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
