The Vaudeville Star

“About?” she asked, confused.

Ford closed his eyes. “I have behaved badly. I’ve taken something that by rights should belong to your husband. We should marry as soon as possible.”

Ruby licked her lips and stared at Ford. It took her a moment to realize what he was saying, and she was torn between smacking his handsome face and laughing.

“How did you behave badly? Are you apologizing for taking my virginity?”

Ford winced. “I’m not apologizing. It was wonderful.”

“Then?”

“You know what happened between us should not have, therefore we must marry.”

“Says who?” Ruby asked him innocently.

Ford gritted his teeth. “Don’t be absurd, Ruby. You know there is no other option but to marry.”

“I entirely disagree,” Ruby told him as she searched for her petticoat and dress.

“Jesus, Ruby! This isn’t the time to be argumentative!” he said harshly.

“I’m not being argumentative. I knew exactly what was happening, and I wanted it. Now it’s over.” She pulled on her dress and buttoned it as she spoke.

“So what are you saying? We make love and that’s it?”

“Yes.”

“This is ridiculous. You’re being ridiculous.”

Ruby laughed. “So what? You’ll be the first man to have a shotgun wedding where you’re the one holding the shotgun?”

“I can’t believe what I’m hearing.”

“Ford, I can explain everything. I have dreams and desires. I want a different life. My last year at the school ends in a few weeks. Once it does, I plan to leave Connecticut for my new life. Nowhere in my plans does it include returning to Mississippi as your bride.” She stepped into her shoes.

Ford was stunned. “As a gentleman, I must accept the outcome of this evening and do the right thing.”

Ruby smiled. “You once held me in your arms and called my love for you a childhood fantasy. Then you called me a witch. This evening, we both tasted what it can be like. But that’s all it was. What it could be like. Not what it is.” She tried to brush past him, but he grabbed her arm.

“You said you loved me.”

“That hasn’t changed,” she said, looking into his eyes. “I’ve always loved you, Ford.”

“Then why won’t you marry me?”

“You don’t love me. You desire me, but you don’t love me. And that’s not enough. I must chase my dreams. They’re all I have now.”

Ford felt a strange sensation inside him. She was serious. If he knew anything at all about Ruby, it was that she was rash and reckless. She would leave him, he had no doubt.

“Where are you headed? What dreams?” he asked, still holding her arm.

“I’m going to New York.”

“Alone?”

“Yes. I’ve made plans.”

Ford pondered her words and then narrowed his eyes. “I’ve no doubt that you’ll go to New York alone. You’re just crazy enough to do something like that. But you are right in one thing. I do desire you, Ruby. And after what just happened, you are absolutely crazy to think I’ll let you go so easily.”