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Suddenly, a shadow went over Ruby’s face. “Was there a sender’s address?”
Vickie turned the envelope in her fingers and shook her head.
“James,” yelled Ruby. “Come back here at once.”
“Ruby,” exclaimed Vickie. “You only need to ring the bell, and he’ll come. There’s no need to be shouting inside.”
“No time,” responded Ruby. “James.”
Vickie groaned with annoyance. One thing she had prided herself on was keeping up appearances after the war, but with Ruby around, this wasn’t always possible. Ruby wriggled on the seat as if she were unable to contain herself.
“What could possibly be so exciting?” Vickie spoke sharply, wishing Ruby would calm down.
“You called, ma’am.” James re-entered the parlor, tray still in hand, his voice even and unemotional despite the abrupt calling.
“Who delivered this? Was it a servant? What did they look like? A man? A woman? Tell me everything.”
James glanced at Vickie with a raised eyebrow. Ruby’s behavior was certainly out of character. It was, after all, her job to do the questioning. Ruby just went along for the adventure and the prospect of finding a new man to enjoy. Vickie nodded, indicating for James to answer her questions.
James took a deep breath. “The envelope was on the doorstep when I opened it after the doorbell rang.”
“What?” Ruby sat upright in the winged chair. “You didn’t see who delivered this?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Not at all?”
“No.”
“Surely, you saw whoever it was walking away?”
James shook his head.
Ruby harrumphed with frustration.
“Is there anything else?” asked James.
Ruby waved him away. “No, so disappointing.”
“Ruby, he’s answered your questions,” reprimanded Vickie as James left the room.
“But he didn’t tell me anything. This was our chance to find out more about the Black Hearts Club.”
Vickie held out her hand. “Give it to me.”
Ruby handed back the black parchment with a huff and a puff. “Here, I thought I might finally find out more information than anyone else.”
Vickie smiled at her friend’s response. “Gossip is cheap.”
“Not in this case.”
Vickie read the gold cursive lettering.
Vickie Wenderlen and husband,
are cordially invited to the
Black Hearts Club.
