The soft material of quilts and patchwork passed quickly through Ada's hands as she sorted through her sewing basket. She could have sworn she'd seen Evelyn's jumper in here yesterday. She'd brought it home last Friday to mend a tear near the hem. Now the garment was fixed and ready for New York, she just had to find the darn thing so she could finish her packing.
"Papa, where are the items I was mending?" Ada called, turning her attention to the linen cupboard. "They should have been by my chair, but I can't find them now."
"Why isn't your overcoat in here? I told you to pack it." Her father replied, ignoring her question.
Ada quickly reentered the kitchen and gently gripping her father's shoulders, pulled him away from her trunk. "Because it takes up too much room and I won't need it. Papa, please stop going through my things and help me find the jumper." Taking a stack of her clothes from his hands, Ada placed them back in the trunk, quickly checking its contents to make sure he hadn't removed anything else.
"What if it rains and you catch cold? You must always be prepared, Schatzi."
"New York is in a heat wave, I'm sure a little rain would be a nice reprieve. Did you put them in with the laundry again?" Ada asked and went in search of the hamper.
"Maybe I did, I can't recall." He muttered before adding loudly, "You have my cousin's address? And the directions I gave you? It's a big city, Ada, I don't want you getting lost."
"Ah! Here it is!" Ada pulled the tiny jumper out from an assortment of her father's dirty clothes. A quick inspection revealed that apart from needing an iron it was acceptably clean and could be taken with her. Folding it quickly, she placed the jumper in her trunk and closed the lid, buckling the straps with a satisfying series of clicks.
Brushing the stray hairs from her face, Ada's eyes swept the room, "Yes, Papa. The address is in my handbag." She replied absentmindedly, now that it was the fourth time he'd asked. Ada's boots clomped across the hardwood as she beelined for her writing desk, double checking the syllabus she had outlined before securing it in her leather portfolio. Was that everything?
There was a knock at the door. "Papa can you get that?" Ada called, collecting her handbag and hat box.
"I'm adding another book to the list I gave you. You should be able to find it at Schweitzer & Son's, but if they tell you they don't have one in stock, ask for Hershel, he'll know where to get it."
"Papa! The door?"
"What? Oh." The hinges squeaked as he opened it, letting in a flood of morning sunlight. A tall man stood in the doorway, smiled, and touched the brim of his hat in greeting.
"Good morning, Professor Kruger. The car's arrived, is your daughter ready to depart?"
"Ah, Eli. Come, come I will make you a cup of coffee." Papa said, herding the bodyguard inside.
Ada returned with her hands full. "There's no time, Papa, we're already running late. Good morning, Eli." She greeted him with exhausted amusement. The smile lines around his eyes crinkled knowingly as he returned her 'hello'. Two months of looking after Ada and her father had familiarized Eli Blum with the hectic repartee of the Kruger household. This morning's departure made things only slightly more chaotic than usual.
Picking up Ada's trunk, Eli motioned toward the hatbox, silently offering to carry it for her. "We should leave now if you're to make the train, Ms. Kruger. I'll load your things so you can say goodbye." His tone was calm and steady.
"Thank you, Eli," Ada said gratefully, and handed over her belongings. As he left, she turned to her father and collected him in a strong embrace. "I'll find your book, but that's the last of it. I'll need to purchase a second suitcase just to bring home your new library." Ada's words were warm with laughter, and she tried not to think about how much she would miss him.
"Danke, Liebe." He whispered tenderly. The softness of his voice and bear-like hug gave his daughter courage. Pulling away to meet her gaze, his old hands held her arms tightly. "But they're not all for me. Some are for the University, which makes it an academic mission." His smile transformed the studious wrinkles on his face, forming the shape that Ada liked best.
"I suppose that's alright then." She chuckled and placed a kiss on his forehead. "Be well, Papa. I'll write often and will be home before you know it."
"Good. I expect detailed reports on the exhibits I mentioned. And a postcard from the museum of natural history would be nice. Don't sleep away your days off. New York is a city of intellectuals, so I expect you to experience it. My cousin will know the current lecture series. Ask him, he'll take you." Retrieving the book list he had made, Papa pressed the parchment into his daughters hand, pulled her close and kissed her cheek.
The sound of the threshold creaking announced Eli's return which meant it was time to depart. Ada took a quick inventory of the items in her handbag, decided she was as ready as she'd ever be and clicked the clasp shut. "Well, wish me luck!"
"Safe travels, Schatzi! And Eli, take good care of my daughter."
"I will, Professor. You have my word." Mr. Blum held the door for Ada. "Shall we?"
"Yes, thank you. Goodbye, Papa!" Ada blew him one last kiss and picking up her skirts quickly made her way down the front steps. With his usual speed, Mr. Blum had the car door open before she reached the sidewalk, and with a steady hand he helped her into the backseat.
Tipping his hat to Professor Kruger, Eli took shotgun and calmly yet deliberately instructed the driver, "Penn Station, if you please. And step on it. Miss Kruger needs to make the 9 o'clock train."