The Vaudeville Star

“You broke the news to Ruby about Daddy. I’m sorry you had to go. A telegram or letter would have sufficed,” Pernetta said.

“A telegram would have sufficed to tell a young girl her father is dead?” Ford asked quietly.

She dabbed at her face and then at her eyes, suddenly filled with tears. “She’s a harlot, Ford! I’ll never forgive her for ruining our engagement party and throwing herself at you like that! She’s nothing but a common tramp!”

“How can you be so ungracious? She was a child! She was fifteen years old. She thought she was in love.”

“In love! She’s like a bitch in heat. Momma and I pray every night that she stays in Connecticut and gets a job as a governess or teacher. We don’t want her back, Ford. She isn’t decent, and she shouldn’t be around decent folk.”

Ford gave her a cold look. “I pity both you and your mother, Pernetta. Ruby is filled with nothing but kindness and generosity. And it seems she was right. The only person who truly loved her is gone.”

“Daddy didn’t see her for her true self. He was blinded by her beauty, like all men are.”

“Her beauty isn’t just skin deep. She is a good person while you seem filled with hate. I think I should thank Ruby for that evening at the watering hole. She saved me from making a huge mistake. If you’ll excuse me.” Ford inclined his head slightly, leaving Pernetta to stare after him.

4

Ruby dressed carefully in preparation for her meeting with Vaudeville Vern. She had slept well, and unlike the last several weeks, her dreams did not revolve around Ford. She had not seen him since their night together in Connecticut, and since she had left school, he had no way to reach her.

She had decided after much thought that she would not tell her mother or sister of her plans. She was of age, and there was nothing they could do to prevent her from following her dreams. She was actually quite sure that given their need for appearances, they would probably try and find some way to stop her. So rather than risk their displeasure, she did not contact them.

She had not taken any fancy gowns with her to school, so when she traveled to New York, the dresses she brought with her were modest. She pulled one out and then another and laid them upon the bed.

She realized as she started out on this new journey in her life that she had grown up rather pampered and catered to. On the plantation, she had servants to attend to her needs—a maid, a butler, a cook. Now she was alone. But the thought of being alone in this large city was not frightening as it had once been. She had already made friends and found a place to live.

A knock fell upon her door, and no sooner had she said enter than Bessie did just that.

“Morning, Ruby,” she said warmly. “How did you sleep?”

“Well. Very well,” she greeted Bessie though her thoughts were consumed with looking at the dresses and making a decision.

“The pink day dress,” Bessie said simply.

“You think?” Ruby turned to her.

“Absolutely. The color suits you and makes you look feminine and young. That’s all that matters onstage.” Bessie laughed. “And sometimes a little talent.”

Ruby moved to change into the day dress as Bessie averted her eyes.

“Is there anything I should know about Vernon? I mean, what to say or do to help me get into his good graces?”

“Graces? Vern? I doubt it. The man is middle-aged, never been married, and devoted to the theater. The only thing that Vern cares about is being the top theater in New York. I would say relax and be yourself.”

“Okay.” Ruby said, smoothing down the front of her dress.

“You look lovely, Ruby. Really lovely,” she said as Ruby pulled on her gloves and pinned on her hat.

“You may have to wait until after rehearsal. I’m not sure what is planned today. Sometimes we rehearse, sometimes not. And it all depends on Madame Diva!” Bessie said as they joined Archie downstairs.

“Madame Diva?” Ruby asked.

“You’ll see.” Bessie nodded with a smile on her face.

The boardinghouse was a ten-minute walk from the theater, and Bessie chatted about Kansas while Archie remained silent, walking behind them. They entered through the front foyer and walked into a darkened theater. Ruby saw several people standing around onstage while a man was standing in front of the first row, gesturing.

“Have a seat here, Ruby. When the time is right, I’ll call you,” Bessie whispered to her.

She nodded and watched as Archie and Bessie walked down the long aisle and mounted the side stairs to the stage.