After an interminable period, the woman turned from the desk and bumped into Johanna.
“I beg your pardon,” the woman said, echoing Johanna’s apology. They broke off simultaneously, and the woman peered into her face. Johanna felt a jolt of startled recognition.
“Dr. Schell?” the woman said. “Dr. Johanna Schell? It is you, is it not?”
Johanna took an involuntary step backward. “Mrs… Mrs. Ingram?”
“Yes. Oh, it is you!” She beamed, and Johanna thought back to the last night she’d seen this unfortunate woman, haggard and terrified for herself and her daughter. “What an amazing coincidence to meet you here, of all places! And I was just making the arrangements to come to the Valley to see you.”
She extended her gloved hand, and Johanna took it, praying that her trembling was not too obvious.
Mrs. Ingram. May’s mother, who had disappeared for a full two years—communicating only through the occasional letter—who had trusted Johanna with her daughter’s well-being when she could trust no one else. Her most recent letter had promised her return in the very near future, and she’d been as good as her word.
She had greatly changed. Her cheeks glowed with health and confidence; her eyes sparkled with genuine happiness. The happiness of a mother about to be reunited with a beloved child.
“I understand your hesitation in greeting me,” Mrs. Ingram said, becoming serious. “I must have seemed a terrible mother to you, leaving my child as I did. My letters were hardly adequate, but I had reason for hiding my whereabouts.”
Johanna found her voice. “Mrs. Ingram—I knew, when I accepted May, that you faced great difficulties.”
“And I knew you would care for my girl and make her well.” She squeezed Johanna’s hand. “I knew the moment we met. But everything has changed. It has taken me two years, but I have the means of making certain that my husband can never threaten us again. I can pay you for all your good work, and May and I can live together in peace.”
“I am… glad to hear it,” Johanna said.
“I’m sure you have a great many questions, and I shall be happy to answer them soon. Are you in town on business? Perhaps you will allow me to accompany you back to the Haven.” She smiled self-consciously. “It will be easier for her to meet me again if you are with me. I’m sure she’s grown to love you, and I’ve been gone so long. Perhaps she blames me for leaving her.”
Johanna swallowed. “Mrs. Ingram—”
“Forgive my chatter. My life has changed so, and it doesn’t quite seem real as yet.” She glanced toward the clerk behind the desk. “I must be keeping you. Please tell me—how is May? I can’t wait to see her.”
“May—May has improved, Mrs. Ingram. She has made friends at the Haven, and reads constantly. She’s becoming a young woman.”
Little truths to cover the big ones that could not be spoken, truths no better than lies. Lies would not protect Johanna, or undo her many mistakes. They would only spare this woman more suffering.
Mrs. Ingram closed her eyes. “I knew it. I have felt all these months that everything will be right at last. Thank you, Dr. Schell.”
Johanna cleared her throat. “It seems that we are staying in the same hotel.”
“As you see. I had planned to go to Silverado Springs tomorrow—”
“Might you delay a day or two? I have certain business to attend here in the city before I return. I have very good and reliable assistants at the Haven, but I agree that it would be best if we see May together.”
Mrs. Ingram made a valiant try at hiding her disappointment. “Yes. I see. Of course I will wait on your convenience. A few more days can hardly make a difference.” Her smile returned. “As it happens, it will allow me to put a few final details of my own plans in place.”
“Very good.” Johanna thought of Mr. Ingram, and wondered what resources this revitalized woman had found to give her such spirit to face him again. She hoped it was enough to thoroughly emasculate him.