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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3758495" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter One-hundred-ninety-five, “A Night in Rochester”, Friday, June 16th, 6:30 P.M. Ruby feels like she has only been asleep for a couple of minutes when Roger nudges Ruby and says, "The train just stopped. We're in Rochester." She smiles sleepily at him as she stretches, "That didn't seem nearly long enough..." She stands and looks at Richard, "Are we just wandering around to find a place to stay now?" She looks at Roger, "Where are you going to stay? You weren't planning on staying here tonight originally, right?" Roger says, "Not originally but we're game to do so now." He yells over to his comrades "Okay boys, grab your duffle bags and lets go find us a place to sack out." Richard looks to Ruby and says, "I will get our bags." She replies, "Thanks Richard!" Ruby exits the train and waits for Roger. "We're going to find somewhere to stay. I don't know what you are thinking but do you just want to meet back up tonight or are you going to follow us? We'll probably stay someplace nice." Richard gathers up the bags. Two of the sailors pass their duffle bags onto their shipmates and go to assist him. They leave the train depot and are surprised by the number of rails continuing in all directions with a horse drawn street car stopping to pick up passengers. Roger asks, "Should we ride some more or walk?" "I'd rather walk but we have so many bags," she says, glancing over her shoulder at poor Richard. "Let's ride and just get the rooms." Richard confirms that the car has downtown as its destination and they all board. It makes it way onward going by all of the factories along the river. Ruby was accustomed to the vast number of linen and cloth mills that used the river for power but was surprised by a number of new factory buildings that had grown up in the last five years. These buildings were along the main roadway but away from the river, although still along the railroad tracks, apparently powered by the now more abundant coal. As the sun is setting to the west she starts to read the names on the factories....Kimball Cigarette Company, Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, Taylor's Instruments, Western Union Company, Howe Scales, Cunningham Carriages, Gleason Gears and lastly The George Eastman Company. Ruby's heart skips a beat when she sees the Eastman factory. She knew he was successful... but this successful? Suddenly the urge to see him returned. She looks to Jane but she's still busy entertaining the troops. Plus, Ruby wasn't sure she could talk about this with her now anyway, her feelings being what they were. Ruby smiles. George had done what he set out to, something he was always so passionate about. He was making his dreams come true and she was honestly happy for him. She strains her head to look at the factory as they drive by, in the very off chance she might catch a glimpse of someone she was looking for. The factory appears to have already closed for the day as most of the lights are off. Disappointed, Ruby turns back in her seat. She sits quietly lost in her thoughts. The car continues towards downtown, passing a few more factories with signs reading Adler Brothers and Company, Koch and Company, Gordon Grain Binder, Hatch Boots and Shoes and Rochester Blue Label Ketchup. The car stops at the Reynolds Library and then continues on another block to the busy downtown, passing the Powers Art Gallery along the way. Several bars and restaurants appear to be open. Ruby comments, "Richard, we should get off soon, I'm sure we'll find an appropriate hotel in downtown." They see the Woodcliff Inn a block east right after Hawson's Dance Hall. "That should do just fine," Ruby comments. "I seem to remember the Dance Hall being adequate too." She smiles mischievously. "So I've heard." They all make their way over to the Inn. Ruby lets Richard take care of the details of checking in. The sailors and Richard head into the hotel to get rooms. Ruby and Jane sit down at the bar to wait for them. Jane says, "So, that Roger seems to be monopolizing your time. What do you think of him?" "I think he's sweet. And handsome." Ruby waves to the bartender. "And sexy. What do you think?" Jane says, "I think he's after only one thing Ruby, a one night stand." Ruby orders a bourbon from the bartender before answering Jane. She comments, "What's wrong with that Janie? You do it all the time." The Priestess replies, "Nothing is wrong with that Ruby, but if you honestly think that is what I do then you have no true understanding of my religion. What I am saying is that you should be discrete, after all, this is the city where your parents and your former fiancé live. I don't know what the next few days will bring, but they will only be more difficult for you if unsavory gossip accompanies your visit." "I don't care about gossip or what my parents think. I doubt we'll be seeing anyone my parents know anyway, they don't exactly interact with the little folk, if you get my meaning." Ruby sighs. "No Jane, I don't think that is what you do. I am sorry if it came out that way. It's just...," Ruby's voice trails off and she is quiet. The bartender conveniently brings their drinks at that moment and Ruby sips her bourbon. "Did you know that Jake and Red introduced me to this," she holds up her glass. "I'd never really had it before them." Ruby is quiet again for long moments. She continues sadly, "Jane, there are so many things I never had before Jake. I didn't want to talk to you about this, I didn't want to hurt your feelings in any way. But I have no one to talk to... Jake and I... I mean..." Tears start to pour out of Ruby's eyes and she sobs, "Why hasn't he come for me Janie? He promised he would." Jane says, "Men promise a lot of things Ruby when they are with you. I would say that his silence speaks volumes." "I know." Ruby wipes her eyes with the back of her hands, then sits up taller. She takes a deep breath in, "I already know it." She sips her bourbon and calms herself down. Ruby speaks up again, "I sent him a telegram. I asked him to please wire me back. I said I would check when we got here to Rochester. But I know he won't, write me back that is. He'll read what I wrote and know I was saying goodbye, as much as I didn't want to. I want things to be like they were but they can't. And in the end, some details may have been different, but in the end, he was just like all the rest." Ruby takes another deep breath in. "So I thought spending the night with Roger would help break me of Jake. He's nice enough, and probably been with enough women to know what to do.” Jane comments, "Well, that should certainly help you to find out your true feelings. I still think you should be discreet, there is no need to borrow trouble." Ruby exclaims, “But what I really want to do is see George." Jane replies, "And I can assure you that Richard will not allow that to happen until some time tomorrow after he has had a chance to make some inquires around town. He's not willing to lose you by being impatient and reckless." Ruby asks, "And you said discrete. What's discreet? Hiding out here in this Inn all night? And what do you mean lose me? What are you two thinking is going to happen to me?" Jane says, "No, we won’t stay at the inn, we'll all go dancing. I'm just saying that you should be careful sneaking into and out of Roger's room so that you don't get seen by hotel employees or other guests. As for what could happen, Richard assumes that either your parents or your ex-fiancé will force you to stay against you will." Ruby exclaims, "I don't even think my parents should be here. They're probably out on Long Island at the other home," Ruby rolls her eyes. She continues, "And George, George would definitely not make me stay against my will. He's my friend, he's not an enemy. If anything happens, I'll try to be discrete. Even though I don't really care what anyone here thinks, you are obviously concerned and probably seeing something I'm not." Ruby rolls the shot glass between her hands. "Do you think I shouldn't sleep with him Jane? Is it a stupid idea? What's your advice?" Jane replies, "My advice is that you find a few moments alone and pray to Aphrodite for guidance. She wants us to work together, but that can wait until tomorrow. Let's go dancing and relax, then you should ask her to lead you to the next step with any or all of the men in your life." Ruby nods. "That's good advice Janie." She throws back the bourbon and slides off the stool, flipping a dollar onto the bar. "Let's go get cleaned up and ready to go out. My butt hurts from sitting all day and I'm dying for a bath." They approach Richard who gives the women a single key to the room that he has secured for the two of them. Ruby snatches the key and jingles it, forcing herself into a better mood. "Let's go get ready darling," Ruby purrs. "We'll meet you boys later!" Ruby asks the desk clerk to prepare some baths in their room for them. They head upstairs and Ruby is pleased to see a bathtub with indoor plumbing, knobs for both hot and cold. "Oh my gods!" Ruby exclaims excitedly. "Janie, look at this! I have to get this in my house back in Promise City and the Lucky Lady too. You have to get this at the Meeting House. It's been so long since, well, since...," Ruby's enthusiasm overtakes her and she doesn't finish her statement, instead she peels through her bags and pulls out a couple of dresses and accessories. She draws a bath, sinking into the hot hot water, enjoying every relaxing moment of it. Afterwards she takes her time dressing as Jane also takes a bath. Ruby helps Jane with her hair, babbling about this and that but nothing important. Finally both the women are ready and dressed stunningly they head back downstairs to meet up with the men. It appears that the sailors have also cleaned up, as most have damp and freshly combed hair, several with short stubble beards are now clean shaven, and all have on fresh white uniforms and shoes with such a polish that they let off a shine. The only ones absent from the group are the Lieutenant and Richard, who Bjorn says headed off together a short while ago. "Who's ready to go dancing?" Ruby chirps. The men enthusiastically agree, Bjorn and Carl each taking one of Jane's arms with Roger alone taking Ruby's. Ruby places a hand over Roger's as they walk next door to the Dance Hall. "So, Officer Birch, what exactly do you have planned for us tonight? You did promise me a lesson in the stars." He replies, "Some vigorous exercise first, we don't get very many opportunities for ballroom dancing on board ship." "Alright then. I'll leave you to the romancing part." Ruby guides them into the dance hall. "Drinks first or are you ready to hit the floor? Either way, lead the way." She smiles widely, looking at him expectantly. The next hour is intermixed with dancing, Roger monopolizing Ruby's time until he finally begins to tire at which point he makes a gesture towards her to his shipmates and they begin to approach her, one per dance, to ask her to dance with them. During that time Jane has also been dancing with the various sailors. Ruby's body knew the moves to the dance just as well as she could walk. She enjoys the light, freeing feeling, dancing and flirting, not a care in the world. "Are you enjoying yourself Officer?" she asks, smiling and playing with her hair. Her present dance partner, the handsome Carl von Diamond, smiles back and say, "Indeed I am dearest Ruby, there is nothing more pleasant than to have one's arms around somebody as lovely and lively as you." "Isn't that sweet?" she smiles. "You all seems to have such nice manners. So far anyway," she teases. "And I am just as lucky to have my evening filled by handsome, sweet men." "We aim to please," is Carl's reply. Ruby laughs and continues her dance until she gets tired. After that hour is up, she bounces over to Roger who it sitting at the bar, standing very close to him. "Have you been drinking Sir?" she asks. Roger replies, "Not to excess, I was waiting for your company before I did that." "And now you have it." Ruby waves the bartender over. "What will be our libation for the evening?" Roger states, "I normally drink beer but that just doesn't seem appropriate with a fine woman like you." Ruby laughs. "You drink your beer. I'll drink...," she pauses to consider, "...Champagne. I love the bubbly, although I usually try to avoid it. Nasty headaches and all. But you have such limited time here on land, you should drink what you like." When he places the order with the bartender he shows that Champagne is a drink not unfamiliar to him as he reviews what is available and orders a superior vintage. "My, my, Roger, you surprise me. I would have never guessed you have some knowledge of champagne." Ruby leans a little closer and sets one elbow on the bar. "Did I mention I like surprises?" He says, "I learned all about wines and champagnes at a young age. I mentioned how my mother worked as a clerk for the Governor of Bermuda? Well while she was doing her job I was helping out in the kitchen, most of the time peeling potatoes or chopping vegetables. I got to know the mansion's wine steward pretty well and he taught me about wines. He also taught me how to swear and play cards, which are more useful skills for my Naval career than being a sommelier." Ruby laughs heartily. "Yes, I imagine they would be much more useful. You know, you haven't asked me yet what I do. Why don't you try to guess?" He replies, "My first impression is that you are independently wealthy so you don't have to do anything that you don't want to." Ruby laughs again. "You're right, I don't do anything I don't want to. But why would you think I'm independently wealthy?" The champagne arrives and she sips at it. "Yum!" He states, "Well, if Richard isn't your brother or boyfriend then he is clearly your bodyguard, just as your associate Jane appears to also be a servant of some sort, a private nurse perhaps. Business Associates you say, well whatever the business is you are clearly the head of it." Ruby sips again at her champagne. She looks around the room, finding Jane dancing and Richard watching everyone else. She looks with love in her eyes at them. "Actually, Roger, they are my friends. Jane is one of my best friends and she decided to bring me here as a birthday present. I'm originally from New York you see and have some loved ones here. She decided it would be good for me and she was right. Richard came along to keep us two young hens out of trouble. I hate to break the news to you, but I am not wealthy." She looks back to Roger, "I'm just a singer." She smiles widely, "I hope that will be enough for you." He smiles and says, "And I'm just an old sailor. Having the most beautiful woman in the State here with me suits me just fine, regardless of her profession." "Good." Ruby clinks her glass with Roger's beer then takes a sip. "Up for more dancing?" He replies, "Absolutely, I'll do my best to not stamp on your feet." Ruby grabs his hand and drags him back out onto the dance floor. They dance for another twenty minutes after which he appears to have tired out. One of the other sailors, the young apprentice seaman whose name escapes Ruby, offers to step in. As Ruby takes the young seaman by the hand she teases Roger, "I hope you aren't going to tire and keep sending in reinforcements all night Officer Birch." He replies, "No, I wouldn't trust several of them with you. But I have no worries of young Seaman Hamel attempting to steal you from me, not unless he wants his first tour of duty to be a miserable one." Ruby laughs and looks at the boy, who can't be much younger than she. "Can you dance?" she asks. The boy nods, apparently threatened somewhat by Roger's implied threat and says in a meek voice "Yes...I can." "Well then, don't keep me waiting. Show me!" She pulls him into a spin and they start twirling around. As they dance Ruby asks, "So tell me, what do YOU think of the Officer?" Seaman Apprentice Hamel says, "He's not really an Officer, he's a Petty Officer, that's an enlisted position albeit one of the top ones. Back at the Naval Academy I had to answer to real officers, the Commandant of the school was a retired Commodore." "See, I don't even know how it works. But he didn't seem to mind being called by the title. Nevertheless, tonight is not the night for a lesson." Ruby smiles and tests the boy's dancing skills. He says, "Learning Military ranks is one of the first things they teach you in the Academy. I graduated in the top ten-percent of my class." "Well congratulations. You must be smart." Ruby peers over his shoulder to see what Roger is doing. Ruby does not see Roger anywhere in the room. Ruby squints and searches for him some more, but doesn't see him. When the dance is over she grabs her drink and goes off in search of him. She wanders the room and will finally make her way outside in search of him.</blockquote>

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