He spent the rest of the day in the residency with his wife Julia.
***
Ambassador Merriam Livingston-Vance paced the small windowless enclosure, counting the stone inlays from one end of the room to the other. She was remembering her first day at school in this country.
Chapter 2
The Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights,
September, 1954
The blue-eyed girl with the flaming red hair and milk-white complexion looked at herself in the full length mirror and sighed. "I do not know what to do with this hair. And these clothes do not feel right. Do you have any suggestions?"
The stocky man in his mid-forties standing beside her said, "You look fine." He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You're a bit taller than average for your age, and clothes won't hide that." He laughed. "Which means all the boys will look up to you." Seeing she wasn't amused, he said, "As for the hair, try a pony tail."
Seven year old Merriam Livingston pulled her hair back and fastened it with a clasp, then turned around and flashed a brief smile. "Shall I call you father?"
"Too formal. Let's use mommy and daddy, and pronounce your words carefully to veil the accent."
"Do not worry. In a short time I will be speaking as a true midwesterner. But you are right. The less notice I attract the better. Being adopted is going to cause enough talk. I am sure your neighbors have spread the word. The children will ask what happened to my real parents. Frankly, I do not want to get into any discussions about my past." She moved around him and sat on the bed to put on her shoes.
He was silent for a moment as he opened the curtains to her bedroom and looked out at the tree-lined street below. A hazy morning, the sun just breaking through. Weather forecast promised the low seventies by afternoon. Turning to her, he said, "School started a week ago, and coming in late you can't help but be the center of attention. But that will quickly pass, and in the meantime I would suggest you be the shy, silent type. If you're asked, just say that you'd rather not talk about your parents, that Charles and Anne Livingston are your family now."
"Did I hear my name mentioned?" Anne asked as she entered the room with a cup of coffee. She was wearing jeans, plaid shirt and sweater, the purse over her shoulder suggesting it was time to take Merriam to school.
"Just talking about handling her first encounter with the kids at school," Charles said. He smiled inwardly at the contrast between the two females. Anne a short-haired, brown-eyed diminutive blonde, and Merriam nearly as tall at seven years old with that shock of bright red hair and deep blue eyes.
Anne finished her last sip of coffee. "I don't see that as being a problem, but I would suggest that you watch and learn from the other children. For example, look at the way you're sitting, Merriam, straight as an arrow. Slump a little. Place your elbow on your knee and rest your head in your hand. Make your body appear lazy."
Merriam followed the directions, said with a grin, "I feel ridiculous. And I guess I should run and skip and chatter breathlessly on the playground, clap my hands frequently. What was it Epictetus said? Who is not attracted by bright and pleasant children, to prattle, to creep, and to play with them?"
Anne gave her a playful pat. "Yes, and don't forget to throw in a scream once in a while. Sniffle too. Runny noses are most child-like. Also, Merriam, watch what you say. A few slang words are appropriate. Just listen to how the others are expressing themselves, and don't sound too intelligent for your age."
Merriam stood and tucked the white blouse into the dark green skirt. "I feel as though I am playing a role on stage."
"And so you are," Charles said, a serious look on his face.
Merriam glanced at her watch and took a deep breath. "I guess it is time to go."
***
"Children," Mrs. Renfro said in a loud voice to break through the buzz of conversation and ripples of giggles, "take your seats now and be very quiet. We have a new student joining us today. Her name is Merriam Livingston, and I'm sure each one of you will make her feel welcome. Merriam, please stand and say hello to your classmates."
Merriam stood and nodded with a shy smile, then quickly sat down, feeling all eyes on her.
Mrs. Renfro said, "When we go out for recess, children, I want all of you to introduce yourselves to Merriam. She just moved to town, and I'm sure she's looking forward to making new friends."
The little blonde haired boy behind Merriam touched her shoulder and whispered, "My name's Bobby and my daddy's a policeman and carries a gun."
She turned back toward him, said, "My father owns a book store. When you are older you might enjoy browsing the shelves."
Bobby fell back in his seat, eyes squinting.
Merriam smiled to herself, then focused on what Mrs. Renfro was writing on the blackboard.
***
Charles Livingston picked up the ringing phone at his store. Hearing the voice he put the caller on hold and went into his private office and closed the door, quickly moving to the phone on his desk. He said, "I was expecting your call earlier. Anne took Merriam to school this morning, and by now I imagine she's settling in without difficulty. How about the others?"
A woman's voice on the other end said, "I have reports from ten of the twelve, and everything seems to be in order. I'll check on Carlton Matthews next." She paused. "Just remember, Charles, everything from home life, to school, and all regular childhood activities must appear as normal as possible."
"What about church?"
"Do what is socially accepted and go where the three of you would be most comfortable, probably one with a large congregation where you would blend in yet still be seen. You don't want to be singled out for participation in informal church gatherings."
"How often do you wish us to report to you?"
"As I've told the others, once a month for a year, then annually. Once Merriam leaves home to attend college, she's on her own, and you and Anne will have no further responsibility."
"I'll call you a month from today," Charles said as he turned the calendar and marked the date with the letter 'A'.
***
Although she was viewed by the other children as strange, shy, an egghead, and hesitant to join in games, she went through the school year without incident. It was spring, however, before she made any real friends. Debbie Nelson, one of the most popular girls in school, invited her over for a slumber party. From then on Merriam was accepted as part of the inner circle of Highlands Elementary School. She was beginning to enjoy the role of a typical youngster from an average American family.
The following summer while returning home from an outing on Lake Michigan, eight year old Merriam told her parents she wanted to have a birthday party. "Before school starts in September," she said from the back seat.
Charles moved to another lane to get away from a tail-gating eighteen wheeler, said, "Why do I have the feeling that you're not referring to the kind of party that would appeal to most kids your age?"
Merriam laughed.
