“I live with Reverend Nathan and his wife at the AMC Fellowship Church on State Street.”
“I haven’t heard of that church,” I say.
“There are a thousand churches on State Street in Chicago, and you’ve only heard of the one you attend every other Sunday.”
“Yes, Katherine.” I smile. “That is true.”
“The 24th Street church is run by Reverend Nathan and his wife, Miss Lucille,” Othella explains. “They manage an orphanage in the church basement. I have lived there since I was ten, when my momma passed away. She was a wonderful mother. Her name was Ella. Born in Jamaica, she came to this country in 1915. She always talked about returning to the island one day and bringing me to meet my relatives.”
“That’s the same year Maxi, my maid, arrived in Chicago,” I tell Othella.
“Maybe, they knew each other.” Othella smiles.
“I doubt it. Maxi doesn’t know anyone outside of my family and our friends. At least I’ve never met them.”
“Did you know that Vivian Jean and I are heading to Jamaica tomorrow?” Katherine says.
“Oh, ma’am. Can I come with you? I have excellent penmanship, keep excellent records, and I can cook, too,” she adds breathlessly.
“That sounds delightful, but our trip to Kingston is already booked,” Katherine responds.
Out of nowhere, a young man approaches, calling Othella’s name. “My goodness. Where have you been?” He kneels in front of her. “I heard about a girl being attacked and prayed it wasn’t you. But it was you. Are you okay? You look okay, but my God, how awful.”
It takes him a moment to notice Katherine and me.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt, ladies. Mrs. Hartfield, Mrs. Dunham, my name is Robbie Barnes. I’m an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago, working to become an anthropologist, like you. My particular interest is ecology and tropical plants.”
“I take it this young man is a friend of yours?” Katherine asks.
“He introduced me to Mrs. Hartfield’s father.”
“Oh, right, my father,” I respond. “So, you’re both acquainted with Major Thomas?”
Robbie chimes in. “He offered me a scholarship to the University of Chicago through the Bronzeville Federal Savings and Loan. Othella just met him, and she’s interested in a scholarship, too.”
“In that case, we should find my father—maybe I can help get your application in front of him and his committee.”
“Oh, ma’am. Thank you, but that’s okay. I don’t want to impose.”
“It’s the least I can do.”
“Honestly, it’s fine.”
“Well, while you two debate Vivian Jean’s offer—” Katherine stands up from the bench. “Let’s head back to the party. I want to enjoy more of the reception before we have to leave. We don’t want to miss our train.”
As we head back into the ballroom, I take a moment to speak with Katherine. “Are you okay?” Her estranged husband, Jordis, had stomped into the party, trying to cause a scene. Katherine managed to remain mostly unaffected by his blustering, but I couldn’t shake my concern for her. She’s a determined woman who often forges ahead without seeking help, even when she deserves it. I truly admire her independence, but sometimes accepting a helping hand is wise, even for a woman like Katherine, who believes herself capable of tackling any challenge on her own.
“I’m okay, Vivian Jean. Your father loved playing the hero, and after the day you both had, I’m pleased to have given him that chance.”
I smile. “Cut the sarcasm.”
“Is it sarcasm? Your father was like a knight in shining armor who came to my rescue.”
“I don’t understand why you sought him out—truthfully, we could have managed Jordis ourselves. He was tipsy.”
“We’re practically in ball gowns. Why must we deal with such unruly behavior ourselves?”
Katherine surrenders with a raise of her hand. “If you say so.”
