“We all make mistakes. Maybe one day you can tell her that you’re sorry and ask her forgiveness. I’m sure it would go a long way to healing that wound.”
Joseph rubbed his chin and nodded. “No doubt you’re right.”
Victoria couldn’t believe her good fortune. The day before, she’d received a letter from Arthur telling her he’d arranged an appointment for her with Abraham Ruef. He would send a carriage for her, and it would be up to her to figure out how to get away.
She had worried about that very thing, especially after Camri Coulter demanded to know who the letter was from. Victoria had lied and told them it was from her former fiancé, who’d gotten in touch with Mr. Bridgestone and learned where she was.
“You surely don’t want to see him again,” Judith commented as Victoria prepared to leave. “I don’t know that I should let you go by yourself. If Kenzie hadn’t left this note saying she needed to speak to Camri and me as soon as she got back, I’d go with you.”
“I’ll be perfectly fine.” Victoria had quickly landed on the perfect excuse for going to see Piedmont Rosedale. “I must return his ring and some of the other jewelry he gave me. He’s sending a carriage. I won’t be unescorted. Not only that, but he lives with his two maiden sisters, and they will be there as well,” she added, though anyone who was anyone knew Rosedale had no sisters.
Fortunately, her cousin was a nobody.
Judith frowned. “I didn’t see his sisters when we were there. Of course, it is a very big house.” She wrung her hands. “I do wish the others were here to consult. Why didn’t you tell me about this yesterday?”
Victoria wasn’t about to admit that she hadn’t mentioned it because she knew this would be the kind of argument she’d face. “I’m sure I’ll be back within the hour, and I’ll be supervised at all times.”
Judith finally raised her hands in defeat. “Just get back as soon as possible. I don’t want it said that I kept you a prisoner in this house, but neither do I want to be accused of not looking after your welfare.”
Victoria smiled as the clock in the hall chimed three. “I’m sure no one would accuse you of doing anything improper.” She walked to the front door and opened it. The carriage was just coming to a stop at the curb. “Good day, Judithdear.” Her voice dripped sarcasm.
The short ride didn’t culminate at Arthur’s hotel as she’d thought it might, but rather at an office building only a few blocks away. The driver helped her down from the carriage, and Victoria was relieved to see Arthur waiting for her at the lobby door.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d manage your escape,” he said with a grin and a tip of his hat.
“Judith was bothersome, wanting to know all the details, but I gave her a satisfactory story, and that was that. It really isn’t all that hard to handle her. She’s not very bright.”
“But she is quite lovely to look at,” Arthur said with a smile.
“Do you think her prettier than me?” Victoria watched for his reaction.
Arthur looked shocked. “Hardly. She could never hold a candle to your beauty.”
Victoria returned his smile. “I knew you were a man of sophisticated taste.”
They stepped into the building, and Arthur pointed the way. “Mr. Ruef is meeting you in the office of a friend. I told him discretion was important.”
She clutched his arm and simpered. “You are truly amazing. I’m ever so grateful for your help in this matter. I have to admit I find you quite captivating.”
Arthur’s voice grew husky. “I was thinking much the same about you.”
They entered the office, where a stern-faced matron in a rather manly brown tweed suit looked up from her typewriter and ordered them to sit. She then got up from her desk and exited the room through the door behind her desk. When she returned, she left the way open.
“He will see you now.” She reclaimed her seat and immediately went back to work as if they didn’t even exist.
Victoria allowed Arthur to lead the way. He walked in and greeted the stranger with an extended hand and a broad smile. “Mr. Ruef. My father speaks so highly of you.”
“I don’t suppose he accompanied you to San Francisco?” Ruef asked.
“No, sorry, but circumstances beyond his control kept him too busy to leave Kansas City. However, I believe you’ll enjoy the company I’ve brought you. Miss Victoria Whitley, this is Abraham Ruef.”
Victoria considered the older man. He had a thick head of dark hair combed straight back and an equally thick mustache. He stared at her with an intensity that would have intimidated a weaker woman, but Victoria wasn’t at all concerned.
“Mr. Ruef, thank you for agreeing to see me.”
“Miss Whitley. I knew your family. A fine family indeed.”
She touched her gloved hand to her throat and sighed in the way she’d learned delicate women could use to gain great attention. “I’m so relieved. Does that mean you’ll help me?”
