It was hard for Caroline to enjoy the cozy warmth and celebration knowing that, at this very moment, Luke was alone in his cell. This election was surely the most consequential one of her life.

Her own anxiety didn’t matter. Instead, she circulated among the guests, serving hot buttered rum and witty conversation, and doing her best to keep the mood light as the hour grew late and everyone anticipated the arrival of the telegram.

Throughout the night, she sensed Nathaniel, always in the background but never far from the president. Her feet ached from wearing heels for the past sixteen hours, but more than anything, she craved a cigarette. Almost every man gathered here tonight held a pipe, a cigar, or a cigarette. The combination of exhaustion, election night jitters, a fine meal, and watching others indulge created a storm of longing. It had been six weeks since she’d had a cigarette, but tonight the craving came roaring back. A few minutes in clean, fresh air would help.

Ida sat enthroned in her chair with both of her nieces beside her. She had a glass of wine and a smile on her face. Caroline crossed to her.

“Is there anything you need from me? I’d like to step outside for some air.”

Ida cheerfully waved her away. “Go, go. This place smells like a smokestack.”

Never were truer words spoken. Caroline grabbed her cloak and made a beeline for the door to the back garden. It was chilly and dark outside, her breath turning to wisps in the moonlight. Her lungs filled with cold air, the scent of wet peat and old leaves soothing her restless spirit. Part of her still wanted a cigarette, but she took in another deep breath, trying to convince herself the fresh air was better.

“Are you alone out here?”

She whirled to see Nathaniel standing on the back stoop, watching her.

“Must you creep up on me?”

He stepped closer, looking around the darkened garden. “Not creeping, but I saw you leave and you looked upset. I wondered why.”

She hugged herself. How could she tell this man that her entire world hinged on what happened in the next few hours? Luke’s freedom hung in the balance, and even though it looked as if McKinley would win, she couldn’t take it for granted.

“I know you don’t like it when I speak of my brother, but a lot is riding on this election for me. At times like these, I could really use a cigarette.” She drew a bracing breath of cold air and put on an overly confident demeanor. “But I shall be strong,” she tossed off. “A Puritan. I shan’t indulge in the dreaded crutch of tobacco. I shan’t even take advantage of the moonlit night and fling myself at you again.”

Even in the dim light she could see the flush staining his cheeks. “I thought you had forgotten that night.”