The Paper Daughters of Chinatown - Heather B. Moore Page 0,10
it had been naive of her to think so.
But now, after she had accompanied Miss Culbertson on a raid, that would change. The dinner hour was only a short time away, but Dolly wouldn’t be able to eat. Not with the way her stomach felt as tight as a drum with the fear growing inside her. She paced her small bedroom, and her gaze landed on the letter she’d begun to write her sister Helen that morning. She’d received letters from all her siblings in the past week, and each one of her sisters—Annie, Jessie, Katherine, and Helen—had brought up how she might jeopardize her marriage prospects being so far away in a city like San Francisco.
The irony of it was that her broken engagement had been over five years ago, and in that time, she hadn’t found anyone else. So what did it matter where she lived? Was she to put any potential accomplishment on hold in her life, hoping to cross paths with a suitable partner?
In the letter to Helen, Dolly had ignored her sister’s worries about finding a beau. Instead, Dolly related the unique details of Chinatown just a few streets from 920 Sacramento Street, such as her first walk through the area with its bustling crowds of people and its street stalls where melons, Chinese cabbage, fresh and dried fish, sugared ginger, and incense were sold. She’d described the beautiful satin cheongsam gowns, the intricate porcelain vases and dishes, and the highly polished teakwood furniture almost too dainty to use. Dolly had loved the decorative lanterns that glowed in the evening, and the colorful red and gold signs that drew the eye toward the pagoda rooftops.
But now, Dolly would see the underbelly of Chinatown. She would witness firsthand where the darkness originated, where these girls at the mission home had lived and worked. By agreeing to help Miss Culbertson in this rescue, Dolly knew she was agreeing to much more than simply teaching sewing classes. The invitation alone told her that the director trusted her, for whatever reason. Dolly closed her eyes and released her breath in a slow exhale. She’d led a privileged life compared to so many out there. Yes, she’d had her sorrows and losses and disappointments. But she’d never been sold, her body had never been abused, she’d never been mistreated.
What if tonight she helped rescue a girl from a horrible life? What if because of Dolly’s actions, a life was made free?
She opened her eyes. Nothing in her bedroom had changed, but inside, desire had sprouted. Teaching sewing skills was commendable, yet bringing another girl or woman to the point where she could support herself with sewing skills was a different matter altogether.
There was no use delaying. Dolly crossed to her closet and pulled out a navy print blouse. In the dark, it would appear black. She unfastened her underskirt and slipped it off, leaving only the main skirt. Next, she picked up the boots that she wore around the ranch back home. Why she had even brought them, she hadn’t known at the time. Now it seemed providential that she had.
Dressed hours before midnight, Dolly picked up her pacing again, not even bothering to turn on the lamp. As darkness completely engulfed her bedroom, she grew more and more anxious. She wanted to leave now, no matter the outcome.
When a light tap sounded at her door, Dolly was more than ready. She opened it to see Miss Culbertson dressed in dark colors as well. The director made a quick scan of Dolly, then nodded with approval.
Without a word, Miss Culbertson turned, and Dolly followed her. They joined Ah Cheng, one of the Chinese interpreters, at the bottom of the stairs. They left by the front door, and Anna, grim-faced, locked it after them. The night was cool, and the breeze made Dolly grateful she’d brought her shawl.
Dolly followed the two women down the hill to Stockton Street at a brisk pace. She was glad that she’d been told to wear sturdy shoes. Her breath had been stolen by the time they reached the corner where three police officers waited. Miss Culbertson made quick introductions to the officers: Jesse Cook, John Green, and George Riordan. Their mustaches, bowler hats, and dark suits made it hard to tell the men apart in the dark. Dolly tried not to stare, especially since two of them carried sledgehammers, and one an axe. Where were they going that required such tools?