Page 80 of Forgotten No More

Then, they’d been shaken by the news of the accident at the docks. They’d stayed with William into the early morning hours.

And during it all, she hadn’t the time or the energy to impart the news to Vi. Part of her regretted that she kept so many important things from her best friend, but she knew Vi was also in a delicate condition, and added stress could negatively affect her.

Even after all the hurtful things she’d spewed at Harold only days before, she was certain that he loved her, too. Except for Sir St. Augustin and Vi, no person had loved Ruby without reserve. No one had given her the opportunity to prove her worth.

Harold hadn’t needed her to prove anything; he’d known his love for her long before Ruby had opened her eyes to her feelings for him. She still had little faith that their love would go anywhere, brave any storm—mainly meaning, their parents agreeing to a pairing between the families. Harold had never even mentioned any such thing happening.

“Ruby?” Vi asked. “Are you unwell? Has something happened?”

Everything and nothing at all had happened. Ruby hoped to understand and accept how drastically her life had changed, and how much change was still to come, before attempting to explain it to another—even her nearest and dearest friend.

So, instead of opening her wounds and laying everything before Vi, she said, “I am only tired.”

“Have you not been sleeping well? You retired before we arrived home last evening.” She knew Vi cared about her deeply and was concerned, especially after noticing the bruise on her face. “I came to your room, but it appeared you were already asleep.”

“I think I am not used to all the activities of town life.” In truth, she hadn’t been asleep at all when Vi came to check on her, but had merely pretended. She’d spent hours crying, debating, and discarding her plans for the future. Eventually she’d realized that if she couldn’t handle the here and now—meaning helping Ellie through losing their father, exploring her growing feelings for Harold, and somehow confronting her mother—then any planning for the future was needless and a waste of her energy.

“And I am sure it has nothing to do with your search.” Vi kept her focus on the ledger she was working on.

Ruby knew her friend better than to think the comment was in any way casual chit chat. Vi was on her own mission and would notice any change, no matter how subtle, in Ruby’s demeanor. “No, I have decided to end my search. Possibly retire to the country once more, and hope my mother never learns of any of it.” She hoped Vi didn’t question her reasons.

A light knock and clearing of a voice distracted both women.

“Lady Haversham,” Buttons said. “Miss Ruby has a guest requesting her audience.”

“I am not expecting anyone.” Muddled, they looked at each other. The hour was far too early for a social call—and not many knew of Ruby’s presence in town.

“Did they give you a card?” Vi asked.

“No, your ladyship. The young woman arrived in a carriage. She did not offer a name or card, but requested Miss Ruby’s,” he nodded in her direction as he spoke. “…immediate attention. I did explain the early hour, but she was quite insistent about seeing her. Shall I turn her away?”

The visitor’s forthright attitude told Ruby all she needed to know. There was only one person she knew who would insist on having things her way. “No, please, show Lady Ellington in.”

Any notion of keeping her situation from Vi—or time to think through everything—was gone.

Ruby set her own writing desk aside and stood, preparing for the onslaught that was her newly discovered sister. Now was as good a time as any for Vi to meet Ellington. A controlled, nonpublic place where Ellington could be herself—which was erratic, self-centered, and completely unpredictable. As the older sister, it fell to her to make sure Ellie was cared for—had a place to live, clothes, schooling, and a proper coming out when the time came. Ruby did not have the means to provide a roof for her own head, let alone for her sister—if Ellie would even accept her assistance. She’d hoped to have the time to enlist Vi’s help in the situation.

Due to Drake’s reputation there was a good chance more children would come forward to claim what they thought was rightfully theirs.

That excluded both Ruby and Ellie from any part of the estate, but could mean a little security for her sister. If the situation called for her to take full responsibility for her sister, she would. She would find a way to support the both of them, regardless of the sacrifice. Of course, Ellie going back to Ruby’s family home was unconceivable under her mother’s watchful eye.

“The Lady Ellington, the one you mentioned to me only a few days past?” Vi asked. “Shall I ring for tea?”

“Do not bother. It is more likely she will ask for a scotch over ice,” Ruby jested. “Ellington—or Ellie, as she goes by—is the daughter of the Marquis of Drake.”

“Should I know the marquis?”

Ruby felt badly for her deceit. Well, not truly deceit—but she hadn’t been as honest and open as she’d promised Vi she would be if the need arose. “No. He is—was—a marquis. I have told you about my unfortunate friendship with Ellie—or at least it started out as unfortunate.” It was the time to tell Vi all, but something held her back. Once she admitted who her true father was, any denial she could have used to maintain the pristine memory of Sir St. Augustin would be gone.

“And…” Vi prompted.

“I do not know what else you want me to say.”

“And, since you have previously confided in me that Ellie is your sister, that would make the Marquis of Drake your father, is that correct?”

Ruby nodded.

“Where have I heard that name before?” Vi’s pensive expression told Ruby her friend was putting things together. “Wait, is he not the man known about town as a notorious rakehell?”