Chapter 1

(author’s note: formatting is slightly different in this excerpt than the published book version)

March 1991

907 Fifth Avenue, New York City

Twelve years since she had faced someone. Perhaps longer. She couldn’t quite recall. Time meant little; the hour barely regarded. Only a noted day of the month piqued interest: Rich memories bound to the calendar’s seasonal rhythm. She lived largely without time in the most famous city in the world notorious for grasping and groaning after it.

Huguette sat expectant, ears perked. She held a worn Yves Delorme hand towel to a painfully raw mouth wound, her other hand gripped the olive-green receiver. She lowered the towel, “I think he’s here, Simone. Salut!”

Lacking lip tissue, Huguette’s words slurred. Simone Pierre was accustomed and could pick up Huguette’s meaning with little trouble.

“Je suis très contente you will be seeing Dr. Townsend!” said Simone. “Call me later to let me know the diagnosis. So, I don’t worry.”

Trembling, Huguette said goodbye again and pressed an index finger with a dirty fingernail onto the clear plastic button to cut off the line. She inhaled deeply, not wanting to go through with the appointment but knowing it was vital. Her will to live was stronger than the pressing demand for privacy. She set the receiver onto the phone cradle.

***

Earlier in the day in the doormen’s office, Rocco Marino immediately recognized Mrs. Clark’s high-pitched, slurry voice. He loved to tell stories about co-op owners’ eccentricities and outlandish requests. Mrs. Clark was a favorite easy target. In New Jersey during holiday parties, Marino’s punch line was: “And me never seeing her, that’s sayin’ somethin’, cuz I’ve worked in that building for over sixteen years!”

Marino explained to the new guy as they stood in the break room, “You’ve got to know old lady Clark in 8W gives a very generous Christmas tip, which ain’t like everybody around here, let me tell you! And she’s easy. I only bring up deliveries twice a week maybe. A few bags here and there from Winter’s Market. No big deal! Flowers or boxes a few times a month, maybe.” He gestured widely with meaty hands and head cocked back. “Not much these days! Used to be a whole lot more comin’ and goin’ from her place.”

Marino prided himself on excellent communication skills. He slowed his rate of speech and winked at the new guy next to him listening in. “How can I help you on this beautiful day, Mrs. Clark?”

“Mr. Marino, I have a medical appointment. Please check the doctor’s I.D. before admitting him into 8W. He will be coming at one o’clock.”

“Sure thing, Mrs. Clark! I—”

Marino’s thick black eyebrows flew up and then went down again as quickly as the line went dead. He rubbed his large nose and hung up as the new guy was called to the front door.

The broad never seemed to go nowhere, like, no matter what! Man, some peoples make no sense. Today could be the day I catch a glimpse of her. Wouldn’t that be a scoop!

Several hours later, Marino escorted the doctor onto the elevator, then faced his captive audience. “I’ve worked here many years, Doctor, but I ain’t never seen this lady you’re about to visit. I hope she’s okay!” Marino nodded vigorously.

Mark Townsend gave a polite nod in return and then ignored the doorman. Imposing in long camel hair overcoat, cashmere plaid scarf, and leather case, he was accustomed to making house calls. He never made the mistake of engaging staff in conversation.

The elevator softly shuddered to a stop. As the doors eased open, Marino attempted again: “I heard Clark owns 8E too, but that ain’t common knowledge. All I knows is, no one ever goes in or out! Reminds me of Wonka in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.’ Ever seen that movie?”

Townsend ignored him so Marino walked to 8W, and using a master key, opened it wide.

Marino raised his voice purposely, as instructed, “Here you are, Dr. Townsend!” He leaned inside, but only the long gallery lit up by the soft yellow hallway light could be seen. “Have a good day!”

***

Faint rustlings and men’s voices at the faraway front door. Oh, dear!

With one wasted arm, Huguette wrestled aside layers of Pendleton blankets, down comforters, and a threadbare Frette sheet. She was unaware of the cloying scent of shut-in that had settled like noxious dust in the tiny bedroom with a kitchenette. Before the early sixties, the bedroom had once been half the size and occupied by a maid.

They must be inside already. I hope Mr. Marino remembers my instructions. It’s so bothersome when the doormen don’t remember exactly what I’ve told them…

Swinging matchstick legs off the twin bed, Huguette pressed the towel to her mouth to relieve the pain. The aged mattress squeaked as she eased downward, retrieving slippers with a practiced foot. With her free hand, she attempted to close a thin silk kimono robe over a cotton nightgown. She gave up to shuffle hastily down the hallway past the kitchen and breakfast room.

Huguette’s heart pounded and she felt light-headed. She almost forgot the throbbing pain as she halted momentarily to steady herself. This is entirely disagreeable, but like most disagreeable things in life, it must be done. Allons-y!

Hearing her name called out by a masculine voice, she felt a pang of regret agreeing to Simone’s urging. Rounding the corner, she almost collided with a tall man. I think I’m going to faint! Huguette’s eyes squeezed shut, which stung a raw eyelid.

“Hello! Mrs. Clark? I’m Dr. Townsend from Doctor’s Hospital. Nice to meet you. We spoke earlier today.”

Huguette peeked to see the doctor extending a large hand. She recoiled. I should have turned on the lights! She inhaled before moving the towel, squeaking, “Nice to meet you, Dr. Townsend. Shall we sit in there?” She pointed in the direction he should go.

Out of professional habit, Townsend reached to grasp the elderly woman’s arm. He was shocked at Mrs. Clark’s appearance. The woman looks like an advanced leper patient! I need good light to examine her. Where is a light switch?

“I can walk, Dr. Townsend.” Huguette shook free and advanced into the drawing room. She had no trouble in the darkened rooms. Huguette sat primly on a red damask chair and motioned for the doctor to do the same. “Thank you for coming.”

Townsend noted the patient’s anxiety. Most likely from having a stranger in her home. That’s normal. At first glance, she was a commonplace, elderly waif in a filthy robe, recently out of bed with wispy white hair smashed to her skull. One would see her like repeated in every nursing home in America. Where the heck is the staff?

“Excuse me while I take the liberty to turn on a few more lights, but I must see you clearly.” He switched on lamps and moved aside heavy silk curtains and thick blinds. There’s the park!

While removing his overcoat, in seconds Townsend scanned the surroundings. The parquet de Versailles flooring needed polishing. In the gallery, matching Louis XV console tables and Qing Dynasty vases flanked the doorway. Chippendale chairs lined up. World class art. Custom dust covers on most furniture. The enormous ivory and red Aubusson carpet in excellent condition. Waterford chandelier.

Mrs. Clark is clearly not a typical Chanel-wearing, Fifth Avenue doyenne despite what appears to be quite a large apartment facing Central Park. In this pre-war building, even if she merely had a smaller apartment with no view, she would be rich.

At his request, Huguette lowered the saliva and blood encrusted towel. Eyelids, cheek, and mouth throbbed with jolts of exposed nerve pain. Townsend knelt to take stock. The woman’s eyes are sharp; she’s unbathed, slight body odor. Normal issues of dementia, obesity, gout, or diabetes clearly not an issue; rather, it’s probably cancer eating away at the flesh, deforming lips and eyelids. Dark spots and mottling from obvious sun damage on all exposed tissue. In need of dental care.

Townsend cupped Huguette’s face, gently lifting it to the right and left examining the extent of the damage. About five six, less than eighty pounds, dehydrated, in need of immediate medical attention. She’ll require multiple surgeries.

Huguette watched the doctor’s grey-blue irises dart over her face again and again. He was silent for several minutes, his facial expression concerned. Oh dear, it’s probably worse than I suspected. Simone is correct, of course. Dr. Townsend seems an okay man, even handsome. Some tension eased, and she breathed more freely. A hand went up to hair: I must look terrible at the moment!

Townsend sat back on his haunches. “It must be very difficult for you to eat and drink with so much of your lower lip eaten away by what appears to be skin cancer.”

Tentatively, Huguette tried a small joke. “Yes, and I love to eat so it’s been difficult!” She laughed lightly, wary eyes taking in the doctor’s smile. “Skin cancer… I’ve been reading reports in The New York Times, as now suddenly the sun is the enemy! Well, I’ll have you know I spent half my life getting brown as a berry! I was a lizard in the summertime, as was everyone else. We all worshipped the sun!”

The sudden chatter surprised Townsend. A good sense of humor indicates health; she’ll probably be fine in the long run. However, the right eyelid, right cheek, and nose have what appear to be red actinic keratoses. What causes most concern is the missing section of lateral lower lip, most likely due to rampant squamous cell carcinoma.

“I want to be honest with you; your condition is very serious, Mrs. Clark. You need to be operated on immediately. I would give a preliminary estimate of at least two to three surgeries. Some plastic surgery will be required to restore normal facial features, such as your lower lip, but not much. I admit I’m very surprised you haven’t requested medical care before now. With these types of sores, your pain and discomfort must be intense.” The doctor smiled encouragement.

“Yes, the sores have worsened over the past twelve months. Lately I’ve been reduced to eating what amounts to baby food: mashed bananas, buttermilk, ice cream, yogurt. Any foods needing to be chewed thoroughly will either be too painful or fall out of my mouth. Plop! Even drinking water is awkward. I’ve been craning my neck back to drink nourishment. Like a bird! Despite all this, I’m still alive!”

“You’re quite the trooper.”

“Yes, but I’m okay, Doctor, as you can plainly see. I merely need a bit of fixing up. It can’t be done here?” She stopped talking to catch her breath, feeling light-headed again.

Townsend shook his head. “I need you to come today to Doctor’s Hospital. With these types of cancerous wounds, I cannot properly examine or treat you in your home. Your body is dehydrated, and you have lost too much weight for proper healing to occur. I won’t mince words: your body is fighting to stay alive at the moment. It’s critical you’re treated in a hospital as soon as possible.”

“Oh, I see.” Huguette looked down with displeasure, stiffening up again.

“I sympathize you want to be treated here, in your home where you feel most comfortable. But as your doctor, I insist on us going to the hospital today for treatment. Do you consent to surgery? You will need it very soon. This week in fact.”

“This week? Well, I hadn’t realized I was so bad off!” Huguette’s hands wrung the towel. The overwhelming thought of leaving caused her to pull back against the chair, shutting her eyes. In a firm tone of voice that slurred only occasionally, she said, “Dr. Townsend, if I were to pay you more, substantially more, could you not set up some sort of small clinic here? To treat me privately?”

Townsend paused. In his most serious tone, he said, “Mrs. Clark, it’s my strongest professional opinion you must leave immediately for treatment. To the hospital where every medical emergency can quickly be dealt with if there are complications. Your life is at stake! I implore you to reconsider.”

Huguette’s eyes popped back open. Her voice faltered, “Right now…?”

Townsend, seated on a chair close by, nodded.

I don’t think I can handle the pain any longer. It upsets me terribly to not be able to eat and drink properly. I very much want to be healed. Huguette suspected she would not live long if weakened further. She could tell her normally energetic body was giving out from prolonged lack of nourishment. I dislike feeling cooped up in the bedroom in pain and fatigue. It’s been many months since I’ve lived normally. Frankly, I think I’m losing the battle.

Huguette made up her mind in a moment. Cornflower blue eyes bored into the doctor’s, French accent more pronounced. “Dr. Townsend, I was prepared for this to happen, as of course I comprehend I need serious medical care. Please call an ambulance with the phone in the library. However, I have something I must insist on. I don’t want to be seen by anyone while I leave. How can you make that happen?”

“I’ll try.” He rummaged in his bag for a medicated skin salve.

“No, I demand it happen!”

“Okay, no one will see you.”

He dabbed on salve and put bandages on Huguette before he left the room. Fielding odd requests from eccentric Upper East Side patients was his specialty. He assumed the patient’s vanity was revealing itself. Requests of privacy, vanity, or arrogance didn’t faze in the least; it was part and parcel of his job making house calls. If it would help save the patient’s life, he was game.

Returning from the library, he said, “The ambulance will be here in less than ten minutes. How about we find a scarf and a coat to put on?”

“Not good enough, I’m afraid. I’m adamant I want no one to even see me lying on the gurney. I cannot stand the thought of my privacy being invaded by prying eyes. I will not be gawked at. It’s embarrassing!” Huguette’s chin lifted obstinately and eyes became sharp.

Townsend hesitated. The EMTs wouldn’t be happy with superficial requests interfering with set procedures. “Okay, we’ll figure something out.”

Huguette’s youthful training demanded she remain soft-spoken and polite, but trepidation and arrogance longed to lash out at any denial of her wishes. I will not leave if they don’t cover me completely and lift me high up!

While waiting for the ambulance, Townsend attempted to appease his new patient by chatting about the spring weather and Mayor Dinkin’s promise to clean up New York’s streets. Meanwhile, he continued to tacitly note his surroundings, admiring Impressionist paintings in antique frames.

Soon 8W’s door was thrown wide and all the lights turned on. The apartment bustled with EMTs carrying a gurney and various medical bags. There hadn’t been such a commotion in the apartment in many a year. Huguette shrank from it all, wrapping up in several thick cashmere shawls and shutting eyes tight. She swayed on the gurney as they easily hoisted her.

Huguette departed 907 Fifth Avenue like a modern-day Cleopatra, swaddled out of recognition and transported aloft on the EMT’s muscled shoulders. Bound for Doctor’s Hospital a short ambulance-drive away, she would never return despite living over twenty more years.

***

Within a week, Huguette underwent two surgeries and recuperated in a private room. She was no longer in pain, able to drink copious amounts of water, eat soft meals, and sleep soundly. With round-the-clock care reinstated, she was ecstatic. Despite all this, Huguette was in sore need of a friend in the unfamiliar hospital environment. She relented, consenting for Simone to visit.

Conversing in French, no one else could follow. “As promised, Madame Clark, I’ve brought delicious brioche, artichokes, and chicken soup to heal you up. You cannot eat awful hospital food while you are here. What is this, this ridiculous red Jell-O and spongey bread? Send it back!”

Simone requested the nurse remove the tray as she set down a Gristedes paper sack. She slid off a Max Mara wool coat to reveal a pink St. John tweed suit and Chanel heels.

“Ah, how wonderful! You’re so thoughtful, Simone. And how lovely you look. I must look a sight! Come sit down by me.” She patted the bed, but Simone brought over a chair.

Huguette watched with anticipation as the chicken soup was placed before her. “Isn’t this wonderful? I’m well taken care of, healing fast. At night, I even have warmed milk before bed. It’s been so long since I’ve enjoyed that!” She smiled like a little girl. The hospital bed seemed to swallow her up.

“Wonderful! I’m happy to hear you’re doing so well. You need fattening though. I was very worried for you. Very worried! You let it go on for far too long. One needs to care for oneself.” Simone smiled, eyes trained on her long-time friend to ascertain any desire.

“You’re a choice friend, Simone. I owe you my life, you know.”

“Nonsense. You would’ve done the same for me.”

“Oui, I would’ve!”

Despite constant interruptions by a variety of medical professionals attempting to enter the room without Huguette’s permission—who were yelled at and thrown out on the instant—she felt more relaxed than she had in years. She relished peaceful days in a modern hospital. Where else can I be this safe from outsiders and germs? This well cared for?

After long discussions with a baffled Townsend, Huguette got her wish to stay as a resident. With Simone’s help to interview candidates—“Because of course that will not be left for Madame Clark to do!”—a private day nurse and night nurse were found. Only those women were permitted to care for Huguette. Hospital staff were not admitted into the room unless strictly necessary.

Requiring little physical care, she preferred to dress, bathe, and cut nails and hair herself. Beyond that, she wanted to never worry about bothersome daily tasks. She never saw chores as her responsibility; never thought to do those activities herself. She wouldn’t know how to go about completing them in the first place. The nurses merged seamlessly with doting servants who had cossetted Huguette since a baby. She knew no other life than one of devoted staff performing every desire.

***

For the next two decades, prohibitive hospital bills and private nursing care were paid in cash. Huguette’s world hovered far above the classes who concerned themselves with various insurances. These products staved off financial disaster for tens of millions of Americans. Huguette, on the other hand, had never considered so-called necessities such as health, life, accident, or dental insurance. She knew to insure houses and valuables. That went without saying. But she required no other insurance. She had no driver’s license because she had never driven a vehicle. Nor had she attended college or ever earned wages. She had no use for a FICO score and was laughably ineligible for Social Security or Medicare.

Within forty-eight hours of being admitted to Doctor’s Hospital, Huguette gave the name of her attorney. Less than an hour after the call by the billing department, an overweight man in a Sear’s suit and a beat-up briefcase appeared out of breath in the hallway.

That Mrs. Clark was in the hospital, given her advanced age, Joshua Schwartz was not surprised by. But he was shocked his client appeared in public. He hurried across town with the hope of finally meeting face-to-face. He wanted to assess Clark’s physical condition, then ask to visit again another day, very soon. He had a lot of highly sensitive, important pending legal and financial paperwork she had long neglected.

Schwartz had spoken with Mrs. Clark on the telephone many times over the years, but she was very strange when he attempted a visit over ten years ago.

“Mrs. Clark would only talk to me on the other side of a cracked door!” he wailed to his boss.

She’s my nuttiest but kindest client. In fact, she could be the craziest client in the entire firm.

Mrs. Clark was also the most demanding client when she wanted something. She might call three times a day if an issue concerned her. But she never raised her voice. Regardless, Schwartz knew when she was keen he do something immediately.

She could surprise you how savvy and strong-willed she was behind that polite, upper-crust French accent.

He stood prepared, almost with boyish excitement, but the prim-mouthed nurse came out and shut the door firmly. His hope faded.

“Mrs. Clark instructed earlier you be called regarding the hospital billing, and that was sufficient. She does not need your services today. She would prefer to be left alone. If you need to talk with her in future, please call. Thank you for coming.” The nurse took the bouquet and turned away.

He rolled bulbous eyes while ambling back down the squeaky linoleum smelling of disinfectant. He didn’t doubt for a second the nurse was repeating verbatim what Mrs. Clark said. On the street, he eased into a taxi, all excitement and adrenaline evaporated.

This client is a pain in the neck. What will I tell my boss this time about the unsigned will and other overdue estate and tax documents? Schwartz sighed and loosened his silk tie. His suits were off-the-rack, but he liked expensive ties.

How long will I be allowed to be the lead for this client if I’m not able to make any headway signing a current will? He was out of ideas; it was a stalemate. She’s been thwarting me for years!

Unbelievably, Mrs. Clark’s will was sixty years old. And she was worth major money from significant real estate holdings in three states, tens of millions in accounts at multiple banks, investments, dozens of pieces of fine art, Stradivari instruments, and millions in gold and jewels in safe deposit boxes.

Some of the bank accounts and safety deposit boxes stretched back to 1925. From her mother, Anna Clark, who died in the early sixties. Incredibly, Schwartz had recently learned about an account set up in 1908 by Senator and Mrs. William Clark. By the mid to late-1980s, two of the banks in question had no record of any recent communication regarding several large safety deposit boxes affiliated with the account. Somehow the annual fee lapsed, or, at least, that’s what the banks reported…

Schwartz thought otherwise. But how am I to intervene in a client’s affairs when I’m not privy to all the information?

He learned too late the safe deposit boxes were dealt with per each bank’s normal procedures for unclaimed property. They were last opened so many decades ago the banks assumed, understandably, the original owner was deceased. The fabulous 22-karat gold and jeweled contents were auctioned off quietly. The banks kept the millions.

By the time Mrs. Clark learned of the errors, it was too late. Her mother’s cherished property was long gone. Lost to collectors’ clutches from London to Singapore.

What did Mrs. Clark do? Nothing.

“I implore you to sue, to counter, to get back at least some of the millions owed! Don’t ignore this crime!” Schwartz spat into the phone.

“My privacy is paramount to lost property, however much I have agonized about my mother’s missing possessions.”

Then Mrs. Clark stopped talking to him for a month.

What was I supposed to do about it if decades went by and Mrs. Clark never went to check on the safe deposit boxes, never asked my firm to check on them, never called the banks herself?

After Schwartz discussed the situation with the bank, sweating all the while, it must have been Mrs. Clark’s mother and father who had set up the safe deposit boxes before World War I, for cryin’ out loud, not Mrs. Huguette Clark! He had to show the documentation to his partners, it was almost too incredible to be believed. Before World War I!

No one had been in to look at them since before 1955! And that visit was by Anna Clark. Her daughter would’ve been early middle-aged. Why didn’t she ever go along with her mother? Why didn’t she care about millions in gold and jewels sitting around…?

He sniffed, then groaned. The driver had lit a cigarette.

It’s asinine to not care about money when money is everything. You get so rich and then boom! You become eccentric and make zero sense. It’s like a disease.

Talking on the phone was fine with Mrs. Clark, but more than that she refused. Documents sent over were rarely returned; she would ignore requests to meet. If it had to do with her will, he heard nothing back. Schwartz guessed this client was overwhelmed with her vast fortune.

And her way of dealing with it is not to deal with it! Maybe she thinks she won’t die? Ridiculousness…

In the backseat, Schwartz slumped. I’m being slowly killed off by a woman in her eighties, I just know it.

He heard the Jamaican driver swear as a Cadillac black stretch limousine cut him off in Midtown’s thick traffic. With tired eyes, he watched the driver’s multi-colored knit hat encasing thick dreads bob up and down and up and down as the driver slammed on the brakes. The bobbing hat and the cigarette smoke were a hypnotic combination.

The driver threw up large brown hands in consternation, the cigarette scissored delicately by two long fingers. “Watch yo’self, man!” he said out the open window.

Feeling tempted by the second-hand smoke, Schwartz took out a small blue bag of Planter’s. His wife made sure he always had multiple bags in his briefcase; chewing kept him from chain-smoking.

His thoughts went automatically back to the task at hand. The way Mrs. Clark acted since he had taken over, none of her wealth mattered anyway. Yet she wouldn’t update her will to protect her fortune from shirttail relations. Instead, as a precaution, she repeatedly advised to never divulge her address or phone number to anyone for anything. Ever.

On that point, Mrs. Clark was adamant and crystal clear: “I have no family I’m close to. Absolutely no one has a right to claim a relationship without my prior approval.”

No matter how he tried, he couldn’t make out her motives regarding the hundreds of millions in the estate that would need to be dealt with upon her demise. The media went bananas for philanthropists like Brooke Astor. But he personally knew Mrs. Clark had well over triple the assets in comparison. Yet no one’s heard of her!

My client is now in her mid-eighties. What if she dies soon? I don’t have the foggiest idea what she wants me to do with the grossly outdated will at this, no doubt, the end of her life. It’ll probably turn into a mess of legal and IRS paperwork someday very soon. At least I can bill the estate with the time…

The taxi stopped, and he groped for his wallet. Counting out the cash, he couldn’t turn off his brain. What will I tell my boss…?

He could already hear Jameson, an obnoxious colleague two doors down, taunting softly as Schwartz passed by in the hallway: “Schwartzy-baby strikes out again! Clark 100, Schwartz 0!”

He knew others were jealous. There were no clients in their white shoe law firm, or in any of their competitor’s firms, for that matter, worth as much as Mrs. Huguette Marcelle Clark.

Chapter 2

July 4, 1893

Butte, Montana

Anna dripped with sweat. My mouth feels like sawdust!

She scratched the toga’s soggy waistline before resuming position as Lady Liberty. Her costume was a white bedsheet slung over a sprigged muslin dress with sleeves rolled up, secured with a leather belt. Anna smiled broadly at thick holiday crowds. It was a rare day with almost clear skies. Despite the unrelenting rays causing beads of sweat to drip into her eyes, she was thrilled to have a starring role.

I need to take every opportunity to be noticed. I will be on the stage someday—singing and dancing for adoring audiences—and today is a step in the right direction!

With one arm held aloft with a gilded torch—thankfully not lit—Anna felt the wagon bed sway awkwardly. Sometimes she began to lose her balance on the stacked hay bales when the nervous horses reacted to jubilant crowds.

Normally she would be wearing a bonnet and holding a parasol. It was brutal in the unrelenting sun under a gilt crown borrowed from the Butte Drama Club’s costume box. The force of the heat on bare flesh shocked. How awful will my sunburn be tomorrow?

Drunken hoots of admiration increased as the float approached the main blocks of downtown. Anna’s costume highlighted svelte curves and smooth skin. She tried not to react when men called out. Once, she even heard her name yelled. With chagrin, she immediately recalled what Sally Smith warned earlier that morning: “It’s very brash to volunteer yourself for such an immodest part!”

Anna had clambered into the wagon’s flatbed without replying. Sally continued with a serious expression.

“Staying on the sidelines in the shade is what a well-bred young lady does during public events. She doesn’t literally parade herself before hundreds of men! You’re only fifteen! What’s gotten into you?” Her small pink mouth pouted disdain.

Anna laughed gaily, “You sound like a schoolmarm!” She arranged herself on hay bales decorated with red, white, and blue bunting. “Sally dear, it’s only for fun, and my papa gave his permission. So, leave me alone!”

“I hope turning red from too much sun is the only problem stemming from this indecent behavior! If you go through with this, I don’t know how I can be seen with you in public!” Sally whirled around, lace parasol erect, and stalked off.

She’s becoming a stick in the mud who’ll never leave Butte! Anna figured Sally would probably marry that ridiculous Tom Jenkins whose father owned the hardware store. And then Sally will be here the rest of her life, in dusty, boring Butte with gallows frames outlined against the smoky sky. Richest Hill on Earth, my foot… It isn’t rich for me!

To remain in Butte wasn’t an option, even though Anna wasn’t quite sure how escape would play out. Remember, Maman says the influence of others rubs off on us. Sally is no longer the kind of girl I plan on surrounding myself with. I won’t apologize for my ambition.

She threw her best self into directing the crowd’s energy into a frenzy of patriotism as she embodied Lady Liberty rolling slowly past. When the wagon lurched and the flimsy crown threatened to topple again, Anna smiled widely while raising a quick arm to catch it. Onlookers laughed good-naturedly. Then Anna would smile and wave enthusiastically, even blowing kisses, and the crowd cheered louder. Relishing the attention, she urged them on louder as the band behind played “Yankee Doodle” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Above the main float, a man in an expertly cut white linen suit and straw boater seemed amused by the scene. He attentively watched Lady Liberty approach while standing with a group of men on a shaded second-story hotel balcony off to the right. As Anna was five feet six, and standing on straw bales, she could clearly see the distinguished man from her vantage point. He must be important to be up there!

When the float was adjacent to the building, the man doffed his straw boater and smiled at exactly the precise point the girl could see him best. She smiled widely back, exuding youthful confidence and a fun nature. He was immediately attracted to her big smile and dancing eyes.

William Andrews Clark Sr. was a short, slight man with auburn hair and whiskers. He was a diehard capitalist and titan of business in a country that positively begged for development. At fifty-four, he was one of the most famous bosses in Butte, owning much of the mining, banking, real estate, and utilities. If Butte was a dirty, smoky city famous for copper, Clark was chief among those who made it so. He was a ruthless, ambitious entrepreneur with an empire built on mining copper, banking, railroads, real estate, farming, and utilities in a handful of states stretching across enormous western swathes of the United States.

Clark was becoming one of the top three richest men in the United States with an annual income of millions of dollars. Year after year, profits increased at record pace. In modern-day valuations, he was a billionaire. And that summer’s day he took notice of Anna precisely as he had taken notice of other lucrative opportunities: He knew a good prospect when he saw one.

I’ll find out who that attractive, young woman is and see if she’s worth my time.

Turning to the men beside him, Clark joined the heated conversation on local politics.

***

Days later, Anna’s youth, pretty face, good sense of humor, and strong desire to pursue musical performance on the stage thoroughly charmed Clark. In fact, his attraction was enough that after meeting in a hotel restaurant, he was pleased to discover Miss La Chappelle—accompanied by Mrs. Pierre La Chappelle—was a bright young woman.

“I wish to be an actress. However, a more practical desire is to study singing and piano. I could use those talents to teach others when I need to support myself.” She almost blushed under Clark’s direct gaze.

“Well, Miss La Chappelle, I think we need to raise your sights a bit higher, if you don’t mind me saying. I might have a different idea for you, a better idea perhaps… If Mrs. La Chappelle agrees with me, of course.” William nodded at Philomene La Chappelle who only smiled weakly.

Anna La Chappelle’s ambition and independence Clark could certainly comprehend. The next week, he called to offer sponsorship at the Ladies Seminary.

“It will be for one academic year on probation.” Clark sat with legs crossed and hat off at the simple wooden table in the rear kitchen. “And what’s more, if Miss La Chappelle studies hard and makes sufficient progress, I will sponsor the other children as well. That way, the entire family will benefit and rise together.” Clark steepled thin fingers.

In heavily accented English, Pierre La Chappelle said, “Mr. Clark, what do we say to such a generous offer…? We can hardly refuse! In fact, Anna already agrees. As her parents, we know how well-deserving she is of this opportunity. We will miss our daughter, but we will allow her to go with our best wishes.”

Philomene sat quietly, hardly daring to believe. What a fine education she will receive! She was privately relieved Anna would not have to face the drudgery and indignities of working at the boarding house. With an education the seminary provided, she could be a teacher. It’s a far better job and will allow her to meet suitable men.

The parents exchanged glances. From Montreal, they emigrated soon after marriage. The family joined the throngs headed west after a better life. Pierre had been a practicing doctor in Quebec but was unable to renew his medical license in the United States; the family fortunes suffered, and he worried about the future.

“Mr. Clark, you honor our eldest daughter. I’m delighted you see her talent and potential as we do. I thank you most generously.” Pierre shook Clark’s hand.

“My good man, your eldest daughter’s talent shines brightly, and it costs me very little to educate her at the school I sponsor. Miss La Chappelle is a fine young woman raised by respectable parents. And a man of my means wants to help others to better themselves. Allow me the honor of serving your family in this way. I’m grateful for my own education which has helped me become successful.”

Clark’s normally stern visage smiled widely at the awestruck couple. A meticulous dresser, he wore a bespoke ivory linen suit with a pearl stick pin in the yellow silk tie. Slightly greying at the temples, auburn hair and beard were still abundant. The unrelenting stare of blue eyes indicated an intense personality. However, Clark’s words were warm and his manner kind.

Philomene looked down from appraising the most famous man in Butte. Mr. Clark is a curious blend of cold sternness and intensity of feeling. How can we tell this man no? It’s impossible.

She knew her girls were listening on the other side of the door. Anna will insist on going, that’s for certain. As he travels so extensively—everyone knows the Clark mansion is empty for long stretches—and Anna will be studying safely far away at Deer Lodge, perhaps nothing will come of the attention?

Philomene stood, feeling more in control on her feet. “I’m most grateful to you, Mr. Clark. May I offer you more coffee?”

“No thank you, Mrs. La Chappelle. I must be going. I’ll have my secretary draw up the school documents to sign. Classes begin mid-September. As my ward at the seminary, I feel it imperative I provide for all Miss La Chappelle’s needs. Clothing, books, and supplies, what have you. I’ll send adequate funds. Oh, and one more important point.”

Clark rose from the round-backed wooden chair. “Please impress upon Miss La Chappelle if she does not perform, all will be rescinded. I will not tolerate sloth!”

“Anna will perform well; I will make sure of it,” Pierre said.

Anna burst through the door, eyes shining and breathing shallowly. “Mr. Clark, I’m so grateful! You’re making my dreams come true!”

Clark chuckled, delighted by Anna’s passionate reaction, and placed a straw boater carefully on his head. As the front door closed, Anna and Amelia raced to the front windows to observe a large man in a charcoal grey suit and bowler hat open the carriage door. After securing it shut after Clark, the severe-looking man went to the rear to jump onto a small step, hanging on to a leather strap. His cool eyes never stopped scanning both sides of the busy street. Two more men were at the front of the fine black carriage, one of which held the reins to four black horses.

“I wonder what he’s doing?” Anna said while examining the man at the rear as the carriage rolled away.

“He must not mind eating dust!” Amelia giggled.

***

That night, Anna went to bed late after hours of grueling chores. She was tired, but when she lay down her head filled happily with possibilities and dreams. When I’m a student at the seminary, no man will be able to disrespect me there. The men here assume I’m for the taking!

The memory of the man who grabbed her as she mopped the floor of a hallway last month came to mind. With a sickening fear, she had felt rude hands grasp her arm and waist. Anna froze as he pulled her roughly to his chest. She could smell fetid breath before he pressed lips on hers.

Instant revulsion canceled fear. She dropped the mop and began to fight, screaming loudly for help.

The man attempted to drag her into a nearby bedroom. He would have been successful if another guest had not intervened. An older man rushed down the hall.

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing? She’s not a whore! This is a boarding house!” The older man yanked the larger, younger man away.

“Leave me be!” The young man said while hitting the wall with a muffled grunt.

“Get out of here! Go to the red-light district, man!” The older man motioned for Anna to get behind him.

“We are in the red-light district!”

It’s hard having no solid prospects. Anna sighed, her head turning on the pillow to gaze out the sheer curtains to the summer night sky. Only scattered stars could be seen. Amelia breathed deeply in the next bed.

Men I meet are rough and tumble, not educated like Father. What would have happened to me if that man hadn’t heard me? Anna shuddered. Don’t worry, as Maman always says. I’m going to be a young lady of worth someday. At the moment, it’s all in my head, but that will have to change somehow…

***

Two weeks later, Philomene entered the kitchen with hat on and beaded purse in hand. “I’ve received a note from Mr. Clark. We had best get to the dressmaker he recommends. Although, it’s not the type of shop I would’ve chosen.”

“Why Maman? Is there something wrong with it?” Anna looked up from darning socks.

“Put your hat on. Allons-y! I’ve got a little money for two new dresses and shoes.”

“Oh Maman, two new dresses?” Anna jumped up, beaming at the unexpected windfall.

“You must look presentable. Now let’s hurry before it gets too hot out.”

As the La Chappelles entered the elegant store, they were immediately accosted. Two sets of dark eyebrows flew up as several women rushed over.

The best dressed woman launched into a sing-song tone, hands beckoning. “Please come in, come in, come in, Mrs. La Chappelle and Miss La Chappelle! We’ve been expecting you! We’ve received orders from Mr. Clark for his new ward. And you, young lady, must be her! What a lucky young lady you are, my dearie!”

Mrs. Penelope Anderson put a thick arm through Anna’s to escort her through the store. A few other female customers gawked.

“Yes, indeed. A lucky young woman! Please come to the back by the mirrors; we’ll take your measurements, dearie.”

While Anna was all but pushed behind a pink velvet curtain, Philomene said, “I would like to order two dresses—”

“Oh no. Never you mind, my good woman. We have it all here.” Anderson pointed with a wink to a paper on the counter. Philomene requested to see it, soon becoming transfixed by the unbelievable number of items listed. Everything a young lady could ever want is accounted for! How am I to pay for all this?

Anderson zoomed around the counter to whisper, “Clark has a wife and two daughters of his own. He knows! I used to dress them. A wonderful woman. But she’s long gotten all her gowns in Paris, I dare say!” The woman laughed heartily while eyeing up her assistant’s measuring technique.

Philomene set the list on the counter. From the purse dangling at her wrist, she took out ten dollars. “I want to add my contribution to the final bill.”

Anderson looked down at the cash and made a dismissive gesture. “Mr. Clark expressly stated you weren’t to pay one penny. In fact, I’ve already sent the bill, as I’m well versed in what things cost from so many years in business. Take no thought of it, Mrs. La Chappelle! Be grateful your daughter is now Mr. Clark’s ward! She’s a lucky girl!” The woman winked at Anna.

Philomene nodded weakly. How much money does this list represent? Well over fifty dollars, for sure. She sank down on a yellow velvet loveseat with gold tassels while Anna’s measurements were completed. What does this portend?

They arrived home to complete chores by the six o’clock supper hour. After eating a late dinner, Anna washed stacks of dirty dishes, endless silverware, and mucky pots and pans. Her fingertips became whizzled and rolled up sleeves soggy from standing so long at the washbasin.

Amelia dried and put dishes away. She giggled, nudging Anna, and then danced away. Anna shooed her off and kept head down while trying not to smile.

“Does this mean I get your pink muslin dress?”

“Oh, go away, silly goose! You’ve got plenty of dresses!” Anna good-naturedly pointed to dishes needing drying.

When they finished an hour later, Anna went into the dining room and sat down with Philomene who looked over account books.

“Young single women have to be on their guard in the presence of men, married or not, rich or poor.”

Anna pulled at wet sleeves, trying to dry them with a towel. “Oh, Maman! I know all about what men do to single women. We live close to a neighborhood which has taught us all about that!”

“Je sais, ma petite. Oh, don’t remind me…” Philomene stopped writing to look at her eldest. “If we could’ve afforded a house in a better neighborhood, we would’ve moved years ago. Ma petite fille, I only want you to take advantage of this marvelous opportunity without compromising yourself with a married man, however rich and powerful. Say your rosary. Look for a man who’ll marry you, not a man with a family of his own.”

“Maman, bien sûr… And besides, I have no desire to marry young and burden myself with a family too soon! I’ll complete my education when I’m seventeen and then see what’s in store for me. Never fear, I’ll stay out of the clutches des tous les hommes, not merely Mr. Clark.”

Anna reached to give a reassuring hug before beginning to iron. While Anna’s hands were busy with a well-known task, she had time to reflect. The powerful way Clark looked at her made her heart race. Mr. Clark does interest me a little, but I’m glad he’ll rarely visit Deer Lodge.

Anna did not intend to do as some urged. Her long-time friend, Becky Tomkins, was incredulous when she found out.

Standing in front of the post office, Becky gushed, “What! By thunder, Anna! You’re Mr. Clark’s new ward? He’s the richest man in Butte!” Her mouth gaped. “Oh, my! Well now, look at you, fine little miss!” Then her eyes widened salaciously. “He’ll want a kiss his first visit to Deer Lodge, mark my words! And you’d better let him, payin’ all that money fer ya.”

“For shame! That’s enough, Becky! How indecent!” Anna hissed, grasping her friend’s arm to turn away from passersby. “I’ll not tell you anything if that’s how you’re going to react to my personal business. And I certainly have no intention of ever getting involved improperly with any man. You know me better than that! And you’d better not be spreading your thoughts around as gossip, because if you do, our friendship is over!”

Anna departed quickly down the crowded street. Normally high-spirited but sweet, Anna’s vehemence left Becky confused. The girls had met by chance, which normally would have led to soon spending more time together; however, that day Anna hurried home without extending an invitation.

Being gossiped about by everyone learning about my good fortune is upsetting. I didn’t bargain on Mr. Clark’s magnetic name. Now mine is coupled with his!

Anna entered the house and collected herself before saying, “Maman, when will the order be delivered? Did the dressmaker say?”

“About three weeks, plenty of time for you to leave by the second week of September. Keep all the items packed away though, ma petite. It’s too much for your father. Take out only one new dress to wear. I’m sure I don’t have to remind you to take good care of everything, as I cannot afford to replace it.”

Mrs. La Chappelle nodded pointedly at Anna before looked ruefully at the account book. The boardinghouse barely made a profit, and she struggled getting men to pay in full. Her husband was too gentle to stand up to the rough miners and workmen, and Arthur too young to help.

Amelia burst in, “Oh Anna, I want some new clothes too! Maman, can I have a new dress, s’il te plaît?”

“You’ve been listening behind doors again, ma petite! No more!” Philomene good naturedly admonished. “When you’re mature enough, you can have some fine things. At twelve years old, you’re not ready.”

“Mais, Maman, je voudrais une nouvelle robe!” Amelia twirled around the table in fantasy of wearing it to a ball. Her dark brunette braids secured with pink ribbons fanned out.

“You can have my blue muslin gown when you’re old enough to fit into it,” Anna promised.

“Ç’est vrai?” Amelia stopped with arms akimbo and grinned. “That one is so pretty on you. I won’t forget!”

***

Sunday evening was the only night Anna and Amelia were able to take a walk. Instinctively, their feet took them to the better part of town where they could look at beautiful houses and dream of an easier life. Neither child wanted to offend by discussing grand plans of a future far away; they confided only in each other.

“Oh Amelia, I hope Deer Lodge is a town that has no mining in it whatsoever.”

“Can you believe all this is happening to you? C’est un rêve!”

“I can’t…! It’s as if all my prayers are coming true at once. Sally told me in no uncertain terms I was very immodest for being in the parade but look what’s happened now! Soon, I’ll be going to school as the ward of the richest man in Butte! So there, Sally! That’s what modesty does for you! Well, I mean, I would never be as immodest as the, uh, ‘ladies,’ shall we say, of the district where we live…”

Both girls laughed, which was a relief. Anna had secured Clark’s favor, which meant Amelia had a chance to escape. Even at the tender age of twelve, Amelia felt the confining pressure of class differences.

“Very soon there won’t be any laundry days for me either!” Amelia stooped to pluck a yellow rose dangling through a white picket fence onto the packed dirt of the street. “But wait, in only a few weeks I’ll have to do dishes all by myself!” Her mouth turned down in a pout.

“Let’s feel worse for Maman, who will be without both of us within two short years,” Anna admonished. “She’ll have to hire on help then.”

In the twilight, they moved along the residential street lined with trees. Anna took a deep breath of the cleaner air. “Never fear, Amelia, I’m going to study very hard and do my best so we will both end up graduating from the Ladies Seminary. Je te le promets! And I’ll help you out any way I can. D’accord?”

“Oui, oui, oui! Oh, Anna…,” Amelia’s hazel eyes opened wide, “with all those pretty dresses you’re going to have a lot of beaux! You’ll be the prettiest girl in puffed sleeves and yards of lace, dancing at balls. And wait until they see you’ve two different colored eyes!” Amelia giggled, twirling the rose in her hand.

Anna tugged at the loose ribbons of Amelia’s bonnet, then she winked first one light brown eye then the blue-grey one. She didn’t bother explaining to her romantic little sister she didn’t want to find any beaux in Butte, or all of Montana, for that matter. The day after she graduated, she would leave on the first train out east to look for work.

Marriage won’t trap me under a man’s thumb before I’m ready!

***

In Butte, Clark was something of a feared figure. He was everywhere, knew everyone. He made the toughest deals, squeezing profit at every turn. He had hands on literally every aspect of frontier life that generated profits. A respected businessman who toiled brutally long hours and thrived on it, life for Clark had worked out supremely well. He had risen without pause from one peak to another.

Clark sponsored wards now and then when a young man or woman proved to be worth his time. To those enquiring, he would defend the practice: “I enjoy encouraging young adults in life, paving their way, if need be, when they interest me. I think a man a mean-spirited fool who refuses to lift the hard-working and appreciative if one has the means to do so!”

For twenty-four years, Clark had been happily married to Katherine Louise Stauffer. They had seven children, five living. Clark had met the vivacious, well-educated, younger Katherine in Pennsylvania in his early twenties. Upon earning enough money to support a family by 1869, he wrote of his intentions. The newlyweds settled in Deer Lodge in a white clapboard, six-bedroom house.

Less than a decade later, the prosperous family traveled extensively in Europe. Now mingling closer to the environs of the upper class, the young couple attempted to make up for deficiencies in middle class education. They studied German, French, and les Beaux-Arts. Back in America, William took university classes, studying minerals, among other useful subjects.

By the 1880’s, Kate’s entire focus was on securing her children’s future. She bore the distasteful title of nouveau riche with grace because it was undeniable in the eyes of those included in Mrs. Astor’s 400. She needed society women; they did not need her. She could have retaliated with growing economic assets at her disposal. It was obvious particular women in the Social Register had a priceless surname but not much in the bank. At the opening night of the opera, some of the best families wore well-worn Worth gowns with yellowing lace and faded velvet. Around necks and wrists, paltry jewels set in unfashionable settings. However, these lucky women were accepted in the highest reaches of society due to their family’s long-standing reputation as Old New York. The Clarks—for all their Parisian haute couture and mountain of cash—were never invited.

Fashionable public events, concerts, the best restaurants, and popular plays the Clarks could and did attend. And while there, they could feel as if they were a part of upper-class society. They certainly seemed so to outsiders looking in. However, the tell-tale sign of true acceptance was perpetually closed. In other words, a coveted invitation by one of the fashionable grand dames after the public entertainment.

Edith Bend, Kate’s old friend, had explained how it worked when they met up for tea at a Manhattan hotel. “The crème de la crème arrive to the seemingly quiet façade of a private brownstone. In actuality, Kate, the well-concealed interior boasts a spacious gilded ballroom and sumptuous reception rooms behind the plain front. For example, I’ve heard that Mrs. Astor’s accommodates many hundreds of guests reasonably well. I’m invited next month, so I shall see then.”

Kate leaned forward in eagerness. “Are you really invited? My, how you’ve shot up.”

“Yes, yes, but it’s all because of my husband, George. Without him, you know, I would be in your shoes.” Edith patted her hand.

Kate sat back with a weak smile. Unassailable respectability is something William can never give me.

Edith selected a small chocolate cookie. “I’m sure Mrs. Astor’s will be the height of elegance and beauty. But as for some other brownstones, it’s shocking, Kate, how drab and dark they can be! Take a recent social visit as an example of my point. The poor lady in question, who, albeit from a venerable family line, will remain nameless, did not study the domestic arts in the least. I was decidedly not impressed with her forty-year-old interiors.”

Bend munched thoughtfully. “As for Mrs. Astor’s ball, even if I were on my deathbed I would attend. If one isn’t seen at these balls and parties at least a few times during the season, at minimum, then one is a nobody.” Her fleshy hand bladed and cut across the air.

“There’s no escaping reality, my dear.” Edith looked with pity at Kate before popping another dainty cookie in her mouth.

Kate set down her teacup. “Forgive my candor, but as we’ve known each other since we were girls, you will understand. Due to my husband’s business acumen and wealth, I can overtake them all. But, dear Edith, I will forbear. It’s for the children’s futures, I remind myself on particularly tough evenings socially sidelined once again.” She shook her head mournfully.

Edith nodded in sympathy. “Yes, it was that way for me as well until my Mr. Bend rescued me. Thank heavens you can escape to Europe. I hardly go on account of my husband’s recent poor health.”

Kate shifted in her seat, suddenly animated. “In Europe it’s much easier to blend in and be accepted if one finds the right circle, as all Americans are somewhat at a social disadvantage there. It depends on the mix of company. But here, the sobering social truth of maximum exclusion is very apparent to me and my husband.”

***

In 1888, Clark moved himself into a thirty-four-room Victorian mansion on West Granite Street in Butte which cost $250,000 to build. The ornate house was designed to confer social status, with room after room of polished wood, stained glass, and a sixty-two-foot ballroom on the third floor. However, it was in a town known for mining. Kate never had to explain why she rarely stayed a night in it; Clark understood. He bought her a Long Island mansion instead.

Clark was doing what he could to heighten the family status through business. Kate knew the children were as important to the long-term social equation. My children’s social lives will be above and beyond my own.

The master plan worked very well after patient years of lock-step behavior. Kate kept the same fashions and customs as her peers. She followed the same routine of New York in the fall to winter season and Europe in the spring to summer season. As the years passed, Kate favored Dresden, London, and Paris, which was still within the bounds of the cultural customs of the day. This preference gave the Clark children even more polish in languages, art, and culture.

Then, as her husband’s reputation, money and power strengthened enormously, Kate was accepted by a few women who weren’t so rigidly bound by Old New York. Which opened the way by 1889 or so for other women to acquiesce. An invitation to a tea party here, a garden party there, and finally an invitation to an important ball in January.

“Perhaps we’ll see each other in Paris?” a high-born, elderly woman wearing a decrepit fox stole said to Kate at the end of the season.

Another beside her in a flowered bonnet casually remarked, “Will you be in Florence this summer, Mrs. Clark? I would enjoy inviting you to luncheon at my villa.”

After the group of women rolled away in their landau, Kate and Bend were alone on the sidewalk outside a long row of brownstones in Lower Manhattan. Kate turned to her old friend to marvel: “Ten or fifteen years earlier they would have utterly shunned me!”

***

Clark relinquished familial control to Kate while frequently away, crisscrossing the country from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City to Butte to Chicago to New York and then back again in a private Pullman rail car. It was done up in oak paneled walls, burgundy velvet furniture trimmed with gold tassels, European masterpieces on every wall, and the bathroom in green marble with gold fixtures. He incessantly toiled away with ledgers, letters, and reports for long hours, six days a week as his train chugged along from one state to the next.

On a rare night Clark wasn’t working, he and Kate sat before a fire at Navarro Flats on Central Park South at Fifth Avenue discussing their children’s private school education. He changed the subject abruptly.

“I want to build a house in the city. The neighborhood in question is quickly becoming the most fashionable and exclusive.”

Kate glanced up from a floral needlepoint. “And where would you like this brownstone to be?”

He smiled at her assumption. “Further up Fifth Avenue.”

Kate put her needlepoint down slowly. “Why there?”

Clark ignored her. “The house will replace both the Long Island mansion and Navarro Flats.” He gestured around him. “This double-floor apartment seemed grand with 7,000 square feet when we first chose it. However, I’m convinced the mere seven bedrooms are insufficient for my family’s burgeoning needs.”

“Insufficient? The drawing room is so large we can have a range of instruments at one end. And there’s the library and billiards room. We’ve never lacked for accommodating visiting family…” Kate’s gentle eyes looked perplexed.

He waved a hand at her impatiently. “Kate darling, it’s my dream to build a private house with an entire floor of art galleries to showcase our treasures we’ve collected for the past decade. It’ll rival aspects of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I know it! I could end up on the board someday, my love. What a thrill!”

Clark stood to pace in energetic anticipation before the blaze in the green marble fireplace. A blizzard hummed outside the thick stone walls while he went back and forth repeatedly. “I have it all worked out! Socially, it’s the most advantageous move we can make!”

“William, darling, may I remind you, in that location our neighbors would by that future date all belong to a level of society which, I hate to admit, we’re not a part of… I know you’ve told me Fifth Avenue is constantly discussed as the area. But are you sure this is in our family’s best interest?”

“My dear wife, the design of the house—at least what I have in my head—would outdo every structure currently built on Fifth Avenue. It would surely aid our entrée into the best of society!”

“May I remind you a private house there will attract too much negative attention. We already have multiple lovely residences, don’t we?” Kate paused for effect, looking demurely at her hands before slowly lifting long eyelashes over expressive brown eyes. It will not do to challenge directly. “Oh, my darling husband, I worry it would be unseemly to flaunt ourselves in a grand house on Fifth Avenue as if we were the Vanderbilts or the Astors.”

Clark remained unaffected. That is precisely the point! It’s surprising she’s resisting me. Kate always accepts whatever I want. She’s supported every dream and risk I’ve taken.

“My future political ambitions demand I run with the most powerful men in America. I’m not to be left behind. Ever.” Clark stared pointedly at his wife, who instantly averted her eyes.

“But that will entail a move to Washington…” Kate whispered.

Her heart dropped and tears formed. If William says he’s running, it’s only a matter of time before he wins. This development put a serious wrench in her plans.

“I believe further discussion would distress you. Let’s save it for another time. I’ll be leaving for Montana after breakfast. I would like to see you then. Goodnight, my darling.” Clark bent to kiss Kate’s forehead, dismissing her.

As Clark watched Kate leave the library with bowed head, his mind was made up. He would begin making inquiries to his lawyer about buying property as close as possible to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I’m not in a hurry. It’ll be accomplished slowly and surely, every aspect completed to perfection. On the largest scale possible! I will stun New York!

Soon after, Clark’s eldest, Mary Joaquina Clark, gleefully seized her big chance. The top society wedding in the summer of 1891 was her own. The week after ringing in the 1890 New Year with fabulous parties all over the eastern seaboard, Mary became engaged to Dr. Everett Mallory Culver. He was a respected man from a family well ensconced in the Social Register. It was a social triumph.

Families began debating in drawing rooms up and down the East Coast whether the Clarks were up to the Culver’s level. The gossip on both sides of the Atlantic assured an invitation to this society wedding would be something to aspire to. Although people were quick to reference the Culver name over Clark: “Are you attending the Culver wedding on Long Island in June?”

Kate had a wonderful time planning the three days of elaborate wedding festivities. This was one occasion she had permission to set aside discretion, planning as if her eldest daughter were royalty. It was off to Paris for the Clark women to check into their suite at Hôtel Westminster on 13, rue de la Paix. They walked directly over to La Maison Worth at 7, rue de la Paix to seek an exclusive design from the aging couturier, Charles Frederick Worth. He had superbly dressed empresses and queens. Why not Miss Mary Joaquina Clark?

Two thousand guests delighted in the young bride in a Worth off-white silk satin gown with a sixteen-foot, handmade lace veil, acres of flowers, and a champagne fountain splashing away. The guests gorged themselves on: Beluga caviar, oysters, Maine lobster, salmon with aspic, venison, beef roast, pheasant with truffle sauce, Cornish hen, Kentucky ham, turtle soup, French cheeses, and mandarin sorbet. The gilded white and pink wedding cake festooned with thousands of sugar roses and candied violets was twelve layers high. Two orchestras played Strauss for hundreds of waltzing couples until the last stragglers climbed wearily into carriages at dawn.

***

Clark assumed all his children would benefit from his savvy wife’s careful planning regarding weddings. However, in October 1893, Clark was in his Butte office when he received a telegram that unnerved. He raced to his rail car to head east. “Don’t stop for anything! We’re to go straight on to New York City!”

Addressing the butler who opened the front door at Navarro Flats, Clark raged as he passed: “My perfectly healthy wife was touring the World’s Fair in Chicago where she contracted typhoid fever? I can’t believe this!”

He didn’t stop to take off top hat and coat, scaling the steps of the grand staircase two and three at a time. He tore open the master bedroom door. His heart clenched at the body on the canopy bed with its bloodless face and still, white hands. Clark rushed over to sob on the cold chest before tearing himself away, unable to accept he was too late. Hands raked through hair as eyes saw nothing.

The elderly doctor stood apart in the large, wood paneled room with black top hat in hand, bag long packed. “By the time I was called to examine your wife, it was too late. I could not halt the fever. She died at quarter past ten this morning. I offer my heartfelt condolences, Mr. Clark.”

Dr. Scott held out a hand, but Clark didn’t notice. Clark automatically nodded, shaking out a handkerchief to wipe wet eyes. He dared to look back at the bed and the still form.

“Thank you for waiting to inform me… Dr. Scott, could this have been prevented? My wife should have lived many more years. This is a severe blow to me and my children!”

Scott hesitated. He didn’t want to further upset the man. “Typhoid fever is contagious, yes. Such a large, public event would of course spread contagion through food or drink, possibly. I’m very sorry, Mr. Clark.”

“So, with proper precautions and protections, this could’ve been prevented?”

“Yes, sir.” Scott nodded deferentially and moved to exit the room.

To allay grief, Clark sought something grand to distract. He honored his wife by commissioning a $150,000 neoclassical mausoleum in the most prestigious section of Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. The interior was decorated in the ancient tradition with a gold-inlaid ceiling, a beige marble altar, and beige marble mosaics. Eighteen steps led up to a massive bronze portal set in an exterior of white granite. Paul Wayland Bartlett used a portrait of Kate to sculpt face and figure. The ten-foot high, five-foot wide bronze door was cast by the Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company in New York. Clark readily agreed to display it publicly until it was set permanently in place.

A month after the funeral, Clark gathered his children at the Navarro Hills flat for a Sunday dinner. During the dessert course which he didn’t touch, he rashly promised, “I’ll never remarry.”

Charlie, Will Jr., and Paul were silent before an overbearing father, but Mary and Katherine whispered about the sensitive subject. A typical threat in a fragile world: An energetic father could remarry a younger woman and produce more heirs.

Both of Clark’s daughters embodied the spirit of the age. When money and status were linked, there was little kindness involved. The winter after their mother’s demise, neither had ever heard the name Anna La Chappelle—who had recently begun the Ladies Seminary in far-away Montana—or comprehended much about their father’s activities and private passions. They had a common refrain: “A wonderful father but endlessly working!” Clark’s daughters had no time to keep up with his frenetic schedule when their own social lives beckoned with far greater urgency.

Indeed, after their father’s repeated promise in genuine tones of melancholy—“I assure you all, children, I’ll remain faithful to my beloved Katherine’s memory.”—they assumed he would continue grieving while living a widower’s celibate life.

After dinner, Mary sang, and eighteen-year-old Katherine played a Brahms piano concerto. Clark and his sons clapped politely.

“Children, I’m grateful to have seen you this evening, and I hope we can meet another Sunday very soon. Do well in your studies while I’m away. Boys, I don’t want to hear negative reports from any of your schools. I’ll excuse myself. I’ve some work that must be completed tonight.”

Once he knew his father was out of earshot, twenty-two-year-old Charlie sneered, “He’ll be an abstemious monk for life, I assure you, May! All he cares about is business.”

He snapped fingers in a habitual gesture, which caused her eyes to narrow at him.

“Don’t be so peevish, my darling, sweet May! Cheer up!” Charlie grinned widely and winked, which produced snickerings of laughter from Will Jr. and Paul.

The slight Paul stood erect and pursed his mouth while wagging a stiff forefinger. “Boys, hear me out. High living eventually leads to financial ruin and an early grave! Practice temperance!”

His brothers laughed harder, and Paul relaxed to crack a grin.

“Silence! We’ve only recently lost our dear mother. I’ve no intention of being cheerful, you brutes,” hissed Mary while rising. Her embroidered Worth satin and velvet gown swished richly as she moved to the center of the drawing room.

“Hey, come now, May. Lighten up! Marriage is turning you into a battle-axe. I loved Mother too. I’m only laughing at Father,” said Charlie, flopping lengthwise on a Louis XVI sofa in bespoke white tie while settling black patent-leather boots on piled up embroidered silk pillows. He grabbed a gold tasseled pillow to toss repeatedly in the air. “I fancy a game of poker tonight. Anyone game? I’ve got three hundred to burn.” Charlie sat up to wriggle eyebrows enticingly at his brothers.

“At Father’s age, he’s far too busy with politics and business to worry about women!” said Will Jr., only sixteen but soberly shaking his head. “Trust me! Chuck, I’ll play you, you lunkhead. I’ve got three fifty.”

“Do you really believe so, Will?” said Katherine from beside him. She closed a book of Wordsworth with eyes on Mary. Will Jr. ignored her.

“I’ve got one fifty.”

“That all, Pauly?” said Charles. “What’s a thirteen-year-old, pimply guy doing with his money these days?”

“Never you mind!” said Paul, unwilling to lose his entire allowance to his wiley, older brother once again.

Speaking imperiously over everyone, Mary said, “Well, I certainly hope my brothers are correct, as I know precious little of Father’s private habits.” She motioned with a frown to her drunk husband sitting by himself in a corner. “It’s time I departed for the evening.”

In little more than a decade, the Clark children would comprehend how misled they had all been.

Thank you for reading this excerpt from Bellosguardo. I hope you enjoyed it! It is for sale on Amazon in three formats.