The Vaudeville Star

14

After breakfast, Ruby and Bessie explored the ship that was to be their home for several days. They stumbled upon the library situated on the promenade deck with its folding doors of mahogany and comfortable nooks for reading or quiet conversation. There was an alcove in the room and an octagonal skylight arching to over twelve feet above them.

The ceiling had scroll ornaments and delicate decoration, which contrasted nicely with the dark mahogany of the tables and bookcases. Ruby loved the room instantly.

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” she whispered to her friend.

Every place they discovered seemed to convey a sense of luxury and elegance. She knew that she was fortunate to be on board the ship and headed to London to tour, but once again she felt the dread and apprehension mixed together with the thought of King’s generosity.

When she entered her cabin, she had only been inside a moment before a knock fell on the door. She opened the door thinking it was Bessie, but instead Ford entered.

“Ford! What is it? What are you doing here?” She peered behind him into the empty passageway.

He stepped inside her cabin, and she could see his face was set with anger.

“What is going on with you and King?” he demanded.

Ruby frowned. “What do you mean?”

He advanced toward her. “I’m a man, Ruby. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and I hear him when he speaks to you. Hell! Even when you aren’t around, he talks about you.”

“You know I haven’t done anything to warrant his attentions. I told you I’m only humoring him.”

“So you just exist.”

“Yes.”

“I wonder that I don’t believe you,” he said softly.

“Well, that’s not my fault.”

“Would you tell me if there was something going on between you? Perhaps you want to play us both. Me for nostalgia, our past for protection, and King for money.”

“You make me sound so calculated! So conniving! I’m not like that,” she said angrily.

“So you aren’t lovers?”

“Of course not.” Ruby felt the heat of his words, and in his eyes the jealousy was plain enough.

“I can’t imagine a man like King would go to all this expense and even travel to London for what? His admiration of you?”

“I don’t pretend to know why he does what he does,” Ruby contested. “But there has been nothing between us.”

“You must be blind, Ruby. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Damn it! The whole dining room saw the way he looked at you during breakfast. He was practically stripping you naked with his eyes!”

“That isn’t so! He was merely inquiring about the flowers!”

“You must be out of your mind! He’s marking his territory.”

“I don’t care! Let him strut about like a rooster. All I want to do is get to London and perform. It’s my dream.”

“And if the price of your dream is to give yourself to King? What then?” Ford demanded.

Ruby flushed under his scrutiny. “I’ve already answered you. And what business is this of yours to ask these questions?” Ruby challenged. Ford grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him. “You aren’t my husband or my father to demand such things of me! I can do as I please!”

“You can do as you please?” he asked.

“Yes!” She thrust her little chin up to meet his gaze.