Ruby fingered a bit of lace along her dress. “I feel obligated, Bess. He’s done so much. How can I say no?”
“I see that, Ruby. He’s financed everything. The ship’s passage, the hotel rooms. The tour.”
“Don’t say it aloud. It sounds immense,” Ruby complained.
“I’m sure it’s a small fortune,” Bessie said quietly. “But when you think of it in his terms, it’s probably a drop in the bucket.”
Ruby remained silent.
“And if he’s doing it to win you over, it’s much nicer than chocolates.”
Ruby laughed. “To help my career onstage? Much nicer!”
When the note was delivered to her cabin, she read it with dread. It was an invitation to dine privately in King’s cabin that evening. She pulled her gowns out to view them and looked at each one with a critical eye.
One gown had a low-cut neckline, and she didn’t want to entice him. Another gown was perfect, but it had a small rip that needed to be repaired. One dress was white linen but more suitable for afternoon tea. In the end, she chose that one and dressed quickly. She combed her hair and pinned back her blond curls. She wore her favorite diamond earrings, which had been a gift from her father on her sixteenth birthday.
When she entered his suite, she saw happily that they were not alone. A waiter was pouring champagne into two glasses, and King handed her one.
“That dress, my dear, most charming,” King said as he sipped the liquid.
“I don’t have that many gowns. I know it’s more suited to afternoon tea—”
“Not at all, Ruby. You do it justice. Any gown you wear, you only serve to enhance its beauty. Not the other way around. Some women need flashy gowns and jewels. You do not.”
Ruby smiled at the compliment.
“However, that being said, I know a seamstress in England. She is French by birth but lives in London. Her gowns are exquisite!”
“I’m sure I could not afford her,” Ruby said as she took her seat opposite him. The waiter disappeared.
“Perhaps you can’t afford her now. But once you achieve fame, fortune follows, does it not?” He winked at her.
“I hope it does.” She smiled.
“Perhaps you might allow me to introduce you to Madame Bineaux. You can see her work and meet her and then decide.”
“Perhaps,” Ruby said as she toyed with the champagne glass.
“Excellent. Then it is settled. You can order as many gowns as you like. When she sends you the bill, you send it to me. What could be easier?” King waved a hand at her.
Ruby was growing annoyed. She didn’t want to be any more beholden to him than she already was. “King—” Just as she was about to tell him how she felt, the waiter returned carrying plates of food under silver domes.
He uncovered the plates, and King smiled approvingly before the waiter disappeared again.
“King, I can’t accept such an offer.”
King took a mouthful of salmon. “You just did.”
“Very well. But I will pay you back. I must insist.”
“Insist?” King frowned and then smiled. “Of course. I understand. You want to be independent. Charming.” He nodded.
Ruby tried to enjoy the meal, but she felt more and more that King was placing her in a position where she was at his mercy. She owed him so much already.
They finished their meal with a walnut cream tart and coffee, and afterward he poured them both a brandy, and they sat on the sofa.
“I received a telegram from my mother today. You met her,” he stated.