Thankfully, Dayton has gone to the men’s parlor to have a drink. The ladies get to work helping her dress and fixing her hair. When they are finished, Savannah hardly recognizes herself. Her hair is swept up in an elaborate swirled braid.
“Thank you,” Savannah gasps and stares at her reflection. The dress is modest, but the slim fit makes her feel exposed. Thankfully her skin is covered, though the thought of Dayton counting her stars does bring a smile.
They smile and leave her to wait on Dayton. Savannah is standing next to the fireplace, warming up when Dayton returns. He walks inside, not yet aware that she is watching him and when he lifts his head he stops in his tracks.
His eyes darken as he traces her figure from the top of her hair to her feet. “Is it appropriate?” she asks running her hands over the waist.
“You’re a vision, Savannah. I only wish I didn’t have to share you,” he smiles as he walks towards her.
Savannah visibly relaxes, “Thank you.”
“You’re in for a treat tonight.” He clears his throat, “Maxwell and Belinda were gifted this hotel for a wedding present from his family.”
“Surely not!” Savannah laughs but Dayton shakes his head.
“I kid you not. The Palmer House is her vision. Every aspect of its design from the colors to the furniture even the restaurant is all based on Belinda’s plan.”
“How did you meet them?” Savannah asks while pulling on her matching cream gloves.
“I met Maxwell in France before the War. We should go, I don’t want to keep them waiting.” Dayton offers her an arm and guides her from the room.
“Do they know you are bringing your cousin to dinner?” she teases.
“Of course.”
Savannah’s is nervous but is quickly put at ease by the lovely couple who are around the same age. Belinda is beautiful, tall and elegant with dark hair and brown eyes. Maxwell can’t take his eyes off his wife. It is apparent that they are very much in love.
“Where have you been keeping this lovely cousin of yours, Dayton?” Maxwell teases.
“Savannah has been out of town,” Dayton replies, sipping on his water.
“Overseas, perhaps?” Belinda asks Savannah.
“Not quite,” Savannah replies and glances at Dayton for reassurance. He nods subtly to her. “I was a nurse during the war. I traveled extensively and only recently returned home.”
Belinda stares at Savannah and glances at Maxwell with surprise clearly on their faces. “I don’t understand, forgive me,” she turns to her husband and speaks rapidly in French. He replies, and they both look at Dayton for an answer.
“They are asking how someone as lovely as you could have cared for the dead and dying?” he explains.
Savannah’s hand trembles when she reaches for her glass. Dayton steadies her hand, and she smiles at him. “How do I answer that?” Savannah asks him.
“Truthfully, as always,” he replies and gently squeezes her hand.
Savannah nods at him and turns to them, “I trusted the Lord to guide my heart and hands as I cared for the wounded. I provided comfort where I could, and compassion as needed.”
“Did it break your heart to watch them die?” Belinda asks softly.
Savannah gasps softly and Maxwell snaps something in French and Belinda sits back, “Forgive my bluntness.”
“I find it refreshing.” Savannah thinks for a moment before speaking. “It did break my heart, Belinda, but I found strength in the brokenness. It allowed me to view life for the gift that it is,” Savannah replies.
“God used the broken pieces to create a masterpiece,” Dayton says in French. Maxwell and Belinda look at each other, and smile.
“So, he does.”
Savannah frowns at Dayton, but Belinda distracts her.
“Thank you for sharing your experience with us. What are your plans for the morning?” They are warm and welcoming, and Belinda invites Savannah to breakfast and promises an appointment at the La Rue Dress shop.
Belinda walks Savannah to her suite while Dayton and Maxwell go to the bar to discuss plans for the Race Track. Dayton is careful not to watch Savannah leave. He plans to return once she’s asleep in her room.
Chapter 40
Savannah greets Belinda over breakfast in the restaurant the next morning. Dayton was gone before she woke. He left a note, explaining he was going to the docks to watch a race.
“Belinda, I will need your help.”
“Of course, how can I be of assistance?”
“I’ve spent years trying to hide, my hair, my coloring, and it was easy as a nurse. Drab brown uniform, and hair covering. Tonight, I need to stun.” Savannah spends the next few minutes explaining about the investors and her plan to meet them.
Belinda’s smile grows wider with every word. “I know just the person to dress you. We should go, now. Dayton said I was to take you to the shop and that money was no object. I think we should take him up on his generous offer.”
When Savannah starts to object, Belinda loops an arm through hers, “It will pay off. I didn’t design and run this Hotel without knowing how business works. I know how to manipulate a man without them being aware they are being persuaded. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I do. Lead the way.”
Savannah is shocked when the driver pulls up at a dress shop in Chicago’s downtown district. “Louis Christian is a relative from France.”
The shop is busy with ladies, and salespeople assisting them.
“Wait here, I will return,” Belinda disappears behind the desk and through a door
