Page 73 of The Enchanted Land

“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 thenouveaux 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

THEChandlers 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?”

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