The Vaudeville Star

Ruby didn’t like cards. As she had not played them as a child nor in her later years, she found them boring and much preferred chess or dominoes. She liked a game of strategy. She had learned chess from her father, and he had boasted that she was superb player. She had played once with Ford when she was younger, and he had won the game, though barely.

She remembered that Ford was an excellent card player. He had a keen mind, and his memory was outstanding. He could remember exactly what had been played, and when he and Bessie won, she was not surprised. They played another game of men versus women, and thanks to Ford’s skill, his team won again.

“I forgot how good you were at cards,” King told Ford as he refreshed everyone’s drinks.

“It helps pass the time. Being a detective is not as exciting as everyone seems to think,” Ford said absently as he shuffled the deck.

“Except for that baroness—in Ireland, wasn’t it?” King smiled widely.

“Perhaps. But she wasn’t a baroness. She was a marchioness. And she lived in Scotland,” Ford corrected him.

Ford’s dark eyes met Ruby’s, and she looked away from him almost immediately.

“Yes! That’s right!” He clapped him on the back as he handed out the drinks. “The women do seem to love Ford. I think it must be that Southern charm.”

Ford looked at the drink King held in his hand but continued shuffling.

“Do you believe in Southern charm, Ruby?” King asked.

“I suppose I must since I’m a Southern girl. But I think what most people call charm is really good manners and treating people with respect.”

“Ah, I would agree with you. Except, I think, when it comes to women and Ford; they want more than his good manners and respect. If you get my meaning.” He took a large gulp and then laughed.

Ruby had c

ome to realize that King liked his drink and much of it. They ignored his remark, and when he joined the table, the teams were Ruby and Ford against King and Bessie.

“If Ford wins again, I think this might be the last round,” King chuckled.

Ruby arched her back from the chair. She was now sitting across from Ford, and she felt his eyes on her as King dealt the hand out. She pressed one foot out to stretch and connected with the table. She looked at Bessie, who was staring at her hand, and at King, who was sipping his drink and smiling at his hand.

When she moved her toes to stretch again, she moved them along the table but then realized with a sense of horror that she was pressing her toes into the calf and knee of another person. She froze and looked at Ford.

She met his gaze, which was hot—almost smoldering—and she withdrew her foot immediately. She wanted to mouth “sorry” but felt stupid and childish. Had he thought she was doing it on purpose?

Bessie stifled a yawn as Ford and Ruby won the third round. “We should leave. It’s near dinnertime, and we need to dress,” Bessie stated.

“Is it really?” King set his glass down and looked at the clock. “So it is! Time does fly when you are in the company of such lovely creatures.”

King said the words to include Bessie, but his eyes were fixed on Ruby. “You’ll join me at my table, won’t you?”

He rested his hand on her shoulder, and she nodded. “Of course. If you like.”

“Most assuredly.” She felt his hand slide down her arm and looked at Ford.

Ford was standing up to escort Bessie to the door. She stood as well and saw King lick his lips. She felt the blush across her cheeks as she walked to the door.

“I’ll escort the ladies to their cabins,” Ford said.

“Southern charm! You see, Ruby? And I’ll see everyone at dinner,” King said in a dismissal.

As they walked to their cabins, Bessie said, “There is to be a small band tonight! I think there will be dancing as well.”

“Dancing? That’s charming,” Ruby said as they came to Bessie’s cabin.

“Isn’t it though?” She let herself in. “See you soon.”

“I can manage alone,” Ruby told Ford over her shoulder.