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The women giggled.
“As you wish,” said James softly in defeat.
“Sorry, James, there’s a mess in the bedroom,” said Vickie.
“I’ll make sure Eliza and Mary have it sorted before Dr. Wenderlen comes home.” He paused, his forehead furrowed with thought. “Um… what would you like me to tell him?”
“That I’ve gone to the city to have fun with Ruby, and I’ll be back soon.”
James nodded in acknowledgment. Vickie ignored his disapproving expression as he stood holding open the thick wooden door.
“Thanks, James,” said Ruby with a giggle.
They went down the few steps, down the narrow path surrounded by rose bushes, and out the front iron gate. The driver stood holding open the back door of the black steamcar.
Vickie shivered as she stepped into the car. The security guard the street employed nodded at her from the other side of the road. It wasn’t always safe out at night now after the war, especially on their street where those who were more privileged lived. She did her part in the war by volunteering her time and resources. Even now, there were clients she didn’t take payment from. George earned more than enough for them both to live on as a doctor, but there were so many who had lost everything. And while things were being rebuilt, socially, not just physically, there were those who remained penniless, and crime was a problem in Adelaide.
“Where to?” asked the driver as he slid in behind the wheel.
“37 King William Road,” answered Vickie. She had the invitation memorized and didn’t need to check it.
“And hurry,” added Ruby.
Vickie glared at Ruby. “No need to be dramatic.” There was no need to rush. At least, not in her opinion. They were cutting it a little close, but they should arrive right on time.
“What? We don’t want to be late, remember?”
“We won’t be.” Vickie settled back into the leather seat.
“I’ll get you there quickly,” said the driver.
“Thanks,” replied Ruby. “That will help make our night and keep Vickie from overstressing.”
“I’m not stressing,” said Vickie defensively.
“Good. Because remember, we’re out to have some fun tonight.”
Vickie felt the mix of nerves and excitement flutter around in her belly. There was absolutely no point overanalyzing the invitation and what it might mean. It was time to switch off her private-eye mind and get ready to have some fun. She glanced over at Ruby, wondering if she really would pass as George.
“I can’t believe I’ve helped you to dress up like George to get into this club.”
“George could do with an updated wardrobe.”
“What’s wrong with his clothes? Other than they really don’t suit you.”
“Darling, they don’t suit me because they’re not the most up-to-date fashion.”
“You think that’s the only reason.” Vickie giggled, feeling the nerves that had fluttered into action subside when she got into the steamcar.
“Maybe a size too big,” said Ruby. She wriggled in the seat. “I think one of the pins is sticking into my back.”
“Suck up it, darling,” said Vickie with a smile. “Or if it is too much, we can go back home.”
“Don’t get cold feet on me now,” warned Ruby. “I’ll put up with this pin digging into my delicate skin for hours just to go… out tonight.”
Vickie glanced toward the driver, who seemed to be concentrating on negotiating the traffic on the way into the city. Until she found out more about the Black Hearts Club, she didn’t want anyone else to know they had one of the limited invitations, especially when they were breaking form like they were.
“I’m more than ready. I just hope you are.”
