Once again, their life had been pulled up by its roots, but now that she had been set down in this new, strange place, she might as well make the best of it. She had no intention of sitting around the house all day.

“We have two white schools, Mrs. Jenks,” the superintendent told her. Noble spoke quietly, almost huskily. As he talked, he held his lapels like an amateur actor. He would have been uncommonly handsome but for his bad teeth. “This one and Union. May I get you a glass of tea?”

“No, thank you.”

“Fine schools,” he continued, looking out the open casement window at the giant elms that made a tunnel of the street. He turned back to his polished oak desk, its top clear except for a porcelain inkwell. He flipped through her letters. “Impressive,” he said. “According to these, you must be a fine teacher. We’d be fortunate to engage you.”

“That’s very kind of you to say.”

“Not at all.” He lingered over the last reference, from Hugh MacRae. Then he handed the sheaf back to her. “Neither Hemenway nor Union, I’m afraid, has an opening.”

“Oh. I was led to believe—”

“Now, Mrs. Jenks.” He approached her, smiling. “The schools must remain above politics.”

“Politics? I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

“I’m genuinely sorry I can’t help you. Or Mr. MacRae. A man with such an interest in our schools.”

“Mr. Noble, I really don’t think—”

“Perhaps he can find a position for you at his mill. Or his bank.”

She was beginning to understand. “Now, look—I’m not asking for any special favors.”

“Mrs. Jenks,” he cautioned her, still smiling. “You’re new in this city. Don’t say anything you might regret.”

She glared at him—if only he were angry, direct. “Look, I’m sorry we got off on the wrong foot.”

He flung his arms wide. “I’m a magnanimous man, Mrs. Jenks. I accept your apology.”

Apology? She said, “I’ve taken up enough of your time.”

“We have many local ladies who would be very good in the classroom, but we can’t hire them, either. There’s been a depression, you know.”

“It’s not a hobby, Mr. Noble. Not something I do to amuse myself in my spare time. I’m a trained teacher, I’ve got experience. It’s my profession.”

He smiled and held the door for her. “Yes, of course it is.”

She turned to go but felt a soft hand on her arm. She faced him. He looked at her directly for the first time. He spoke more softly than ever. “A word of advice? Your high-handed attitude is going to put people off.”