Today's Reading
CHAPTER ONE
Saturday, July 19, 1884, Eureka, California
Ida Dempsey pinned her bonnet on and skipped down the staircase, eager to enjoy the church picnic among the redwoods. It was a perfect sunny day for such an outing. She bobbed into the kitchen where Qui Shau prepared food for the hamper.
"Come on, Qui," Ida's older cousin, Wallace, begged. "Just one piece." He eyed the three-layer chocolate cake then winked at Ida. "Shouldn't someone taste it to make sure it's up to snuff?"
Qui slapped his hand. "No, you wait." As her lips drew thin, a twinkle remained in her eyes. She pointed toward the door. "Go! You get out my kitchen."
Wallace grabbed a cookie. "Thanks, Qui." The door banged shut behind him.
"He trouble." The cook put a shiny metal lid over the cake and fastened it to the plate.
"Yes, he is," Ida agreed. "But we love him all the same."
"Who do we love?" Aunt Ruth bustled into the kitchen, pulling on her gloves.
"Wallace. He was pestering Qui for sweets." Ida kissed her aunt on the cheek. "I'm excited about the picnic. Are we ready to go?"
"Your uncle hasn't returned yet. He had some business this morning but promised he'd be back early." Aunt Ruth peeked into the hamper. "Qui, I believe you've outdone yourself."
Ida breathed in the aroma of fried chicken, baked beans, freshly made yeast rolls, and, of course, the chocolate cake. A sudden inspiration hit her. "Aunt Ruth, Qui should come too. We can squish together in the carriage.
She made this bounty—why shouldn't she enjoy it with us?"
"Oh, missy, no." Eyes wide, Qui threw up her hands. "I have plenty work here."
"Nonsense." Ida turned to her aunt. "Tell her she's to come with us."
Aunt Ruth shook her head. "Dear, sweet Ida, I don't know where these notions of yours come from." She linked her arm with Ida's. "I think I hear your uncle Harvey."
When they stepped outside, Wallace already sat in the front seat of the surrey, grinning broadly. "Father said I could drive."
"After you assist your mother and cousin into the carriage." Ida's uncle removed an ornate watch from his vest pocket, flipped open the cover, frowned, and replaced it. "I've got to be back for a meeting this afternoon, so we will have to depart promptly at three o'clock."
"Oh, Uncle Harvey, that's so early." Ida pursed her lips into a little pout. "We'll be the first to leave."
"And the last to arrive if we don't get started." Wallace jumped down and helped his mother into the carriage.
Uncle Harvey guided Ida to her seat. "I'm sorry, dear girl, it can't be helped. If it distresses you, you may remain home."
Shame warmed Ida's neck and face. "I'm sorry. Your business is important, and I don't mean to be selfish."
"Apology accepted." Uncle Harvey took the hamper and cake carrier from Qui, who was waiting near the door. He placed them on the floor of the surrey, then sat next to his son.
Wallace chucked to the horses. "Walk on."
* * *
"Yes, Father, I'll be there." Blaine Prescott handed his mother into the brougham coach. "I've a few things to do, but I'll arrive before the croquet game begins."
"See that you do." Mr. Prescott closed the coach door.
Mrs. Prescott addressed Blaine through the carriage window. "We are eager for you to meet important people. It is imperative you make a good impression."
"You mean important people in the form of eligible young ladies, I assume?"
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