Chapter 14
The city was enormous compared to any place Belle had known before. She’d seen every gold mining town from Deadwood, South Dakota, to Cripple Creek, Colorado, so nothing could have prepared her for San Francisco.
Seth seemed to know his way around. He helped her off the ship and then they took a carriage to the Palace Hotel.
The carriage gleamed with opulence, painted in vibrant colors of red, gold and green, and with silk lining the interior. A magnificent pair of black horses pulled it, their manes interwoven with silver in braids along their entire neck. The top of the carriage featured silver scrolling, as well.
The hotel was spectacular, with a seven-story, balconied entrance that was covered with a skylight and known as the Grand Court. Many carriages could pick up and drop off guests.
Belle’s jaw dropped at the splendor of the building.
Seth led her across the polished marble lobby to the registration desk. On the right side of the lobby, was a grand staircase that led to the second floor. Covered with dark-blue carpet, it curved so the stairs were wider at the bottom than the top.
While she was paying attention to everything around her, people turned their heads to gawk at them because they were still in their Klondike clothes.
Seth got them a room on the sixth floor. An elevator took them up.
She’d never been in one before and clutched Seth’s arm as the car rose. Her stomach dropped, and she caught her breath.
He chuckled and patted her arm. “It’s okay. We’re safe.”
She didn’t loosen her hold.
When the elevator car came to a stop, the operator opened the gate and then the doors.
Belle had to admit, she was glad to be off the thing. She supposed she’d have to get used to it. She didn’t feel like climbing six flights of stairs every time they returned to the room.
Seth waved his arm taking in the room. “Hope you like it. Let’s get unpacked and then we can catch a cab and see if we can buy us both new clothes. I’ve been wearing these for way too long, and I’m sure you feel the same way.”
She nodded. “I want to wear a dress again. The pants were a logical choice since I couldn’t have stood in the river and panned for gold in a dress. We should have bought some clothes in Seattle, but I think we might have missed the boat if we’d gone into town. But now that we’re back in civilization, I want dresses and skirts and blouses and kid slippers and ladies’ boots and?—”
Seth laughed. “Okay, I get the idea. We’ll both get some new clothing and real luggage that we won’t be carrying on our backs. On second thought, let’s leave the unpacking for later and go shopping now. The stores are open, and we’ll take a bath when we come back.”
“Do we need to put in the request for one before we leave? This is a big hotel, after all.”
He grinned and cocked an index finger. “Come with me.” He walked to one of the two interior doors and opened it a bit. “Nope, not that one. That’s a closet.” Then he stepped to the next door and opened it, switching on the electric lights. “Come look.”
She peered past him into a bathroom. A claw-footed tub sat on one wall, a sink and a commode on the other.
“We have a private bathroom? But how did you get this room? We didn’t even know we were coming.”
He laughed again. “All the rooms in this hotel have private bathrooms. And look at this.” He walked over to the bed and pointed to a button on the wall. “Press that and they will send one of the hotel staff to your room. So if we wanted more towels, we could press that and the person who answers would go get them.”
Belle’s eyes widened, and she gazed around the room, looking for more new-fangled things. “This is amazing. I can’t believe we’re staying someplace where we have our own private tub. And the room is enormous. We have a sofa and a coffee table with a matching chair next to the couch. There is a bureau and a chest of drawers, both of which are made of the same wood as the head and foot boards.”
Seth chuckled and drew her into his arms. “Shall we go get some new clothes and then have the hotel burn these?”
She laughed. Her heart seemed lighter. Would he be spending all this money if he planned on getting rid of me? “Yes, and everything in the backpacks, too.”
“So, do you think you can manage to stay here for a few days? I thought we’d do our shopping and get enough in our wardrobes while we’re here to at least make the trip to St. Louis aboard the train. We will be more comfortable if we have clothes to change into. I plan on getting us a Pullman sleeper car on the trip to St. Louis. What do you think?”
“How long will it take to get to St. Louis?” She had her arms around his waist and looked up at him.
“About four days.”
“That fast! Well, a sleeper car would be nice.”
“We might not be able to sleep together, but we would be able to lie down.”
“I don’t know if I want to do that. I’d rather sit up with you than sleep in a strange place without you.”
He lowered his head and took her lips with his. When he broke the kiss, he pulled back enough to kiss her forehead. “I don’t want to sleep without you either. So, if they can’t guarantee us a double berth, we’ll just do the best we can sitting up in one of the main cars.”
Belle sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest. “I’m sorry. I seem to be so needy lately. That’s not like me, at least, me since Amos left me. I was independent and able to provide for myself, and now I don’t even want to sleep in a bed if it’s not with you. How do you like them apples?”
He held her close and rested his chin on top of her head. “I like them just fine. You know I will always take care of you, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your independence. That’s a part of you. Handling things on your own is great, but letting me help you with your load is okay, too.”
“Thank you.” She leaned back, rose on her tiptoes and kissed him. Then she rested against him once again, loving the feel of him. His strength radiated into her...soothing her. She finally stepped back. “Let’s go get those new clothes.”
They rode in the elevator downstairs and hired another carriage to take them shopping.
Seth had the driver wait at each stop.
Many of the stores only had a small selection of ready-made things.
She purchased three dresses, two skirts, two shirtwaists, two corsets, two bloomers, a pair of shoes and a pair of ladies’ boots. The final items she’d bought were a hat that could go with any of the outfits and a black lace shawl for when they went out in the evenings.
Seth bought one suit that fit, two pairs of pants, four shirts, four undershirts, and four underdrawers. He found a pair of boots that were dressy enough to wear every day and out to dinner if they went some place a little fancier.
Belle was living a life like she had never done in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She’d always been poor and had sewn her own clothes. Getting all the new garments was like something out of a dream—like Christmas in August.
Seth bought plenty of luggage to carry their new clothes.
When they returned to the hotel, after generously paying the carriage driver, they rushed upstairs to their room.
A bellman had to help with all their packages.
They set them all over the bed and then Belle went to work, unwrapping and hanging them so they didn’t wrinkle.
Seth placed the luggage in the closet and unpacked his packages, hanging what needed it and putting the rest in the bureau.
Belle finished with her clothing. She gathered all the wrapping paper and bags and stuffed them in the far corner, out of their way. Then she hurried into the bathroom.
She found lilac-scented soap, and some that smelled like sandalwood. Staring at the spigot that hung over the tub, she knew water would come out of it, but wasn’t sure how she got that to happen.
Seth came in behind her and turned the knobs above the spigot. “This one is hot, he pointed at the left one with the H and the other is cold with the C. You turn them to adjust the temperature to your liking. When you have it, just put the plug,” he picked up a round piece of rubber, “into the drain so the water doesn’t leak out.” He showed her how it worked. “Now, I’ll leave you to your bath. I’ve got an errand to run, then I’ll be back. Lock up behind me.”
She followed him.
He swept her into his arms and kissed her passionately before releasing her and heading out the door.
Belle touched her lips and then locked the door behind him. Then she went into the bathroom and ran a bath. She luxuriated in the hot water and the wonderful smelling soap.
When she was clean, she chose to wear the nicest dress she’d bought.
The dress had a high collar and sleeves that were fitted about halfway up before loosening to meet her shoulder. The skirt was simple, with no bustle. Tight at the waist and then flowing out in an A-line to the hem. A soft robin’s egg blue, and she thought the dress made her eyes seem even bluer. She might not wear it for a long time, but after the baby was born, she would wear it again.
She hoped Seth would take them to a nice restaurant for dinner. A lovely-looking one was downstairs off the lobby.
It had double entrance doors with a full pane of glass in the middle of each one. Despite the darkened interior, she managed to see tables with white tablecloths and padded wooden chairs.
She had just finished putting her hair into a bun at her nape when Seth returned. “Did you find what you were looking for?”
He smiled. “I did. I’m going to take a bath and then we’ll get something to eat. You look beautiful, by the way.”
“Why, thank-you, kind sir.” She held out her skirt and dipped into a curtsy.
He laughed. “You are the fairest maid in all the realm. And I’m the dirtiest knight in shining armor you’ve ever seen.” He walked over, gave her a quick kiss, grabbed his underclothes, and headed to the bathroom.
Half an hour later, Seth walked out of the bathroom wearing his underwear and socks. Then he donned a white shirt, gray tie, and the dark three-piece suit he’d purchased, which was a gray pinstripe material. Swirls and fleur-de-lis designs adorned the satin front of the vest, while the back featured solid black satin material.
“You look so handsome. Are you sure you’re that same miner I married?”
“The very same. Are you ready for dinner?”
“I am. I just need my shawl.” She walked to the bed and picked up the shawl she’d left there, then she draped it over her shoulders and upper arms. “Now we can leave. Do you know where we’re going?”
“The last carriage driver said the restaurant here at the hotel is one of the best in town, so I thought we’d give it a try. If that meets with your approval.”
She was touched. Seth often asked for her opinion, and no one had ever done that before. Both her father and then Amos had just told her what to do, where to go, and when to be there.
They left the room, and Seth locked the door, placing the key in his pocket. Then he held out his arm toward Belle.
She wrapped her hand around the crook in his elbow and walked down the hall to the elevator.
Belle felt she was riding high. She’d never known anyone like Seth. She tried to hold herself back...keep her heart safe, but it was too late. She loved him and the child they’d made. She would do whatever was needed for the child she carried, and if that meant sacrificing her heart to a man who didn’t love her, so be it.
She smiled up at Seth.
He smiled back. His brown eyes twinkled with mischief.
Her heart flipped over, and she wondered how she’d finally been lucky enough to have someone like Seth as her husband. Were all the years she’d survived with Amos reason enough? She supposed the reason didn’t matter. She was here, and for the first time in her life, with the man she loved.
They walked up to the restaurant where Seth held the door open. “Beautiful ladies first.”
They stopped at the podium just inside. A tall man with blond hair and a full beard stood behind it.
Seth took Belle’s hand in his. “We’d like a table for two.”
“Do you have reservations?” asked the man.
“No.” Seth gave her hand a little squeeze. “We’re staying in the hotel, and someone recommended this establishment.”
“Oh, very good. Let me show you to a table.” He picked up two menus and headed into the restaurant.
The time was still early, and Belle wondered why the man had asked about reservations when only a few of the tables were taken.
The host showed them to a table with a view of the Grand Court. It bustled with activity. Colorful carriages came and went, picking up and letting off passengers.
He gave them each a menu. “Your waiter will be with you shortly.” Then he walked back to his post at the host station.
Belle gazed around her with wide eyes. “This place is amazing.”
“It is pretty spectacular compared to Kitty’s place.”
She nodded in agreement.
The restaurant had windows on two sides. It occupied the corner of the building’s main floor. Beautiful, dark wood paneling covered the walls without windows. Each of the tables sat four people and could be combined for larger parties. Each table had a white tablecloth draped over it. A bud vase with a single red rose adorned each table and the place settings included cutlery that Belle wasn’t familiar with. Three forks, two spoons, and a butter knife were on the table. Next to the cup and saucer was a water glass and two wineglasses. She assumed that someone would remove the excess items after taking their order.
A waiter in a white dress shirt, black pants and a short black apron approached the table with a water pitcher. “Welcome to the Palm Court. Are you our guests in the hotel?” He filled their glasses with cold water.
Seth took Belle’s hand. “Yes, we’re here for a few days.”
“Welcome, and I know you’ll enjoy your stay. Can I get you a bottle of wine and perhaps an appetizer to start?”
“What do you recommend?” asked Seth.
“Have you had a chance to look at the menu? Do you know if you want red or white wine?”
“I know I want seafood. I’ve never had it before and Amos always said San Francisco had the best,” said Belle. “Though I don’t know when he would have tried it.”
The waiter smiled. “We have the best, and if you haven’t ever had seafood, I’d recommend the lobster and with it, a white wine.”
Seth gazed at Belle. “That sounds delicious. Why don’t we both have that?”
Belle nodded. “I think that’s a good idea.”
“We’ll have the lobster with your best white wine to go with it.”
“Very good. And I recommend a salad and baked potato with that. I’ll bring you bread and butter with the wine. I also recommend the crab stuffed artichoke hearts for an appetizer.”
“Sounds interesting.” Belle had never tried so many new things before. She wasn’t sure she’d like any of them. But she wanted to try everything at least once.
The man chuckled. “Trust me. You’ll love it. I’ll be right back with the wine and bread.” He turned and strode away.
Seth brought Belle’s left hand to his lips and kissed the top. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
She tilted her head and stared. “I am. No one has ever treated me so well before. This being wealthy stuff is nice.”
“I agree, and it’s something we can get used to. But I don’t want us to lose sight of who we are or where we came from.”
She covered his left hand with her right one. “I don’t, either.”
“Belle, there is something I need to talk to you about.”
Her stomach roiled, and she was suddenly nervous. “I’m listening.”
He released her hand and stood.
She turned in her chair to face him and wondered what in the world he was doing.
Seth dropped to one knee. “I know we’re already married, but I want to ask you again. I want to do it right and tell you I love you and I don’t want to be married to anyone else but you. I hope you want to stay married to me, too.” He pulled a small velvet box from his pocket and opened it. Inside was a large diamond ring with a matching gold wedding band with six small diamonds across the top.
Tears slid down her cheeks. She couldn’t have stopped them if she wanted to. “I love you, too. I want to stay married to you for the rest of our lives.”
Seth stood and pulled her up into his arms, then kissed her quickly on the lips. “Thank you for loving me. You have brought joy and light into my life.”
“Oh, Seth.” Despite her awareness that kissing was inappropriate, the deserted restaurant and unlikely encounter with others diminished her concerns. She reached up and cupped his jaw. “You saved me. I’d still be in Dawson City, still working for Kitty, probably until I died, if not for you.”
He rested his forehead against hers. “We make the perfect pair, then. We saved each other.”
She laughed. “That we do. Now let me see if those rings fit.”
He handed her the small jeweler’s box.
Belle went to remove the rings, but her hand was shaking. She grinned and gazed up at Seth. “I don’t know why, I’m so nervous. But you should place them on my finger anyway.”
He removed the rings from the box and slid them one at a time on the third finger of her left hand, in front of her original wedding ring. The fit was perfect.
She held up her hand and admired the rings. And then she looked at Seth. He loved her, something she had resigned herself to never having. Now, she didn’t know how she could not have realized he loved her with his kindness and the way he treated her.
Seth took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. He kissed the rings and then wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, right there in the restaurant, in public.
She didn’t care. All she cared about was this man and the child she carried. They were her family. Her world. Forever.