Gray leaned down to speak directly to her. “I want you to know that no matter how this afternoon turns out, you are a hero.”

Elaine beamed in reply, and he guided her toward Caroline, whose demeanor was gracious as she mingled among the dignitaries, but he could tell from her ramrod spine that she was terrified. When she spotted him, she sprang across the staging area and extended both hands to him.

“Thank you for coming!” Caroline gushed. “Are you Elaine?”

“I am.”

“Prince Gustav has been in this country for a month, and he’s said how impressed he is with what the Library of Congress has accomplished for the blind. Your appearance here will show our country in a good light. I’ve already arranged for a tour of the library following the ceremony.”

Then Caroline noticed the line of others standing behind Elaine. “My goodness . . . there are more?”

Elaine looked a little abashed. “Everyone wanted to come. Do you mind?”

“Not at all,” Caroline exclaimed. “I shall inform the prince that a blind delegation from the Library of Congress is here to support his sister. The countess is only twelve, but it would be wonderful for her to meet all of you. Let me go make arrangements.”

Caroline disappeared into the crowd while Annabelle leaned close to Elaine and described the sight. “The countess is dressed like a fabulous doll. Tight corset, hair done up in ringlets, and it looks like a real fox-fur collar. Imagine that, a fur collar in June. And a real tiara!”

“Are we underdressed?” Elaine asked.

“No, no!” Annabelle assured her. They were the only ones not dripping in jewels or medals, but Annabelle knew the perfect thing to say. “You are wearing faces more radiant and excited than all these stuffy officers.”

“We start in five minutes,” Caroline said as she scurried back to rejoin the group. “The prince and the countess are thrilled you are here, and guess what? Prince Gustav has issued an invitation for all of you to sail on the yacht’s maiden voyage immediately following the ceremony. All of you! Won’t that be wonderful?”

A handful of the blind people began to laugh and applaud, but Annabelle and Elaine both looked sick.

Annabelle was glad she stood beside Elaine, who began to keel over at the invitation to sail on the yacht. Annabelle reached out to steady her. “You don’t have to do it,” she whispered.

“Yes, I do.”

Annabelle’s eyes widened. Elaine’s face was sickly white, but her voice was firm.

“I want to be a part of this,” she continued. “If a twelve-year-old girl can do it, I can too. I’m tired of being afraid. I’ll regret it for the rest of my life if I take the coward’s way out.”

Annabelle’s breath left her in a rush. Never had she been so proud of Elaine.