Of Better Blood by Susan Moger

Author:Susan Moger [Moger, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-5040-3152-3
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Published: 2016-02-02T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 30

Mrs. Van Giesen collects herself and says, “Which one of you is Rowan?”

Dorchy pokes me.

“I am.”

“Rowan.” Mrs. Van Giesen reaches out her hand. I take it. She squeezes it between both of hers, and the sapphire digs into my skin. “I’m so very pleased to see you.” She looks at my crutch. “We heard you had died.”

Died? I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“Do call me Cecily.” Her hand trembles and she lets go of mine. “I know your father—or used to know him, I should say.” She takes a deep breath. “He traveled so much during the war, and afterward too, I’m told. I’m sure you hear from him, but…”

“No,” I say firmly. “I don’t. Not once in five years.”

She nods. “Well, I’m sorry, but before we go further, I must vet you.”

“Vet me?”

“Establish that you are who you claim to be.” She laughs and clicks open her handbag. “Though you do bear an uncanny resemblance to Franklin.” She pulls out a leather notebook and gold pen. “Your father’s date of birth?”

It’s my turn to laugh. “Father doesn’t share information about himself, but I can tell you this.” I take a breath and recite so fast the words run together, “HiramFaithJeremiahSarahGalenKatherinePeterSukeyHiramBetsyObadiahAnn—”

“Stop.” Cecily holds up her hand; her nose wrinkles. “What on earth does that mean?”

“It’s the Collier family tree. I started with the first Colliers in America, Hiram and Faith, 1634, and continued up the trunk to Father. Or I would have, if you hadn’t stopped me. He made me memorize their names in order when I was five.” Reciting the old names has an odd effect on me. I feel a surge of confidence. Father once said no to this woman, and she has no idea that I know.

Cecily beams at me. “That sounds just like Franklin. His lineage was so important to him.” Her chin juts out. “As ours is to us, of course.”

Of course.

“So now that I know you are who you say you are, I have to ask.” Her voice hardens. “Did he send you here to spy on us?”

What? I would laugh except that her eyes look as cold as her voice sounds. “I told you the truth. I haven’t heard from him for five years,” I say slowly. “He has no idea where I am.” Saying that aloud makes me feel strong. “I wouldn’t spy for him if he asked.”

“Then you will be my new assistant.” Cecily’s voice sparkles like her eyes. She is all sweetness again. “We’ll work together at the house. The other girl who came with you…what is her name again? She’ll stay here and help Nurse Blunt with the girls. I’m sure Vera didn’t mean it when she said to keep you two away from the campers. Miss Latigue will be staying at the house too.” She looks at me expectantly.

“Thank you, Mrs. Van Giesen.”

“Oh, please call me Cecily.”

My mind is racing. Miss Latigue never mentioned the possibility that Dorchy and I would be separated. I look for Dorchy to see if she heard, but she has her back to me, talking to Posy and the twins.

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