“Are you sure, it’s only been a day?” she whispers, “It feels like two days.”
Dayton sighs and releases her gently steadying her on her feet. “I can’t seem to help myself around you Savannah.”
“I’m irresistible,” Savannah teases. “Thank you, I’m much calmer now.” She smiles and sits down
“Is that what it takes to calm you down? I’m happy to help,” he teases with a husky laugh.
“I’ll be sure to fly into fits more often,” she promises to his delight.
“You’re not making it easy to keep my hands off you,” he sits and sighs heavily.
“I’m sorry, I’m trying, but you seem to have awoken something in me,” she murmurs and wonders if she should be ashamed of her behavior.
“Don’t ever be sorry for being who you are, Savannah. You’re a delight,” Dayton insists.
“Thank you, I’ll try.”
Chapter 39
“Next stop is Chicago,” George informs them. “Please be sure to lock your hotel doors, many undesirables are found near the train depots and hotels.”
“Thank you for the warning, George,” Dayton tips him and leads Savannah from the train. While they wait for the train to stop Savannah turns to Dayton.
“I’ve noticed that the porters are all called George, why is that?” she asks.
“The porters go by the name George because the owner is named George Pullman. He is one of the first to offer competitive pay for freed slaves. In fact, they do it to honor him.”
“I see. Thank you,” she murmurs and looks around.
“A majority of my jockeys are freed slaves,” Dayton says.
“What? That’s wonderful, Dayton,” she replies.
“Not everyone agrees with you, but I offered the opportunity to anyone who came to interview. I was amazed by the amount of talent I found.”
“I look forward to watching them race,” Savannah says as they step off the train.
The depot is loud and busy, and the cold air is a jolt. Savannah holds her tapestry bag close to her and stumbles along beside Dayton. For the first time in years she isn’t worried about anything but herself. It’s a shock that has her stumbling and smiling at the same time.
Dayton glances at her in concern when he feels her stumble and is enchanted to see her smiling. “Are you well?” he asks.
“Quite, thank you.”
“Our bags are being forwarded to the Hotel.” Dayton stops walking once they clear the baggage claim area and turns to her. “Stay close, Savannah.”
Dayton is on alert; his normal teasing nature has evaporated, and his dark eyes are intriguing to her. “Yes, Cousin,” she slips an arm through his stifling a smile when he frowns.
Savannah shivers and his hand covers hers. “I’ll secure a carriage.”
His touch rushes through her body and she’s surprised to think how quickly she’s come to crave it. Once they are seated in the carriage, Dayton turns to her and takes in her condition.
Dressed in a navy-blue traveling dress, she is simply stunning, but the people he’s about to expose her to don’t do simple. “Savannah, I’d like to prepare you for, well,” he clears his throat and looks away from her blue eyes, “everything.”
“Everything? Is it possible to be prepared for everything, Dayton?” she laughs when he glances at her and fights a grin.
“No, I suppose not. I’m only concerned for your feelings.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”
“The Palmer House is where the elite of society go. Dignitaries, Presidents, businesspeople and more.” He watches her carefully, and he can see the moment the words impact her. Her eyes darken, and her spine stiffens.
“Don’t worry, Cousin, I remember my etiquette lessons. I promise not to embarrass you.”
“Damnit, Savannah, you know that’s not what I meant,” Dayton glares.
“Isn’t it?” She glances out of the window and realizes she is seeing Lake Michigan.
“My only concern is for your reputation,” Dayton hisses.
“You weren’t concerned for my reputation on the train today or in the garden at Eli’s,” she watches the shame stain his face and guilt strikes her hard. “Forgive me,” she starts to say, but he is shaking his head and leaning back.
“You’re right, and I apologize. I’ll be on my best behavior until I deliver you to your family.” Dayton stares at the lake and berates himself. She’s right, he’s been free with his affection, and he’s dangerously close to damaging her future.
“What if I don’t want you too?” she quips.
Dayton jerks and glares at her, “You can’t have it both ways, Savannah. I’ll just have to be strong enough for both of us.”
“Dayton, you’ve done nothing but think of me since you came to fetch me. You must know that I’d never do anything to compromise your dream. In fact, I promise to do everything I can to help you. I owe you that much.”
“You don’t owe me anything.” Dayton is touched by her declaration, but he wants more than that from her. “I wanted you to be aware that you will be watched closely, and if it seems I’m ignoring you, don’t take it personally.”
“Of course. Do what you need to Dayton. I can take care of myself.”
There it is again, he can almost see the invisible wall slamming down around her, and his heart breaks a little at the sight of it. She looks so alone at that moment, and it shocks him to think he sees a bit of himself.
The carriage stops, and she waits for him to depart before accepting his hand to help her down.
“Welcome to the Palmer House Hotel,” the concierge states.
Dayton offers her his arm takes her bag, and they follow quietly. It reminds her of Daniel walking into the lion’s den.
The Palmer House Hotel is a luxury hotel on Lake Michigan with two hundred
