by Lynn Landes
“Congratulations, Mr. Rivers. What can we help you with today?” he says thinking, ‘Lucky bastard.’
Cassie struggles to not laugh at the outrageous thoughts this man is having. “I have an appointment, Mr. Edwards, at eight o'clock.”
‘Excellent, another wasted hour.’ Mr. Edwards says, “I will let them know you have arrived, and will Mrs. Rivers be joining you?” ‘I’d be happy to waste an hour on her!’
“I promise to be invisible, during your little meeting. You won’t have to worry about me at all.” Cassie promises looking up at Dalton with adoration. His eyes go to her mouth as she hoped and Mr. Edwards hurries away.
“Laying it on a little thick, Mrs. Rivers,” Dalton growls thinking of how many ways he'd like to break that man's neck.
“He’s disgusting, the vile things he was… never mind. I do promise to be good, darling, your wish is my command.” She teases.
Dalton turns and cages her in near the wall, “Mrs. Rivers, I may look the part of a proper gentleman, but inside I’m all cowboy. Be careful how far you push me!” he snaps before backing up and pacing to away to the fireplace.
Cassie finds her hands are trembling and follows him quickly. “Dalton, I’m sorry. I would never do anything to mess up this meeting for you,” she whispers urgently. Looking up into his blue eyes, she waits for a smile she’s beginning to long for.
“Don’t worry about it, if he keeps looking at you like that, I may embarrass you by snapping him in half.”
Her look of shock has him feeling guilty. “I beg your pardon, Cassie. You can't help your beauty. I shall try to act the gentlemen for the time being. I have been here numerous times, and I doubt today will be any different. We will get your business taken care of and get out of here. I will take you out for a proper lunch,” he promises, cupping her cheek in his hand.
Before she can respond, she hears a man clear his throat behind them. Here we go, she thinks.
“The partners are ready for you now.” He quickly leads the way down the carpeted hall and Cassie takes in the scenery. The walls are lined in luxurious velvet, brocade wallpaper. The furniture is beautiful, and in the background, a piano is playing softly. It is a striking difference to the poverty that lines the streets just a few blocks away.
Many vagabonds sleep in the streets or alleys, behind businesses. Opium dens flourish, brothels are lined up with patrons waiting to get in, and saloons are everywhere. Desperation floats through the air in search of the destitute souls who come here hoping to strike it rich. Saddened by the thoughts, Cassie slips her hand into his and is reassured by a tender squeeze.
“Mr. Rivers, I understand congratulations are in order,” a deep voice calls out. Dalton greets the white-haired gentlemen in front of them with a smile and a handshake.
“Yes, sir, please let me present my wife. Mrs. Cassandra Rivers.” The more he says it, the more he likes the sound of it on his tongue, Dalton thinks.
Cassie smiles shyly and curtsies. “How do you do?” She quickly tucks into Dalton's side and waits for the formalities to be over. Two men, and one in a room behind a heavy glass door. Cassie listens with her mind and finds these two were told to get rid of Dalton quickly. They have much more pressing matters to attend to.
“Mr. Rivers, while we appreciate your tenacity and forward-thinking ways, you do not possess enough money to buy into the Pacific Railroad as a partner.” Mr. Grant says quickly, thinking, ‘Disgusting cowboys come here always asking for handouts.’ Cassie is furious at the snobbery here.
“I understand how you think that, but if you would look at my proposal, you will see how your stockyard would benefit from our partnership. We can move more than livestock on your cattle cars. It can also be used for the fur trade, bear and buffalo to be exact. Wool from sheep is another untapped potential. Ranchers are struggling to find buyers, and there is a potential for trade agreements with those ranches as well. The railroad will bring jobs, and people go where the jobs are. The town will prosper and so will the bank.” Dalton speaks passionately about his cause.
“I want to help bring the railroad to the Northwest. I know with my help and family name the ranchers would listen and see the potential for all involved.”
Cassie is touched by his ideology. Her father used to think that way too, but she knows money talks and these men are about to walk without it.
“We understand you feel strongly, Mr. Rivers but we are not…”
“Gentlemen, before we go any further. I believe I could be of assistance.” Cassie says softly. All the men, including her husband, look at her. “My father passed away recently and left me with a dowry, which I would very much like for your bank to handle. As a gift to my new husband, I would like to purchase a share of your Pacific Railroad in his name, of course.”
“Cassandra, I can't let you…” Dalton starts to argue, but Cassie stops him with a small raised hand.
“My father bequeathed his ranch to me, and I want you to use it to buy the shares you want.” She pulls the deed out and holds it up. “I will not take no for an answer, Dalton.” She turns to the men and waits for the argument.
“However noble your offer is, Mrs. Rivers, our bank does not need another ranch.” Mr. Smith snaps at her. ‘This is a waste of time, another woman who doesn’t recognize her place,’ he thinks.
Cassie's eyes narrow as she gazes at him. “Oh, you misunderstand, Mr. Smith. It's what my land sits on that is valuable. A thousand-acre ranch is valuable, but the gold mine beneath my property makes it priceless,” She says laying the deed down and tapping it.
“Mrs. Rivers gold mines are a dime a dozen out here. What makes you think yours is any more valuable than any other panhandler who walks in our doors.” Mr. Smith argues angrily, but Mr. Grant has gone oddly quiet. Cassie feels his interest.
“Perhaps it is time to talk to the man in charge, Mr. Grant. You would not want to be responsible for causing your bank to lose millions.” Cassie says softly looking at the older man.
“Now just a minute!” Mr. Smith starts to say, but he's too late. Mr. Grant has pushed the button under his desk.
“Give us a minute to discuss this.” Mr. Grant says with a heated look at Mr. Smith. After they leave, she turns to Dalton.
“Do you trust me, Dalton?” she asks softly.
“Cassandra, I don’t know what you are thinking. You can’t just sign over your ranch to me! You barely know me. No, I won't hear of it. Let’s go!” he snatches his hat and coat and jumps to his feet. She follows and grabs his arms, stopping him in his tracks.
“Dalton, I need help. The kind of help only you can give me. I have to get away and trust me when I say that I'm doing this for selfish reasons and for my father's legacy. I won't have my father's death be for nothing! I believe in you and the passion you've shown by coming here. Let me help you.”
“That's a beautiful sentiment, Mrs. Rivers. Let us see if you can back up your claims about your family land.”
Turning they are greeted by a tall, thin older gentleman who appears to be about fifty years old. He smiles at them, and Cassie finds his thoughts are all about numbers. His mind is running percentages, odds, and ratios while discussing banking. He is the perfect person for this job.
“I am Harry Wells, and I welcome you to my bank. You have piqued my interest so please sit and let’s discuss this in detail.”
Dalton guides Cassie to the chair on the other side of a big desk, and they all take a seat.
“Thank you for your time, Mr. Wells,” Cassie says and reaches for Dalton's hand. The moment he touches her all her doubt fades. A soft smile floats on her face, and she knows that this the right choice.
“My father believed in his land, but he lost sight of it when the mine was discovered. It’s a valuable mine with untapped potential, and I can prove it.” Cassie lifts her carpet bag, which, until this second has passed unnoticed by the men in the room.
She lifts the first ten-pound bag of gold flake and puts it on
Mr. Wells' desk. “I would like to get this exchanged for cash, at the current rate, of course,” both men lean forward, and Mr. Wells clears his throat.
“We can do that for you. However, this could be from any…” Harry stops speaking when Cassie pulls the second bag and drops it with a thump on his wooden desk. Mr. Wells does not try to hide his surprise at this development. His brown eyes are huge in his face, and his mouth opens slightly in shock.
“Both of these, please. Also, I would like my husband to be a partner with a one-tenth share in the railroad. I would like a percentage, ten percent, to be placed in a trust with your bank, in my maiden name, from any earnings you realize from the mine.”
Dalton sits in stunned silence. All the color fades from his tan face when he realizes she's been walking around with two bags of gold on her. The thought of all that could have befallen her if anyone else had known about this horrifies him.
“Cassandra surely you haven’t been walking around San Francisco with all of your gold in that bag?” he bellows at her.
“Of course not, Dalton. That's not all of it,” she snorts at him.
He starts to laugh, and Mr. Wells joins him. Their laughter turns to a roar, and they laugh until tears run before finally slowing down. They look at her with new respect and Cassie blushes. “Did I say something wrong, Dalton?”
“No, sweetheart, you said it fine,” he says wiping his eyes. He leans over and kisses her on the mouth, while Mr. Wells pushes his button. Cassie is stunned by the feel of his mouth on hers, she stares at him with a blush on her cheeks.
“Now, Mrs. Rivers lets discuss your terms. While I will allow that this much gold is shocking, that does not mean that more will be found.”
His voice draws her back to the meeting. The smile on Cassandra's face stops him.
“Mr. Wells, I am sure once you send a surveyor to the area, he will verify what I’m telling you. The gold you see before you is only a portion of what is possible. It's a three-day ride on horseback to my father's ranch, but I did not travel at night. I'm sure your person could get there much faster. Send your surveyor and have him verify what I am telling you if that is agreeable.” She sketches out a quick map of the town and slides it to Mr. Wells.
“Splendid idea, Mrs. Rivers. You are one lucky man, Mr. Rivers,” he says staring at Dalton.
Mr. Grant and Mr. Smith rush back in, and both stare wide-eyed at the gold on the desk. “Listen closely, boys. I want a surveyor leaving today for Mrs. River's ranch to verify the validity of her claims. Solomon Abbott is available, double his salary. I want this done quickly and quietly. In the meantime, I want a contract written up stating that Mr. Rivers is a new partner with the Pacific Railroad. They will be staying in a suite at the Palace Hotel. Make it happen.”
“All our partners stay there, and you are in time for the Royal Ball which is being held tomorrow night. Two tickets will be left in your suite.” Harry explains and turns to the two men and continues.
“I will also need another contract regarding the property and the mine with a ten percent share put in trust for Mrs. Rivers in her maiden name. How long were you planning on staying with us?” he asks Dalton.
“We are trying to get train tickets, but that is proving difficult sir,” Dalton replies.
“Not anymore, Mr. Rivers. Our partners travel for free. You will be in a club car which is the newest available. You will love it. I will see to the arrangements. Enjoy your stay at The Palace, and I will contact you when the surveyor returns. Perhaps I will see you both at the ball tomorrow evening,” Mr. Wells states and takes his leave.
Daltons head is spinning, he came in here with little hope and now Cassandra has turned it all around for him. She has no idea what this will mean to the town and the people who live there.
Cassie wishes not for the first time that she could read his mind. All of these men around her mean nothing, but she would like to know that he will not be persuaded by the money or gold.
“We will be back with your cash, Mrs. Rivers,” Mr. Grant tells her and hurries out.
“Dalton, are you okay?” She whispers.
“Of course! I'm just shocked. Why would you do this for a stranger? Your family land, Cassandra?” he asks incredulously.
“We had an agreement. I pay you for your protection, but it's more than that Dalton. I will tell you when we are alone. For now, I just ask you to trust that I have my reasons.”
Maybe part of her hopes that the deaths she left behind her will be forgiven if she helps others. Either way, she will no longer have ties to the land. If she's lucky enough to have children someday and they want the money, it will be there for them. Her father's legacy doesn't have to die with him. Her beloved mother and husband will rest easy knowing she has taken care of everything and maybe she will find peace, someday.
“That is one story I can’t wait to hear,” he says in wonder.
Chapter 7
Mr. Grant returns with two large envelopes full of cash. Cassie doesn't need to read his mind to know what he is thinking. He is clearly shocked by the amount of money that she is being given. Until recently women could not own property. He is trying to figure out who he should give the money to.
“Mr. Grant, thank you for your assistance today. I'm aware that has been an unusual morning for you,” she pronounces with her hand outstretched. He looks relieved and hands her the envelopes before turning to Dalton.
“A most enchanting and intriguing morning, to be sure Mrs. Rivers. At the current exchange rate, your gold was worth six thousand and four hundred dollars. Congratulations again to you both! I took the liberty of messaging the Palace for you. I believe you have a buggy waiting for you outside. Good day.” He takes his leave, and Cassie stands in shocked silence.
Dalton grins at the expression on her face. “So, now you're surprised? Cassie, you are a delightful puzzle, let's get out of here before they change their minds,” he says laughing and guides her from the bank.
Cassie smiles up at him and shoves the envelopes inside her bag. Outside they find the buggy waiting along with the man from the hotel. After a quick check of their items, they thank the old man and Cassie pays him three twenty-dollar gold coins. They are the last of her gold coins from her father.
“You need any more help, you come get me.” He says after staring at the coins in shock. Tears of gratitude shine in his eyes, and he hurries off down the street. Dalton watches the street and urges her to hurry.
“We need to go, Cassie, it is best if we do not linger here.” He lifts her into the buggy and jumps in beside her. He feels unseen eyes watching them and knows they will not be safe until they are inside the hotel.
“Dalton, what can you tell me about The Palace Hotel?” Cassie asks curious about their destination.
“It is only the grandest hotel in San Francisco and probably this part of the world.” As they travel the dirt lined streets, he tells her that it took four years to construct and when the buggy turns the corner the hotel rises before them on the corner of Market Street, gleaming in the morning sun. Cassie gasps at the majestic brick building. It stands seven floors tall with beautiful Victorian details and spires reaching to the blue sky above.
Dalton guides the carriage under a big archway with the initial’s P/H for Palace Hotel. He pulls slowly into the elegant carriage entrance and finds they are now in the center of the hotel. It is an open sky lighted courtyard which is enclosed with heavy white marble columns and balconies.
“Surely this is a dream, Dalton?” Cassie gasps. Immediately groomsmen come and take control of the horse. A porter comes and speaks to Dalton. Cassie does not hear the rest, she shocked silent at the decadence of such a place. She stands and startles when Dalton touches her waist.
“Our suite is ready, Cassie. They will bring our bags shortly.” He lowers her to the ground, and she smiles. She can see he is just as astonished as she is but trying not to show it.
“This way Mr. Rivers.” The porter leads the way
into the hotel foyer. “Mrs. Rivers can wait in the conservatory while we register your arrival,” he gestures to another archway which leads outside. Cassie follows it and is stunned to find herself in a palatial room with domed glass windows and marble statues.
“Truly, this is a palace!” she gasps aloud.
Dalton follows the porter towards an enormous mahogany desk. On one side of the lobby is the reception area with its columned entrances and glass lanterns. Adjoining the lobby is the Palace Hotel Bar. Glass walls reflect the warmth of the fireplace and black lacquer panels flank both sides of the bar. Groups of men are gathered around the bar drinking and laughing while a pianist plays in the background. Dalton shakes his head and can't help but smile. His family will never believe this.
“Welcome to the Palace Hotel, Mr. Rivers. If you will sign here, I will get your key.”
Dalton signs the registry and accepts a key with the P/H logo he is beginning to see everywhere.
“Your bags should be waiting for you. I am your porter, Mr. Astor, follow me.” He speaks quickly leading the way to the conservatory where Cassie waits. She takes his arm and follows the fast-moving porter, listening to his every word.
“Mr. and Mrs. Rivers, each suite is equipped with private bathing rooms and electric call buttons to summon the hotel staff. Please do not hesitate to use your call button. We are available for your convenience twenty-four hours a day. You will find your suite has a parlor room featuring a big bay window looking out on the streets below.”
“How can all of that be in one building?” Cassie asks thinking out loud. The porter stops and smiles down at her, looking at her for the first time. His pride is evident in his face when he answers her.
“Oh, there is much more to the Palace Hotel than running water, Mrs. Rivers. We have four restaurants, two for the ladies and two for the men. One private dining room for couples and the Palace Ballroom. Our hotel boasts seven hundred and fifty rooms, eight hundred fireplaces and too many chandeliers to count. We have a dress shop, barber shop, library, and a Railroad Ticket office.”