The Virtuous Woman

by Gilbert, Morris

  “That sounds ominous,” Brian said as he threw himself into a chair. “Have you gone broke or are you moving to Europe? Which is it?”

  Phil looked over at Cara, and she came to his side. He put his arm around her and took a deep breath. “I’ve got some news that’s going to change things for the family.” He saw alarm come into Brian’s eyes and noted that Paige stiffened. Kevin leaned back against the walnut paneling, his arms across his broad chest. He kept the left side of his face averted, as always, but he was watching with mild expectation. He assumed this change would not affect him, for his world consisted of the estate, the landscaping and vehicles, and his thousands of books in the large library.

  Phil continued with the speech he had carefully planned. “A few weeks ago we had a visitor, a Roman Catholic priest named Anthony Mazzoni. He came just after you left with the children that cold day in February, Brian.”

  “A Catholic priest! Was he taking up a collection?” Brian asked.

  “No, he brought us some surprising news. I’ll say it as simply as I can, and you wait until I’m finished before you say anything. Mazzoni told us he had been with a dying woman in the New York State Women’s Prison....”

  Cara watched the faces of her children as Phil told the story Mazzoni had shared with them. She was apprehensive, for she knew this news would not be as welcome to them as it had been to her. Both Brian and Paige loved their family, but they were too proud of their family status. They even resented it when friends tried to break into that intimate circle. As Phil broke the news that their child had been stolen and was still alive, she watched Brian come to his feet, his fist clenched.

  “Why, that can’t be—it’s impossible!” he exclaimed.

  “Of course it’s impossible,” Paige put in. “The woman must have been crazy. You say she was dying and was no doubt a drinker.”

  “All that’s true, but still the fact remains that one child died, and it was on the night we were in the hospital just hours after Grace was born.”

  “But at the hospital did you see the dead child? You must have noticed something different.”

  “It never occurred to us that we should examine our baby,” Cara said. “I was so overcome with grief—and so was your father—that all we could do was weep. New babies all look a great deal alike, and this child was dead and wrinkled, and such a thought never crossed our minds.”

  “I think it’s a fraud, Dad,” Brian said. “Somebody’s just trying to get to your money. You’ve got to have the police check this out.”

  “We have checked it out, Brian, and it’s not as though this young woman, who I’m sure is our daughter, has come looking for us. We had to hire a private detective to find her, and it wasn’t all that easy.”

  “But where is she now?” Kevin spoke up. “Is she coming here?”

  “Yes, she’ll be here very shortly. I just got a call from the detective I hired, and they pulled into New York on the train from Los Angeles an hour ago. They’re coming here now in a cab.”

  “You should have given us more warning, Dad,” Brian said angrily. “We really need to talk this out.”

  “There’s nothing to talk about, son,” Cara said. “When we hired the detective we weren’t sure if we would ever find her, so we didn’t say anything. If we hadn’t found her, then we would never have told you, I suppose. But now we know she’s alive, and she’s coming back into our family.”

  “But what kind of person is she?” Paige said. “From what you’ve told us, she’s had a terrible life. She might be perfectly awful.”

  Kevin broke in with unusual boldness. “Come on, Paige. If she really is our sister, we don’t have any choice.”

  “You can say that,” Paige said, “because you don’t ever do anything but hide when people come. But if she is awful and becomes a part of our family ...”

  A silence fell over the room, and color touched Paige’s cheeks. She was actually a very kind young woman, just too concerned with her social position. “I mean ...” She faltered again.

  “We know what you meant, sis,” Brian said. “I really think we should keep all this quiet until we’ve checked her out. There must be some way to prove whether she really is our baby sister. Some legal way, I mean.”

  He’s afraid she’ll take part of his inheritance that he wants for his children, Cara thought, and it grieved her that she had a child who would put money before relationships.

  “She may be different,” Cara said aloud. “That would be understandable.” Cara seldom raised her voice, but now there was steel in her tone, and her entire family looked at her with astonishment. “The woman who took her was not a good woman, and from what Father Mazzoni and the detective have told us, the child had a very hard life. But that’s all the more reason why we should love her, and that’s exactly what we’ll do.”

  Phil pulled her close. “Yes, you’re right, darling.” He looked at his children and said, “We’ll love her, and we’ll take her into this family. If she has faults—well, she’ll fit right in with the rest of us.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  A New Family Member

  Ever since Francis Key had rejected Ruby’s advances on the train last night, there had been nothing but a solid silence between them. Ruby spoke only when Francis spoke to her and then only in monosyllables. The antagonism in her eyes was unmistakable. Since the embarrassing encounter he had tried hard to think of what he could say that would ease the tension between them, but nothing sounded right.

  Francis studied her covertly as the cab wound through the countryside toward the Winslow estate on Long Island, making a mental list of the things about Ruby Zale that needed to be changed. He often made such lists to make things easier to organize mentally, and with Ruby the list was not at all difficult.

  Number one, she wore far too much makeup. Her lips were flaming red, her eyelids thick with eye shadow, and her eyelashes globbed with mascara. Her beautiful complexion was spoiled by the rouge she inexpertly applied. Her fingernails were painted a flashing scarlet, and her hair, which had a beautiful texture and color, was a mess.

  Number two, she evidently only had two dresses, and the one she had on was suitable only for a low-rent saloon. Francis was no fashion expert, but he could point out that it was (a) too tight, exposing her abundant curves; (b) the wrong color, a bright emerald green; and (c) overly adorned, with fringes around the edge of the sleeves and the bottom of the skirt. It simply looked frightful—but this was Ruby’s idea of fine clothing.

  Number three, she wore too much jewelry. Large imitation diamonds—and not very good imitations at that—dangled from her ears. The fake gold was chipping off, exposing the dull base metal. She wore a large, showy necklace with imitation rubies, and her hands sported several gaudy rings, all featuring imitation gems.

  Number four, she was chewing gum and popping it in a most annoying fashion, the way low-paid shopgirls did. Key wanted to tell her to spit it out, but he wasn’t sure that he dared.

  Number five, her shoes had four-inch spike heels, which made her four inches taller than Key. He did not mind that, being accustomed to his modest height, but the shoes were in poor repair and shiny black, except where the imitation leather was peeling. She also was rather unpracticed in wearing them and tilted precariously as she attempted to walk.

  Number six, she was holding a cheap black velvet purse adorned with a garish sequined dragon design, and she was twisting the long, wide strap between her fingers.

  The list could have gone on, but he already had plenty to convince himself that the situation was hopeless. I wish I could give her some kind of warning, but if I say anything she’s going to blow up. He sat there silently noting that Ruby was getting tenser by the moment. Her hands were doubled up into fists, and she sat with her back as straight as a poker, her bosom lifting and falling quickly as she took short breaths.

  Finally Francis knew he had to say something. “You don’t have to be nervous, Ruby.”

  She turned
and looked him full in the eyes. “I’m not nervous,” she said flatly.

  He did not challenge the statement but instead said what had been on his mind for hours. “Ruby ... about last night. I wanted to explain to you why I acted as I did.”

  “I know why you acted as you did. You’re a holy man.”

  He flushed and shook his head. “No, that’s not it. I never claimed such a thing for myself.”

  “Then you’re no man at all!” She kept her eyes fixed on him, daring him to speak.

  He knew that whatever he said, she would pull it to pieces. So he merely replied, “I’m sorry.”

  She gave her head an angry shake and turned to look back out the window.

  They were now passing several large estates, and Key leaned forward. “Go through those gates right there, Driver.”

  “Right you are, buddy.”

  Ruby stared out the window at the emerald grass that spread out before her and the large trees scattered about the estate and lining the drive. It looks like a park, she almost said aloud but held her tongue, determined to stay silent.

  Then the car turned out of a stand of enormous oaks, and Key said quietly, “There’s the house.”

  Ruby stared at the mansion before her. The three-story brick home was dominated by four white columns in the front that framed a large porch leading to elegant double doors with stained glass windows flanking each side. On the left side of the house, near the massive chimney, dark green ivy twisted its way up the brick, almost reaching the black slate roof. The porch itself was decorated with large green plants and bright potted flowers, and the windows all had clean white shutters.

  “Kind of overwhelming, isn’t it?” he said.

  Ruby did not even turn her head. A feeling of fear had been growing in her, and now as she looked at the magnificent house and the beautiful grounds, with flowers already blooming even this early in the year, she felt as if she could not get enough air.

  The cab driver drew up in front of the porch and got out. Key followed suit and walked around to open the door as the cab driver pulled the suitcases out of the trunk. Key got a quick glimpse of Ruby’s face and saw that beneath her heavy makeup she was pale, and he wanted to comfort her, but the wall between them was too high.

  Key paid the driver, who gave him a cheerful “Thanks, buddy” and drove off. Before Key could even bend to pick up his suitcase, the front door opened. He caught a glimpse of Ruby’s face as Phil and Cara Winslow rushed down the steps. She was absolutely still, her face frozen, her eyes wide and unblinking.

  Key saw that there were tears in Cara’s eyes as she came forward. She put out her arms and embraced Ruby, who remained as still as a statue. “My dear, I’m so glad you’re here!” Cara said, her voice filled with emotion. She turned to Phil and said, “This is your father, Phil.”

  He stepped forward and put his hand out, and when Ruby awkwardly took it, he smiled. “It’s good to see you, Grace.”

  The group stood in awkward silence for a moment, and then Cara said rather nervously, “Why are we standing here? Come inside. The rest of the family is waiting.”

  As she led Ruby toward the steps, Phil turned to Key. He took one look at his bruised and stitched face and asked, “Who beat you up?”

  “Oh, just a fellow.” He bent down to pick up his suitcase and grimaced.

  “I’ve been hurt like that,” Phil said. “It must have been pretty bad.”

  “I’ve had worse. I shouldn’t have let that cab driver go. I wasn’t thinking.”

  “No, come on in. I need to pay you, and we need to talk. I want to hear all about your trip. Here, let me take that suitcase.”

  “I can handle it if you can get the others.”

  But Phil ignored him and picked up all three suitcases. “How has she been, Francis?” he asked.

  “It’s been a real test—and I’m afraid it’s going to get tougher.”

  “She looks scared to death.”

  “I think she is, but she’ll probably cover it up. She can be pretty tough.”

  Francis accompanied Phil inside, and they caught up with the two women, who were waiting in the foyer.

  “The children are in the drawing room,” Cara was saying. “Are you very tired after your long trip?”

  “No, I ain’t a bit tired.”

  Key caught the slight antagonism in Ruby’s voice. She was holding her purse tightly, and her skin was drawn across her cheekbones. It was almost as if she’d had a serious car wreck and was in a state of shock. Poor kid. She’s able to handle a monster like Hack Keller, but she’s never experienced anything like this before. He himself felt out of place in the opulent setting. Still, he wanted to see the reaction of the rest of the family. More than that, he wanted somehow to help Ruby, but could think of no way to do so.

  As they stepped inside the drawing room, Key got an impression of spaciousness and very expensive paintings and furniture, but his focus was on the faces of the young adults, who he assumed were the Winslow children. He saw shock run across the features of the young woman who was beautifully and expensively dressed as she took in the newcomer. It was as if the young woman were holding up a huge sign that read, Oh no, this can’t be! She’s a tramp pretending to be a Winslow!

  Key’s eyes went to the smaller of the two young men. The man hid his expression carefully, but something flickered in his eyes, and Key felt that this man would be Ruby’s real enemy. He was conscious of Cara calling their names, and when she introduced Brian, Key saw his lips pull into a tight line. Brian nodded his head and merely said hello.

  The other Winslow son stood back against the wall, his face turned away in a rather awkward position. He was wearing a working man’s outfit: a pair of khakis, heavy boots, and a faded blue shirt. He smiled when he was introduced as Kevin and said, “Just call me Kev. Everybody does.” His voice was warm, and Key thought, At least this one’s open to what’s happening. The young man finally faced them, and Key saw the terrible scars on the left side of his face. A great compassion arose in him, as always happened when he encountered anyone who was crippled or maimed in any way.

  Key moved slightly so he could get a better view of Ruby’s face, and as he expected, she kept her expression blank. She merely nodded and said hello after Cara introduced each one.

  A silence fell across the room after the introductions. Brian broke it by saying, “Well, I guess we came as quite a surprise to you, didn’t we? I understand you didn’t know anything about all this.”

  Ruby put her eyes on Brian and saw the same hardness in his gaze that Key had sensed. “I guess I’m more of a surprise to you, ain’t I?”

  Paige Winslow winced as Ruby began chewing her gum and surveying the room. “Hey, these are some digs. I ain’t seen nothin’ this classy in a while.”

  Key was accustomed to Ruby’s rough grammar and rather shrill voice. Her voice wasn’t always shrill, for she usually spoke in a perfectly well modulated tone—it was rather deep, as a matter of fact. Somehow he knew she had learned to be shrill in order to make herself heard, but the combination of her voice and her dress, the cheap jewelry, and her attitude were clearly having a negative impact on Brian and Paige.

  “You’ll want to see the rest of the house,” Cara said, “but I know you’d like to have time to freshen up. Come along, and I’ll show you your room.”

  “Wait a minute, Mom,” Brian said quickly. “I thought we might talk a bit.”

  Cara gave Brian a warning look. “Not now, Brian. We’ll have plenty of time to talk later, but I’m sure Grace is tired.”

  At the use of the name Grace, Key picked up a slight change in the young woman’s eyes. She laughed harshly and said, “Grace! That’ll take a little gettin’ used to. I ain’t never been called nothin’ but Ruby.”

  “If you like Ruby better,” Phil said, “that’s what it’ll be.”

  The young woman was clearly surprised, and Key saw a fleeting softening in her features before her lips grew tight again.
“Naw, if I’m gonna be a part of this bunch, I can get used to that name. If I don’t pay no attention when you call me by it, you just tell me to watch what I’m doin’.”

  “Come on, dear.”

  Francis watched as the girl gave Brian a hard look and then shifted her level gaze to Paige. She smiled and laughed. “I guess we’ll probably never get used to each other. Right?”

  Kevin approached Ruby, and she couldn’t hide the shock in her eyes when she saw his terrible scars up close. Kevin was accustomed to such reactions, however, and he smiled and said, “Welcome home, sis.”

  “Uh, th-thanks,” she stammered. “It’s ... nice to be here.”

  As soon as the two women had disappeared, Brian said, “Dad, we’ve got to talk about this.”

  “Not now, Brian. I need to talk with Francis. Come along into my study.”

  The two men left, and Brian said, “I don’t believe she’s who she says she is for a minute, Paige. She doesn’t look like any of us. There’s no family resemblance at all.”

  “You’re right. She doesn’t look like Mother or like me. But there’s no way to prove it, is there, one way or another?”

  “There’s got to be a way. Maybe I’ll talk to that private detective. I want to know how he found her.” The two fell silent, and finally Paige whispered, “She is just awful! I can’t imagine introducing her to John or his parents—or any of our friends.”

  “She doesn’t fit,” Brian agreed, “but I think there’s more to it than you’ve considered. If she’s who she claims to be, or even if Mom and Dad assume she is without proof, have you thought what it will mean?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I mean she’ll become an equal heir. Sooner or later this estate will have to be divided up. I always thought it would go three ways. Now it’ll be four. In effect, she’s taking money away from my kids.”

  “Maybe she won’t stay,” Paige said hopefully. “She’s so ... so different! She may feel so uncomfortable she’ll leave. Maybe Dad will pay her off and she’ll go away and be satisfied with that.”