Chapter 2

two

"I am having a grand time and am happy. Seem to be just in my element."

~Earl Douglass

T HURSDAY , J UNE 1, 1916 · U NIVERSITY OF P ITTSBURGH

Devin breathed in the scents of roses, citrus, and fresh-cut grass. Parties weren't his favorite thing. But the University politely requested that all staff and faculty be present for the University's end-of-term gala. Why the University bothered with the subterfuge baffled him. Everyone knew this evening was to raise funds from all the wealthy benefactors.

Gearing himself up to schmooze with donors and have endless conversations about the English department all evening, he pasted on a smile and went straight for the refreshments.

"Isn't it bad enough that we have to get all dressed up in the robes and then sit through the long and tedious graduation ceremony year after year?" Professor Allen chuckled as he walked up to Devin at the refreshment table. "But now we have to attend a party as well?"

This wasn't the first time they'd discussed their displeasure about the yearly event. Devin smiled at his colleague. "Not just attend, remember. We must hobnob."

An older woman stepped up to the punch bowl. Her light blue eyes and jewelry caught the light and sparkled. "Would you care for some refreshment, gentlemen?" She lifted the large ladle and began to serve up several small crystal cups.

"That would be wonderful, thank you." Devin nodded his thanks.

Professor Allen did the same.

"I think I'll go hunt for a corner to hide in until it's all over."

"Would you mind if I joined you?" His colleague raised one brow. "At least if we appear deep in conversation, there's a decent chance we won't have to join the crowds."

"Sounds like a great plan to me." Devin spied his desired destination. Clusters of university professors and donors were springing up as the room filled. His grip tight on his punch cup, he took purposeful strides toward the small alcove at the back of the room, hoping and praying that he wouldn't get distracted along the way.

Thankfully, he made it without disruption, and Professor Allen joined him.

The history teacher glanced at his pocket watch. "Five minutes down. Only three hours to go." He sighed and took a sip from his cup. "Every year, these things seem to go longer and longer."

"Indeed." Most of the time, Devin spent these types of events watching people. Their mannerisms and expressions. He passed the time making up stories for all of them. One could learn so much about human nature by watching people laugh with acquaintances in one breath and drop the fa?ade as soon as they thought no one was watching. Ridiculous, really. What would people think if they knew what he thought? Not that the opinion of a lowly English professor would mean much to them.

Better just to stand here and do his best to look like he was enjoying himself. "Any exciting new developments in the history department?"

Allen laughed. "Well, history hasn't changed—at least last time I checked—but we will have a new addition to the department next year. What with Professor Sadler's retirement."

"Oh? Do you know the new chap?"

Allen shook his head. "Nope. And it's not a male either. We will have the first female professor in the history department." A frown flickered across the man's face.

"That's great." He didn't have to fake enthusiasm. He felt it through and through. Cheering for Eliza for so long meant he had a firsthand view watching her struggle and triumph time and time again in her field. He didn't hold the same views as some of the older staff who insisted women should only teach women and children. "Have you met her yet?"

"She's supposed to arrive next week. Her credentials and education are impeccable, so I am hopeful she will be an asset and not a distraction ." Allen stressed the word with a wink. He was about the same age as Devin but seemed to have adopted the attitude several of his peers held about women.

Devin raised a brow. "The world is changing, my friend. For the better, if you ask my opinion."

"Come back and tell me that when you have women in the English department." Allen chuckled. "Although, as a young, single man like myself, you would probably love meeting someone with the same interests. I can't say the thought hasn't crossed my mind." The smirk on his colleague's face seemed somehow... lascivious. Devin looked away.

Every year, he learned a bit more about the people he worked with on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes, he enjoyed getting to know them better. But others ... not so much.

Still, they were all weary from the end of another long year. He could excuse his friend's narrow thinking for now. He wasn't in the best of moods and might say something untoward himself if he didn't watch his mouth.

Perhaps a change of subject would be best for both of them. "What are your plans for the summer?"

"You mean, when I'm not here?" Professor Allen pointed to the floor and then out the window. "I would love to take some time off to spend at the coast, but I have so much to prepare for next term since I'm teaching two new classes. I will probably have to settle for dreaming of the beach rather than going." He took another sip from his crystal cup. "What about you? Since you're the new head of the English department, my guess is that you'll be up here as much as I am."

Devin nodded and took a deep breath. "You are correct. My only plans at this point are to get prepared for next term."

Usually he loved the summer and the shorter hours he needed to put into work, but his responsibilities more than doubled when he became head of his department. He felt the pressure to make sure the department continued to operate at a high standard. And he hoped to progress the program forward as well. As he'd said to his friend, times were changing. There was a great deal to do.

Yet...

Eliza's request niggled at the back of his mind. Even with all the work piling up on his desk, he would love to go west and see her.

He blinked away the thought.

The huge grandfather clock in the large hall rang out the top of the hour. Soon there would be a raffle, and a string quartet would play so that people could dance.

"Looks like we've survived fifteen minutes so far."

Devin groaned. "It's going to be a long evening." He worked to mask his disappointment.

"I'm off for a refill. These dainty little cups don't hold much." Allen waggled his eyebrows at him as he walked away.

His colleague's words gave him a chuckle as he glanced down at his own empty cup. But then noise from the front entryway drew his attention. A group of people entering had caught the eye of almost everyone in the room. The crowd was pulled along with them like a moving carpet.

Probably one of the wealthiest couples in Pittsburgh. People always liked to ooh and aah over their costly attire for the shindig.

Devin suppressed a yawn. The night was going to drag on forev—

The crowd parted.

That wasn't just any wealthy couple. That was the Millses. And their granddaughter.

Eliza.

His heart picked up its pace, and he found his smile. What was she doing here? They never came to this event.

The president of the University held his glass of wine up. "If I might have everyone's attention, please." His voice boomed in the room with built-in resonance.

The large hall quieted.

"Thank you." He cleared his throat. "I have some wonderful news to share with you that should get our celebratory evening off to an incredible start."

All eyes were on the president.

"The Mills family has donated one million dollars for a new scholarship fund to be established."

Before he could say anything else, applause burst through the room, making Devin's ears pound.

The president said something else, but Devin's eyes were glued to Eliza.

The Mills family had vast wealth. He'd always known that. But a million dollars?

One. Million. Dollars. An amount that he couldn't even fathom.

Just given away.

As he watched Eliza receive the compliments of guests and laugh along with several other donors, the punch in his stomach soured.

The woman he loved with all his heart was so far out of his reach, she might as well be on the moon.

Turning to the window, he could feel a great crack splitting his heart in two. He clenched his jaw tight. He had no right to a broken heart. He'd promised her grandfather, after all.

But over the years, the dream he'd kept buried would spark to life and escape its prison. Obviously, his heart was a very poor warden.

"Devin?"

Lost in his own thoughts, he didn't register who had spoken his name until he felt warmth envelop the crook of his elbow. He looked down and spotted Eliza's hand resting on his jacket sleeve as though it belonged there.

"Devin? Are you all right?"

She was a vision in a navy blue dress, all sparkles and light. Her red curls had been tamed into some sort of swirl on the top of her head, making her look regal and elegant. How could he ever have thought he was worthy of her? He blinked at her several times, trying to get his bearings. "Yes. Of course."

"Why are you standing over here in the corner?" She laughed and shook her head. "Aren't you excited about the new scholarship fund?" She leaned in a bit and whispered. "And you don't have to endure the boring party by yourself..."

He forced himself to laugh along with her.

The string quartet began to play.

"Come on." She grabbed his hand. "I'd prefer not to dance with any of the old, stodgy professors. I think you should be my partner, and that way we can keep each other company and from boredom." Her matter-of-fact tone gave him little option.

Not that he would have ever denied her.

As soon as she was in his arms, he realized his serious error.

Somehow he had to rip the love he held for Eliza Mills out of his heart.

T UESDAY , J UNE 13, 1916 · D INOSAUR N ATION AL M ONUMENT , C ARNEGIE Q UARRY , U TAH

Another delegation of wealthy tourists followed Eliza to an overlook of the bone quarry. The ring of hammers against rock echoed through the air. Puffs of dust and dirt dotted the area as men moved large piles of rocks from the south quadrant of the dig. Eliza's fingers itched to hold a chisel and hammer again. To unbury bones and stories of the earth.

But for now, she would be content sharing her knowledge with those eager to hear.

The group yesterday had stayed for five hours, asking question after question. She'd loved every minute of it. Getting to talk about the work was almost as good as doing it.

This group seemed just as eager.

On their walk out to the quarry, she explained the Great Dinosaur Rush that started decades before. She detailed some of the behaviors of Cope and Marsh—two paleontologists who had sought to outdo each other through sabotage and subterfuge—and it brought the expected gasps and horrified expressions.

Those two men lacked any vestige of integrity in their bitter rivalry to gain acclaim. The only good thing to come of their rivalry was the attention it brought to the fact that paleontologists were digging for evidence of great beasts.

She hated to admit it, but she wouldn't be here now if not for Cope and Marsh and their work.

Once everyone made it to the ledge and found a spot to gaze down at the work below, she began her presentation. "Welcome to the Carnegie Quarry here at Dinosaur National Monument." While there wasn't much out here except the quarry, and the grueling travel by train and stage to get here wasn't ideal, she did her best to help all the visitors see the magic of the bones coming to life. Some days it was easier than others.

Hopefully today would be easy.

"You have probably heard of and seen Diplodocus carnegii , which has been on display in the Hall of Dinosaurs at the Carnegie Institute since 1907. Even though it was found in the Sheep Creek Quarry in Wyoming back in 1899, there wasn't space for it until the new Hall was built. Standing at nearly fifteen feet high at the hips and a gargantuan eighty-four feet long, our skeleton—which we lovingly call ‘Dippy'—is only the beginning of what we hope to accomplish in the coming years at this quarry. We work so these great beasts can be displayed for all to see."

Taking a deep breath, she licked her lips. The air was dry and smelled of dust and rock. "In 1909, when Mr. Earl Douglass discovered the first bones that led to this quarry, he knew that he had come upon a great discovery. Since then, he has led the work here. If you're lucky, we might get the opportunity to speak with him today."

"Mr. Douglass is here? We've heard so much about him." The man in a pinstriped jacket and trousers adjusted his bowler as he scanned the quarry with renewed vigor.

Not exactly equipped for the terrain. Eliza pushed her opinions aside and smiled. "Yes, sir. He's here every day. He is most passionate about the work here."

One of the women stepped toward her. "Even though the bones seem large—one of them I can see clearly from here—the men are using small tools. Could you explain the process of extracting the fossils from the quarry bed?"

Her smile stretched. "Perfect question. I'd love to. If you will all follow me, please?" She led them to another lookout about forty yards away. "Over here, you can see the pile of rocks, dirt, and debris. When we know there is a good bit to dig before we get to the actual fossil, we can use larger chisels, hammers, and shovels to move those layers. But whenever a fossil is visible, we have to delicately chisel the rock and earth around it. Keeping it intact is always the top priority. That's where the small tools come into play, and it is time-consuming work. We chisel, brushing away the debris, check to make sure there are no cracks, then chisel away some more."

"Sounds tedious." The man in the pinstripes appeared a bit bored and shoved his hands into his trouser pockets. "Could we perhaps see some of the bones taken out of the quarry?"

"By all means. We will walk down and see what has been crated up this week."

The thundering of hooves echoed around them and the tiny rocks at her feet jumped and scattered. No one rode at a breakneck speed out here. What was going on?

A horse and rider came into view. Someone was in a hurry.

Eliza walked out to meet the rider and ensure he didn't go sailing off the bluff into the quarry. She recognized the young man who worked at the telegraph office.

"You've got a telegram, Miss Mills." He tipped his cap at her as he jumped off his horse. "My boss said it was urgent."

She stepped toward him to take the envelope. "Thank you." She pulled a coin out of her pocket. What could be so urgent? Could it be from home?

As she handed the boy the money, her heart sank. Had something happened to Grandfather and Grandmama...? O God, please let them be all right .

"Thanks." The kid hopped up on his horse and hurried back the way he'd come.

She glanced at her little tour group. "I pray you all will excuse me for a moment." She nodded at them and took quick steps away to give her a small amount of privacy.

Eliza ripped into the envelope.

She unfolded the sheet of paper and read.

Dr. Masterson from England is coming out to quarry. Please help him with whatever he needs.—Andrew Carnegie

Dr. Masterson. Her breaths came in short gasps. The Dr. Masterson.

What an honor it would be to have him out here! As she clutched the papers to her chest, her mind raced with all the possibilities.

She'd been studying everything the man had ever written. He was the top expert in Europe. Far exceeding anything that anyone in the United States had done—no matter how much Cope and Marsh and everyone since had attempted to show their superiority.

This could change her whole summer.

This could change—she swallowed—her whole life!

F RIDAY , J UNE 16, 1916 · J ENSEN , U TAH

Those ridiculous dinosaur enthusiasts were ruining everything.

She lifted the field glasses again. Once her eyes adjusted, she scanned the horizon. From the quarry of the current dig toward the east and then north, she scanned back and forth.

They were getting too close.

Why did Earl have to find those stupid fossils here? No one ventured to this out-of-the-way place in Utah.

Everything would have been completely fine had they just left everything alone.

Lowering the glasses, she fumed. Stomping her right foot, she growled at the site. This was not supposed to happen. She tapped out a rhythm on the side of the glasses.

On the bright side, in the last few months, they hadn't progressed very far. But every inch mattered when they were headed in her direction.

For decades, she'd watched as every man around her got what they wanted. Her father. Brothers. Uncles. Nephews. The deacons at church. Mr. Earl Douglass. The list could go on. All the while, women—like herself—had to toe the line and do what was expected of them. Never allowed dreams or wishes. It wasn't fair.

If her parents had simply allowed her to do what she wanted, then they wouldn't all be in this predicament.

There was no way she would back down now. Not after all she'd gone through.

She looked through the field glasses one more time and calculated the distance. To her best guess, they were only 100 yards away. At most.

All right, it was time to up the ante. Her plans would have to change. But as sure as the sun rose each morning, she wasn't about to allow this little hiccup to sidetrack her.

If those fossil hunters knew what was best for them, they'd get out of her way, or she'd remove them. Permanently.