Read Online Ruby by Lauraine Snelling, Alexandra O'Karm - Free Book Online

gaze from Opal to Ruby.
    “We moved to the Brandons’ when Bestemor died five years ago. I wrote you that. Did you never get my letters?”
    “Some . . . not that.”
    “I needed to work, and they allowed me to keep Opal with me. We have been well cared for and happy there.” And wish we had remained there instead of coming on this wild trip to . . . She cut that thought off and sank down on the bed. Standing was suddenly more than she could manage. Tired or weary did not begin to describe the fatigue that pulled at her bones, the despair that dragged at her heart. Surely there was no way this man could regain his health. With every slow breath, she doubted he would take another. But he’d held on this long, so who was she to question the ways of almighty God. Surely He had a reason for bringing them out from their comfortable home to this land of . . . of what? She’d know more in the daylight, but the memory of doors slamming in their faces did not elicit a sense of joy about the inhabitants of the town.
    A burst of male laughter from down the hall caught her attention.
    “Ruby.”
    “Yes, Far.” She ignored the ruckus in the hall and bent closer to her father.
    “The medicine . . . there on the stand . . .”
    “This brown bottle?”
    “Yes.”
    “Two.” Two fingers on the hand that had been holding Opal’s spread in indication.
    “Two.” Ruby looked for something to measure with and located a large silver spoon. “This?” She held it up and at his nod pulled the cork out of the bottle and poured a spoonful. She held one to his mouth and then the second.
    “A drink.”
    She looked around for a water pitcher but saw only a crystal decanter with caramel-colored liquid—liquor. She touched a finger to the crystal stopper. “This?”
    He nodded.
    “Is there no water?”
    His wrinkled nose told her what he thought of that idea.
    She poured a minuscule portion into a cup standing by and held it to his mouth.
    Per inhaled, closing his eyes as if to make it last longer, then downed the draught, expelling his breath on a long sigh. He lay still for a long moment, then said, “Envelope.”
    “Our letter?” This guessing game was getting old quickly.
    He shook his head and pointed toward a chest of drawers against the far wall. All the drawers were closed, silver-backed hair brushes and a comb lay on a silver tray that graced the top.
    “Second drawer.”
    “For whom?”
    He pointed at each of them, his eyes fighting to close.
    Ruby crossed the room and pulled out the second drawer. Only neatly folded piles of men’s underthings filled the drawer. Feeling like an intruder, she felt beneath them. Nothing. But he’d said it was here. Perhaps he was confused. After all, taking painkilling medicine followed by a shot of whiskey would mix up anyone’s mind, let alone someone as ill as he. But instead of returning to the bed, she felt along the sides and the back of the drawer. Sure enough, the crinkle of paper. The fat envelope she pulled out was addressed to the Misses Ruby and Opal Torvald.
    She brought it back to the bed, only to find him sound asleep with Opal curled up like a kitten at his side, sleeping like the innocent she was, her father’s hand still resting on her head.
    Ruby leaned over to kiss his forehead, something he used to do for her every night when he’d been home to tuck her into bed. His eyes fluttered open.
    “Take . . . care . . . of . . . the . . . girls.” He grasped her hand.
    “I always do.” Who does he think has been taking care of Opal all these years, and I learned early how to take care of myself .
    “The girls, take care of the girls.” He strained to add emphasis to his words.
    “Yes, Far, you rest now, and we’ll talk again in the morning.”
    “Promise?”
    “Yes, of course.”
    “Good. I . . . I . . .” He looked directly into her eyes, as if searching her soul. “I love you, datter.”
    “I know and I love you.”
    “For . . . give . . . me.” The