***
After staying a few nights at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, Stavros booked an entire first-class railroad car for himself, Melpo, and her inseparable attendant Maria. The car was usually reserved for presidents and high-caliber politicians traveling to the Midwest and beyond. Dark wine red velvet and soft black cowhide trimmed the armchairs. Large comfortable solid mahogany chairs and tables matched the royal elegance, and crystal wall and ceiling lights completed the richness of the car. The gray haired, handsomely dressed Negro porter was unbelievably accommodating, offering to be of service twenty-four hours a day. In another car, Stavros had his Rolls Royce boxed to take with him on the train to San Francisco.
The two weeks of travel, with stops in cities and places of interest, were not as difficult for Melpo as Stavros had feared. Because she seemed excited about everything she saw, he was surprised to find himself quite happy. He was also looking forward to their stay in California. The combination of vacation and business was an unexpected bonus for him. A visit to San Francisco would be quite appropriate: a time to see friends, visit relatives, and meet with business partners. Another indulgence would be having his beautiful wife, now pregnant, in tow and introducing her to his acquaintances.
The shipping industry was extremely lucrative because the West was booming. The reconstruction of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake was still in high gear and both real estate and hotel development were well worth investigating. It was an opportunity Stavros could not pass up. The invitations mounted as the wealthy of the West rushed to accommodate a scion of European money in their elegant houses and luxurious hotels.
"I love California, Stavros. I think I want to make this place our home," Melpomeni said as she took in a deep breath of the fresh sea air and threw her arms open, as if trying to embrace the entire state. "Is that okay, Stavros?" She longingly asked. "It feels and looks like Greece." Melpomeni was happy.
She chose a house. It was in fact a sixbedroom mansion in Hillsborough that had once belonged to Theodore Hearst, who graciously offered it to them. Stavros in return agreed to carry his unknown cargoes to South American countries. Melpomeni's love for the large house and the breathtaking views of the bay, coupled with its closeness to both the city and the prestigious Stanford University made his decision much easier.
Actually, Melpo's family had wanted the recently married couple to move to England, into their castle estate outside of London. However, Melpomeni was not fond of European aristocracy. California, with all its new energy and wide-open spaces, was more to her liking.