She pulled on a warm coat followed by her gloves and hat. When she made her way back downstairs, she saw Ford speaking with the Head of School, and she nodded to them both.
“Take your time, my dear. There is no need to rush through your dinner,” the older woman told her kindly.
Ruby nodded and was helped into a waiting carriage by Ford.
“Let’s go somewhere quiet. We can have a good meal,” Ford said softly.
Ruby nodded. “Yes. Whatever you like. You still haven’t told me why you are here. It’s such a shock!” She smiled.
“After dinner,” he assured her.
Ford settled back into the carriage and tried not to focus on his reason for being in the cold little town. He looked across at Ruby and then out the window at the snow falling all around them. He had wanted to make the trip and had done so, but he had not expected to see Ruby and feel as he did now.
She was altogether changed. She was a girl no longer. Instead, in the girl’s place was a young lady with breeding and elegance and supreme beauty. There was no denying that when he had held her once in the dark moonlight there had been an attraction. But at fifteen, Ruby had been trouble and not much else.
Now she was a woman that men would want. And not only other men, but he wanted her, and the thought was unsettling. She had matured into a feminine creature with a pleasing manner, and he wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and comfort her. She would need it soon enough.
“I am staying at the inn. I believe there is a restaurant inside it,” he said, pulling his attention away from her.
She nodded. “I believe so. I have never been to it.”
They dined at the inn with very few other couples. A storm had begun the day before, and most of the residents of the small town opted to stay indoors. The food was delicious, and they both said very little as they ate.
After dinner, Ruby had a coffee and Ford sipped his brandy. Then he cleared his throat as he looked around the small dining area.
“Perhaps we could move to the parlor,” he suggested.
For the first time, Ruby noticed how uncertain he seemed, and she wondered if the reason for his visit to Connecticut was not a pleasant one. A chill crept inside her.
“Ford? I do appreciate the meal and you taking the time to make me feel comfortable. I understand now that you have traveled to Connecticut for a very important reason or you wouldn’t be here.”
“That is correct.” He released a heavy sigh.
“Then by all means. Please tell me.”
“Ruby.” He looked away and then met her eyes. “I really don’t know how to begin.”
“For goodness’ sake, Ford. Just tell me.”
“Ruby,” he looked across at her and took her small hands in his, “I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I thought coming from me it might soften the blow. But that just isn’t possible. Your father has passed away.”
“What?” She pulled her hands from his. “Daddy?”
Ford nodded and came to stand beside her. “Yes. Honey, I’m sorry.”
Ruby felt a tightness in her chest and couldn’t breathe. “I can’t . . . I can’t . . .” She pressed a hand against her chest.
When she swooned against him, Ford caught her easily in his arms.
“Ruby.”
She heard her name and felt the cool cloth on her forehead. She opened her eyes and felt the room spin slightly, so she closed them and then opened them again.
“Here.”
Ford handed her a glass of brandy, and she took a sip of it to revive herself. She coughed as the liquid warmed in her throat.
“Ford?”