“That’s not nearly enough to help you, Papa.” I put my hand on the table to steady myself. “It won’t even pay off your debts, let alone help you finish post—”
“It’s fine, Ally.”
“After all the trouble we went to, even if I had left all the money in the—”
“You don’t know what you’re saying.” Papa gave me a pointed look.
I glanced at Mr. Parker and Stanley. Both men were frowning as they gave me confused looks.
“Do I need to fill out any other forms to take the gold?” Papa asked them.
“The forms you filled out will be sufficient.” Mr. Parker still frowned as he looked between us, and I was afraid he might not let us take the money after all.
“Very good.” Papa looked around for a moment, as if trying to compose his thoughts. “Do you purchase gold here?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Would you be able to purchase this gold?”
Mr. Parker snapped his finger at Stanley and said, “Start the paperwork.” He then smiled at Papa. “Of course, sir. Come this way.”
I glanced at the gold one last time, my disappointment mingling with the memories Sam and I had made in finding it together.
After we left the safe, Mr. Parker locked it again and motioned for us to follow him. He brought us to his desk and then ran off to find the president of the bank.
“I’m sorry, Papa,” I said when we were alone, my heart sinking. “I had hoped it would be worth so much more. I thought it would be enough to save Bennett Studios and finish the film and purchase back the Dodge and Mama’s jewel—”
“Quiet, Ally.” Papa put his hand on my arm to still my words. “You did so much for us. It’s not your fault that the price of gold hasn’t changed. Sixty thousand dollars will help us a great deal.”
“But it won’t be enough.”
“We’ll figure things out.”
“I’m so sorry,” I said again.
“Shh. You have nothing to be sorry about.”
I leaned back in my chair, feeling so defeated. Three weeks of hard work had not produced what I had hoped, and it had cost Sam an immeasurable amount of money, as well.
“We still have the movie revenue,” Papa said. “I have faith that we can get the movie through postproduction and into theaters by November 1st, and then we’ll have the money we need to pay everyone back. We just need to hold on for a few more weeks, and sixty thousand dollars will allow us to do that.”
A few more weeks, and then we would see if the studio would make it. And I would have to say good-bye to one of my families.
My heart started to feel so heavy that tears gathered in my eyes.
But I still had Mr. Mayer’s offer. I nibbled my bottom lip as I thought about moving to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. It wasn’t what I wanted, but if I could help my family, I would.
We just needed a few more weeks, and then we’d see how much moneyLittle Womencould make in the box office. If it was enough, I wouldn’t have to go to MGM. If it wasn’t, hopefully Mr. Mayer would still let me work for him.
I shuddered just to think about it.
None of it would matter if I could save Sam and stay in 1849. But I wouldn’t worry about it for now.
Tomorrow, I would marry Sam. It was all I wanted to think about.
23
October 10, 1849
