New York_ The Novel - Edward Rutherfurd [272]
The Niagara line had been quite a modest affair. A nice little railroad that would bring wealth to a western farming region as soon as it was linked to one of the bigger railroads carrying goods across to the Hudson. Mr. Love had bought control of the Niagara three years ago, and believed he had a deal to link to the Hudson Ohio.
“And then, sir, that evil man, Mr. Cyrus MacDuff, took control of the Hudson Ohio, and blocked my way. Just to spite me. He was happy to lose the extra profits our Niagara traffic would have brought, just to see me burned. I invested heavily in the Niagara, but if I can’t join the Hudson Ohio line, then my Niagara shares are worthless. Is that,” Gabriel Love asked, “a Christian thing to do?”
“It isn’t,” said Sean. “So what do you propose?”
“I am going to bring light where there is darkness,” said Mr. Love, in a tone of reverence. “I shall buy control of the Hudson Ohio from under his nose, and join it to the Niagara.”
“That’s daring,” said Sean. “The Hudson Ohio’s a big line. Can you do it?”
“Maybe I can, and maybe I can’t. But I am going to make MacDuff think that I can. And belief,” said Gabriel Love, with the smile of an angel, “is a wonderful thing.”
It was only as Mr. Love outlined the rest of his plan that Sean came to see the remarkable beauty of his soul.
He had patience, for a start. Two years ago, he’d started quietly buying shares in the Hudson Ohio Railroad. Just a little at a time, always through intermediary companies. He’d done it with such skill that even the sharp eyes of Mr. MacDuff had not detected what was happening.
“At this time,” he told Sean, “I now have thirty-six percent of the company. MacDuff has forty percent. Another ten percent is owned by other railroads and investors who I know for a fact won’t sell. A scattering of investors have four percent and the last ten percent is in the hands of your friend Frank Master.”
“I didn’t know he was so big.”
“It’s his largest holding. He’s built it over time, and in doing so he has shown his good sense—it’s an excellent investment.” He smiled. “But if he sold it to me, I’d have control of the company. And since he’s a friend of yours, I’d like you to introduce us.”
“You want him to sell his ten percent to you?”
Gabriel Love smiled. “No. But I want MacDuff to believe that he might.”
So Sean had set up the dinner at Delmonico’s. By the end of it, his admiration for old Gabriel Love knew no bounds. The neatness, the symmetry of the thing was a work of art. And what did Frank Master have to do? Nothing—except go away for a few days.
They were to meet once more, at Delmonico’s, next Friday, to ensure that everything was in place.
Sean was contemplating this business on Saturday afternoon, when his sister Mary arrived to see him.
They spent a pleasant hour, chatting about this and that, and after a while, their conversation turned to the Master family.
“You know you told me that Frank Master was making a fool of himself, and that he’d better be careful?” Mary remarked. “Well, am I right in thinking he’s got a young lady?”
“What makes you think that?”
“I don’t know. He looks pleased with himself, but also a bit tired. I just wondered.”
“Well,” Sean smiled, “you’re right. Her name’s Donna Clipp. Clipper—that’s his pet name for her. And he ought to give it up.” He glanced at her. “Why, do you think his wife guesses?”
“She’s never given any sign she’s known about Lily de Chantal, all these years,” answered Mary. “If she’s never known about her, then why would she know about this one?”
“Glad to hear it,” said Sean. “She’s a good woman, in her way, and I’d be sorry if she was hurt.” He paused a moment. “Did you know Master’s going upriver on business next Sunday? He’ll be gone a few days, and he’s taking the girl with him.” He shrugged. “I just hope it’s over soon.”
“No fool like an old fool,” said Mary.
“Keep that to yourself,