Standing outside an impressive building, Ada checked the address that Winnie had given her. This was the place. Funny, Ada thought, given its mighty stone façade. You'd think the headquarters for Hockley Steel would have a little more…well, steel. Ada craned her neck as she took a step backward, her curious gaze climbing the heights of the skyscraper. It was, after all, the metal skeleton underneath that made such towering structures possible. New ones were going up every day, in every major American city. Pittsburgh steel was in high demand, and in this kingdom of industrial bounty, Hockley reigned supreme.
Ada let out a little breath. Putting the calling card back in her purse, she pulled out a compact. Once satisfied that her appearance was presentable, she steadied her resolve and entered the intimidating office.
The lobby was grand, with a red and gold carpet, crystal chandeliers and massive paintings that took up the entire stretch of the walls, commanding one's gaze with their size and majesty. One portrayed the Flatiron Building in New York, famously of Hockley steel, while another painting glorified a battleship, breaking through the waves of a submissive sea. Behind the center reception desk, a stone relief depicted steel workers with the might of roman centurions, wielding their tools like weapons on the battlefield.
This place was a temple, paying homage to the strength of industry, and Ada found it as daunting as it was inspiring.
After giving her name to the receptionist, Ada was instructed to take the elevator to the top floor. There, another receptionist in a much smaller but equally elegant lobby, led her to a posh waiting room where she offered to bring her coffee or tea. Ada kindly refused. She was jittery enough as it was, which was funny given how confident she'd felt when she left her house that morning.
All throughout breakfast, Ada's father had gone on and on about how a governess position was beneath her, as if he could convince her to skip the appointment.
"It's disgraceful, Schatzi! With a brain like yours, you should be lecturing at the University, not cleaning up after some rich family's spoiled children."
"Professor positions are competitive enough for men, Papa. Do you know how hard I'd have to fight to even be considered?"
"So you work hard! That's why we came to this country. This land of opportunity! In America, you can be a professor if you try." He sighed dramatically. "Here I think I raise my prodigy, a brilliant girl who will teach alongside her papa. But no! I raised a quitter, who knew?"
"I'm not quitting, Papa. I just don't want to fight tooth and nail for whatever scraps they'd begrudgingly throw me. Besides, I need to make money and working as your assistant, as stimulating as that may be, doesn't pay the bills."
"Bills, what bills? We have a house, we have food, we have each other! I buy a new book now and then, so what? Sometimes I get the nice wine for Shabbat, itsalright. If money is why you're giving up on your dream, then your head is in the wrong place. Follow your heart, Schatzi!"
"You're getting older, Papa, and every winter your cough gets worse. I'm thinking ahead, so I can care for you when you're sick."
"I've never been sick a day in my life!" He pronounced proudly, unaware that Ada was mouthing the exact phrase as she anticipated his response.
Sighing, Ada put down the pan she'd been washing and sat beside her father, taking his hand in hers. "It's not just money. I've loved pursing research with you, Papa, and you know how grateful I am for every opportunity you've given me and every sacrifice you've made. But lately I've felt… there's only so much that I can achieve through study. I want to teach, I do, but I don't want to have to fight just to do it. As a governess I can make a difference in someone's life. It's my chance to give another little girl the education that you gave me. Think of how wonderful that could be."
Ada thought of her father's reluctant smile, and the pride that shown through it. When she left their home to catch her bus, she held that smile in her heart and told herself that this interview would be her ticket to something new. Now, sitting in this palace in the sky, Ada wondered if she'd left her confidence on the first floor. She looked over her outfit and hoped it didn't look too plain. Not that a governess had any right to come to interviews dressed like royalty. She just hoped Mr. Hockley wouldn't take one look and instantly dismiss her because she didn't meet his standards.
When Winnie came into the room Ada instantly felt more at ease. Her instinct was to hug her friend, but she held back, thinking that in this setting their professional relationship trumped their friendship.
Winnie gave her a familiar smile and said, "Mr. Hockley is ready for you know, Miss Kruger. If you'll just follow me."
Ada nodded and followed her in stride. As they walked, she asked her, her voice hushed, "Is there anything I should be aware of? Things I should avoid mentioning?"
"Mr. Hockley is very to-the-point, so be direct. If you're honest and straight forward with him, you'll hold his attention. You're the first candidate I've recommended, but he doesn't want this position shopped around so if you do well, which I'm sure you will, you're likely to be the only contender. You should know that the Hockley's never leave a stone unturned, so go in assuming that he already knows all about you and your father. But again, you have nothing to hide, so there's nothing to fear."
They stopped before a closed door. Winnie faced her friend and with an encouraging hand on her shoulder she said, "You're going to do great. I know it."
"Thank you for this opportunity, Winnie. I really appreciate it." Ada said back, her expression bright with gratitude.
"What are friends for?" Winnie replied. "Ready?"
Ada nodded and with that, Winnie turned, opened the door and announced her.