The Vaudeville Star

“Yes,” Bessie confirmed. “That he may have had something to do with her death.”

“It can’t be true. It’s just as you say. Gossip. He wouldn’t harm his reputation by hurting her, and he wouldn’t kill his own wife.”

“Unless he really wanted her gone and divorce was not an option.”

“Don’t say that Bessie! You make it seem as if I was his motive!” Ruby was alarmed.

“I didn’t mean that. You’ll be fine. It will be okay,” Bessie said as they both looked out over the pier as people waved good-bye to their loved ones.

“I do hope so, Bess.”

That night at dinner, everyone dressed in evening clothes for their meal of barley broth, beef steak, oyster pie, roast pork, and boiled potatoes, followed by apple tart and coffee for dessert.

The dining saloon was situated on the upper deck and extended the full width of the ship, seventy-five feet. It could seat over three hundred people beneath its domed skylight with stained glass in the center of the saloon. The ceiling was white and gold, and the walls were paneled with elaborate figures, carvings, and moldings. Ruby had to stop herself from staring all around her like the country bumpkin Zeta always called her.

She discovered that the ship had a first-class library and smoking room, which they could retire to after dinner, and she wanted badly to explore the ship. She noticed Ford at another table with Blanka Vadas drooling over him, but she didn’t see King at all. She wondered if he might be dining alone in his room.

She excused herself from the table and went out on deck. It was a cool, clear night, and she felt the slight breeze as the ship moved through the Atlantic. She closed her eyes and thought in excitement of what was soon to come. She would be in London performing her three songs before the British people.

“You make quite a pretty picture standing here at the rail,” Ford said as he joined her.

As she turned, the wind ruffled her hair, and she tucked a lock behind her ear. She hadn’t seen him since their last encounter, and she thought suddenly of his mouth on hers and the rush of desire that moved through her.

“Are you excited to be going to London?” she asked.

“I’ve been before. This trip, my only concern is watching over you.”

“Do I need to be watched over?”

“No. In fact, I don’t think I know a more capable woman. Perhaps I should rephrase and say I want to keep an eye on King for you,” he said.

Ruby’s smiled faltered, and she nodded. “Yes. You are the one reason I could move forward, knowing that you would be here as well.”

Ford touched her bare arm. It was cool to the touch. “Has something happened, Ruby?”

“No. Just that he’s made his intentions clear.”

“His intentions?” Ford felt an intense surge of jealousy at the thought of King with Ruby.

“He wants to marry me.”

Ford said nothing.

“Of course I won’t. But I’m worried. After all the money he has spent on the tour, I feel obligated to—”

“You feel obligated to what?” Ford demanded.

Ruby flushed. “Not what you think!”

“I don’t think anything. Tell me.”

“I just feel obligated to be . . .” Ruby struggled for the words as Ford glared at her.

She saw a muscle tick in his cheek, and she knew instinctively that he was jealous.

He waited.

“To be nice.”