Her chest felt heavy as she opened another trunk. The hope of a presidential pardon was a talisman she’d clung to during the long months of Luke’s imprisonment, but now it was gone forever. Since Luke intended to plead guilty, the best she could hope for was a life sentence to be served somewhere in the continental United States. She would have to draw on all her connections to make it happen, which meant she needed to remain in Washington.

She opened the top bureau drawer to begin packing the accessories. Her heart squeezed as she lifted the crystal-studded hair snood Ida had loaned her the night of the state dinner, when she’d huddled with Nathaniel on the back staircase. She placed the snood on a layer of tissue paper, carefully folding it into place. What a wonderful time these eighteen months in the White House had been. Difficult, challenging, and sometimes painful, but overall a time of gilded memories she would forever cherish.

“Ida McKinley!” Pina gasped as she spotted the hidden trove of cosmetics in Ida’s top drawer. “Have you been using face paint?”

“Nonsense,” Ida retorted. “Those belong to Caroline.”

All eyes in the room turned to Caroline, who would gladly shoulder the blame. “Yes. I purchased every item in that drawer.” It was a true statement, as Caroline had a better eye for selecting the perfect natural shade of cosmetics, but she and Ida both indulged in wearing makeup.

“Then we ought to leave these with her,” Pina said, holding the box of cosmetics away from her body as though handling explosives.

“No, no, Caroline is coming with me,” Ida insisted. “So are the cosmetics. Pack them in the toiletry case.”

Caroline froze, knowing it was time to clarify her intentions. She reached for some handkerchiefs to fold—anything to avoid looking Ida in the face while delivering the painful news.

“Actually, I intend to stay in Washington,” she said. “But you should still take the cosmetics with you. I have my own.”

“What’s this nonsense?” Ida said. “You agreed you would serve through the Major’s second term.” Her iron tone did not bode well, and Caroline chose her words carefully.

“Of course, but that was when we believed it would be in Washington. I have obligations here—”

“What obligations?” Ida demanded. “You were certainly willing to traipse all over the country on the train tour. I need you in Ohio. You have a duty.”

Caroline set the handkerchiefs inside a trunk. “I’ll gladly keep in touch to provide advice to Pina or anyone else who helps with the secretarial duties, but my family is here, and I need to stay.”

Ida banged her cane on the floor. “Your family is with me,” she insisted. “You’re going to Ohio.”

“No, I’m not,” Caroline said, trying to keep her voice calm. “I belong in Washington and can’t leave.”