Chapters (51)
- Cover
- Books by Elizabeth Camden
- Title Page
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
- Six
- Seven
- Eight
- Nine
- Ten
- Eleven
- Twelve
- Thirteen
- Fourteen
- Fifteen
- Sixteen
- Seventeen
- Eighteen
- Nineteen
- Twenty
- Twenty-One
- Twenty-Two
- Twenty-Three
- Twenty-Four
- Twenty-Five
- Twenty-Six
- Twenty-Seven
- Twenty-Eight
- Twenty-Nine
- Thirty
- Thirty-One
- Thirty-Two
- Thirty-Three
- Thirty-Four
- Thirty-Five
- Thirty-Six
- Thirty-Seven
- Thirty-Eight
- Thirty-Nine
- Forty
- Forty-One
- Forty-Two
- Historical Note
- Questions for Discussion
- In 2020, look forCaroline Delacroix’sstory in
- About the Author
- Back Ads
- Back Cover
As if his thoughts had summoned her, Annabelle pushed through the heavy brass door, a radiant smile on her face. One man held the door open while Annabelle left the building, and directly behind her came a willowy woman with her hand on Annabelle’s shoulder as she stared sightlessly ahead of her. Elaine was beautiful. She looked a little like Annabelle, but her hair was chestnut instead of dark—
His eyes widened in surprise, for behind Elaine walked another man with his hand braced on her shoulder. And behind him was a young boy not even old enough to shave, also holding on to the shoulder of the person before him. And another. And another. A single-file line of a dozen blind people walked out of the building as they followed Annabelle straight toward him.
“They all wanted to come,” Annabelle said, excitement brimming in her voice. “Will it be possible?”
“Please say yes,” Elaine said. “This will be the most exciting thing that’s happened in ages.”
How was he going to get a dozen blind people across town in less than thirty minutes? It was too far to walk, and they couldn’t all fit in a carriage.
It didn’t matter. He would find a way.
He offered his hand to Elaine. “I’m Gray Delacroix,” he said formally.
“Hello, Mr. Delacroix,” Elaine replied, making no move to return his handshake. Annabelle reached for Elaine’s hand and placed it in his, and he nearly kicked himself for his stupidity. How could he lead a dozen blind people across town if he couldn’t even manage a simple introduction?
“Gray, this is my sister, Elaine,” Annabelle said. “Elaine is the woman who convinced me to look beyond the horizon of our farm to see the wider world.”
“Then I shall be forever grateful to you,” he said, covering Elaine’s hand with both of his own. “I have a feeling the world would be far blander without both Larkin sisters.”
He boarded the next streetcar and, with the help of the driver, managed to clear enough space for the blind passengers. It took a while to lead them all aboard and get them settled, and the clock continued to tick, but twenty minutes later, the streetcar arrived at the Navy Yard. A spectacular yacht was moored in port, and plenty of officers from both the U.S. and German navy were on hand. A brass band played patriotic tunes, and colorful bunting draped the raised platform at the launching area. It was crowded with men in uniforms and formal attire, but it was easy to spot the prince, who wore a scarlet sash and a collection of medals on his chest.
Elaine seemed entranced by the music and liveliness in the air. Even without sight, she must be able to sense the pageantry, for her face glowed with excitement.