The Davenports(50)

John walked to where she stood. She craned her neck to meet his eyes, which settled on her face. “You look lovely today, Ruby. You always do,” he said.

Ruby stood straighter. “It’s still nice to hear.”

John’s mouth twitched. “I haven’t seen you at Freeport lately. We’ve missed you at dinner.”

Some of Ruby’s confidence deflated at the word we.

“Then again, I haven’t seen much of Olivia either,” he continued. “But I’m glad the two of you are as inseparable as ever.”

What is he talking about? Ruby caught her frown and recovered quickly. She and Olivia spent less time together than either of them liked, but she could hardly say as much. Her friend wasn’t out with Mr. Lawrence that often. Where does Olivia spend her spare time if not with me? “We are,” she said, “inseparable as ever.” Whatever her friend was up to, she wasn’t going to expose her.

“I’m sure the volunteering you do together reflects well on your father’s campaign.”

Ruby smiled. She and her best friend needed to catch up. “It does. And your projects, they are going well? I hope they’re not keeping you from more leisure activities.”

John returned a grin of his own. “I promise, I will be on time for the next party.”

“I should think so,” she said. “It’s at Freeport!” His laugh was reward enough for the stress eating away at her. His hands were folded behind his back, straining his shirt and waistcoat across his broad chest. The woodsy scent of his cologne nearly distracted her from the events she set in motion. Over his shoulder, her father let in Mr. Barton. They shook hands, and her father introduced him to Mr. Davenport.

“We’re headed to the club for lunch to meet some other business partners. I would like to stay here, but we’re expected.” John followed her gaze. The corners of his mouth tipped down.

“We can schedule something later in the week,” she offered, overly bright.

“I’d like that,” he said. His eyes tracked Mr. Barton’s progress.

Mr. Barton held his hat in his hand. His face lit up when Ruby looked at him. They had been “courting,” publicly, and Ruby genuinely enjoyed his company. He shared his past hardships in stride, with an openness that made hers an easier burden to carry. Mr. Barton, she realized, was quickly becoming a close friend. Ruby ignored the nagging worry she may be in over her head. What if he’s expecting more than friendship? She shook the thought away.

“Good afternoon, Miss Tremaine.” He turned to his left. “Davenport.”

“Barton,” John said coolly.

They stared at each other a beat too long. Ruby’s ears prickled. She looped her arm through Mr. Barton’s. “Shall we?” She let him lead her past her father and Mr. Davenport.

“Be home for dinner,” Mr. Tremaine called.

“Yes, Papa.” Ruby waved to the Davenports, noting the sour look on John’s face, and her father’s.

Mr. Barton turned. “Are you ready?” His grin was infectious.

Outside, Ruby placed a broad-brimmed hat on her head. “Oh, I do love surprises! Can I guess?”

Mr. Barton helped her down the front steps. “You can try.”

Her gaze fell to the vehicle parked on the street. It idled loudly. “I get to drive?” She freed her arm and opened the door. The seat vibrated gently as she slid onto the bench. “Will you teach me?”

“Actually, no,” he said. “I mean, you can!” He rubbed his chin. “I can teach you, just . . . not today. The surprise is at a destination only I know.” He shuffled from one foot to the other, grinning.

She pouted at him, then slid across the bench seat as he sat down beside her. The way his body grazed hers sent a shiver through her despite the warm afternoon. The Ford model had an open-air top; the breeze skimmed across her cheeks. “So, if the surprise is not driving this magnificent vehicle around the city, and not the destination itself, that means it’s a thing.”

The car pulled away from the curb with a jerk. “Sorry,” he said. “I’m still getting used to it.”

Ruby clutched her hat to her head. “Harrison, where’s your carriage?” It was a luxurious buggy with a ride she’d grown used to.

“At home.” The automobile cruised out of the neighborhood. Soon they were a part of downtown traffic. Ruby marveled at this new vantage point. Everything was faster, closer, infused with an urgency she’d never felt before. It was as if the city had doubled in size and population since she was last here and everyone had come to contribute to the music and rhythm of it all. The trollies screeched by and the train above rolled on. She caught snatches of conversation in every direction. The smell of cooked meats from food carts made her mouth water.

“And here we are.”

Ruby looked behind him at the jewelry shop. “This is not what I expected,” she admitted, ignoring the gnawing in her stomach. Lunch was clearly not on the agenda. A thrill passed through her, though. She missed the luxury of trips like this where she would walk out with a new trinket in a velvet-lined box. Olivia struggled with an unexplained guilt every time she splurged, which made Ruby’s attempt to enjoy shopping vicariously through her best friend less than ideal. Mr. Barton had fine taste. His suits were impeccably tailored and made of quality silks and wool. She was curious as to why he’d brought her here.