Savannah glances up and can’t stop her swift inhale as she takes in the ceiling fresco. Dayton pauses for a moment to allow her to take in the beauty. He only has eyes for Savannah as she stares up.
“That was commissioned as a wedding gift for the Mrs. Belinda Fields by her husband. Gorgeous isn’t it?” the concierge asks.
“It’s exquisite,” she murmurs and glances at Dayton. He’s smiling at her, and he whispers, “Wait until you see the waterfall.”
Her mouth drops open, “Waterfall?”
The concierge continues, and soon they are taking an elevator to the private level, reserved for the elite. “This hotel has seven such elevators. You will find for our guest’s pleasure, a post office with a telegraph, a library, a music room and a smoking room for the gentlemen.”
Savannah’s head is spinning with all the details. This is what Dayton was trying to prepare her for. Decadence, at a level she’s never imagined, yet alone seen.
“The Palmer House prides itself on being a home away from home. Even if our guests are only here for a night. Should you have any needs, your concierge is only a bell pull away.”
“We require clothes for the Ball tomorrow night, will a seamstress be available?” Dayton asks.
“Of course, there are shops on level two and four.”
“Here we are. You will be staying in the Cherie suite.” The moment the doors swing open, Savannah is entranced.
“This Suite has a parlor and a breakfast area next to the windows.” He swiftly walks over to the windows and pulls the rope, sliding open the beautiful velvet curtains to reveal the river below.
“As requested, this is a two room, two bath suite, with running water. If you’d like reservations at one of the restaurants, please don’t hesitate to pull the cord. Your attendant will help with any requests. Your bags have been delivered to your rooms, and we’ve taken the liberty of having your clothes steamed. They are hanging in your private closets.”
“Excellent,” Dayton walks away with the concierge and tips him. They are talking, but Savannah doesn’t hear. She stands in the center of the room and stares in shock. When the urge to run strikes, she isn’t surprised by it. How did she end up sharing a suite with Dayton Patrick in Chicago? What would her family think? Not only that but looking around she is struck by such luxury. This kind of living has her feeling like a fish out of water. Homesickness hits hard, and she walks to the window to stare outside at the sun beginning to set on the water.
Dayton turns and finds her wrapped in the sun’s golden embrace and jealously strikes. If he could, he would fight the Sun for her. It always seems to be caressing her. The ferocity of his feelings is a surprise to him.
“Savannah?”
When she turns her unshed tears glisten in her eyes. “What’s wrong? Are you in pain?”
“No, I’m fine, just tired,” she swipes at her eyes.
“What do you think of the Hotel?” he asks.
“I see now why you were trying to prepare me. I’ve never seen its equal,” she turns to look around the suite at the velvet furniture and plush carpeting. “I’m afraid to touch anything for fear of spoiling it.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Anything you touch would bask in the glory of Savannah’s sun.”
“Dayton!” She blushes, and he’s relieved to see the worry fade from her eyes. “You shouldn’t say such things to me.”
“The truth is the truth,” he quips and offers her an arm. “Let me show you to your room.”
Her room consists of a queen sized four poster bed with ivory bedding and pillows. “The bathing rooms are through the doors, and you will find all the amenities you need.”
“A bath sounds perfect,” she sighs and touches a pillow from the bed.
“I’m supposed to meet the Fields for dinner at seven. If you’d rather rest, I can order a dinner tray for you.”
“Thank you for thinking of my comfort, but I’d rather go to dinner with you and meet your friends.” she smiles softly.
Desperate to touch and taste her, he swiftly takes his leave. “You have time, dinner is at seven. I’ll be back. Don’t hesitate to ask the concierge for anything.”
“This is going to be a long two days,” Savannah murmurs after he leaves. She turns and walks into the bathing room.
A large claw foot tub with brass feet takes her breath away. “Oh, my! I suppose I could get used to this,” she giggles. After a few minutes of fiddling with the different levers, she figures out how to start the water and starts stripping out of her travel clothes.
As she sinks into the hot water, she moans in pleasure. “Enjoy this, Savannah, because it’s back to the real world soon.” The thought of dancing with Dayton at the Gala has her thinking about her dress and appearance. Tomorrow morning, she will visit the shops. Dayton promised to buy her a dress, and she wants to keep that look in his eyes, the one he gets right before he kisses her. Grinning she blows a bubble from her hand.
Dayton listens to the water start and hears her giggle. He groans and grabs the key to the room before heading to the bar. “This is going to a long two days.”
Savannah is thrilled to find her evening gown pressed. It is a full-length evening dress in cream silk with a close fitted bodice to the waist. Every inch of skin is covered with a high, modest, round neck with amber and dark grey sequins and beaded floral embroidery. The floral design flows
