disappointed, but hoped to hear from her brother soon anyway.
The luncheon in the dining room of the hotel was delicious. Neither Olivia nor her uncle noticed Henry Birch as he sidled up to the rain-streaked window to peer into the dining room during the meal.
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Logan Wakefield picked up the cablegram waiting for him at the hotel desk, while he and Ricardo waited for the clerk to hand them their room keys, as Maria sat resting on an easy chair in the lobby, weary from an afternoon of sloshing through the rainy walkways from one New York boutique to another, though happy and content, as she watched Ricardo juggle the many packages he was carrying for her, while at the same time trying to retrieve the key to their hotel room.
As Logan read the telegram, a slow grin spread across his face, and he said to Ricardo, “It seems my pa has been one busy man, the last few years.”
Ricardo asked, “Why is that, Señor?”
Logan said, “Well, it seems that instead of using the money I had put in the account in Seattle, with my pa’s name on it too, that pa has been steadily adding to it, with monthly deposits, so with that, and the interest it has accumulated, the amount has more than doubled all these years.” Logan shook his head in fond memories of his generous father. “It’s just like the old goat, and he’ll never change. Always generous to a fault. He just knew that someday I would return. Otherwise he would have closed that account long before now, and I don’t know many folks who wouldn’t have.
“Pa’s the best there is, but I still wish he would have used some of that money, and I can’t believe he hasn’t. I sure wish you could meet him, Ricardo my friend. If you get tired of Mexico City, you and Maria be sure to head up Wyoming way, as there will always be a place for you, unless of course Lord Beckford wants you to work for the lines again. It’s up to you.”
“Amigo, I will give it some serious thought. That’s good country up there in the territory, as I have been through there in my younger days, and there is much to see. And all that land just waiting to be worked.” Ricardo grinned, and slapped Logan on the back, then remembered Logan’s injured shoulder, “Sorry amigo,” he said, “does it still give you trouble?”
Logan said, “No, amigo, it’s all healed now, and yes, that offer will stand.”
“Well, Logan, I am happy for you that your father has been so good to you. Now, will you wire him that you are back, or just let him worry some more?”
“I guess Pa’s had enough worry for the last eight years now, so I guess I’ll wire him in the morning, to at least let him know that I will be home as soon as possible, but as I told him eight years ago, ‘Just expect me when I get there’. I can’t begin to tell him everything in the wire, so I’ll just wait until I get home, to let him know what happened. Also I need to get to a bank in the morning anyway, as the bank in Seattle is wiring me funds that I requested, and I can pick it up in the morning.”
“That is good, mi amigo, your father; he must love you very much. Your mother too, let them know you are still around.”
Logan was glad that he could begin paying his own way now, and he would have money to buy supplies for the long journey home too, and for his travel expenses. Things were looking up. Maybe at some point in his life he would run into the two thugs from the Seattle docks that had shanghaied him and stolen the bag of gold dust he had on him at that time. They owed him plenty, and Logan intended to see to it that they paid for their crime. He would be prepared next time he ran into them. Although that was way down on the list now, there was a lot of traveling to do, and he had to keep his mind on the present.
The first thing he would do the next day, after picking up his money at the bank, would be to buy a weapon. It had been a long time since he had worn a gun belt, but he knew he’d need one on the long trip. He figured that everything he had left in that Seattle hotel so many years ago was long gone. His saddlebags, twin gun belts, and two 45’s, along with some other personal items. Well, that was long ago, and this was now. He wondered if he could even still shoot. He’d soon find out.
Logan, Ricardo and Maria had been invited to dine with Beckford and his niece that evening, so as dinnertime was fast approaching, they all retired to their rooms to wash and change for the evening to come.
Later as they all sat together at a large table in the corner of the elegant dining room, Olivia glanced at Logan, who sat across from her, and found that devilish green-eyed gaze of his upon her. She flushed and hurriedly looked away, taking a sip of her tea to busy her fidgeting hands. She hadn’t seen Logan for a few days, and the sight of him in his dark gray suit with the white shirt, almost took her breath away.
She was glad when the waiter brought steaming bowls of food, and she could eat, that would give her something to do.
The conversation had been lively and friendly, but Olivia hadn’t been listening so wasn’t sure of what had been said until her uncle spoke to her, “Don’t you think that’s a good idea, Ollie?”
She jumped, startled, “Oh I’m sorry, Uncle. I didn’t hear what you said. What was it?”
“I was just saying that now we aren’t in England, so just while we are here in America, I would prefer not to be referred to as ‘Lord’ Beckford. People in this country just use their given names and don’t recognize titles, so as the old saying goes, ‘As in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ I’ve just asked that everyone refer to me as Claude. I have never really cared for that stuffy old title of ‘Lord’, for myself anyway.” He laughed then.
“I really hadn’t thought of that, Uncle.” Olivia answered, “Though I shall continue to call you Uncle anyway.”
“Well,” Logan began, “I can’t even call you ‘sir’, only Claude?” Logan joked.
Claude chuckled as he answered, “Well, now a lot of folks call each other ‘sir’ here I know, and that’s not considered a title here, just a form of respect.”
Logan laughed too, “Well, I used to call my pa ‘sir’, only when I was in trouble, when I was growing up, that is.”
“And was that often, Mr. Wakefield?” Olivia asked before she thought, and almost bit her tongue from embarrassment, when Logan just laughed, and answered, “Actually it was quite often, Miss Worthington, you really are correct about me. I was quite a handful to my folks, always the prankster, though pa always said that I took after him when he was young, and that I just had ‘growing pains’. He told me I’d outgrow the trait some day.” He looked at Olivia questioningly, “Guess I did.”
She didn’t take the bait, figuring she’d said enough for one century, although she did have much more to say, but instead chose to begin serving herself from the
steaming bowls of food that had been set on the table. She knew her uncle was enjoying himself, maybe at her discomfort, but she wasn’t sure of anything right now.
Olivia busied her hands with helping herself to small portions from the tasty bowls, and the rest of the group began also, Logan choosing heaping a spoonful of each of the appetizing choices. He still couldn’t get enough to eat, and piled his plate high.
Ricardo and Maria were enjoying the meal immensely, all the while speaking in hushed tones to each other in their beautiful Spanish language, not realizing that Logan spoke the tongue fluently, and understood every word that they were saying, but he wouldn’t let on to them at all. He was too busy shoveling food into his hungry mouth. Maybe later on, but not right at the moment. Anyway, he soon realized, after listening for awhile as he ate, that it was none of his business what they were saying. It was personal, and even if he couldn’t have understood what they were saying, Maria’s flushed and smiling face, as Ricardo spoke to her, would have told him much. Even in their forties, after so many years together, he could tell that they were still as young sweethearts, and very much in love, the same as his parents have always been, and he hoped that his pa and ma were alright. He’d wire his father the first thing in the morning, right after making his withdrawal at the bank.