by Lynn Landes
He grins, “Horse racing is the most ancient of all sports, Savannah, it dates as far back as 4500 BC. It was a primitive race of speed or stamina between two horses on some kind of field. Olympians race with chariots and mounted riders. China, Persia, Arabia, England, France, Greece and more.”
“We have small races in the States, but nothing on the scale of what I’m proposing.” Dayton continues, “Before the war, we were breeding and developing racing stock. Starting with Survivor, as you know. I won the Saratoga Spring race in New York and a few smaller races before that. It is helping to grow Survivor’s reputation.”
Dayton sips his coffee and lets her take in all the information he has deposited. He’s a little shocked at how easy it is to share with her, and he wonders what she thinks.
Savannah is thinking, her mind is whirling with the information he’s just shared with her, and she can see it. “Dayton you’re brilliant!”
“What?” he stares at her in shock.
“It will be amazing.” Savannah reaches out and grasps his hand. “Horse racing was huge before the war, and it will be again. Already the venues fill up faster than I could imagine. That’s exactly why Glenn is racing. It isn’t about the purse so much as the reputation. Think of the quality of breed stock we would have access to!”
“Exactly! No longer would we have to breed to one standard. We could breed for stamina and speed. A horse like that would be the finest racing stock in the world!” He presses a kiss to the back of her knuckles, and his smile lights up the room.
“Thank you for sharing this with me, I’m honored,” Savannah says and releases his hand.
“Don’t thank me yet. I still have to come up with investors who will see as easily as you have. You can envision it because you grew up on a horse farm. We are alike in that regard. I’m not sure how investors will be able to see as easily.”
Savannah falls quiet for a moment and thinks as the waiters clear the table. They walk back to their cabin. Once they are seated the porter informs them, they are two hours away from Chicago.
“What kind of investors are you meeting?” Savannah asks quietly.
“There are two possibilities this weekend. The first is the Yacht Race. It draws the wealthiest of yachtsmen from across the country to compete and watch. They will probably be visiting the Grand opening of The Palmer House Hotel, conveniently located on Lake Michigan. Presidents, Dignitaries, and business people are all slated to attend the Grand Opening Gala. I have two tickets.”
“Amazing,” she smiles. “Both are excellent opportunities. Who are you taking with you?” she asks.
Dayton’s mouth falls open. “I assumed you’d go with me, Savannah.”
Savannah giggled, “I’d be honored to go with you, Dayton.”
“I didn’t take you to be cruel, Savannah,” he grumbles and looks out the window.
“Forgive me, I couldn’t resist,” she laughs, and he smiles in response to her joy. Her smile fades when she realizes that she will need a ballgown.
“Dayton, I can’t go to a Gala with you. When is it?”
“Tomorrow night,” he says, enjoying the rising panic.
“I don’t have a dress!” She jumps up and starts to pace, waving her hands in the air. “I’ll need shoes and my hair, and where will we be staying?”
Dayton jumps up and grabs her by her shoulders gently bringing her to a stop. “It’s all taken care of,” he promises.
“It is?”
“Yes, we are staying at The Palmer House, I am friends with the owners. It’s how I got tickets. I’m sure they will have a dress shop with a seamstress on staff, all the best hotels do.”
“They do?”
“Yes,” his eyes drop to her mouth for the fourth time that day, and he sighs. “Savannah, I need to kiss you now,” he murmurs.
“You do?” Her heart speeds up as he reaches for her.
“I do,” he murmurs and takes her mouth in a mind-blowing, soul altering kiss. She fists her hands in the front of his black jacket, not ready to let him go. “It’s been a day since I’ve tasted you, Savannah,” he slows the kiss, tasting, sucking and savoring until she leans into his body.
“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 and twenty-five rooms. Each suite has exceptional views of the Lake. Italian marble line the floors with rare mosaic accents. They are walking on lush green carpet, and gorgeous brass fixtures illuminate the way.
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 down the center of the bodice and around her waist into the train at the rear. It is a triple fan bustle, starting just below the waistline. With a tender arm, she will need help to dress. She rings for help, and the concierge sends up two girls to assist her.
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.”
