“You know French cooking?” Theron obviously thought this was too much to hope for.
“Yes. I studied for some time with a French master chef.”
He smiled, and his face resembled a Greek god’s. “We are going to get along splendidly.”
Their talk was about food and cooking for the rest of the meal. Morgan had time to notice the gleaming white tablecloth, the blue-and-white Limoges china, the silver accessories, and the blue-and-white carnations floating in a silver bowl.
“Jarvis, we will have coffee in the conservatory.”
Morgan took Theron’s arm as he led her through an archway at the end of the living room. The room was half of a dome with rounded panes of glass set in strips of dark wood. It was filled with lush greenery and orchids of every color. In the middle of the room stood a white marble statue of the classical Greek man, his body perfect. It could easily be a statue of Theron. Morgan turned toward him.
“I see you notice the resemblance. I found it in Greece.” He turned away to stare at a cattelya orchid. Morgan realized he was embarrassed at the apparent vanity in having a statue so like himself.
“You were going to explain my future to me today?”
“Yes.” He was relieved to have the subject changed. “I have already told you that I am an importer of fine art objects. I have lived and worked in New York most of my life, but when I heard gold had been discovered here, I knew there would be a need for my business. When men discover gold, their wives need ways to spend it. First, they have their husbands build them enormous houses, and then they fill them up. That is where I come in. I supply things for them to buy—lovely, beautiful, expensive things. I also make suggestions as to what to buy. Unfortunately, money is not often accompanied by good taste.”
Morgan sipped her coffee. “Where do I fit into this?”
“In Europe or in New York, my job would pose no problem. There, people understand me. But here! This new gold takes a farmer or laborer and makes him a millionaire overnight. With all his new-found wealth, he is still ignorant. He dresses his fat, sweating wife in purple satin and thinks she is a lady—he thinks every man wants her.” He paused. “I’m sorry, I am getting too emotional about this.
“I have learned that I need a companion, a woman to assist me when I talk to these ignorant people. Alone, I seem threatening. Also, the husbands are more likely to go along with their wives’ extravagances when a beautiful young woman is in the room.”
“Is this what you want me for? Your assistant?”
“Yes,” he said simply.
“But I don’t understand. Why did you have to buy someone from a brothel? You could hire someone.”
“You make it sound very simple, but it is not. You have not caught the gold fever. You haven’t seen what it does to people. The women who come here come with their husbands or fathers, and they don’t want jobs—they want to spend their days in the sun shaking little pans of rocks. It’s very difficult to hire anyone for a steady job these days. Besides, as you see, I cannot bear ugliness. Farmers’ daughters rarely appeal to me.
“I had an assistant for a while, but she left me for one of those loud drunkards who had a few hundred dollars’ worth of gold dust in his dirty pockets.” His voice held contempt.
“I don’t usually attend such things as Madame Nicole’s human auction. But a friend of mine, Mr. Leon Thomas, remarked on the resemblance between the two of us, and I was intrigued. Madame Nicole offered me an invitation. I buy things for a living … beautiful things. And when I saw you, I made an offer.”
“But you can’t buy people!”
“Please!” He lifted his hand in protest. “Let’s not go into that again. Madame Nicole said your husband was dead and that you are alone. I need an assistant and you need a home. Couldn’t we just call this an intelligent business arrangement?”
“A business arrangement?” Morgan whispered. Tears came to her eyes as she recalled saying those same words to Seth, less than a year ago.
“Excuse me. I believe I’ve said something wrong again.”
“No, it’s not you. It’s an old memory, but still very fresh in my mind. I have not gotten over my husband’s death yet. Sometimes I am afraid I never will.”
There was an embarrassed silence.
“As I was saying, you could work for me and learn my business and stay with me until your purchase price is paid. You will have every luxury.”
She considered this for a moment. She could go back to New Mexico to her father’s ranch. She knew that under the circumstances, she would qualify to inherit the estate. But what would she do alone on a ranch? Perhaps it would be better to work for a living.
“What is included in this business arrangement of yours besides decorating?”
He smiled at her, looking so much like the marble statue. “If you mean do I plan to become your lover, the answer is no. Though you are beautiful, you do not interest me in that way.”
A sudden memory of her mother’s chef, Jean-Paul, came to her. She understood, and returned his smile. Madame Nicole had indeed done her a favor. “Yes, I’ll accept your job.”
“Good! Now we can start to work. Jeannette says the clothes you brought with you are atrocious. I can imagine Madame Nicole’s taste.” He shuddered delicately. “Since we are so much alike in coloring, I know what colors suit you best—rich, bright, vibrant colors.”
“That’s just what my mother-in-law said. No pinks or beiges for Morgan—reds and blues and blacks.”
Theron put her arm through his and patted her hand. “We’re going to make a team, you and I. We’ll be talked about everywhere. Look.” He paused before a full-length mirror and she was startled again at the similarity between them. Streaked blond hair, gently curling … brilliant blue eyes … the same full lips. “Of course, I’m probably old enough to be your father, but I somehow doubt that I am.” His eyes twinkled and she laughed.
“I think we’re going to enjoy our partnership.”
The following weeks were almost a fairy tale. Theron was a pleasant companion and a wonderful observer of people. Together, they laughed at the posturings of the nouveaux riches. Theron’s impeccable taste enhanced Morgan’s beauty. Soon she was a celebrity in San Francisco. Heads turned toward them wherever they went. There were constant invitations.
Men encouraged their wives to hire Theron to help them spend their wealth. Many times Theron had to rescue Morgan from the grasp of a too-ardent husband.
Jessy sent Morgan an invitation to lunch with her at a fashionable new tea shop. It was one of the few times Morgan had ever been anywhere in San Francisco without Theron.
Jessy and Morgan hugged one another, glad to be together again. Morgan noticed that Jessy’s cheap taffeta dress was frayed and stained, but the happiness in her eyes overshadowed any money problems.
“He’s been havin’ some bad luck in the gold fields lately. Made too many bad investments.”
“But you are happy, Jessy? That’s what matters.”
“Oh, sure. Me and Tom still get along swell. I got me a new lover on the side, too. Now don’t look so shocked, Morgan. I’m not like you. I never could love one man at a time. Tell me about you. I was upset when those two girls told me what kind of man Madame Nicole sold you to. Maybe you got a lover by now too?”
Morgan laughed. “Jessy, I need you around all the time. Sometimes my mind gets lost for days in Louis XIV furniture and French enamels. You always seem to know just what you want.”
“I do know that furniture, no matter how pretty it may be, is no replacement for a man. Now answer my question—you got a lover yet?”
Morgan was serious. “There’s only been one man in my life and that’s all I want. No one will ever replace Seth. Jessy, don’t look at me like I’m crazy. I am happy, as happy as I can be without Seth. Theron and I are friends. He is good to me and I enjoy decorating.”
“You’re right, I do think you’re crazy. But as long as you’re happy, that’s all that
counts. I need to go, or Tommy’ll decide I’ve left him and throw my things out. You know, I couldn’t tell him I was meetin’ you. If he ever found out I knew the famous gorgeous Morgan, he’d nag me to my grave to get to meet you.” They parted laughing.
In May, when Morgan had been with Theron for nearly five months, the new wagon trains from the East began pouring in, each loaded with people aiming to try their luck in the gold fields. The Chandler wagon was among these.
Chapter Fifteen
THE Chandlers had already had a long, hard trip from Vermont. They were driving two wagons, one filled with farm implements and some basic mining equipment, the other carrying household goods. Ed Chandler was glad when he met the big man, Seth Colter. It had been all he could do to take care of a wife and two rather active young ladies all by himself. His daughters were pretty, and it seemed that every young man on the twenty-six wagons in the train was courting them.
Mr. Colter had said little about himself, just that he was heading west. Ed had offered him a job immediately. If he’d help with the stock and the wagons, he’d have his meals cooked by Ed’s wife and daughters, and someone would care for his clothes.
Ed laughed to himself as they shook hands on the deal. Seth looked at him questioningly. “I’m not sure I’ve done you such a favor, Mr. Colter.”
“Why’s that, Mr. Chandler?”
“I have two daughters, both experts at breaking hearts. I’m afraid they may cause you some problems.”
Seth’s face was serious. “I don’t think I have to worry about a broken heart.”
Ed Chandler frowned. There was something far too serious about this young man.
Early the next morning, Seth rode out to the wagon train and met the Chandler women. Ivy Chandler’s eyes were forever darting around, watching her daughters. The girls, Gladys and Sudey, were both pretty. They were tall, big-boned girls with beautiful auburn hair. Gladys was seventeen and Sudey eighteen. When their father introduced Seth, they stared and nodded. Seth tipped his hat and left them.
It was a minute before the girls recovered, Gladys first. “Papa, why didn’t you tell us about Mr. Colter?”
“I did, yesterday.” He smiled. He knew exactly what they meant.
“Where does he come from?”
“Is he married?”
“Girls! Please. I know next to nothing about Mr. Colter. I met him just yesterday and offered him a job.”
“Do you think that’s wise, Ed? I mean, we really know nothing about him, and we will be spending three months very close to him.”
“Three months!” Gladys sighed.
“A stranger. A tall, handsome stranger!” Sudey joined.
“Girls! I want no more of that. Mr. Colter is an employee of your father’s. Even though we are in the wilderness, there is no excuse for unladylike behavior.”
Both girls adopted looks of shame and contrition. The second their mother’s back was turned, they turned to one another and grinned. Watching, their father could hardly contain his laughter.
“Don’t encourage them, Ed,” Ivy whispered to her husband.
During the day, Seth often rode ahead of the wagons to look for fresh game. At night the new settlers circled their wagons into a fortress against danger.
“Could I get you some stew, Mr. Colter? I made it myself.”
Seth smiled up at the girl, giving her his full attention for the first time. “Yes, I’d like some, especially since you made it yourself.”
Gladys glowed from the compliment and smiled as she saw Sudey frowning at her. “Coffee, Mr. Colter?” Sudey asked.
Ivy Chandler watched her two daughters warily. At night when she and her husband were alone in the wagon bed, she talked to him. “Ed, you have to speak to your daughters. They’re too forward. Since Mr. Colter came, they’re not even speaking to the other boys on the train. They pester the poor man till he can hardly get his work done.”
“Ivy, they’re not causing any harm. I remember when we were courting. You seemed to turn up everywhere I went.”
“Edward Chandler! Are you saying I chased you?”
Ed laughed. “No, dear. It was all just coincidence, I’m sure. But Mr. Colter seems sad. Even in the middle of several people, he seems alone.”
“I’ve noticed that, too.”
“I think two pretty girls fighting over him may be just what he needs.”
Both Gladys and Sudey had made many efforts to get Seth’s attention, but they both felt their failure.
Gladys was pleased when she saw Seth walking away from camp alone. She let him get a few yards ahead and then began running after him, calling his name. When he turned toward her, she bent her ankle under her and fell.
Quickly, Seth was kneeling by her, taking her foot in his large hands. As he kneaded the foot and ankle, he watched her face for signs of pain. There were no such signs, but Seth didn’t mind. He had known only one woman who hadn’t played games to get him. He did not expect to meet another.
“Does it hurt?”
“Oh, yes,” she cried, trying to squeeze out a tear.
“Let me help you up.” He put his arm around her shoulders and she leaned against him. She took one step and collapsed to the ground.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Colter. I don’t seem to be able to walk at all. Maybe you could get my father for me and he could carry me back to the wagon.” She looked coyly up at him through her lashes.
Easily, chuckling to himself, he bent down and picked up the large girl.
“Mr. Colter! You don’t have to carry me. I’m much too large to be carried.”
“You hardly weigh more than a bird, Miss Chandler,” Seth lied.
Ed Chandler was upset at first to see his daughter injured, but when he noted the smile on Seth’s face, he guessed Gladys’s trick.
Sudey was furious with her sister. At night in the wagon, she viciously grabbed her sister’s ankle. “You weren’t really hurt. You had no right to act like that!”
“And who says I have no right?”
“He’s mine. I’ve wanted him ever since I first saw him!”
“Well, so have I.” She turned to her sister, smugly. “You can’t imagine what it’s like to be held in his arms. He’s so very strong.”
Sudey leaped at Gladys, catching some of her hair in her fingers.
Their screams brought their mother.
Ivy Chandler lectured the girls for some time on their behavior toward Mr. Colter. She reminded the girls that they knew very little about the man, that it was possible that he had a wife and several children somewhere.
The girls stayed away from Seth for a week. Sudey looked out from the wagon one night and saw Seth sitting alone by the dying fire. Quietly, she left the wagon and joined him.
“I couldn’t sleep,” she explained.
“Coffee?” He poured her a cup.
She rubbed her upper arms. “Nights in the mountains get awfully cold, don’t they?”
Seth stepped to his horse and got a blanket from his bedroll on the ground. Sudey stood up as he put it around her shoulders and lifted her face to be kissed.
Instinctively, he kissed her. She molded her body to his. Her lips were very receptive, but Seth felt nothing.
Angrily, he pushed her from him. “I think you’d better get back into your wagon.”
Sudey smiled up at him, happy, oblivious.
Seth watched her go, his hands clenched by his side. Damn you! Damn you, Morgan! He went to his bedroll and stretched out. He tried to remember Sudey’s kiss, but all he saw was Morgan. He compared every girl to Morgan. Sudey had yielded to him, but all he thought of was Morgan’s body. It was a long time before he went to sleep.
After the kiss, Sudey became very possessive of her father’s helper. She took care that his shirts were mended and his plate was always full. But the longer they spent on the trail, the more Seth stayed by himself.
When Ivy Chandler questioned her daughter about this new possessiveness, Sudey told her of Set
h’s kiss.
They were coming close to the edge of the desert when Ivy confronted Seth with Sudey’s admission.
“I just want to know what your intentions are, Mr. Colter. My daughter is very young and very forward, I know … but I’d like to know where you two stand.”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Chandler. I did not mean to take advantage of your daughter. I’m sorry it happened. As for intentions toward your daughter—I have none.”
“Are you married, Seth? Do you have a wife somewhere?” Her voice was gentle. She saw the pain her question caused.
“Yes, I have a wife somewhere. Though, at the moment I don’t know where.”
She put her hand on his shoulder. “You carry a heavy weight with you. I hope you will find peace someday.”
Ivy told her daughters of Seth’s wife. They were both upset, but they finally decided to turn their interests elsewhere.
Crossing the desert was more of a hardship than anyone had imagined. Everyone on the train turned his thoughts to dreams of water. It was a tired, ragged group that arrived in San Francisco in May of 1850.
Chapter Sixteen
“REMEMBER, if you ever need anything, just look us up,” Mr. Chandler called to Seth.
The girls watched him walk away, leading his horse. “Whoever his wife is, she’s a very lucky woman.”
“I want to marry a man just like him, big and quiet, who walks just like that.” Both girls watched Seth, then giggled.
“If Mama heard you, you know what she’d say.”
“I know, but it’s hard for Mama to understand—she was never faced with a man like Seth Colter. Any woman who would leave him must be crazy.”
Seth tied up his horse and walked into the saloon. An explosion of laughter came from three well-fed men in business suits at a near table.
“Ol’ Charlie here paid three thousand dollars for some Chinese wallpaper just because the little gal said she would personally supervise its hanging. Three thousand dollars for three days’ company! Pretty expensive, huh?”