6
HOPE
MARCH 7, 1912
SSAMERIKA, ATLANTIC OCEAN
The sky was gray, though my mood was anything but cloudy. Excitement, anticipation, and energy coursed through me as I stood at the rail of the SSAmerika, a beautiful passenger liner, speaking to a group of journalists. Twin smokestacks rose into the heavy sky as passengers, crew members, and visitors mingled on the massive deck.
“What’s it like to be one of the first American women with a pilot’s license, Miss Cooper?” a reporter fromLeslie’s Illustrated Newspaperasked me, an admiring smile on his face.
“It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced,” I told him honestly, grinning as another journalist lifted his camera to take my picture. “I’m thrilled to have the honor, and I know I won’t be the last.”
Grace stood off to the side, watching quietly, her face hard to read under the floppy brim of her large hat. She lookedbeautiful and stylish in a brown traveling suit with wide lapels and a long coat. She knew a few of the reporters interviewing me, but she didn’t compete for my attention, since she had already written an article—the first—after I earned my pilot’s license in Florida. I was the third woman to be licensed to fly an aeroplane in America, and it was causing a sensation, as I knew it would. It had boosted her reputation with her editor, as well.
“What takes you to Europe?” a man from theNew York Timesasked. “Especially so soon after earning your license. I would think you’d like to stay in America and fly with the Curtiss Exhibition team for a while.”
I continued to smile, not wanting to reveal even a tiny hint of why I was sailing to England. If anyone knew, I was certain someone else would beat me to the flight. As it was, there was a chance that another female aviator was already planning the same trip. I had to get to Europe as soon as possible.
“My sister and I have always wanted to travel to Europe,” I said, glancing at Grace.
“Yes,” theTimesreporter pressed, “but why now? Is this a pleasure trip, or do you plan to fly in Europe?”
My smile did not dim, but I said, “If there is a story to be had, I’m afraid my sister will get first opportunity, gentlemen.”
There were groans from the reporters, and Grace offered me a real smile for the first time in days. With her unhappiness about her part in my parents’ orphanage dilemma, my plans to fly over the English Channel, and the darkness of life in Salem, there had been little reason for her to smile lately.
After being questioned by the magistrates at the Meeting House on March first, Tituba, Sarah Good, and Sarah Osborn had been transferred to the Salem Towne gaol and would be held there until they could be tried by a jury, though they were questioned several more times in the gaol by the magistrates. I had never studied the witch trial history and had no idea whatwas to come. I just knew it wasn’t good, and the sooner we got out of there, the better.
My gaze caught on Luc as he boarded theAmerika,a single leather suitcase in hand.
The reporters turned to see what I was looking at, but there were thousands of people moving about the docks and ship. They couldn’t possibly know I saw Luc.
“All visitors ashore,” called a steward as he walked along the deck. “All visitors ashore.”
“I’m sorry,” I said to the reporters, “but it appears the ship is about to embark.”
Luc walked toward me, but I wasn’t sure if he saw the reporters. He hated speaking to the press and wouldn’t like to be spotted by them. But how to stop him from moving toward me without drawing attention to him?
I glanced at Grace, hoping she might read my expression. Would she know to stop Luc?
She studied me, and I tilted my head in Luc’s direction—just enough to let her know to look for him.
She turned toward the direction I had indicated, and I knew the moment she saw Luc. Her shoulders tightened, and the line of her mouth hardened. But she walked in his direction to stop him.
“One more picture, Miss Cooper,” said another reporter. “Do you mind?”
“Of course not.” I smiled and struck a pose with my hands on top of my closed parasol. I turned one way and then the other, happy to oblige.
“Beautiful,” said the reporter as he put down his camera. “Stylish, talented,andlovely.”
“Not to mention adventurous and intelligent,” I said with a light laugh, knowing it would draw a chuckle from the reporters. I’d learned in my acting career that a smiling audience was a happy one. “Thank you, gentlemen.”
I kept one eye on Grace’s progress. Since the journalists would have to walk in the direction Luc had just come from, they would cross paths if Grace didn’t intercept him. Would she get Luc out of the way soon enough?
I wasn’t just worried about his discomfort. If the reporters knew he was with me and Grace, they might ask questions I didn’t want to answer. There could only be a few reasons two single women would travel with the most famous aviator in the world: romantic reasons or business. I didn’t want them to prematurely link Luc and me romantically, knowing it would only push him away. And I didn’t want them to guess at what kind of business we would be undertaking together, such as a historic flight.
Luc paused when he saw Grace, his body becoming rigid—but he continued walking until they met at the railing. They were too far away for me to hear what they said, but Luc nodded, and the two of them disappeared into the crowd of passengers and visitors saying good-bye.
