Elizabeth drew out her mother’s quilt and pressed it to her chest.
God, how can I be so weak?
The door creaked.
Elizabeth hopped up. Had Kum Yong returned so soon? The door had only opened a crack. Maybe it hadn’t latched properly. She placed a hand against it, but met with a slight resistance. Elizabeth put her face to the gap.
A glittering pair of eyes peered back at her. After a quick blink, the tiny girl spun and raced down the hall, her feet thumping across the wooden floor.
“Wait,” Elizabeth called, her voice echoing along the corridor. “Don’t run off, please.”
The child turned, two braids hanging over her shoulders. “I didn’t mean to spy.”
Elizabeth beckoned her forward. “I don’t mind a bit. What’s your name?”
The girl approached, her steps measured. “Yoke Soo.”
“I’m Miss King. I’m delighted to meet you. I heard you sing in Sacramento.” Elizabeth pulled the door all the way open. “Would you like to come in?”
Yoke Soo’s eyes widened. “Into your room?”
Elizabeth stepped back and surveyed the tiny chamber. “It’s not much to look at yet, but I was just thinking how I might make it more pleasant. Maybe you could help me.” Her heart warmed as the child crossed the threshold. Perhaps this wouldn’t be so difficult. They were just children, after all. She shook out the quilt and let it fall across the mattress. “How old are you?”
The girl touched the quilt with a trembling hand. “Miss Cameron thinks I’m six, but she’s not certain.”
Elizabeth frowned. Not certain? She opened the trunk and surveyed the contents. Elizabeth drew out some embroidered handkerchiefs and handed them to the little girl. “Why don’t you spread one or two across the top of the bureau?”
Yoke Soo stepped close. “So pretty!” A smile teased at her tiny lips. She unfolded the cloth squares and arranged them on top of the dresser—two matching ones on each side, a different one in the center.
Elizabeth drew out a skirt and laid it across the bed. “Why don’t you hand me things, and I’ll find a place to put them away?”
The girl dug her hands into the chest and pulled out Elizabeth’s blue gown. Her fingers clutched the silk as it cascaded down like a waterfall.
“You like that one?” Elizabeth reached for the dress. “I made it myself. I’ll be teaching sewing here. Maybe I can teach you to make pretty things, too.”
Yoke Soo ran a finger along the embroidered bodice. “Mai Yoo had a blue silk dress when she came.”
Elizabeth knelt at the child’s side, trying to read her expression. “What happened to her dress?”
The little girl glanced up, the glossy blue fabric casting a pallor across her skin. “She didn’t like us. She went back.”
To the brothels? A prickle crept along Elizabeth’s back. “I’m sure she must have liked you.”
Yoke Soo’s lips pressed into a line and she shrugged. “Kum Yong said she missed her pretty things.”
“We all like pretty things. You wore a pretty red tunic in Sacramento.” Elizabeth eyed the child’s simple cotton shirt and loose trousers.
“Lo Mo says beauty comes from within. From Jesus’ love shining through us, like a lamp.” Yoke Soo’s cheeks pinked.
“Yes, well, I’m sure she’s correct. Must be why you’re so lovely.” Elizabeth couldn’t resist tweaking the tip of Yoke Soo’s nose. Elizabeth shook the wrinkles from the gown and hung it in the small closet.
Yoke Soo beamed and began removing garments from the trunk, admiring each one before handing it to Elizabeth. “You seem nice, for a teacher. I hope you’ll stay.”
At least she’d won over one pupil. “We’ll see if I meet with Miss Cameron’s approval.”
A sudden flurry of footsteps in the hall drew their attention. Yoke Soo’s face paled. A brown shirtwaist dropped from her hands. “Class is over. I should go.”
An older girl appeared in the doorway, brows drawn low over her piercing eyes. “Yoke Soo, you shouldn’t be here.”
Yoke Soo brushed past Elizabeth and hurried to the newcomer’s side. “I was just helping our new teacher, Tien Gum.”
The girl raised her head, pinning Elizabeth with a hardened gaze. “Teacher won’t want your help.”
“I beg to differ.” Elizabeth spoke up. “Yoke Soo has been quite helpful. In fact, we were just getting to know one another.” She stepped forward and clasped the edge of the door. “My name is Elizabeth King. I’m pleased to meet you.”
The girl snatched Yoke Soo’s hand and pulled her into the hall. “She’s not supposed to be upstairs during lesson time.” Her chin jutted forward.
Elizabeth sighed. “I see. But please, don’t blame Yoke Soo. I asked for her assistance.”
She strode away, tugging the younger girl behind her like a toy train.
Yoke Soo glanced back, her shoulders sagging.
Elizabeth waggled her fingers in farewell, earning a faint smile from her new friend. Hopefully, the girl wouldn’t get into too much trouble.
Students streamed up and down the hall, their chirping conversations dimming as they spotted the newcomer.
Elizabeth withdrew and closed the door with a gentle click. She should finish her work and dress for her meeting with Miss Cameron.
She lifted the last skirt from the bottom of the trunk—a green silk with pink roses. Her throat tightened remembering Yoke Soo’s reaction to the blue gown. Perhaps she’d best save the fancier frocks for times away from the Mission. She’d do her best to fit in, but if—like the child said—beauty was dependent on God’s light shining through, Elizabeth still had a lot of work ahead.
***
Charles shrugged off his suit jacket, the irresistible scent of roasting meat causing his stomach to growl like a wounded bear. He glanced around the corner cafe, the myriad of raucous conversations a welcome change from the quiet law office. “Not exactly a genteel locale.”
“Genteel?” Henry shouted over his shoulder. “San Francisco was founded by gold prospectors. If you want genteel, head east.” He ducked through the crowd, securing a table in the back.
Charles hung his coat and hat on the corner of a chair. “I guess I’ve not seen much outside the financial district.”
The man grinned, his round head bobbling on a short neck. “Time for some adventures, my friend.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Just keep in mind there are places to avoid, if you want to keep on your uncle’s good side.”
Charles
