A Beauty Refined

by Tracie Peterson

  “Not only that, but despite what Lord Putnam may have told you, I know for a fact Charles Gadsden will not be persuaded to sell you any of his gems.”

  “Why do you say that?” Frederick had been discussing matters with the man since early in the evening.

  Thompson shrugged. “Gadsden looks at that operation as his own. He has run it for some time and does things the way he sees fit. He is completely loyal to the company, however, and each and every gemstone is packaged and shipped directly to England without fail.”

  “Lord Putnam has associations with those in England. He assured me that the sale would take place.”

  “Perhaps he has more power than I realized. But either way, our stones will be of just as fine a quality, and there will be no difficulty in arranging their sale. We are more than happy to help you in your endeavor.”

  Frederick swirled the amber liquor in his glass. “If you can meet the quantity and quality for the price you suggested, then I am more than interested. However, this arrangement must remain strictly between the two of us.”

  Thompson leaned back and smoothed his mustache with his index finger. “Of course. We are most discreet.”

  Frederick knew the man was underhanded and no doubt would do what he could to make this arrangement work to his benefit, but the graf also had a few tricks up his sleeve. He would have the stones checked and verified by that lapidary in Helena before he agreed to pay for them.

  “So will you venture out to the English mine again before your trip home?”

  Von Bergen nodded. “I have committed to do so. I intend to discuss the sapphire purchase with Mr. Gadsden. If he is, as you have said, unwilling to sell me his sapphires, then I will do business with you.”

  “Even if he is willing,” Thompson said with a casual shrug, “he’ll never give you the price I am willing to give.”

  “We shall see,” Frederick replied.

  The next morning he made his way via horseback to the English mine. Lord Putnam was at his side, sullen and quite unhappy. They had discussed the problem of getting Gadsden to part with his sapphires, as well as the fact that given the injunction, the English mine hadn’t been able to produce the volume it once had.

  “You led me astray, Putnam. I don’t appreciate such things.”

  “It wasn’t my desire to do so, Graf Von Bergen. I had been assured in England that the syndicate would allow for you to purchase the stones. It is hardly my fault they changed their minds due to the problems here in America. I have no say over such matters.”

  “That’s true, but you had plenty of forewarning that the injunction was in place and that production had been greatly diminished.”

  “But I wasn’t told that,” Putnam argued. “I assure you, given our arrangements, I would not do anything to cause a problem. You know how important this deal was to me.”

  Von Bergen realized the truth in what the man said. It was best he not alienate or cause further despair to Lord Putnam. The man would be needed in the future, and Frederick could find other more subtle ways to punish him.

  “Well, let us say no more about it. We shall put the matter behind us and move forward with the American group.”

  They rode in silence for several miles before arriving at the English mining site. Frederick dismounted and dusted off his coat while Putnam called for someone to take their horses.

  Mr. Gadsden appeared almost immediately and came to greet them. “Gentlemen, would you care to have some refreshments? My wife has made some tea, and there are biscuits as well.”

  “No thank you,” Von Bergen replied. He glanced around the area. “So what about selling me the sapphires I require?”

  “I see you’re a man who likes to get right down to business.”

  Frederick looked the mustached man over from head to toe. “I’m a man with a great deal to accomplish in a short amount of time. Now will you sell or not?”

  “I’m afraid I can’t. There simply isn’t enough product to sell to you while also furnishing our owners with stones. I know what you were promised, but of course, no one could foresee this legal problem carrying on for so long.”

  “I understand.” Of course, that didn’t mean he was happy. Frederick wasn’t about to let the man ruin his day, however. “We have been fortunate enough to make arrangements with the American Sapphire Company, so there is no harm done.”

  “Wonderful. Now perhaps you would like to see how we have resolved the problem of separating out the large amounts of pyrite.”

  Gadsden had become quite capable of coming up with solutions that didn’t cost his syndicate much in the way of money. It was well-known that he was given full credit for the mine’s success.

  “I’m afraid not. As I mentioned, I am pressed for time.”

  After concluding his dealings with Gadsden, Frederick and Lord Putnam made their way back to the American mines. The American operations had been established on Yogo Creek, where the company had their dike located in the limestone cliffs. However, it was easy to see this operation was not without its problems. Where the English mine was positioned on open benchlands, this operation was stuck in the narrow creek bed of Yogo Gulch. There wasn’t enough room for dumping out the soil to weather, so the Americans had spent almost thirty thousand dollars for a mill to process one hundred tons per day.

  Frederick thought it wise that the company had invested such money. The process was surely sped up, allowing for a quicker return on the labor. Thompson was quite happy to show his guests where the Americans had spent large sums to upgrade and modernize the mining operations as much as possible.

  “The English are fools to keep their operations in the dark ages,” Thompson said, laughing. “But I never did think they understood much when it came to this land and the work involved.”

  Lord Putnam stiffened at Frederick’s side but said nothing. Frederick pointed to where a couple of men worked with a pneumatic drill. “At the English mine they are still using sledges and chisels to drill blasting holes.”

  Thompson laughed heartily. “They are most primitive and backward.”

  “But they are producing at a profit,” Lord Putnam said, unable to let the slur on his countrymen continue. “And they make a large profit, at that.”

  “I beg to differ. For now, they are unable to make much of a profit at all,” Mr. Thompson rebutted. “Not only that, but the time will soon be upon them when no miner will hire on to work in such dangerous and laborious ways. Modernizing makes things not only safer but also easier on the workmen.”

  Putnam fell silent, and Frederick nearly laughed aloud. The man was such a milksop. He had no spine and no ability to stand up for what he believed. It had served Frederick well enough in maintaining control over Putnam, but he despised the man and his ilk for such deficiencies.

  “Well, I tend to agree with you, Mr. Thompson. We live in the twentieth century, and it would serve us well to move forward with the mechanisms and tools that scientific minds have created for us. I believe we can work quite well together.” He fixed Thompson with a stern expression. “Let us discuss the financial aspects of our arrangement so that I may return to Helena.”

  Phoebe sat quietly in the gardens enjoying a copy of a ladies’ magazine when a shadow fell across her. She looked up to find Mr. Eckhardt smiling down at her. He was dressed in a finely tailored suit of pale blue-gray.

  “Herr Eckhardt.” She smiled. “How nice to see you again.”

  “The pleasure is mine, Fräulein Von Bergen. I am sorry, however, to interrupt your reading.”

  She closed the magazine. “It’s of no concern. I was merely keeping busy. Vater is due back today, and I was watching for him.”

  “Might I join you for a few minutes?”

  “Of course. Please have a seat.” Phoebe motioned to the bench across from her, hoping he wouldn’t be so bold as to sit beside her.

  He sat opposite her and smiled. “May I say you are quite the picture of loveliness?”

  “Th
ank you.”

  “I have thought so since our first encounter.” He shrugged. “But, of course, I did not wish to offend by being familiar.”

  Phoebe laughed. “Are you no longer worried about offending?”

  He chuckled. “I suppose I am, but at the same time I hate for the opportunity to pass me by. You see, I’m uncertain as to how long my present business will take. I could be leaving before the end of summer.”

  “Oh?”

  Eckhardt nodded. “As I said, I didn’t want opportunity to pass me by.”

  Phoebe laid her magazine on the bench and folded her hands. “And what opportunity would that be?”

  “To know you better, of course.”

  She couldn’t help smiling. “I’m not sure such an opportunity is all that important.”

  “Where a beautiful woman from my homeland is concerned, I think it very important.” He smiled back, revealing brilliant white teeth. “So tell me about yourself.”

  Phoebe gave a slight shrug. “I haven’t that much to tell. You already know I’m the daughter of Graf Von Bergen, and I am from the Baden region of our fatherland.”

  “And your father is here on business. I believe I overheard someone say he was purchasing sapphires. But how does that involve you?”

  “I wanted to see America.” She stared out at the mountains on the horizon. “My mother was . . . is . . . well, her ancestry is American and English. I had never seen America before, and when Vater mentioned this trip, I begged to be allowed to accompany him.”

  “And I’m so glad you did; otherwise, we might never have met.” He studied her for a moment. “So have you enjoyed your time here in America?”

  “I have. The country is so diverse. We started out seeing the larger cities back east, and then we headed west. It seemed the towns grew smaller and smaller. When we leave here, we are bound for the larger cities on the West Coast, first Seattle and then San Francisco.”

  “Yes, I recall your mentioning that. Perhaps we might share the same train and ship.”

  “Perhaps.” Phoebe knew that if things continued as they were with her father trying to force her to marry, she might never leave Helena at all.

  “And what will you do in San Francisco?”

  Phoebe realized that the man was no longer pressing to know about her, but rather her plans—their plans. It made her uneasy, but she certainly saw no harm in the discussion. “I don’t suppose it matters,” she told Eckhardt, “but we will continue to the Orient.”

  “Ah yes. The grand tour.” He smiled. “I know you will be delighted with the various cultures. There are many fascinating things in our world.”

  Phoebe decided to turn the tables on Eckhardt. “And what about you, Herr Eckhardt? Why are you bound for San Francisco?”

  He eased back against the bench. “My business takes me there. I wanted to see the damage done by last year’s earthquake. You see, I design large buildings and want very much to learn if there might be a way to better make them safe for such things as earthquakes and other natural disasters.”

  “How admirable! I don’t suppose I have ever considered such things. I thought someone mentioned you were here to buy land.”

  “That is true. I have a relative who would very much like to invest in America. I promised to look around here with thought to buying land. Perhaps you would like to ride out with me and view the area. There are some beautiful tracts available, or so I’m told.”

  Just then Phoebe spied two carriages making their way toward the hotel. She also could hear her father’s boisterous voice. She steeled herself. Tonight she planned to confront him about the telegram. Perhaps since he would be tired from his trip, he would not be inclined to argue.

  “Riding out with you sounds like a wonderful time, but I haven’t any idea of my schedule.” She inclined her head. “It would appear Vater has arrived.”

  Eckhardt jumped to his feet and offered her his hand. Phoebe picked up her magazine and then accepted his assistance. “I do apologize for my abrupt departure, but as I told you, I was only here awaiting my vater’s return.”

  “But, of course. There is no need to apologize.” He raised her gloved hand slightly and clicked his heels. “The pleasure of your company will stay with me for some days to come. I hope we might again have time to enjoy a conversation, and should you find time for that ride, simply leave word for me at the front desk.”

  Phoebe felt a sense of relief when Eckhardt let go of her hand. She gave him one last smile. “I do hope you have a pleasant day, Herr Eckhardt.”

  “Thank you, Fräulein. Your company has definitely added that element.”

  She hurried away, unwilling to hear any more of his sweet talk. A list of all she intended to say to her father continued to run through her thoughts. She wanted very much to approach him about her mother but still wasn’t sure that she should.

  “Phoebe,” her father said as he approached from the carriage. “You look quite lovely.”

  She offered him a smile. “Thank you, Vater. How was your trip? Did it prove successful?”

  “Indeed it did. I will discuss it with you later this evening.” He offered her his arm. “For now I long for a bath and change of clothes. I’ve already sent Hubert ahead to prepare it.” He motioned to a bellboy. “Please see that my bags are brought up to the Von Bergen suite.”

  The boy nodded and headed off toward the carriage. Phoebe allowed her father to lead her inside the hotel and up the grand staircase. For all the things she had practiced saying to him, Phoebe now found the words jumbled in her thoughts. Perhaps it would be better to wait.

  “I saw you speaking with Herr Eckhardt,” her father said as they reached his room. “What did he want?”

  Phoebe was surprised by the suspicion in her father’s tone. “He was simply passing the day. He saw me waiting for you. Why do you ask?”

  Her father frowned and opened his door. “Because you are my daughter.”

  He left Phoebe standing in the hall to stare after him. Hubert appeared at the door and looked at her a moment. “Did you wish to come in, Fräulein?”

  Phoebe shook her head. “No, but please tell Vater I would like to have supper with him—preferably here in private.”

  Hubert nodded. “I will tell him immediately.” With that he closed the door.

  Phoebe thought it all rather strange, but instead of making a scene, she decided a short nap might strengthen her resolve.

  It was nearly six before Phoebe heard from her father again. Hubert came to announce that dinner had been brought to the suite and her father was eager to eat. Phoebe was to come immediately.

  She turned to Gerda. “You might as well go eat too.” The maid nodded. Phoebe turned back to Hubert. “Let us not keep him waiting.”

  She followed the valet to her father’s suite and found the meal spread out on the table. It looked quite good, but Phoebe’s stomach was in turmoil.

  Hubert helped her with her chair and then awaited further instruction. Phoebe was relieved when her father dismissed him, suggesting he go see to his own dinner.

  They ate in silence for several minutes. Phoebe forced herself to nibble on a variety of things, but with each bite she felt more uncertain of how to introduce the subject of the telegram and her unwillingness to marry the duke her father had chosen. She didn’t have long to consider the matter, however.

  “I’m glad we can have this time to ourselves,” her father said before taking a generous portion of beef. “I have something to discuss with you.”

  “I believe I know what that is.” Phoebe pulled the telegram from her pocket and handed it over to her father.

  He opened the envelope and read very quickly. “Why did you open this?”

  “Because you were gone, and the hotel manager gave it to me in case it needed an immediate reply.” She met her father’s stern expression. “I’m hoping you might explain.”

  Her father shrugged. “I told you I was arranging your marriage.”

>   “You also told me you would allow me to choose.”

  To Phoebe’s great frustration, her father put the telegram aside and once again began eating. If he thought she would simply acquiesce to his arrangement, then he was greatly mistaken.

  “I want an explanation.”

  His head shot up and he fixed her with a scowl. “You’re my daughter. I owe you no explanation.”

  “Yes, I am your daughter. But I am also a woman of age. And while I have spent a lifetime respecting your wishes, this is one I will not honor. I will not marry the duke. He is far too old, and his reputation is not one I wish for in a husband.”

  Her father looked at her for a moment and then returned his attention to the food. “You will do as I say and marry him.”

  His tone was dismissive, but Phoebe wasn’t about to yield. “No. I won’t.”

  Vater slammed his fist onto the table with such fury it caused the dishes to rattle. Phoebe tried not to show her surprise. “I’m sorry if that upsets your plans.”

  “You haven’t upset my plans. You will do as I say or you will bear the consequences.”

  “Consequences?” She eyed her father and decided she had nothing to lose. “Like those my mutter suffered?” By his expression Phoebe knew the question had hit its mark.

  “We will not speak of her.”

  “Why? Why for all these years have you refused to speak or allow me to speak of my own mutter? She was a vital part of our family at one time. I see nothing wrong in discussing her.”

  His eyes narrowed. “I told you, we will not speak of her.”

  “Very well.” Phoebe rose. “I can see then that we have little reason to share the meal.”

  “Sit down.”

  She looked at her father a moment, then shook her head. “I will not be bullied by you, Vater. You might well run the rest of the world, but you do not have the right to treat me like one of your servants.”

  Again his fist slammed down on the table. “I do not know what has gotten into you, but I suggest you take your seat. You will leave when I say you may.”