Melissa’s Cozy Teacup

Posting a day early because of the holiday. Print it out and take it with you to read while the burgers are grilling. I have peppered this post with links. I thought it might be fun to go to other people’s blogs and web sites of places mentioned in the chapter.

CHAPTER THREE

An hour and a half later, Ruby sat up and wiped the tears from her eyes. She would be a fool to turn down such a generous offer. She went into the bathroom that connected to her room, splashed her face to get rid of the salt from her tears, grabbed the compact and lipstick from her purse, and fixed her face the best she could. She was combing her hair with her fingers when there came a soft knock at her door.

“Miss?”

It was Myers. Ruby crossed the room to answer the door. “Yes?” she asked.

“Miss, if you are ready for that tour…?”

“Yes, of course! Come on, Ruby. Let’s go look at our new home!”

Violet had been listening to them from down the hall. When she heard Ruby say she would stay, tears sprang to the corners of her eyes and her smile could have lit up the whole city. She would no longer be stuck in this big mansion all by herself. She now had the Victorian equivalent of a ‘companion’. The house would finally be filled once again with happy voices and activity. Violet loved action and activity and both had been missing for far too long. She stepped out of the shadows as Maxine and Ruby entered the hall.

“I’m so happy,” Vi exclaimed as she gave Ruby an almost bone crushing hug.

Ruby let out a little puff of air. Violet was stronger than she looked. Maxine and Daphne danced around the pair as they hugged. It was quite a sight that greeted Devlin as he came to the top of the stairs. He had been going to his room to change out of his wet clothes from his day at the park. He took a closer look at the woman hugging his Aunt. It was her. The woman from the park that had taken his breath a

away. He blinked his eyes hard once to make sure he had really seen her. She had left in such a hurry he thought he had some how offended her. He smiled at the thought as he remembered how stern she had been with her dog for running off. He, on the other hand, had thought it a most fortuitous event for it had allowed him to meet her. If the dog hadn’t run off and he hadn’t been able to see those exquisite eyes of the woman, what would he have day dreamed about all day? Just then a sharp bark interrupted his musing. A blurry fluff of white and red was bounding its way towards him with another blurry fluff of black and white trailing behind. Devlin waited for the two dogs to come to him. He greeted Daphne with one treat and introduced himself to Maxine with another.

‘Traitor’, thought Ruby as she watched Maxine sell herself for what looked like a piece of chicken jerky.

“Devlin!” Vi’s exuberant greeting of the stranger made Ruby flinch. “How’s my favorite nephew?”

Ruby groaned to herself as her heart sank. It was HIM and he was the great-nephew living with Vi. This changed everything. She couldn’t move in now. Could she?

Ruby felt her face flush as tiny beads of sweat broke out all over her body. Her panic attack was interrupted by their words.

“Hello, Aunt Vi, I see we have visitors.”

“Ruby isn’t just a visitor, Devlin, she’s going to be living with us.”

“For how long?”

“For as long as she likes. She is the newest ‘member’ of our family.” Vi ended her sentence with a look that also ended any further questioning from him.

Ruby hoped he didn’t see her cringe a little at his reaction. Clearly she was not welcomed by everyone in the house. She lifted her chin and squared her shoulders in defiance. She had been welcomed by the

most important person in the house, it’s owner and her friend.

“Ruby, come and meet my Grand Nephew, Devlin Black.”

She walked over to him with what she hoped was more confidence than she felt and extended her hand in welcome.

“Ruby Cross.”

“Seriously? That’s your name?”

Ruby wasn’t ready for such a response and it threw her off guard. He was mocking her!

“Devlin!” Came Vi’s indignant reprimand.

“I’m sorry, Aunt Vi.” Devlin couldn’t believe his ears. He had thought that a woman so beautiful would also have a beautiful name. Not something that sounded as if he were addressing a truck stop waitress. Not that he had ever stepped into a truck stop to know what the waitresses were called, but he imagined it would be something close to what he had just heard.

Ruby’s embarrassment did a quick boil into anger. ‘So,’ she thought to herself, ‘for some, beauty really is only skin deep.’ From now on, Ruby would be doing her best to avoid Mr. Devlin Black.

“Daphne and I are taking Ruby on a tour of the house, her new home. When we get back, I trust you will have found those manners we spent so much money on refining.” Violet’s voice was firm with anger. Devlin managed to looked abashed for a moment but that was quickly replaced by a look of surprise that crossed his face when he heard his aunt call Cummings Manor, Ruby’s home. What wool had she pulled over his aunt’s eyes to ingratiate herself into these new living conditions? Devlin would need to keep an eye on the new comber and ferret out her true intentions.

Devlin walked over to Ruby and extended his hand to her, “ I’m sorry Miss. Cross. My aunt is correct, my manners towards you were appalling and unnecessary. I hope you will accept my apology?”

“Of course Mr. Black,” ‘What choice has he left me?’ She thought. “We all have our moments. Are you ready, Vi?” Ruby was getting uncomfortable and needed to get moving.

The women turned to go and Devlin headed to his room. He shared the opposite wing from Ruby with his aunt.

As the women walked and talked, Ruby’s mind kept straying to Devlin. His reaction towards her made her uncomfortable but that wasn’t the only thing. She felt attracted to him but she didn’t want to be distracted with that now. Not now when she had so much to do and now that she knew he lived there, she wasn’t too sure she wanted to stay. She tried to distract herself from over analyzing the situation by asking questions about the house as they went along. Though she was familiar with some of the rooms on the main floor, she had never before been anywhere else in the house. It was magnificent. Each room was more amazing than the last. Rich wood work, Ming vases, marble fire places some with Van Briggle tiles inlaid into them, original furniture, leaded windows, pianos, bear skin rugs, ivory, the list went on and on. Ruby was concerned. Many of the antiques and artifacts were priceless. How could they both display them and keep them safe from thieves? How much of the house should they open up to the public? Ruby’s head began to spin. Before she delved too far into the planning, she needed to decide if she was going to stay and if she was going to stay what, if anything, needed to be done about Devlin?

Ruby sat down on a stone bench. They had reached the solarium. Tropical plants, orchids and canaries made for a beautiful and peaceful contrast to the weather. Vi had been watching Ruby during the tour. She had seen the conflict on her face and knew she was thinking about Devlin. She wasn’t sure how much to butt in to Ruby’s thoughts, but when Vi saw her sigh heavily and sit down, she felt it was time to put in more than just two cents worth of advice.

“Ruby, I know it is a big decision. Opening and running a tearoom is a great deal of hard work.”

“It’s not just that, Vi,” Ruby paused reluctant to bring up Devlin’s name.

“Is it Devlin?”

Ruby looked up at Vi. She felt guilty and transparent.

“I ran into him at the garden of the gods this morning, Vi. He-he took my breath away and it scared me.”

Vi’s heart skipped a beat. She waited for Ruby to continue not wanting to do anything to keep her from opening up to her.

“Vi, I don’t know if I can live here with him.”

Vi’s heart sank with disappointment but she still didn’t say anything. Sometimes a woman needed to think out loud.

Ruby went on. “I-I guess if he kept to himself and wasn’t around too much it would be ok. I would be so busy with everything anyway I probably wouldn’t notice if the circus moved onto the lawn much less who came and went in the house. This is something I’ve wanted for a long time.”

Vi held her breath.

Ruby sat in silence for a moment.

“Okay, I’ll stay.”

Violet let out the air she had been holding and Ruby looked at her in surprise then laughed when she realized how much her friend wanted her to stay.

“Thank you, Vi. Thank you for this opportunity and for letting me work this out on my own.”

“Oh I’m so glad you decided to do this, Ruby,” Vi was hugging Ruby and crying. “You’ll love it here, you’ll see. We’ll work together and have the best tea room in Colorado Springs! We’ll blow the

competition out of the water!”

Ruby stiffened. Cora! What would she do about Cora? She was the one of the competition in town, if you could call her that. Ruby was confident that her passion and Vi’s enthusiasm and their location, would create a tea room that would beat out the rest. Cora was already struggling. This could bury her.

Vi had felt her stiffen and pulled back from the hug.

“What is it, Ruby?”

“What about Cora? She has been there for me, Vi. I can’t just quit then open a business that directly competes against her. I don’t want to not live my dream to protect her either especially when her heart doesn’t seem to be in what she’s doing where for me, opening a tea room is all I can think about.”

“You-we if you’d like, need to sit her down and talk to her about this Ruby. I have enjoyed many good times at Miss. Daisy’s with my Red Hat(C) friends and I would not want it to look as if we were stabbing her in the back. Let’s set up a meeting with her for next week and work things out. What do you say?”

“Yes, I think that’s the right thing to do.”

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I have worked up quite an appetite. Let’s get ready for dinner and meet in the dining room at 7 pm.”

“Good idea, Vi. Come on, Maxine.”

Ruby, Vi, Daphne and Maxine walked together towards the stair case with Myers following discreetly behind. At the top of the stairs, Ruby turned left to go down her hall and Vi turned right. Ruby paused at her door to watch Vi for a moment and saw her stop at Devlin’s room and knock on his door. Ruby went into her room feeling a tad guilty. She knew Vi would be talking to him about Ruby living with them. She stopped and retreated back out her door. Looking both ways down the hall she crept to

Devlin’s door, her curiosity winning over any sense of decorum. She couldn’t hear much but caught a few words here and there. Vi was making it clear that Ruby was welcomed by Vi and that Devlin didn’t have a say in the matter. Ruby winced. While she didn’t want any trouble from Devlin she didn’t want Vi fighting her battles for her either. Ruby wanted to knock and interrupt them but thought it best that she not be caught eaves dropping and there was no other way to explain how she had heard what was said. She would just have to make sure to be kind towards Devlin whenever she saw him. She turned away from the door and ran smack dab into Myers.

“Need anything, Miss?”

The tone was more of an accusation than a question.

“No, Myers, I’m fine.” Ruby turned away and hurried down the hall with Maxine close on her heels making sure not to slam her door shut behind her once inside her room. Ruby explored her room in an effort to calm herself. She hated being caught doing something she knew was wrong. Ruby’s room was large. It had an area which held a writing desk that over looked the garden. The desk was a Mary and William with Waterford crystal doors. It had been well cared for over the years and the wood glowed from being recently oiled. There were pockets and drawers and a tiny key with which to lock everything. There was even an indentation for an ink well. Ruby made a mental note to order a writing set that included an ink bottle if for no other reason than to complete the look of the desk.

Double French doors lead out to a balcony. She would have to explore it more when the weather warmed up. Speaking of warm, she had her own fireplace too. Two wingback chairs and foot stool were facing the fire place and seemed to be waiting for her to curl up with a good book. Ruby would be sure to place Maxine’s bed next to it so that she too could stay warm at night before bed. A wardrobe, nightstand, and various plants completed the room making it seem more like a small apartment than a

mere bedroom. Ruby cold have stayed here for days but knew dinner time was quickly approaching and that Vi and Devlin may already be waiting for her. With nothing else to change into, she went to the bathroom and checked her appearance in the mirror. A few touch ups later and she was on her way to the dining room.

“Ah, there you are Miss. Cross.”

Ruby turned quickly at the sound of Devlin’s voice.

“May I escort you to dinner?”

Ruby could not believe her eyes. He was dressed for dinner. In fact, he was dressed very well for dinner. Devlin was a man who knew how to dress to best accentuate his qualities and tonight was no exception. Ruby gave in to her eyes and let them look. His navy blue jacket was cut perfectly across his shoulders. His shirt, pants, all were made just for him. He looked, stunning.

“Miss. Cross?”

“Oh, yes, of course,” Ruby extended her hand which he took in his and hooked into his arm at the bend in his elbow. Ruby’s other hand grasped the railing of the stairs and they descended together. She was grateful he had interrupted her thoughts before they had a chance to wander too far.

Devlin had expected her to say ‘no’ to his offer. He had not expected to feel, what, happy, pleased?- that she had accepted. Even though his aunt had spent a good deal of time this afternoon trying to convince him it was her idea that Ruby move in with her and that he was to accept her and treat her with civility, he couldn’t help but be suspicious of this women he didn’t know. He loved his aunt and felt she needed his protection. Why would a young woman want to move in with an older woman to whom she was not related if not for the money? He was convinced that Ruby had some how ingratiated herself to his aunt and had talked her into financing the tea room and allowing her to move in to Cummings Manor. Only

time would tell if he were right. He would make sure not to let her out of his sight while she was here until he had determined her true motives.

“There you are,” Violet greeted them from the bottom of the stairs with a smile that appeared to be genuine. Whatever had gone on in Devlin’s room earlier, there were no lingering signs of it now. Ruby greeted Vi and they all walked together to the dinning room.

Vi had graciously remained in the clothes she had worn earlier. After they had been seated and had blessed the food, they attempted to make small talk. It wasn’t long, how ever, until they turned their attention to the tea room and began talking about business.

“Well Aunt Violet, I can’t stay here and not help out,” Devlin said.

Ruby looked up in surprise. This was definitely not in her plans. Ruby opened her mouth to protests but was cut off.

“Devlin, that won’t be necessary. Ruby has experience in this sort of thing and you would only be in the way.”

“But Aunt Vi, I can help with the heavy lifting and direct the workmen.”

Ruby sat back and watched to see how Vi would handle Devlin. She didn’t think his reasons for wanting to help were all that pure. More like he was wanting to keep an eye on her. Ruby didn’t care what his reasons were, she didn’t want him around getting in her way. She had been stuck under a glass ceiling controlled by her male boss at the insurance company and she would never again let a man get between she and her goals. Personally or professionally.

Vi and Devlin continued the debate. The more road blocks Vi put up the more persistent Devlin became and visa versa. Both looked close to losing their tempers. Finally Devlin gave in.

“Alright, alright, Aunt Violet. I can see when I’m not wanted.”

“Devlin, that’s not it.”

“No, no. It’s clear this is something between you and Ruby and I would only be, or be viewed as, a third wheel.”

‘Guilt?’ thought Ruby ‘He’s using guilt?’

“Devlin, we’re not banning you from the project because we think you have nothing of value to contribute,” came Vi’s response “it’s just that this is Ruby’s endeavor. Hers alone. Can’t you understand that?”

Devlin decided to get it all out on the table. “No Aunt Vi I can’t. I can’t understand how you could open up your home to a complete stranger and give her cart blanc over the whole proceedings. What do you know about her, really?”

“Devlin Marshall Black! Ruby is my friend. She is not only a guest in this home but she owns it now which really makes you the guest, now wouldn’t it?”

Ruby watched as Devlin paled. He opened his mouth to speak then closed it. Opened it again and closed it again.

It would have been funny if he had not been so angry.

“What-have-you-done?” He ground out each word as he began to rise.

“Devlin, stop!” Violet rose also and came around the table to stand beside Ruby.

“Stop right now or you will be asked to leave for good.”

Devlin looked at his aunt in disbelief.

“That’s right. I asked Ruby here. I gave her money, the house and I asked her to use them and enjoy them. I never got to do what I wanted when I was her age. My whole life had been controlled by men. I won’t have you coming in here and trying to control her and me, Devlin. You are my sister’s grandson

not mine. Cummings Manor is still mine to do with as I please and it pleases me to give it to Ruby and to let her try out her wings and see what she can really do if given the proper resources to succeed. I’m giving her the opportunity I never had. I hope you can understand that and be supportive, Devlin but if you can’t, then you may move out.”

Ruby held her breath waiting. She didn’t have to wait long. Devlin stood up from the table, excused himself and went up to his room. Ruby turned to look and Vi. If she felt regret, it was not showing on her face.

“Vi, I-,”

“It’s ok, Ruby. I had to live my entire married life in the shadow of a man. I won’t allow it to be lived in the shadow of a man who’s diaper I once changed. It’s never too late for an old dog to learn a new trick. It may have taken me a while but I am going to stand up for myself. Don’t you wait until you are my age to allow yourself the life you have always wanted, Ruby.”

Ruby’s eyes began to fill with tears. She was not used to standing up for herself. She felt a bit uncomfortable that this tiny wisp of a woman was exhibiting more bravery than Ruby had ever felt. All she had done about her life was get angry and feel sorry for herself. She realized that cutting back and making herself and her life small to match her circumstances was not how she should be living or how she wanted to be living.

Timothy 1: 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. The verse came racing into her mind. She had been timid. She thought she was being powerful having the ’strength’ to merely exist, but merely existing, is not how God wanted her to live her life and He was clearly doing something about it.

“Excuse me, Vi.” She barely choked out the words and ran up to her room. Maxine was hot on her

heels and made it into the room before she shut the door and locked it. She threw herself down on her bed and gave her self over to the sobs that racked her body until she started choking on the still swollen tonsils at the back of her throat. She sat up coughing and looked for a tissue to blow her nose. Maxine sat beside her looking as concerned as a dog can look. Ruby went to the bathroom and washed her face and undressed down to her undergarments. Sighing, she climbed into bed and drew Maxine close to her enjoying the comfort her friend brought to her though she needed more than Maxine tonight. Ruby turned off the light and began to pray. She praised God for all He had done for her in the past and present and for what He had in store for her future even if she could not read to the end and find out what was going to happen, as she was in the habit of doing with the books she read, to see if it was even a road she wanted to go down. After spending time praising, Him, she repented. She had acted the part of long suffering victim all the while thinking she was living. She had played it safe the last few months. Much, much too safe. Life was full of ups and downs and she had avoided them all. When things had been going well she thought she had been living victoriously. She realized now that being victorious without a battle wasn’t being victorious at all. She questioned Vi’s gift. Was she being handed everything she wanted on a silver platter? Yes, she was getting a huge head start but there was still a great deal of hard work a head of her. She could still lose everything which would not only put her at risk but Vi as well.

“I don’t think there is enough room in the trailer for all three of us, Maxine.” Maxine shifted in her sleep and grumbled a bit. Ruby fell asleep praying.