Through the Shadows

by Barnett, Karen;

  Unsuitable. Bile rose in his throat. She’d barely allowed him to touch her hand at first. Even now, she was the first to pull away when things heated up. Mrs. Carver’s accusations didn’t match the evidence. He pushed down two of the black keys, the discordant notes as jarring as the argument in his brain.

  When Elizabeth jerked away from his touch at the Tea Garden, he’d feared she’d been misused at some point in her life. His stomach turned. Could he have so misjudged her?

  His chest ached. I love her, Lord. Please let this be a mistake.

  But, if the allegations were correct . . .

  He straightened, pulling his coat closed and buttoning it. He needed to leave, before he pounded up those stairs and demanded an answer from her. His stomach clenched. There must be some other explanation. Mrs. Carver didn’t seem in her right mind.

  A single piece of evidence spoke louder than the witness’s testimony—the expression on Elizabeth’s face.

  Charles slipped out of the dining room and made his way through the quiet hall. Most everyone had left. Kum Yong sat on a bench by the door, her head hanging low.

  He paused, searching for something to say, but words failed him. When she glanced up and caught his eye, he nodded and touched the brim of his hat. Distant and cold, but it’d have to do. He closed the door behind him and listened as the locks clicked into place, the familiar sound taking on an odd finality.

  Charles plodded down the street, burying his hands in his pockets. Tomorrow’s court appointment provided a good excuse to stay away. Eventually he’d have to face Elizabeth, but he needed time to consider what he’d say.

  A man lingered at the corner, his collar turned up against the wind. As Charles passed, the stranger tipped back his derby to look at him.

  Tobias Carver. The name remained etched in his mind.

  Carver lifted his brows. “I thought you’d left already.”

  “I could say the same.”

  “How is she?”

  Heat seared through Charles’s chest. “Why do you care?”

  “I didn’t intend for this to happen.” Carver glanced down at the wet street, jaw slack. “Elizabeth was my protégée. I never wished to hurt her. I didn’t realize Marie knew, or I wouldn’t have brought her along. I just thought if I could see her one last time . . .”

  “I don’t want to hear this.” Charles stepped back, but the man caught his arm.

  “Please. Tell Elizabeth I’m sorry. I’d like to make it up to her.”

  Charles broke Carver’s grip and grabbed his lapels. “I don’t know what you’re after, but Elizabeth wants nothing from you. Whatever happened—she’s a different person now. She deserves better.”

  Carver’s face twisted. “What we deserve and what we get are two different beasts. I should know.”

  Charles thrust the piano teacher away from him. “I’m the last man in the world who’d offer you sympathy.”

  “That’s right. What was I thinking?” A glint appeared in Carver’s eyes. “She was probably letting you think she’s a sweet little church girl, wasn’t she?”

  Fighting for breath, Charles turned his back. His pulse hammered, every instinct telling him to pummel the man until he was no longer capable of spouting scurrilous words against Elizabeth. Striding down the street, he put a safe distance between himself and the source of his rage. An assault charge would not be the ideal way to start a political career.

  ***

  Elizabeth held her breath as she stepped into the dining hall, the smell of breakfast hanging in the morning air. Just yesterday, she’d entered as the triumphant teacher who’d earned everyone’s accolades. Today, she was nothing. Worse than nothing.

  A hush fell over the room. Every head turned, each student’s eyes holding a mixture of emotions.

  The hairs on her arms lifted, like a cat walking down a dark alley. She walked past the rows of tables, scanning the room for Donaldina and Kum Yong. Not finding them, she wandered into the kitchen.

  Mrs. Lee fiddled with her apron. “Can I get you some breakfast, Miss?”

  “No, thank you. I’m looking for Miss Cameron.”

  “She took a tray up to Ah Cheng a few minutes ago.” A shadow flickered across her gaze. “If you’d like, I could make a tray for you. I wouldn’t blame you.”

  “That’s very kind, Mrs. Lee. But not just now.” Elizabeth backed out of the kitchen and made her way to the nursery room. Pushing open the door, she paused.

  Ah Cheng sat up, but Yoke Soo and Ah Lon lay tucked under blankets in their beds.

  Donaldina sat by Yoke Soo’s side.

  A tingle raced through Elizabeth’s chest. “More patients?” She crossed the floor and touched Yoke Soo’s flushed cheeks, the child’s downcast face pulling at her heart.

  Donaldina sighed. “We rarely have just one ill at a time. I tried calling our doctor, but he’s busy elsewhere. I thought, perhaps, your brother might attend to them?”

  Elizabeth’s stomach tightened. She hadn’t spoken to Robert, yet. What must he think of her? “I can ask him.”

  “Thank you. I’m not feeling well, either, or I’d call him myself.” Donaldina coughed into a wadded handkerchief.

  Elizabeth crouched in front of her. “Are you coming down with it, too?”

  “No, no.” Donaldina frowned. “I think I’ve already had every childhood illness in existence. I’m just weary.”

  Elizabeth lifted a hand to check Donaldina’s forehead. “You do feel warm.” She bit her lip. “I’ll telephone him, now.”

  Ten minutes later, she sat in the office staring at the telephone. What could she say to Robert? How could she act as if nothing had happened? She reached for the receiver. She’d start with Ruby. She was a nurse, after all.

  When her sister answered, a lump grew in Elizabeth’s throat. How wonderful to have one person who’d love you no matter what. “Ruby, it’s Elizabeth.”

  “Oh, sweetie. How are you today?”

  Elizabeth closed her eyes, pressing fingers against her forehead. “About as expected, I suppose. But that’s not why I’m calling.” She took a breath, organizing her thoughts. “We have more sick kids. Donaldina wondered if I could contact Robert, but I can’t bring myself to do so. I thought, maybe you and Gerald could come?”

  Her sister remained silent for a long moment. “I can’t come, Elizabeth. It’s too risky for the baby.”

  Elizabeth’s throat tightened. “I didn’t think of that.” She shook her head. She’d thought of little other than herself, recently. “I wouldn’t want to put you in danger.”

  “You know I’d come in a heartbeat otherwise. I’ll speak to Gerald. And if he can’t come, I’ll telephone Robert myself. You can’t avoid him forever.”

  “I know.” Elizabeth’s shoulders fell forward. “I just couldn’t face hearing the disappointment in his voice.”

  “He loves you, Elizabeth. We all do.”

  If only she could believe the same about Charles. He’d disappeared without a word. Elizabeth replaced the receiver on its hook and lowered her head to her hands. Her family might not turn her away, but the man she loved—with aspirations of political office—would have no choice.

  28

  Charles strode into the office, the long day at court hanging heavy on his back. Assisting Spencer required more energy and concentration than he could muster today. They’d won the ruling, but the situation left Charles with a queasy feeling in his gut. Another insurance case settled and still no money for the King family. His mind couldn’t help wandering back to the suspicious file. He needed to check the company cabinet and see if the other folders had returned.

  Henry met him at the door. “Hey, old man. I hardly see you anymore, now you’re spending all your time down in missionville. It’s the pretty little blonde, isn’t it?”

  Charles bit back a rude comment. “I’m serving the needs of the community.”

  “A politician’s answer, if I’ve ever heard one.” Henry rolled his eyes. “S
peaking of which, your uncle is looking for you. Something about a banquet. Time for the golden boy to earn his keep, I believe.”

  “Did he say when?”

  “Day after next. Make sure to bring your friends some leftovers, won’t you?”

  “I’ll see what I can do.” Charles strode to his desk, the allure of an elected position fading fast. He couldn’t even manage his private life, how could he be expected to deal with city business?

  “Charles!” His uncle’s voice boomed across the office.

  Charles closed his eyes for a brief moment. The other employees must be growing accustomed to his uncle summoning him into the inner sanctum on a daily basis. What had he done this time?

  Henry smacked him on the back. “The master calls.”

  “Funny.” Charles dropped his hat on the desk and smoothed his hair before heading back to another privileged meeting.

  “Come in, come in.” Uncle Silas stood by the bank of windows, a coffee cup clutched in his fingers. “I just heard from Horatio Byrd. Apparently his wife was quite taken with you.” He hoisted a bushy brow. “You seem to have a positive effect on the ladies.”

  “Yes sir. I mean, no sir.” He shook his head. What was the correct reply for such a ridiculous assertion? “I found the Byrds to be quite gracious.”

  “And well-positioned to assist you.”

  Leave it to his uncle to notice such things. “Mr. Byrd mentioned something about a council seat.”

  “It’s short notice, I’ll give you that. But with George Baher falling ill, a surprise seat has come open. I want you in it.”

  “Uncle Silas, I’m not sure I’m ready.”

  “Poppycock. You’re a McKinley. And I’ll be here to give you direction. You flash your smile and woo the ladies, I’ll provide the oversight and direction. We can’t lose.”

  We. “I’ve lived in the city less than six months. Certainly there must be some residency requirement.”

  “They’re willing to waive it on my recommendation. Now, first things first. You’ll be attending the Trades Council Annual Banquet on Tuesday evening. I’ll introduce you to the key players, and we’ll announce your intent to run.” He turned and narrowed his gaze at Charles. “You do own a tuxedo?”

  A cold sweat washed over him. “I’m afraid not.”

  “No matter. It’s too late to order one from a tailor. You’d best go down to the Hastings, over on Post, and see what they have in stock.” He studied Charles. “If only you didn’t have shoulders like a quarryman.” He huffed and gulped his coffee. “You’ll need a top hat, too. Don’t forget.”

  “I hate to admit this, Uncle, but I’m not sure I have enough to cover those purchases.”

  Uncle Silas waved a hand. “Bill it to the firm. We’ll settle accounts later.”

  A long exhale escaped Charles’s lips. “Whatever you say.” He still owed the man for school debts and for the suit on his back. At this rate, Charles would never see more than a sliver of each paycheck until he was governor. Maybe not even then.

  ***

  Elizabeth escorted Gerald up to the girls’ room. “Miss Cameron has come down ill, too. She couldn’t have measles, could she?”

  “It’s unlikely.” Gerald gripped a medical bag under his arm. “But I’ll see her when I’m done with the little ones.”

  Closing her fingers around the cold metal knob, Elizabeth pushed the door open.

  Yoke Soo appeared to be sleeping, but the other two girls cuddled together on one bed, looking at a storybook.

  “Girls, you’re supposed to be sleeping in your own beds.”

  Ah Cheng coughed several times into her fist. “But teacher, she can’t see the pictures from there.”

  Gerald chuckled. “I don’t suppose it matters, if they’re feeling up to it.” He dropped to one knee beside the bed, lowering his bag to the floor. “Are you feeling better?”

  “It itches.” Ah Cheng scrubbed at the back of her neck.

  “I’ll leave some calamine with your teacher. It should help. Let me take a look.” Gerald lifted the girl’s hair and examined the rash on her back.

  He sat back on his heels. “Neither case looks severe. I think they can stay here for the time being. I’ll leave some creosote syrup for the cough, as well.”

  Elizabeth walked to the far side of the bed and touched Yoke Soo’s shoulder. When the little girl’s lids fluttered open, Elizabeth bent down. “The doctor needs to take a look at you.”

  Yoke Soo turned her dark-eyed gaze on Gerald.

  He smiled. “It’ll just take a minute.” He placed a thermometer under her tongue.

  Her eyes widened as he braced his shorter limb on the edge of the bed.

  “Why is your arm like that?” She mumbled the words around the glass tube.

  “Don’t talk, Yoke Soo.” Elizabeth touched her head.

  He smiled at the girl. “I was sick. I’d have died if it weren’t removed.”

  She pulled the instrument from her mouth. “What I have?”

  “Oh, no. Nothing like measles. You’re going to be all better in a couple of weeks.”

  “Piano would be hard.” She tipped her head, studying the doctor. “Do you miss your hand?”

  “Yoke Soo.” Heat rushed up from under Elizabeth’s lace collar.

  Gerald touched Elizabeth’s wrist. “I don’t mind questions.” He turned back to Yoke Soo. “I’ll answer you, but you must keep this in your mouth until I take it out. No more talking for a whole minute. Agree?”

  The child bobbed her head, placing the thermometer back in her mouth.

  “Yes, I miss it. Every day. Sometimes I even forget it’s gone and it’s as if I can still feel it.” He pressed a stethoscope to her chest. “But I’d do it again, if it meant I could stay with the people I love.”

  Yoke Soo’s lips twitched as if she fought a smile. She nodded.

  “Now, no more questions until I say.” He glanced at Elizabeth and lowered his voice. “I’ve been spoiled, lecturing at the medical college this past year. It’s been a while since I’ve done an exam.”

  “I appreciate it, Gerald.” Elizabeth stroked Yoke Soo’s leg. “Ruby said it wasn’t safe for her to come.”

  “We don’t want to take any chances. She probably had measles as a child, but she couldn’t remember for certain. She’s going to telephone your mother to check.”

  Elizabeth rubbed her arms to chase off the chilly thought. “Ruby was in here last night.”

  “That’s why she’s checking.” A crooked smile spread across his lips. “After everything I went through last year—diphtheria, the heart complications, the cancer surgery—I never dreamed we’d have a child of our own. This baby is a miracle.”

  “I’m so happy for you two, I could burst.”

  “He’ll be treasured—more aunts and uncles than he can handle.”

  Elizabeth placed a hand on her hip. “You mean she. And I’m the fun aunt. All the King nephews and nieces say so.” Her heart sank. “Or, I was. Now I’m the disgraced aunt.”

  “You’ll always have a place with us. You know that.”

  “How is Abby taking the news about the baby?”

  “She appeared excited to me, but I’m not the best judge of women’s feelings. You’d best ask your sister.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “To tell you the truth, we can’t even judge our own emotions. How is a man supposed to do better?”

  Yoke Soo mumbled, the thermometer bouncing between her lips.

  Gerald jerked. “Oh, sorry.” He pulled the device out of her mouth and squinted at the tiny numbers. “Not too bad.” He patted the girl on the shoulder. “I want the three of you to stay in bed and get lots of sleep, drink plenty of fluids, and take your medicine.”

  “Yes, sir.” Yoke Soo snuggled into the pillow.

  “Their rashes will develop over the next day or two. I’ll have Robert stop in tomorrow.” The doctor stood, gathering his implements. “Remember, the house is under quarantine. I don’t want
any children going in or out, and keep the sick isolated. Adults may pass, if they’ve had the illness.”

  “I understand.”

  “And, I’d like to check on Miss Cameron.”

  “Please.” Elizabeth tucked the covers back around Yoke Soo’s shoulders before leading the way to Donaldina’s room.

  Fifteen minutes later, he emerged with a darkened expression. “I’m afraid her situation is worse than the girls. It looks like pneumonia, probably brought on by exhaustion. I’m prescribing complete bed rest. It might even be best if she went elsewhere to convalesce. She’s unlikely to get the recuperation she needs with all the children underfoot.”

  Elizabeth’s knees weakened. “We can’t do without her. You heard what happened yesterday. As soon as the board meets, I’ll be out. Kum Yong and Mrs. Lee can’t run the Mission alone.”

  “I’m afraid they’ll have to.” He shrugged. “Or the board will need to make other arrangements. She can’t continue like she has. If she doesn’t get some time away, the Mission will be running without her permanently.”

  ***

  The brick building draped Charles in its shadow. He needed Donaldina’s signature on the newest set of guardianship papers, but the idea of facing Elizabeth sent a tremor through his gut. Over the past two days, his trust waxed and waned like the moon. Last night he’d convinced himself of Elizabeth’s innocence, but with morning light, his doubts surged back. Did he really want to know the truth?

  He pushed himself up the steps. A white notice board hung on the door, warning visitors about the quarantine. Thankfully, he’d had measles years ago. Charles rang the bell. After he finished here, he needed to drag himself to the haberdashery in search of evening clothes.

  The door creaked open a notch, Kum Yong’s dark eyes peeking through the gap. A moment later, she beckoned him inside. “Charles, so glad to see you.”

  “I need to see Miss Cameron.” He stepped over the threshold. “I have papers she needs to look over.”

  She closed the door behind him. “I’m afraid Miss Cameron is ill.” Kum Yong pushed a lock of dark hair away from her face.