Revealing Ruby (Bound and Determined #1.5)(6)

She pinched her nose tighter, and then relaxed.

Putting things off never made them easier.

She went to find Mr. Simms so that he could fetch Tilly. And another pot of tea would not be amiss. She needed something soothing to help recapture the peace of the day.

It was only minutes before Tilly arrived, followed by Cook and more tea. Cook shot her a glance that made it clear they would be talking later. Cook had been in the house since Madame Noir had run it and she had an opinion about everything, an opinion that most often Ruby was glad to hear—but not now. Now, she just wanted to deal with Tilly and then see if she could salvage anything of her afternoon.

She gestured Tilly to a seat, remaining standing herself. Was this what a schoolmistress felt like, reprimanding a difficult pupil?

“Would you like some tea?” she asked.

“Yes, please,” Tilly answered, raising her hazel eyes. There were smudges under them and she looked worn.

Ruby poured the tea, sugared it well, handed it to Tilly, and waited while she took a few sips. “I had a visitor. Captain Price says that he gave you money to meet him this morning—and not at the house.”

Tilly paled, her dark blond hair falling forward over her face. “Yes.”

“He says that you did not appear and he is most angry.”

“Yes.”

Was the girl ever going to answer in more than one word? Tilly had never been verbose, but this was bordering on silly.

With a gentle smile, Ruby sat across from her. “You know that you have broken more than one of my rules?”

“Yes.”

“And you know that in the normal fashion when a girl breaks one of my rules I ask that she leave my employment.”

“Yes.”

Ruby closed her eyes. The headache that had begun with Captain Price’s visit was growing in strength. “Would you like to explain?”

For a moment she was afraid that Tilly was simply going to say no. She could see the thoughts flashing behind the younger woman’s eyes. If a “no” was all she received then she would have no choice. She would have to send Tilly away. It was one of the things she hated about running the establishment, but part of keeping all of her girls safe was making sure they all obeyed the rules.

“I meant to go, really I did. But I forgot that we were being inspected today. I knew that if I didn’t see Mrs. Hudson then you’d send me away anyway. I was visiting my mother the last time she was here and I knew that if I missed again…”

The crimson wig felt unusually heavy. Slipping it off her head, releasing the weight from her shoulders, would have been heaven. Ruby didn’t make a move. “You are correct. I do hold your health and the health of my patrons to be of high importance. I might not have sent you away, but you would not have worked again until you had been seen by Mrs. Hudson.”

“I am sorry. I thought I’d have time to go afterward, but the girl before me was so slow, and then Mrs. Hudson wanted a minute and then time was just gone. I thought the captain would come again tonight and that I could offer to go tomorrow. I didn’t think he’d come see you, didn’t think he’d believe I’d cheated him. I am not a thief.” The girl sounded indignant.

“I know you’re not. I would not have offered you employment if I thought you were. If you give me the money I will make certain that the captain is repaid.” Ruby reached out and patted Tilly’s hand, waiting until Tilly looked up and met her gaze. “You do know that is not why I am upset?”

“It’s not?” Tilly stared at her a moment, and then her eyes fell to her teacup.

“No. I am upset that you broke my rules. There is a reason you are only supposed to meet men here. How can I know that you are safe if you go somewhere else?”

“Oh. But the captain seemed a nice man and didn’t want anything funny, not anything at all. He just wanted to f*ck.”

Ruby’s mind went to the tightly muscled thrusting hips, the indented backside. Oh yes, the man had wanted to f*ck—and f*ck and f*ck. She shook her head, trying to clear the image. “That is not the point. A man can seem perfectly normal and still have other things in mind. Or he could be planning to abduct you. Sailors are not known for their niceties. And who knows what else can happen? I’ve heard that at least three girls have gone missing in the last month. One of them used to work here.”

Tilly nodded, slowly. “I know, but he truly was a nice man. He gave me a little extra after the third time. Said he knew I’d probably be sore and that I deserved to get myself a little treat. I am thinking about a new bonnet with purple ribbons. I’ve always liked purple.”

“Tilly, I am not sure that you understand how serious this is. You truly must obey the rules.”

“Did he tell you about his friend? The one who lost a foot? He said that I was just what he needed to cheer him up. How could I say no to something like that?” Tilly did not look at all sorry for her actions.

“I understand the captain told a sad story, Tilly. But how do you know it was true?”

“Why would he lie?”

If Tilly didn’t understand that, how was it even possible to reason with her? “Tilly, what you must understand is that if you wish to continue to work here you must obey the rules. Do you understand me?” Ruby deliberately made her voice harsh.

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll not do it again.”