“Actually, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about. You might recall that the leader of the Oak Harbor Suffrage Club invited me and other suffragists to her home.”
“Oh yes. It sounds terribly exciting.”
“A weekend listening to educated speakers is exactly my cup of tea, but unfortunately, I think the journey will be too much for me.”
Winnie nodded sympathetically. “You have been pushing yourself rather hard, and we need our leader in tiptop shape.”
Clem sighed. “That was Aunt Della’s argument too, which is why I would like to know if you’re willing to go in my stead.”
A burst of laughter escaped her, but died when Clem didn’t join in. “Wait, are you serious? Me?”
“Why not you? You’re accomplished at taking notes, you have a keen mind, and if I’m not mistaken, a desire for a little adventure.”
She squinted. “You’re buttering me up.”
“Me?” She smiled and caught the pillow Winnie tossed at her. “In all seriousness, I think you’re the best person to represent our group.”
“Surely Della and Judith are more accomplished than I am.”
“You have different but equally valuable abilities. However, neither of them wishes to undergo the journey. They’re getting up in years, and they prefer the comforts of our home.”
“That’s understandable, but how about Susannah—?”
“Susannah has little ones to care for, and Elizabeth is too young.”
She was running out of options. “Rhoda?”
Clem threw back her head and laughed. “I have no doubt Rhoda would accept, but I do not think I’m ready to unleash her upon the world.”
Winnie giggled at the thought. Their spirited friend was likely to start a riot, and they’d have to bail her out of jail.
“And Olive needs more time to develop her confidence. She’ll get there eventually, but not by the weekend. That leaves you.”
“Hardly a sterling recommendation.”
“You should also know that your piece on the Society’s petition campaign in the last newsletter received a lot of positive attention. Many of my correspondents remarked on it, and they requested that you contribute to more newsletters. Who knows, maybe there will be a larger space for you to write later on? Perhaps even for WESA.”
Winnie’s heart pounded at the mere possibility of writing for the state’s equal suffrage organization. She threw up her hands. “There’s that butter again. You saved the best for last on purpose.”
“If I didn’t think you were capable of it, I wouldn’t be asking.”
She chewed her lip and mulled over the possibility. “I’ve never been to Whidbey Island,” she said. “Nor been a passenger on a local steamboat. Is it as romantic as it sounds?”
Clem’s lips quirked. “It can be with the right person. But I would also prepare for some discomfort as well.”
“Itdoessound like a grand opportunity. It would also make a fabulous human-interest piece.” Mack’s closed-off expression flashed before her, dousing her fledging enthusiasm. “Which means Mack Donnelly would never approve it.”
“You’ll never know unless you try.”
Her insecurities supplied more excuses. “Even if he does, I do not have the funds to cover the travel costs.”
“An allowance has already been approved. You’ll have to budget wisely, but there’s no need to spend your own money.”
“I don’t have anywhere to stay.”
“A hotel room is booked in my name. I’ll notify the name change by telegram first thing tomorrow.”
She pursed her lips. “I don’t know anyone there. Maybe they will label me an imposter.”
