Katherine’s expression sharpens. “So you and your husband live in a large house, have wealthy parents, and have never faced hunger.” Her tone is mocking.
“Don’t tease me—I’m trying to make a point.”
“What point is that?”
“These stories about Jamaica.” I wave theGleanerat Katherine, “The economy is in ruins, and the people are struggling. A handful of wealthy business owners control the lives of most Jamaicans, who are fighting to feed their families and to survive. There’s also a hierarchy based on skin color.” I pause to take a breath. “There is a labor union movement, but rallies are dangerous. Lives have been lost.”
Katherine squints. “You’ve described every island in the Caribbean, which, like America, is grappling with racism and the Depression. The economy didn’t just collapse in Chicago.”
“I know that.”
“Then what’s going on? You act like these hardships are a revelation.”
“It’s just that when I read these stories, I feel like I’ve spent my life in a cave called Hartfield House.”
“For the past few years, you’ve had good reason,” Katherine says, with a hint of sympathy in her gaze I don’t mind. “Your life has been turbulent to say the least and staying in your cave made sense.”
“Why would you think that?” I reply with a sad chuckle. “That’s why this expedition, this trip, is so important to me—and Tully.”
“I noticed you two during dinner last night.”
I lean forward in the steamer chair. “We weren’t fighting or anything like that. It’s just that I sometimes wish I lived in a fantasy. I dream of sitting on a veranda on a chilly evening with my husband, enjoying cups of hot chocolate, wrapped in a shawl. I want him to make love to me every night and every morning. I want to begin and end each day in each other’s arms.” I moisten my dry lips. “I want to have his baby.”
“There’s nothing medically wrong that says you can’t try again for a child, right?” Katherine swings her legs off the chair.
I shake my head. “No, there’s no physical reason.”
“Life isn’t perfect. You know that better than anyone else I know.”
“I do, but something has happened recently that could destroy any chance of Tully and me having that kind of happiness.”
“I really don’t want to know what’s going on. I told you that any issues between you and Tully can’t interfere with my expedition. But when I’m not high on my horse,” she smiles, “you can always talk to me.”
“I know, I know.”
Together, we lean back in our steamer chairs, stretch our legs, and cross our ankles. I gaze up at the crystal-blue sky and marvel at the view.
“It’s a visual masterpiece,” Katherine says, as if we share the same thoughts.
A crewman interrupts us. “Miss Durham, Mrs. Hartfield, I am delivering your telegrams.”
“Finally, word from the outside world has arrived,” Katherine says brightly.
Two telegrams are addressed to me—one from Maxi and the other from my father. I stuff both into my handbag, unwilling to share their contents, regardless of what they say. But I want to open Maxi’s letter in front of Tully. We had asked her about Clifford’s note, but I wouldn’t read it without Tully present.
Katherine tears open her telegram, reads it, and looks very unhappy. “Some of my meticulously arranged plans have gone awry,” she says. “My Accompong guide has quit before the job even starts.”
“I’m sorry.”
“He was injured at one of those labor union demonstrations you were reading about.” Katherine sighs. “I hate to ask, but did Maxi arrange a guide for you?”
“Yes. I believe it’s one of her relatives in Accompong,” I reply. “I’ll telegram her and confirm.”
Katherine blows out a mouthful of air. “And to think I made such a big deal about you not interfering with my expedition. And now I’m interfering in yours.”
“That’s not the case at all and you know it. I’m happy to help in any way I can.”
“I hope your guide isn’t involved in these demonstrations,” Katherine says. “We won’t make it to Accompong without one.”
