Chapter Thirty-Two
“E xplain to me how a professor of history doesn’t have a card to use the Library of Congress,” Vickie said the following Saturday as she and Thatcher walked along Independence Avenue.
He shrugged. “I never thought I needed one. I just use the school library for most things.”
“But don’t you think it might be helpful to your students to be familiar with, oh, I don’t know, the largest library in the world ?” She grinned.
Thatcher gave her a sheepish look. “It never crossed my mind.”
“Our first order of business is to get you a card. The reader registration room is in the James Madison building.” She pointed to a large building ahead. “There are three buildings that make up the Library of Congress. Surely you’ve been to the Thomas Jefferson building. That’s the main building where most tourists go.”
He regarded her with raised eyebrows. “You know how much I love being surrounded by tourists. I guess I’ve probably been inside, but it was probably when I was in high school.”
Vickie made a face. “You need to get over your aversion to crowds and tourists. That building is phenomenal. I go there sometimes just because it’s so beautiful inside.”
“You and I are very different people.”
That was an understatement. “Yes, I suppose we are.” They walked past an assortment of stone tables where there were several people sitting, eating and talking. “Here we are.”
They went through security at the door. Entering any building in Washington meant going through airport-style security. The Library of Congress was no different. Once they were inside, Vickie pointed to her left. “The registration room is this way.”
She waited while Thatcher filled out the appropriate paper work and got his photo id made. Soon, he was finished. “Check it out.” He held out his card and grinned. “I feel so official now.”
“Officially a geek, you mean.” She laughed. “It’s okay, I’m like the geek queen. In fact, the day I got my Library of Congress card was practically a holiday in my world.”
He chuckled. “Okay, what next?”
“While you were getting official clearance to be a Library of Congress reader, I was chatting with the nice lady at the desk. I told her we were doing some research on Abraham Lincoln. . .” she paused as his face clouded over. “Simmer down. I didn’t tell her what we were looking for. Anyway, she suggested we start at the Manuscript Reading Room. It should have any documents Lincoln wrote, like letters and speeches. How does that sound?”
Thatcher nodded. “Perfect.”
“I’ll have to check my bag.” She pointed at a bag check room. “They clearly think people are going to come in and steal important documents.” She held up her oversized red bag. “I mean, do I look like a thief?”
He grinned. “If only everyone were as honest as you. I’ll wait out here for you.” He leaned against the wall just outside the bag check door.
A moment later, bag checked and claim ticket in hand, she sauntered over to where Thatcher stood. “Ready?”
He nodded. “Lead the way.”
They walked into the Manuscript Reading Room. It was tomb-silent and an older gentleman peered at them from behind a desk. Vickie plastered on her best smile as they stepped up to the desk. “We’re hoping you can point us in the right direction,” she said quietly, motioning at Thatcher. “He’s a history professor and I’m a park ranger. We’re doing some research about Abraham Lincoln and wondered if any of his letters and papers are housed here.”
The man was silent for a moment as he pushed his glasses up on his nose. “Yes. More than twenty thousand documents associated with President Lincoln are here. But you can only see them on microfilm to ensure their preservation.” He cleared his throat and leaned forward. “Actually, the entire Lincoln collection is also available online. You might be better served to use that outlet because it is easy to type in search terms and such.”
Thatcher and Vickie exchanged glances. Online would be perfect. That meant they could access the documents any time and from any place.
“Thank you, sir.” Thatcher nodded at the man.
Once Vickie had collected her bag, they stepped out into the October sunlight. “That’s a welcome turn of events.” She smiled.
“Although I’m a little sad that I don’t get to actually use my card now.” Thatcher twisted his mouth into a grin. “Maybe some other time though, huh?”
“I still think your classes should be familiar with the LOC. Especially your upper level ones.”
“The LOC? Are you trying to flaunt your familiarity?” He laughed. “We’re equal now. Both of us card-carrying members. Although maybe you’re right about my classes.”
“Of course I’m right.” They paused at an intersection, waiting for the light to change.
“Hey, we’re close to one of my favorite spots in DC. You’ve shown me yours, now let me show you mine.” He glanced down at her. “Unless you have some place to be right now.”
She tried to keep the surprise from registering on her face. All the time she’d spent with him, he’d kept her at arm’s length. The fact that he even considered showing her his favorite place in the city was astounding. “Sure. I mean, I don’t have anywhere to be. So lead the way.”
They set out along Capitol Circle, the pathway that led around the Capitol Building. Thatcher walked so fast, Vickie struggled to keep up with his pace. Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore. “Hey,” she gasped, stopping to put her hands on her knees. She tried to catch her breath. “I know I don’t have anywhere to be, but what gives? Did you suddenly remember an appointment you were late for?” She tried to mask her panting.
He was a few steps ahead, but he stopped and turned around. “I’m sorry.” He walked toward her, uncertainty painted on his face. “I guess I didn’t realize how fast I was walking.” He nodded at her legs. “Plus, my legs are a lot longer than yours.”
Vickie’s face flamed. “Thanks for pointing that out. Not only am I out of breath, but I also have short legs.”
He stammered. “I, uh. I didn’t mean that.” He sighed. “I just meant that obviously my stride is longer than yours because you’re so short.”
Vickie couldn’t help but laugh. “Really, stop.” She held up a hand. “Have you always had such a knack for saying the wrong thing.”
Thatcher joined in her laughter. “Pretty much.” He glanced at her, his brown eyes thoughtful. “Are you ready now? I promise to slow down.”
“Yes. Let’s go.” They set out at a much slower pace, this time side-by-side. “Isn’t that better?” She asked after a moment.
He shrugged. “Yeah, I guess it is. I think the words ‘leisurely stroll’ just haven’t entered my vocabulary.” He looked over at her. “Until now.”
“Well then, I guess you should be thankful for my short legs.” She giggled.
“Uh uh. No way. I’m not getting involved in another conversation I’m sure to mess up.” He pointed ahead. “And anyway, here we are.”
They’d arrived at the west side of the Capitol Building where the large reflecting pool sat. It was similar to the one on the other end of the National Mall, near the Lincoln Memorial.
She followed Thatcher to a step and they sat down. “This is your favorite place?”
He nodded. “Surprised?”
“Considering your apparent hate for all things touristy, yes.”
Thatcher motioned around them. “Not a lot of tourists over here. Check out the business suits and the joggers. Most of these are locals. The tourists are at the other end of the Mall, near all the monuments.”
“I guess you’re right.” She leaned back on her hands. “So what gives? What makes this your super-favorite place?”
“Look around. I love the energy. The majesty of the Capitol building. The people rushing around, on their way to something important. I guess I like to just sit here and take it in.”
“Why do you have such an aversion to tourists?” Vickie glanced over and met his brown-eyed gaze.
He shrugged. “I feel suffocated by all the people. Especially in the summer. And in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.” Thatcher nudged her. “Come on. Admit it. They get on your nerves a little bit too, don’t they?”
Vickie shook her head. “Nope. First of all, remember what my job is? If there were no visitors, there’d be no need for park rangers.”
“Okay, I guess I didn’t think of it that way.”
“But it’s more than just job security. I love to see them, especially the families with kids. I’m thankful they’re here to learn a little bit about American history rather than just at an amusement park or at the beach.”
“What do you have against amusement parks and beaches?” he asked, his tone teasing.
She cut her eyes at him. “You make me sound like an ogre. And I’m not. I’m all for vacations full of sunburns and Mickey Mouse.” She grinned. “But come on, Mr. History Teacher. I’d think you of all people would be happy there are still people interested in learning about the past. I mean, come on. This is a city where you can learn about anything from the three houses of government to the Vietnam War. And in one stop, you can see Seinfeld’s puffy shirt, Dorothy’s ruby slippers and Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat. Is this a great city or what?”
Thatcher nodded. “You’ve got me there.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “Are you up for a little field trip next Saturday?”
Why did she not like the sound of that? “What do you mean?”
“My poor dog needs to get out in the country and run. He’s all cooped up during the day and my backyard is kind of small.” He shrugged. “I was thinking maybe you might want to get out of the city on Saturday. We could do our research from my fishing cabin. Especially now that we know we can access the Lincoln papers online.” Thatcher grinned. “What do you say?”
Vickie couldn’t think of a single reason why she should decline. She knew she was probably playing with fire, spending even more time with someone she was a little infatuated with. But she’d just have to get over it. It was research and nothing more. “That sounds great to me.”