unlimited.”
“Well, there are limitations other than our legs,” Lionel acceded. “There’s the issue of structural soundness.
We’re working on that too, but it may take more time
than the elevator.”
“Are all American cities like this one?” Gannon asked
as they continued to progress down the street. “I imagine
the capital is.”
Lionel snorted. “Hardly. Philadelphia and Washington have seen their heyday. Well, at least Philadelphia
has. I am not sure Washington ever had one. Even during the War Between the States, DC was nothing more
than muddy roads and tent cities.”
They arrived at the bank and went inside, Lionel leaving Gannon in the capable hands of the vice president,
who was thrilled to be of assistance to a real-life earl.
There was more sightseeing that afternoon and dinner at Delmonico’s Restaurant, which Lionel insisted
made any visit to Manhattan complete.
“So, honestly, Gannon, what do you think of our
sleepy little burg?” Lionel asked over oysters and platters of Delmonico’s signature steaks.
Gannon was thoughtful for a moment. “This world of
the `new’ city is quite beyond me. I understand and appreciate invention in all its guises, but give me a machine
that can plow a field faster or harvest crops quicker any
day. No, I’m a farmer at heart. But this all reminds me of
Andrew. He likes to build things. He would love to see
this, to be part of this while it’s still new.”
Lionel nodded, sipping ice-cold Champagne. “If you want some advice, send him on a Grand Tour, let him
see all the great architecture of Europe. Have him study
in Italy. Then send him over here. There’ll be a place
for him with me when he’s ready. There are architects
all over the city looking for quality apprentices with fresh
perspectives.”
“I am humbled by your generosity.” Gannon smiled
at his American friend.
Lionel leaned over the table and said in quieter tones,
“Then let me continue with my generosity.” It was meant
humorously but carried an edge of caution. “There will
always be a place for you with me. I will always be indebted to you for the service you rendered me and Stella
in England” He paused, letting their history hover between them. Gannon knew the event to which he referred.
A member of Lionel’s shipping company had tried to embezzle several hundred thousand dollars from the firm. In
the process, Stella had been kidnapped and placed in serious danger.
Gannon waved it away. “You’ve more than paid for it
by letting me come here with you, stay at your home,
and be underfoot for an entire summer.”
“No, my friend, you will not dismiss it so easily. You
saved my company and perhaps my wife’s life with your
efforts. And by doing so, you saved mine. I did not understand that you would want to invest when you came over,
so I did not offer any opportunity. Now you’ve thought to
throw your lot in with St. Clair on some deal I don’t pretend to know anything about. It’s always secretive with him, some buyout or other. You don’t need to do that.
You’re welcome to invest with my group.”
Gannon was nearly guilted into spilling the plans St.
Clair had for the short line railroad. “I appreciate the offer. But I need St. Clair’s investment option. For me,
it’s the way I need to go” He lowered his voice. “I need
cash, and there’s the promise of a lot of it in a very short
time,” Gannon said meaningfully. He could tell Lionel
that much at least.
Lionel gave a sad smile. “Well, I hope it works out,
for your sake. Be careful. Wilson St. Clair will not look
kindly on a man who jilts his daughter. He’s the type of
man who would blow a business deal for revenge, and
he’s got the millions behind him to easily cover his
losses,” Lionel cautioned.
To his credit, Lionel didn’t press the matter again
over the next two days they spent in New York. By Friday, Gannon was glad to see their private
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