Mrs. McKinley did not welcome commentary from an underling like the photographer. She pursed her lips while frowning at Rembrandt’s vest. “Couldn’t you have found clothing that fit? You are representing the White House today, and that vest looks like it belongs to a man half your size.”

It was true that Rembrandt’s vest was too small, but didn’t Mrs. McKinley realize how little a photographer earned? Rembrandt flushed but made no comment. Nathaniel glanced at Caroline, wondering if she would intervene, but she kept perusing the fashion magazine.

“It says here that Madam Zane’s shop in Richmond is now selling scarlet gloves.”

Mrs. McKinley sniffed. “I wonder if Madam Zane can tailor a gentleman’s vest to make it fit.”

Rembrandt wilted even further, and Nathaniel had to bite his tongue. It didn’t matter how much he disliked Mrs. McKinley, it was his job to protect her.

“We’re here,” he said tersely as the carriage came to a halt outside a three-story brick building. A small crowd had gathered, for it had been announced that the president would be dedicating the plaque, but he’d been called away by a crisis with the budget, and Mrs. McKinley had taken his place.

Nathaniel hopped down from the carriage and greeted the officer who’d been waiting for them in the hospital yard. Captain Dorset was the hospital’s administrator and the man who’d organized the ceremony today.

“I’ll need some help getting Mrs. McKinley’s wheelchair unstrapped from the rear boot,” Nathaniel said to Captain Dorset. “The first lady also brought some bouquets that need to be unloaded.”

Captain Dorset ordered a pair of soldiers to help with the tasks while Nathaniel scanned the grounds. The yard was small, bordered by a hip-high brick wall and shaded by towering oaks. There were no clear lines of sight. A small Marine band of a dozen soldiers were in formation with their instruments at the ready. A few civilians gathered outside the wall began clapping as Mrs. McKinley descended from the carriage. The two Marine guards maintained a stoic expression as they carried the towering bouquets of daffodils and tuberoses that were so tall, they completely obscured their faces.

“Let’s get inside quickly,” Nathaniel said to Captain Dorset. He didn’t want to wait for the band to play. All that could be handled indoors.

“Actually, we’ve moved the ceremony outside,” the captain said. “The weather is cooperating, and the hospital cafeteria is a dreary venue for an unveiling.”

Nathaniel straightened. “But the cafeteria is a protected location. I didn’t bring enough security for an outdoor ceremony.”

“Let’s move the bouquets to either side of the podium,” Captain Dorset directed the two Marines. A podium and ring of seating had already been set up. The band moved into position, and the small crowd began to clap.