The new house will be pretty rather than grand, two stories high, with diamond-paned windows, a peaked tin roof, and a wide, pillared front porch. Asia names the house-to-be Tudor Hall. The old log cabin is to be given to Joe and Ann.

—

In November, Edwin turns eighteen.

—

In December, June sends Father a letter. He says that Father could make a lot of money by coming to perform in California, where gold is plentiful and elevated entertainment scarce.

xv

In 1852, June has convinced his father to come West.

This story begins in a familiar way. No one imagines for a moment that Father can make the trip alone. June and his Harriet (called Hattie) make the long trip from San Francisco to pick him up, and another actor, George Spear (Old Spudge to his friends), joins them in New York. Old Spudge has the face of a clown—mobile mouth, pouches under his eyes, fringe of hair in a wreath around the dome of his head—and the voice of a tragedian. He can do it all.

Edwin is to be, at long last, left home. He’ll resume his schooling, catch up to Asia and Johnny. He’ll be able to finally accept an offer from the Baltimore Museum to join the company as a utility player, on salary, taking smaller roles and learning his craft. He’ll remember who he is when he’s not with Father—this will take time.

He will rest.

June has tickets on a steamer from New York to Panama. But at the last minute, Father refuses to board. He’s too anxious; even drink won’t steady his nerves. He insists he can’t manage. He needs Edwin. The ship sails without them while Edwin is fetched up from Baltimore.

This is crushing. Edwin arrives in a bad mood and everything about the journey will keep him glowering. After insisting that Edwin is absolutely necessary, Father all but ignores him in favor of the raucous company and sentimental reminiscences of Old Spudge. June, too, shows little interest in him. Edwin’s not spent time with Hattie before. She’s dark-haired and beautiful. He can’t help but notice this. Which makes it all the more offensive when she treats him like a child. Hattie is younger by some months than Edwin, yet she seems to think she’s the same age as June. It’s insulting.

Sometime during his earlier travels, Edwin’s caul mysteriously disappeared from Mother’s cupboard. He is naked without it. Anything could happen to him now.

—