The Vaudeville Star

“No. My Momma liked being at home, and so home we stayed,” Ruby explained.

“You have a most charming accent, I’ve always thought. Alabama? Georgia?” King asked.

“Mississippi.”

“Ah, yes. Mississippi. You’re from Mississippi as well, aren’t you, Ford?” King said, turning to look at Ford.

But before Ford could answer, Vern and Max bid them all a good night, leaving the threesome behind.

“I’ve never been. To Mississippi, that is,” King said as he sipped his drink.

“You should come visit. Southern hospitality is unparalleled.”

“Is it indeed?”

“Yes.” Ruby smiled. The brandy warmed her.

“Perhaps I can visit your hometown.”

“I doubt there is anything of interest to see.”

“Nonsense. It is your hometown.”

Ford stood suddenly, almost knocking his chair back. “If you’ll both excuse me. I have things that I must attend to. King.” He nodded at his employer. “Miss Sutton.”

He was gone no more than a minute when King touched Ruby’s hand. “Let me walk you back to your cabin. You’ve been so generous with your time.”

Ruby felt the tingle of the alcohol in her veins, and she nodded. “Thank you. I accept.”

She took his arm, and together they strolled along the deck, admiring the dark sky and the twinkling stars.

“A lovely night,” he said as his hand dipped lower on her back.

“It is.”

When they finally stopped walking, she realized they stood before his suite.

“Come in for a drink. One more won’t hurt,” he said softly.

Ruby looked at his face and nodded. “All right.”

She knew she shouldn’t, but the brandy had gone to her head, and the reservations she might have felt disappeared. She felt warm and alive.

Inside his suite, she looked around the sitting room and saw the bedroom through the open door. He poured two glasses and handed her one.

“I’m afraid it’s whiskey.”

“That’s fine,” she said, but when she sipped it, she shuddered. “Oh!”

King laughed. “It’s a little rough. It takes getting used to.”

“Yes, I can see that.”

He sipped his whiskey and studied her in the low gaslight. “You are a lovely woman, Ruby.”

“Am I?”

“Don’t be coy.”