Ruby (Landry 1)

"No, madame," I said. "Or at least, none that I

know of in Houma. My grandfather talked of his

relatives who live in other bayous, but Grandmere

Catherine never liked us to associate with them." "How dreadful," Daphne said, shaking her

head. 1 wasn't sure if she meant my family life or the

present situation.

"This is amazing. I have two daughters," Pierre

said, allowing himself a smile. It was a handsome

smile. I felt myself start to relax. Under his warm gaze

the tension drained out of me. I couldn't help thinking

he was so much the father I'd always wanted, a softspoken, kindly man.

But Daphne flashed him a cool, chastising look. "Double the embarrassment, too," she reminded

him.

"What? Oh, yes, of course. I'm glad you've

finally revealed yourself," he told me, "but it does

present us with a trifle of a problem."

"A trifle of a problem? A trifle!" Daphne cried.

Her chin quivered.

"Well, somewhat more serious, I'm afraid." My

father sat back, pensive.

"I don't mean to be a burden to anyone," I said,

and stood up quickly. "I'll return to Houma. There are

friends of my grandmere's ."

"That's a fine idea," Daphne said quickly.

"We'll arrange for transportation, give you some

money. Why, we'll even send her some money from time to time, won't we, Pierre? You can tell your

grandmother's friends that--"

"No," Pierre said, his eyes fixed so firmly on

me, I felt like his thoughts were traveling through

them and into my heart. "I can't send my own