Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t know the rules for how to behave when you find someone you trusted withheld information.”

She raised a single brow. “I was under no obligation to disclose my family history to you.”

“You didn’t think it was relevant for me to know that your twin brother is currently imprisoned and confessed to treason against the United States?”

“He’s not guilty,” she defended. “I don’t know why he confessed, but maybe he was tortured. That’s the only explanation I can think of. I know Luke is loyal to this country, but frankly, his legal situation is none of your business.”

“That’s a lie and you know it. You and your family may be the biggest security risk in the entire White House. I intend to tell President McKinley everything.”

“He already knows,” she snapped. “I told him the moment I learned of it, and he refused to take my resignation.”

Nathaniel’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “Why would he want you here?”

It hurt. Ida had become almost like a mother to her, which was ridiculous but true. Her own mother had died when Caroline was four, and Ida lost her only two daughters when they were children. Maybe that was why she and Ida had bonded so easily. Their relationship was unconventional, but it was nobody else’s business.

Caroline pointed to the embroidered silk vest she wore. “Do you see this vest?” she challenged. “It’s Mrs. McKinley’s. She asked me to wear it because she thinks the blue complements my eyes. And look at the shawl she’s wearing today. It’s mine! We trade clothes. We plan meals and parties and floral arrangements. When she falls ill, I play the mandolin for her, sometimes all night long. We bicker and fight, but in the end, I always deliver exactly what the president needs. He needs someone his wife can’t trample but who can still calm her down, steer her in the right direction, and make her happy. I can’t be fired.”

She prayed that was true, for Nathaniel looked ready to combust. She’d never seen him angry before, and she instinctively took a step back as he drew closer to her.

“I’ll be watching you,” he said in a cold voice. “If you place one foot wrong, I’ll find out about it and see you escorted out of here.”

She remained frozen in place, unable to draw a breath as he strode toward the exit. When he finally left, her knees felt like water, but she would not collapse. She would take this in stride and never falter, even if this journey took years.

“Oh, Luke, hang on,” she whispered, fearing his position was more precarious than ever.

Eleven