In an attempt to take his wife and child far away from the Niantic’s tawdry waterfront with its whorehouses, gangs, and street filth, The City Hotel on Kearny Street was a step up into a more civilized community but still not the pinnacle of comfort he was used to. With his inherited money, funds from shrewd London banking investments, and the belief that his future fortune lie in the minting of gold coins, Percy purchased a stylish townhome for them in Nob Hill with a view of San Francisco Bay. In the business world, money was security, but image was prestige.
Grace grudgingly admitted that Percy was good to her and Rose, making their transition into this new world comfortable and acceptable. She made it clear, however, that she could never forgive him or love him, but she would stand by
