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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3934653" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Two-hundred-forty, ““Al and Rosey” , Monday, June 19th, 11:30 A.M. When Ruby awakens she is alone in the bed. The drapes in the room are very dark, blocking the sunlight, which is seeping in from the edges. She sits up and sleepily looks around the room. It only takes a moment to remember the night before. She grabs a pillow, puts it to her face and screams a laugh into the fluffy headrest. She falls back onto the bed, the huge smile staying on her face. She was shocked at her own behavior but still, still as she thought about it she couldn't argue against herself that she was wrong. That was all the funny feelings she had been having, why she was so crazy, so jealous. All of it made simple sense with her honest revelation to George and to herself. She climbs out of bed and opens the shades, trying to guess the hour. The room fills with light. She sees that the sun in close to overhead, indicating that it is now late morning. Ruby gets a little excited bounce in her step. George should be home any minute, maybe even now! She throws on the pink robe and hurries downstairs to look for him. She doesn't see him. As she enters the more formal dining room she sees an older woman is there. The woman appears to be in her late fifties and is short, a few inches less than five feet in height, with gray curly hair. Initially Ruby assumed her to be human, but upon closer examination she sees slight points to the top of her ears, indicating some Elvan blood is also in the woman's lineage. The woman is busy setting the table, putting out place settings for two people. Ruby ponders if she should just back out unseen, instead she says in a sweet voice, "You must be Rosie?" The woman looks up and smiles. She replies, "No, I'm Alvina, but please call me Al. My husband is Rosie, short for Rosaire. In his youth he played professional sports and his teammates gave him that nickname. Welcome to our home Ruby." Ruby says, “Oh, how embarrassing. I'm sorry." She stands awkwardly for a moment before smiling again, walking over to Al, and hugs her tightly. "Thank you, for welcoming me." She replies, "I should be the one thanking you. From what William has said Mr. Eastman has never been happier than he has been these last few days." Ruby blushes. "George and I have been friends a very long time. I can say with certainty that I'm very glad I made this trip, for both of us." Ruby looks around, "Is George here?" She blushes again, " I'm anxious to see him this morning." Alvina replies, "William said that he left fairly early for the office but planned to be home for lunch at noon, so he should be along soon. William left a short while ago to go and fetch him." "Oh! I should, you know, I should go get dressed... ready... you know... for lunch." Ruby starts heading out of the room. "It was nice to meet you! Later on we'll have to sit down and chat," she smiles at the older woman before she runs back upstairs. She rummages through her clothes, unsure of what would be suitable for the morning after you say you love someone and sleep with them for the first time. She ends up putting on her white and purple outfit, the one she traveled down in. It was form fitting and the shirt and skirt were sexy but the jacket covered a lot to make it more appropriate. She wished for time for a bath, but not wanting to waste any she instead cleans up at the basin. She fixes her hair in a headband but leaves her makeup off. She bounces back downstairs and returns to the dining room, hoping George was home. As she bounds down the stairs she sees through the window that the carriage is coming up the driveway. She stops at the bottom of the stairs and considers what to do next. Ah hell, she thinks, Who cares at this point? Instead of going back to the dining room she heads to the front door. Throwing it open she bounces outside and waits there for the handsome man who won her heart so easily. When she bounds into the drive William has just opened the door and George is exiting. Upon seeing Ruby rushing forward he sets down the leather satchel that he hold and gives her a great big hug, tossing her up into the air as he does so. "I trust that you slept well?" he asks. She unabashedly wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him on the lips. "Yes, Mr. Eastman, I did, I slept great!" she smiles. "And how did you sleep?" He replies, "Better than I have in years." He then gestures over to the side yard, where a short bald man with slightly pointed ears is busy trimming a hedge bush and says, "And I see that Rosey and Al have returned. Have you met them?" "I met Al...," she says, before pinching his rear, "You could have warned me! I only met her for a moment though, I wanted to get ready to see you. Why don't you introduce me to Rosie?" George sets her down and takes her by the hand. They walk across the yard and he says, "Rosey, I would like you to meet somebody special. Ruby West, this is Rosaire Dumas." The short bald man takes a pair of eyeglasses out of his shirt pocket and puts them on. He eyes Ruby apprehensively and then with what she recognizes as a forced smile says, "Pleased to meet you Miss West." Ruby keeps the sweet smile on her face. She extends her hand to the man, "It's nice to meet you too. I've already heard a lot about you and I've met your very beautiful and pleasant wife. I hope we can get to know each other a little better over the next days." "Yes Ma'am," he replies. George says, "You are doing a fine job with the yard. It will be lunch time soon Rosey, try not to miss it." George leads Ruby back to the house, William having picked up George's satchel and brought it inside. Ruby takes his arm and her smile stays put. "He doesn't like me very much. Think he's afraid I'm here to steal your fortune?" she asks as George leads her inside. George replies, "No, that wouldn't be what is bothering him about you. I'm not sure what, I'll ask him some time when we are alone." They enter the building to see that Al has begun to bring out the first course. Ruby notes that three place settings have been put in the adjacent informal dining room, indicating that she and George are dining separate from the three employees. She says, "As much as I'd like it to be just you and me, maybe we should ask them to eat with us, I don't mind, really. I'd like to get to know them. Besides, I really don't want to come in here and make them have to change because of me." George says, "They won't, they consider you a guest, and if I order them to join us then they will just feel uncomfortable. I'll work on that if you'd like but it might take a while to get them to come around to that idea." Al brings out the salad and soup. She pours what looks to be apple cider as the main beverage. Ruby takes a seat, not at the other end of the table but the chair next to George's. She says to Al, "You don't mind if I move this, right?" as she pushes her soup and salad down towards George. "Thank you, it looks wonderful," she comments before Alvina leaves. She puts her head closer to George, "Perhaps Rosey doesn't like me because I remind him of his daughter. Do they get along with her?" George replies, "Actually yes, they do. As I said, I'm not sure what Rosey's problem with you is but it will have to wait until he and I are alone to discuss, and even then it's likely he won't tell me. So Ruby, what have you been doing to keep yourself busy around here this morning?" "Actually, I slept all morning, if you can believe that. Someone kept me up late last night," she giggles. "Then I just got up and got ready for you to come home. And I'm starving so it worked out perfectly. How did your morning go?" He replies, "Very well. I met with my Board of Directors and explained that I had an unexpected visitor arrive from out-of-town and that they would have to get along without me for the balance of the week. Then I developed the photographs that we took. By that point the information package from Canada was delivered, so I spent the balance of the morning reviewing that material." Ruby freezes, holding the spoon in front of her face. Nervously she asks, "And what did you think of what you reviewed?" He says, "I found it very interesting. I was hoping that you would give me some time after lunch today for me to review some more, that way I'll know better what questions I would have for you when we take our carriage ride later. Perhaps Al could take you shopping while you are waiting for me." She finishes her bite of salad, chewing it slowly. "Of course, George, whatever you want. I need to go shopping anyway." She is quiet for a moment before she smiles and blurts out, "Oh, but a whole week we have together! How wonderful. You'll have to let me know what you think we'll do so I can shop accordingly." She then asks, "How did the pictures come out?" He says, "They all came out, although the one you took of me was a bit off-center, but not too bad given that it was your first attempt at photography. As for the shopping get a mix of whatever you may want, both formal and informal, I will make sure that I send Al with enough money." Ruby says, “Oh? You don't have to pay for my clothes. I mean, if you want to, you can, but that isn't why I was saying I needed to go shopping...I just don't want you to think... you know, about the money. I just want to have things that you will like to look at." He says, "Ruby, it doesn't matter what you are wearing, I would still want to look at you. I have one question though, why Ruby? Where does that name come from?" She replies, "It came from a long time ago, my mother was turning away my grandmother, although I didn't know it was her at the time. My grandmother stood up for me, tried to tell her what a jewel I was. Mother didn't listen, she didn't really care. You know she didn't. Doesn't." Ruby sighs, "Anyway, it was a reference to my hair. You know, the red haired women in my family have my...," she lowers her voice and makes sure the staff isn't close enough to hear, "Gift." In her normal voice she continues, "I just like the way it sounded and that someone stood up for me. It sort of represented that." She smiles, "It's much better than Constance, don't you think? Don't you like Ruby?" He says, "It fits, given your hair color. So, how is your Grandmother? You and your friend Richard mentioned your recent visit but that was mostly in describing the documents in your possession. You didn't really tell me anything of your visit itself." Ruby becomes overly animated. "Oh it was just wonderful!" Her hands wave around as she talks about the trip, getting to meet her grandmother and James, seeing the show, talking about the papers and the people following them, all of it. She talks about every detail of the trip, except her possibly seeing Colin Turner. "So, what do you think? Would you like to meet my grandmother? She's just amazing. I'd love for her to meet you too. While she is talking Al brings out the main course, roast beef, potatoes and gravy and freshly baked cranberry bread. He smiles and replies, "Of course I would like to meet her, she sounds a lot like you." Ruby's eyes widen, "All this for lunch? You are absolutely spoiling me!" She smiles up at Al, "And thank you ma'am, this is delightful." Back to George, Ruby says, "I'm glad to hear you say it! She thinks we're a lot alike too and I have to agree. She's gotten to have a lot of the adventures I've always dreamed about." "How is your mother? She was always sweet to me." He replies, "She is doing well. I help support her, so she no longer has to take in borders at her home as she had before. She is starting to get on in years, having turned sixty last year. One reason I am considering building on that other property is to make a place for her where myself and my employees can better see to her everyday needs." Ruby sighs. "There you go again being all gentlemanly and noble. Well, I'm glad she is doing well and you see after her." Ruby takes a bite of her roast beef then points to her plate. "This is really good. Who does what around here?" He replies, "Al is my cook and housekeeper, William is my house manager and driver, Rosey is my groundskeeper and maintenance man." Ruby nods. "That makes sense. Well, you, and they, run a very lovely home here." She takes a few bites, then looks over her shoulder to the others. Thinking they are far enough away she turns back to George. Her cheeks turn pink as she whispers, "So... what did you think of last night?" He blushes and says, "Er...well....that really isn't something that should be talked about." Ruby furrows her brows. "Why not? I want to know how much you enjoyed it." He replies, "That's just not something people discuss with the opposite gender." Ruby just blinks at him. "Is this your way of saying it was not good??" Of course, Ruby can't fathom that thought but says it anyway. He states, "It is my way of saying I am not comfortable discussing...that particular subject." Ruby puts her fork down. "Perhaps if you can't be mature enough to speak about it, you shouldn't be doing it!" Her lips form into a pout, even though she doesn't want to be mad. She sighs and forcibly relaxes her face. "George, I'm sorry. Last night was so... great for me... and different... and I don't know why you wouldn't want to talk about how you feel too." His voice raises somewhat and he exclaims. "Ruby, there are subjects that just aren't discussed in mixed company!" She softens her voice and says, "And what would those subjects be, Mr. Eastman? You should inform me now because I really don't know. I thought the person that you choose to be with, well, would be your best friend and you could tell them anything." He replies, "Under the right circumstances yes, not while you are trying to enjoy a meal at the dinner table with the servants just twenty feet away. Intimate conversations should be conducted during intimate times." She says, "Oh. Is that what you're trying to say? That you'll tell me later? I thought you were saying you wouldn't tell me at all." Ruby starts eating again. "You were making me really nervous." Ruby is quiet while she eats. She still had a small nervous feeling inside her belly so she changes the subject. "Think you'll be able to take me dancing? I love to dance and if I recall correctly you were a great dancer that night at the Cantina." "I think we could make some arrangements for dancing," he says, with a definite sound of relief in his voice at the subject having been changed. "Good, I really love dancing. It's fun and great exercise. And getting to be close to you." She takes another few bites of lunch. "So, today I'm going shopping and then we're taking a ride. Anything else planned for today?" He replies, "We can decide that later during or after our ride." "Alright George." Ruby quietly finishes her lunch. Following the meal George heads off to speak to Alvina and William. He tells Ruby he will see her when she returns and kisses her on the cheek before retreating to his study, closing the doors behind him. William heads out to get the carriage and Alvina asks Ruby if she is ready to go shopping. She smiles, "I'm always ready to go shopping. I hope you don't mind accompanying me too much." She smiles and says, "I enjoy shopping too and I am hoping to get to know you better." William holds the door to the opulent carriage and the women enter. They set off for downtown Rochester. Ruby's smile stays in place as the carriage rides towards the city. "George says you have a daughter? He thinks we're somewhat alike. What's she like?" Alvina replies, "Adventuresome. My late husband was an engineer and she had an insatiable curiosity to learn. She accompanied him to the Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia back in 1876, where he had helped to design the main exposition building. That was where she met the man who she is now married two. They now have three children and have a house down on the Finger Lakes." Ruby laughs, "She must be very adventuresome to have had three babies! You must miss not being closer to her. What's her name, if you don't mind me asking?" Al replies, "Her name is Ellie. She is married to a Scottish inventor named Callum McDonald. Their children are named Lily, Alexander and Sarah." Ruby says, "Beautiful names. I'm sure they are a wonderful family. I look forward to maybe getting to meet them one day!" Ruby looks over Al for a moment before pulling her feet up underneath herself. "I'm certain you have many questions for me, is there something specific you'd like to know?" Al pauses, so Ruby prompts "You can ask me anything Al, I don't mind. I'm pretty open about most things." Al says, "If it is not too personal yes I do.” Alvina asks Ruby , “What exactly is your managerial philosophy regarding employees?" Ruby says, “I'm not sure what you mean. You may have heard who my parents are but I am not like them. I don't really have any personal employees back home." She pauses, "Well, I guess that's not entirely true, I am part owner of a Saloon, and have employees there. I guess you could say that I believe in finding employees that are honest, true and most importantly loyal. And treating them fairly and with respect so they do the same. "Quite frankly, when you have someone living in your house who works for you, they become more like friends, even family, than anything else." "If you are asking how hands on are I am with them, I'd rather hire intelligent people who can do their job on their own, without me holding their hand." Ruby laughs, "Did any of that long windedness answer your question?" She replies, "Yes, very much so. Rosey and I know a number of people who work for William and Alma West, and quite frankly, am not fond of what we have heard. Rosey always says that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, so has some concerns. He and I have a special relationship with Mr. Eastman, we are employees, but the relationship has evolved into one where we are more like a trusted aunt and uncle. George said that living out west had humbled you, that you no longer had the upper crust attitude that your parents do, but you did grow up under their roof and we read in the newspaper of your many years at that fancy boarding school in Switzerland, so we weren't sure." "You will learn, I am nothing like my parents." While Ruby had no real loyalty for her parents she didn't feel it was the right time to let Al know the truth about her. Ruby laughs lightly, "Is that why your husband doesn't like me? You have no worries. I have no intention of coming here and changing anything. The way George speaks about you, you have become like family to him. And I for one appreciate that he's had someone all these years that he can talk to and depend on. Besides, I am not really in the position to be changing things around here. I'm not sure I ever will be." Al replies, "Well things may need to change soon enough if you are staying. The house is barely big enough for the four of us, with a fifth it will become rather crowded and there's also the matter of George's mother. She may soon need a full-time nurse to look after her. Now might be the time for him to consider building the house on the land he bought. Ruby says, "Oh, I didn't know his mother was in that state already. I haven't seen her in so long...George has spoken about building the house many times. With or without me here it sounds like he should do it. Perhaps I'll put in a good word for you then. I'm sure you can manage it, taking care of a larger home." Ruby plays with her hair, wrapping it around a finger as she speaks. "Al, I'd like to ask you a question now. I know your loyalties are to him, I don't expect you to go against that or anything, but you've been around him much more than I have now that he is a man. Tell me truthfully, what kind of woman do you think would make him happy? I mean, what kind of woman do you think he needs to be his wife?" She smiles and says, "There is only one woman in the world who would make him happy and I believe that you already know that." Ruby blushes a little, smiles and looks out the window. "Yes, I suppose that is true. I know I could make him happy." She looks back to Al. "But I also know how different we are and might make him crazy at the same time. He's got so many good things going on here, good things for more than just him, good things for everyone. I just... I'm not sure we are right for one another. We are very different." Alvina replies, "My late husband Benjamin and I were very different two. I was a homebody while he always wanted to travel and meet new people. So we compromised. I let him travel as much as he needed two while he made sure that his times at home were special between the two of us. It is different with Rosey, we are far more alike, but I honestly can't say which relationship was better, they are each unique in their own special way." Ruby smiles at Al. "It's been a long time since I had someone to talk to about this kind if stuff. I admit, when I came here I didn't know things were going to go like this, that I would... you know, have these feelings for George. I know he wants me to marry him, I just don't want to make a mistake for both of us. I mean, it's not just the two of us that are affected." "Al, do you like being married?" She replies, "Of course, I'm not one to be alone. Having somebody to share your life with makes life worth living." Ruby gets a dreamy look in her eyes. "Yes, I imagine that's true. I don't like being alone either. George is... wonderful. And I know he loves me, which means everything to me." She smoothes her dress at her stomach. "I guess I would be foolish to let him go, right?" Al's facial expression changes to a serious one and says, "I didn't hear you say that you loved him. If you don't love him you should let him go, otherwise you are being unfair to both of you." Ruby facial expressions match Al's. "That's the thing, Al. The love thing. I am... well, I've had a lot of trouble with love over the years, men telling me they love me and would do anything for me. But then, then never would. Love me that is. Love became this... thing, a word, I forgot what it means, I mean, really means. And I tried to close myself off from it because I didn't want to get hurt. Even then. I got hurt anyway. So what is love?" Ruby finally smiles. "Then I came here. I always cared about George, even when I foolishly tried to act like I didn't, I did. And seeing him, being near him... I can't even begin to tell you how I feel. Like a schoolgirl with a crush! He makes my heart pound, he makes my belly feel like there are a million little butterflies inside, he makes me want to be around him all the time and he even makes me want to be a better person." Ruby takes a deep breath in and then out. "Last night Al, we..." Ruby stops her train of thought suddenly. George may be right and she shouldn't be talking about what exactly they did the night before. "Well, let's just say last night was very special. And I told George I love him and I do. Love him that is. It's different than all those other times that didn't work. It's different because this time I know the person on the other side loves me too." Al says, "He does love you. And from the sound of a racing heart and butterflies in your stomach I would say that you do love him as well. The only advice I will give you is to follow your heart. Love doesn't always make sense. My daughter's husband is twice her age but seeing them together you would never know that. Love works that way." Ruby squeezes the woman's hand. "I can see why George loves you and respects you like he does and he should make sure to never let you go. I think you give wonderful advice. It's always when I don't listen to my heart and over think things that I get in trouble." Ruby shrugs playfully. "I guess we'll see what happens with Mr. Eastman, what he decides to do with me. And now for your second job of the day, helping me shop!"</blockquote>

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