Denver by Sara Orwig

Author:Sara Orwig [Sara Orwig]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Western, Romance
ISBN: 9781626814844
Google: RSoqBQAAQBAJ
Goodreads: 23507973
Publisher: Diversion Books
Published: 1990-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The following Monday, Dan had a meeting in which he would present his plans and drawings to Benjamin Corning. He had already finished Lester Potter’s house, and had appointments to discuss plans with Edward Ringwood and Jay Varner.

As he rode in his carriage, excitement gripped him. Sunshine spilled over the busy, prospering town. The saloons and the stores were filled with customers, and businessmen strode along the street. Dan found Denver exciting. There was a transient population of prospectors, of disillusioned men returning home, and of travelers headed east or west. Dulcie’s house did a lot of business, and Dan hoped this was the start of a successful career for him in this city. The only troublesome aspect was Reuben Knelville, who could so easily unearth Dan’s past. He pulled his carriage to a halt to jump down and tuck the rolled drawings under his arm.

As he was ushered into Corning’s office, Dan took a deep breath. He felt as if his entire future depended on this man’s decision. If Corning and Ringwood both refused his services, he didn’t think other wealthy men would seek his business.

Tall, black-haired, and solemn, Corning came forward to greet him, shaking hands and offering Dan a chair. His manner was brisk and cool.

“How’s your work going?”

“Fine. I’ve just finished Lester Potter’s house.”

“How did you get into this business, Mr. Castle?” Corning asked, sitting down behind his desk.

“I’ve worked with others in California.”

“Where’s your home?”

“My family—what’s left of it—lives in Texas,” he answered evenly. He wondered if Reuben had talked to Corning, because never before had he inquired about Dan’s past.

“Why didn’t you want to stay in Texas?”

“I wanted to prospect, and when I hit a vein, I gathered up enough funds to go into business. Silas Eustice mined with me, and he constantly told me about the glories of Denver. So I decided to come here and see if it was all he claimed.”

“I really prefer to have references from places you’ve worked in years past.”

“I can give you Lester Potter’s reference. Other than that, I’d have to write to people I worked for long ago in California.”

“Mr. Castle,” Corning interrupted with barely a glance at the plans, “to save time, because I know you’re a busy man and I’m busy, I’ll pay you for your services to date. Mrs. Corning and I have decided to wait before we build.”

Dan thought of the hours of labor he had poured into the plans and drawings, and the expectations he had for this project. He wanted to argue, to show every irresistible detail to Corning, but he knew the uselessness of such a gesture.

“I’d like an opportunity to at least show the plans to you.”

“Sorry, but I’m not interested.”

“Would it help to send to California for references?” Dan asked in a quiet voice.

Corning shrugged. “I need to know more than that about a man before I invest my money in his work. It’s a matter of trust,” he said coldly.

“I’ll send you a bill, sir.”

“Fine.” Corning stood up, signaling the meeting was over.

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