by Lynn Landes
Chapter 5
“It’s kind of you to see me on such short notice, Senator Young.”
“It’s always informative, Fred.” He reaches out and shakes hands with the young man. “I’m sure the editor of the A.C publishing house has more to do than speak to me.” Sharp grey eyes stare down the younger man. Senator Young is not a man to be trifled with.
“You’re going to want to sit down for this Senator,” Fred glanced at the closed door nervously, before pulling out the tintypes.
“I received these paper images and more from a photographer named S.E. Ward, out of Pennsylvania. He was inquiring about publishing a book of war images taken by himself and another photographer. I thought you’d like to see them.” He slides the images across the desk.
The Senator glances down, and his face pales before he slowly lowers into his chair behind his desk. “Who else has seen these?” He doesn’t look up from the images in front of him. The two photos show him standing beside a wagon full of weapons, but it is who he’s shaking hands with that causes such concern.
“No one, it came to my desk first.” Grey eyes snap to his. “It is good that I caught this, Senator, or it could cause a great deal of trouble for your campaign,” Fred suggests.
“Call me Buren, Fred.” He sits back slowly, “I’d like to think we were friends.”
“Absolutely, sir. I believe you will make an excellent Secretary of State.” Fred smiles with relief.
“Yes, I would.” Buren runs a hand over his silver tinted black hair and stares at Fred. “You should know that as Secretary of State I’d need someone I can trust on my payroll. What does an editor get paid these days?” Buren goes to the liquor cabinet and grabs a bottle of brandy and two crystal glasses.
Fred smiles, “Well enough, I suppose.”
“I’ll double it,” Buren slides the glass full of golden liquid to Fred and grins when he picks it up and sips it.
“What exactly do you want me to do?”
“Let’s not play coy, Fred. You’ll do whatever I tell you to do, starting with finding this Ward and the other photographer. Find out how many more images he has. I want them destroyed and if necessary... you figure out the rest.”
“In the letter, he states the other photographer died during a battle,” he draws out the letter and slides it to the Senator.
After reading it he glances up, “We should follow up on that too. According to this, his family is in Iowa. Make sure he doesn’t have more images floating around. Send a letter showing interest in the book but require exclusive rights to all images. Offer an advance on the book. You’re an editor I’m sure you can figure the rest out.”
“Of course, a hundred dollars should sweeten the pot.”
Buren nods and goes to the safe on the wall behind a painting and opens it, withdrawing an envelope of cash. He counts out a sizable sum and tosses the envelope to Fred. This should cover your fees and the advance for the book.”
Fred counts the cash, and his smile fades. Three hundred dollars! “Let me makes sure I’m clear, Senator, you want all the images of you selling guns to Confederate soldiers destroyed and Ward silenced.” Fred finishes his drink and sets the glass down with a solid thunk on the cherry desk. At the Senator’s nod, Fred rises, “Consider it done.”
Chapter 6
“I thought you were home for good this time, Savannah,” Glenn says from the doorway of her room. He watches his sister pack and frowns when she glances at him but doesn’t stop.
“I am home, at least I will be once this job is complete.” Savannah grabs her two camera bags and tucks them into the bottom of the trunk followed by Oliver’s two canvas bags of tin-types that she developed along with her own bag of images. The majority of her tintypes will stay here. Glenn gave her the original homestead as a place to work and store her photography.
Glenn moves to help her when she struggles to lift the next one. “They’re heavier than I expected.” She steps back to watch him.
“Why are you taking all of this with you? Why not just mail them and be done with it?”
“As I explained to all of you at dinner, I made a promise to Oliver…”
“I know that Savannah, but you could wait until I can go with you.”
“No. I won’t have you change your plans on my account.” Savannah steps close to her brother and looks up into his eyes. He’s a changed man since his marriage to Anika. They are building a life together, and she wants to find the peace that she sees reflected in his heart. “This horse race could provide a great boost to your breeding business. I’ll be working for a well-respected family, Glenn, you don’t have to worry about me. I feel God’s hand in this.”
“Dad can travel with you, Savannah, I don’t like you traveling alone. It isn’t right. You never stay put,” he snaps in frustration.
“It’s right for me. Our parents deserve some time at their home, and I need to finish this so I can get on with my life. Now, enough trying to talk me out of this. I’ve traveled all over this country. I can handle one trip to Iowa.” Savannah’s tone is sharper than she meant, causing him to glance at her in surprise. “Forgive my tone.” She tosses her hair over her shoulder and walks to the desk to pick up some papers. “I would have you help me with the contract, though. I’m to sign it and return it to Mrs. Kruger.” She offers him the stack of papers and smiles prettily.
“I’d be glad to look at it.” Glenn takes the papers to the desk near the window and sits down to go over them. The second page has him glancing at her in surprise. “Savannah, exactly what did you agree to?”
Savannah drops the shoes she is trying to pack and hurries across the room. “I agreed to travel as a nurse and companion for two weeks and safely deliver Mrs. Kruger to her family in Indiana. Why? What does it say?” She leans over his shoulder to peer at the document.
“It says that you’re to travel with her to Ohio, stay for a few nights, then on to Indiana, where you will deliver her to her family.”
“That’s what I agreed to do.” Savannah straightens up. “What’s the problem?”
“It’s the pay. This says your train tickets are to be paid by Mrs. Kruger as well as a travel wardrobe, plus room, board, and food expenses for the two weeks you will be together.” Glenn glances at her in excitement. “Listen to the next part, Savannah.”
“Miss Ward will be paid a sum of five dollars per day with a fifty-dollar bonus upon arrival in Indiana.”
Savannah’s eyes grow wide with excitement. “I didn’t read that part. I was so excited to find a travel companion and a paying job that I didn’t ask for the details.”
“That’s a hundred and twenty dollars, Savannah. Not including the clothing, and other expenses. I can see why you want to do this.” Glenn murmurs and continues reading.
“Exactly, but you are missing the best part. Dad and Mom can move back home, and you and your new bride will have some alone time, at last.”
Glenn lowers the contract and walks over to her. “As much as I love you for thinking of us, this isn’t about getting rid of you. I was looking forward to having you around, Savannah, and the children love you.”
Savannah gives him a teary grin. “Good, because I love them more.” Giving a shake, she pushes away to finish packing. “I’m not leaving forever, Glenn. I’m taking a short trip, and I’ll meet you in Kentucky for the horse race.”
“Fine, but I want you to take a pistol and no argument, I’m going to give you some travel money.”
“I won’t need your money.” Savannah walks over to the desk and opens the drawer to draw out a large envelope. “I was going to make this a surprise, but I don’t like to keep secrets from you.”
“What is it?”
“Open it.” Savannah chews nervously on her nail.
Glenn sits and opens the envelope spilling out four tin photographs, along with some paperwork. Two images are battle worn buildings, one church, one family home. The other two are of soldiers. One stands in front of a wa
gon of weapons and another, being helped by the nurses. “What am I looking at Savannah?”
“During the war, I often sold photographs to make spending money. Some of them are Oliver’s, soldiers and families and my landscapes. I decided when I came home that I wanted these images to mean more, do more than sit in a box. I sent paper copies of these to a publishing house in Washington. I’d like to have them printed in a book. I’m waiting on a response.”
Glenn is speechless. He looks at the images and back at her. “I don’t know what to say.” He realizes when he glances at her, just how nervous she is. “I’m so proud of you, Savannah.”
“You are?” Savannah sits heavily on the edge of a window seat.
“Of course. This is amazing.” He grins at her with pride shining in his eyes.
“I hope so. We could use the money to put into building up the family business, Glenn. I want to help if I can. Please don’t tell anyone else. I want to surprise Mom and Dad.”
Glenn sighs and moves to crouch in front of her. “It’s not your job to take care of our family, that’s my job. I have news of my own. Savannah, money is no longer a worry, with Anika’s inheritance we have more than enough. I have already paid the entrance fee for the race, now it’s your job to start living again.”
“I’m trying, Glenn. This trip is the beginning of that.”
“Good. Now let’s get you packed.”
They laugh and argue through the next hour as she packs and finally signs the contract. “Glenn, could you check the post office for me while I’m gone? I’m expecting an answer soon from the publishing house. I’d hate to miss it.”
“Of course, I can send you a telegram when it arrives.” They go through details of her trip, and she promises to send him a telegram when she arrives in Iowa.
Over drinks that evening the family toasts Savannah, and her father offers a prayer.
“Father, as Savannah travels, we thank you for your protection. Let not any enemy, thieves, bandits or evildoers approach her. Allow her gifts to be used for your purpose and heal her heart as she completes the task laid about before her.”
“Amen,” the family says.
“Amen,” Savannah whispers. When she looks up her family are all staring at her. “You do know that I’ve been in much worse situations than traveling with an old woman to Indiana.”
“Yes, but Indiana? What in the world could Indiana have that Pennsylvania doesn’t have?” Her mother demands.
Laughter ripples and Savannah glances in surprise at Anika when she says, “Well, hopefully, more bachelors than we do.”
“Amen to that,” her Mother says.
Savannah’s mouth drops open, and the look on her face causes them to laugh even harder.
“Th... that’s not funny,” she stammers.
“Oh, it’s all on the wheel, little sister.” Glenn laughs, “If I remember correctly you pushed us together a few times,” he pulls Anika close to his side.
“That’s different,” she stammers.
“Dayton did ask about you in his last letter,” Anika teases.
“Dayton Patrick has never noticed me. His prospects must be slimming,” Savannah snaps.
“Maybe, or maybe he’s truly interested in you,” Glenn replies. “He asked about you often during the war.”
Savannah hides her surprise from her brother and snaps, “I’m sure all the women in Kentucky will keep him busy.”
Before the two can continue arguing her Father steps in. “You both know better than anyone that our plan isn’t always God’s plan,” her Father reminds them.
“What we mean to say is that you should keep an open heart and a wary eye,” her Mother explains.
“I’m going for one reason, to complete my promise to Oliver,” Savannah insists.
“Dayton Patrick is the last thing on my mind.” She sips her wine and prays that they won’t see the lie in her heart. His dark eyes have haunted her dreams since the fall carnival. He’s written her twice, but she couldn’t bring herself to open them. Tomorrow, she moves in with Mrs. Kruger, and they leave in one week for Indiana. It’s been two weeks since she mailed her letter, she is praying for a response soon. Either way, she hopes the Irwin Family is ready. It’s time to close this chapter in her life. Once she delivers Mrs. Kruger to her family, she will travel to Iowa and stay until they agree to see her. One way or another this is ending now.
An image of Dayton Patrick in the restaurant with another beautifully dressed woman slips into her mind. The man is a womanizer, and he was looking for a wife to run in his circles. As a wealthy business owner with ties in Washington, they have nothing in common. Which she told him in no uncertain terms at the fall fair.
Savannah forces her mind to stop thinking of him and focus on the task at hand. Her promise is about to be fulfilled. Then she will be free to enjoy the races with her family and get back to real life.
Chapter 7
Dayton rides across the open pasture of his two hundred acres and allows his horse the freedom he deserves. His mind races as quickly as the horse’s legs. Tonight, he is hosting a garden party, and in attendance some of the most prominent and affluent members of society. This evening has been a long time coming. With enough luck and charm, he hopes to get the investors he needs to make his vision a reality.
His Father surprised everyone when he gifted the land to Dayton securing his promise to create a legacy that the Patrick name could be proud of. Dismounting, Dayton stares across the bluegrass paradise that he has come to love and watches the Sun push above the skyline and floods the day with its amber color.
Stunning rays or golden orange and fire paints Dayton’s world, and he smiles when an image of Savannah pops into his mind. She has no clue that when she enters a room, she makes the rest of the world seem to fade to gray. He wonders what she would think of his plan to build the first Derby in America. Would she think he’d gone mad?
“It will matter not without the means to build it.” Dayton remounts and trots slowly allowing the sun to envelop him and chase away the cold.
Thinking about Savannah, has him wondering about their last meeting. He’d never noticed the color of her eyes before. Perhaps it’s the stark contrast to her pale complexion, but he remembers the intensity more than the color. Her eyes have seen life and death. They seemed almost… haunted. Dayton sighs as he returns the horse to the stable hand and sighs.
The War damaged all who tasted its bitter truth. Kentucky was luckier than most. Dayton served his time, but he’s home now and ready to dream again.
Charming the investors tonight and giving them a taste of what is to come at the next big race will go a long way to securing more partners.
In a few weeks, he will return to Dayton Ward’s farm and see how his new pony is faring. A smile forms on his lips as he thinks about seeing Savannah Ward again. This time she will not find him so easily put aside.
Chapter 8
“I don’t understand the wardrobe, Mrs. Kruger,” Savannah argues for the third time in three days.
“I’m sure you don’t, child, but I can’t… no, I won’t be seen with you wearing what looks like little more than a brown canvas sack.” Seeing the hurt on Savannah’s expression has her sighing heavily. She limps over to Savannah in the dress shop and takes her hand in hers.
“I’m sorry, child, it’s just that I travel in certain circles, and I wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable. Besides, Josephine is a miracle worker, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with for you. Trust me, Miss Ward, as I have trusted you?”
“Of course,” Savannah is ashamed she knows Mrs. Kruger’s heart is in the right place. “Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”
Josephine returns with a helper named Ella, both carrying armfuls of dresses. “Let’s get started! I’ve found the perfect colors.”
Four hours later, Savannah has three dresses to take with her and is dressed in a beautiful pale blue visiting dress, with a bustled skirt. Made of silk, wi
th a high neck, corseted waist, and simple lines, she’s a vision. Josephine made a few suggestions on how to tame her curls and pulled her hair up into a beautiful updo and pinned a matching hat in place.
“Josephine, you’re amazing! Savannah is transformed!” Mrs. Kruger is more excited than Savannah is.
“You must be aware, Miss. Ward that your coloring requires that you pay close attention to what you wear; otherwise it washes you out. Green, emeralds, teals, these shades are stunning when paired with red hair. Purples, blues, cobalt, navy and light blues, of course, white and blacks,” Josephine rattles off.
“Yes, avoid yellow, but oranges and pinks are lovely for spring and summer,” Mrs. Kruger says excitedly. “You are too lovely to hide.”
“You’re too kind, but I’m well aware of my plain looks. It’s just that I’ve been wearing brown for so long, I’d forgotten about the simple joys of dressing,” Savannah replies softly. “The nurses weren’t allowed to dress in anything but the dark brown skirt and hair covering, it hid the blood stains.”
“I’m not sure who called you plain, Savannah, but he was a fool! You are unique in your coloring but hardly plain!” Josephine snaps.
“Exactly, and the war is over my dear, it’s time to look to the future.” Mrs. Kruger walks away with the shop owner to pay and schedule a day for the dresses to be delivered to her house.
“My brother died in the war,” Ella says from behind her.
Savannah turns to look at her. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you,” she takes Savannah’s hand, “I mean for the work you did as a nurse. I, it makes me feel better knowing he might have had someone like you by his side when he died.” Ella wipes a tear and squeezes Savannah’s hand before walking away.
