Annabelle listened in baffled amazement as Caroline described Luke’s plan to distribute counterfeit applesauce to scientists and newspaper reporters. In so doing, they would shine a spotlight on Magruder Food’s penchant for adulterating their products. The editor of Good Housekeeping, Mrs. Eleanor Sharpe, put a great deal of stock into the work being done by the Department of Agriculture, and Caroline wanted to capitalize on it.

“I know all about Good Housekeeping,” Annabelle said. The magazine had already begun an informal partnership with the Department of Agriculture to bring attention to the problem of tainted foods.

Caroline’s demeanor remained glacially cold as she continued. “Gray is under the mistaken impression that it is men who will sound the alarm about the Magruders’ foul tactics. I disagree. I think we need the Mrs. Sharpes of the world. And the homemakers and the mothers.” Her nose wrinkled. “Even the farmer’s daughter from Kansas. Mrs. Sharpe is also from Kansas. Between that and your connection to the Department of Agriculture, you can get your foot in the door at Good Housekeeping.”

If she could do something to help Gray, she wouldn’t hesitate. “How can I help?”

“Gray is sailing the Pelican to Boston, where he will launch the attack,” Caroline said. “I want you to be on that ship.”

Annabelle recoiled at the suggestion. “You want me to drop everything and run to Boston?” she asked in amazement.

“My work for the first lady means I am not at liberty to go. That leaves you.”

“No.” It was unthinkable. She had a life here, a job, Elaine. . . .

“You owe us,” Caroline said, her voice as hard as iron. “Gray can’t make an impression on Good Housekeeping the way you can. He’s fighting with one arm tied behind his back if all he does is appeal to political journalists. We need Mrs. Sharpe, and he doesn’t know how to talk to her. Good Housekeeping is the most prominent ladies’ magazine in the country, and it’s the logical place to launch this war.”

“This isn’t my battle,” Annabelle said. “I can’t go.”

Caroline moved in closer. “Gray says you’re patriotic. Clyde Magruder is running for Congress, where he will clear the path for chemically treated foods and devious business practices in the legislative infrastructure of this country. You can help stop him.”

“Gray will throw me off his ship.”

“He’ll want to, but he’s also a logical man who has the ability to see reason. He needs your help to make Luke’s plan succeed.”

The only thing Annabelle truly wanted from Gray was his forgiveness. He’d already rejected her words of apology, but what if she showed him her desire to make amends?

Caroline outlined a plan to smuggle her aboard the Pelican and then get her to Good Housekeeping in nearby Springfield, Massachusetts, while Gray and Otis worked in Boston.