He scooped up a stack of files and jammed them into a case. “Tell you what. Let’s head down to the cafe and get a meal. Folks see you hobnobbing with the clerks, they might give you an easier time of it.”
Charles reached for his things. “For tonight, we’ll say you’re the boss. Let’s go.”
As he followed Henry down the long row of desks, all eyes trailed them. A few days and everyone will relax. I hope.
***
Late afternoon shadows wrapped the stocky building, odd bricks jutting out at irregular angles. Elizabeth ran a hand across the rough facade, clasping one of the protruding blocks. She drew a deep breath, willing her knees to stop trembling. This is the opportunity she’d hoped for, after all.
“They’re clinker bricks left over from the earthquake.” Ruby walked up behind her and slipped an arm around Elizabeth’s waist. “All around you in this city, you can see God bringing life from the ashes.” She gazed up at the Mission Home. “And He’s redeeming these girls from the ruins of their lives as well.”
Elizabeth clutched her case against her side. She understood ruined lives.
Her sister smiled. “I’m proud of you, you know that? Miss Cameron and the girls are fortunate to have you.”
“I hope I can live up to their expectations.” A cool wind swept down the narrow street. She didn’t even know what to expect of herself. If she were walking onto a stage, she’d understand how to behave. But stepping into a mission? Perhaps teaching was just a different method of performing.
“God knows what He’s doing.” Ruby gathered her in a half-embrace. “The events of the past few years taught me the importance of trusting in His plans—even when they seem a little off-kilter to our eyes. I know He’s brought you here for a reason. I can’t wait to see what it is.”
Elizabeth managed a nod. She already knew God’s purpose—a chance to make up for her mistakes. Why else would He put Miss Cameron in her path the very night she begged Him for direction? Elizabeth straightened her shoulders, strode up the steps, and rang the bell.
Her stomach churned as a few moments passed in silence. She glanced back at her sister.
The lock clicked, the door opening a few scant inches, dark eyes peeping through the crack. “Yes?”
Elizabeth pressed fingernails against her palm for courage. “Miss Elizabeth King—here to see Miss Cameron?”
The door swung wide, revealing a young Chinese woman, her dark hair swept up in a loose bun. A bright smile flooded her face. “Oh, Miss King. Welcome. Please, come in! I’m Kum Yong, Miss Cameron’s assistant.”
Elizabeth’s nerves fluttered back for a landing. She lowered her bag to the step. “My sister and brother-in-law are waiting with my belongings.”
Kum Yong hurried outside and greeted Ruby and Gerald. “Mrs. Larkspur, how good to see you again.”
Ruby’s face lit up as she climbed the cement stairs. “And you, my friend. Abby sends her love. She wishes she could be here.”
Elizabeth returned to the automobile as Ruby’s husband struggled to lift her small trunk from the rear compartment. “Gerald, let me help, please.”
A cockeyed grin crossed his face. “I’m not completely helpless, Elizabeth, but if you want to take one side, I won’t object.”
“I’m not helpless, either. Let’s share the burden, shall we?”
He touched the brim of his hat. “It’s what family does, right?”
They maneuvered up the steps, following Ruby and Kum Yong through the narrow entry hall. Their footsteps echoed over the wood floor. A spacious room filled with tables and chairs opened up to the left, a large upright piano tucked in one corner.
Ruby glanced around. “Where is everyone?”
Kum Yong smiled. “At their lessons. All the girls are either studying in their rooms or attending classes. It’s a rare moment of quiet. You chose a good time to arrive.” She gestured toward a closed door off the entry. “Miss Cameron is meeting with one of the board members now, or she’d be here to welcome you. Perhaps you’d like to see your bedchamber first?”
Elizabeth smoothed her vest. After her long trip, she probably smelled like an organ grinder’s monkey. “Yes, I’d love to freshen up before I meet everyone.”
“I’ll take you up straightaway.” Kum Yong glanced at Gerald. “I’m sorry, Dr. Larkspur, but you’ll need to wait in the reception area. Men aren’t welcomed upstairs, in general.” She reached for the trunk. “I can help Miss King.”
He released the handle with a grin. “I see I’m not needed here.”
Ruby touched his arm. “I’ll settle Elizabeth in and be down in a moment.”
Elizabeth embraced her brother-in-law. “Thank you so much, Gerald.”
He smiled. “I hope we’ll see you at the house soon.”
The scent of fresh paint stung her eyes as they climbed the steep staircase, the weight of the trunk bumping her knee with each step. Kum Yong led the way to the last room on the right.
Elizabeth set the trunk beside the narrow bed. She straightened and glanced around the sterile chamber. A desk and a small bureau topped with a basin and pitcher took up most of the remaining space.
Kum Yong lifted the window shade, allowing a little light to filter into the room. “We haven’t had time to decorate. We’ve barely moved in ourselves. But the girls are all excited to meet you.”
Elizabeth stifled a yawn and leaned against the door frame with a sigh. “I’m just relieved to be still for a moment. I’ve been rushing from here to there since daybreak.”
Ruby squeezed her arm. “You must be weary. I’ll leave you to unpack. Besides, Gerald looked a little forlorn being left alone downstairs.”
“I’ll walk you to the door.” Kum Yong stepped into the hall.
After Elizabeth hugged her sister good-bye, she closed the door behind the two women and sank down on the bare mattress. The springs creaked, the sound loud in her ears. She unlatched the trunk and pushed open the lid, the scent of home bringing tears to her eyes. Ridiculous. She’d only been gone a few hours—why did it feel like a lifetime? How would she survive a whole year if her heart ached on arrival? Elizabeth drew out her mother’s quilt and pressed it to her chest.
God, how can I be so weak?
The door creaked.
Elizabeth hopped up. Had Kum Yong returned so soon? The door had only opened a crack. Maybe it hadn’t latched properly. She placed a hand against it, but met with a slight resistance. Elizabeth put her face to the gap.
A glittering pair of eyes peered back at her. After a quick blink, the tiny girl spun and raced down the hall, her feet thumping across the wooden floor.
“Wait,” Elizabeth called, her voice echoing along the corridor. “Don’t run off, please.”
The child turned, two braids hanging over her shoulders. “I didn’t mean to spy.”
Elizabeth beckoned her forward. “I don’t mind a bit. What’s your name?”
The girl approached, her steps measured. “Yoke Soo.”
“I’m Miss King. I’m delighted to meet you. I heard you sing in Sacramento.” Elizabeth pulled the door all the way open. “Would you like to come in?”
Yoke Soo’s eyes widened. “Into your room?”
Elizabeth stepped back and surveyed the tiny chamber. “It’s not much to look at yet, but I was just thinking how I might make it more pleasant. Maybe you could help me.” Her heart warmed as the child crossed the threshold. Perhaps