Without the make-up she wore throughout the day she could witness her real self. Not the person she showed the world, but the person beneath the concealer, beneath the past’s heavy veneer and her parents’ scandal. The adult version of the sixteen-year-old who’d discovered that few people around her were trustworthy.
Usually her brain instantly connected her own face with her mother’s image, but today, staring at her reflection, she saw herself. She wasn’t the child disappointed by her parents and then left alone by one’s abandonment and the other’s grief. She was a grown woman who’d worked hard to achieve the career she wanted and the life she loved.
When Kern had asked that day on the beach who the real Ruby Day was she’d had no answer. She’d run for so long, wanting to forget the beginning of her life, ashamed and hurt by her parents’ actions. Back then, she’d craved normality and peace, but somehow over the years she’d forgotten that she deserved to be herself too.
Leaning forward, she stared harder at her reflection. Seeing her cat’s eyes free of black eyeliner and the too-plump mouth. Grabbing a handful of her black curls, she laughed at the image. She didn’t resemble her mother at all. She actually looked like herself. Why had she never seen that before?
She was exhausted after years of playing a part and putting on a front. She wanted to roll out of bed and be Ruby. She didn’t want to wear make-up all the time. She wanted to let her skin breathe, to undo all the wrappings she’d wound round and round herself, convinced they were protecting her from hurt.
But they hadn’t protected her. Instead, they’d suppressed her and hidden away her real self. Suffocating her until she could barely breathe.
And then Kern had come along and gently teased her into wanting to unravel those layers inch by inch, until her head spun and her heart raced and she felt free for the first time in years.
As a grown woman she could cope with life and what the future threw her way without the need for armour of any kind. It was time to be the person deep inside her heart and march into the future as the strong, capable woman she was.
She couldn’t accuse Kern of being cowardly and then continue to be the same herself.
Picking up her eyeliner, she swiped a line under her lower lashes and then stepped away. No concealer, no eyeshadow and no lipstick. Just eyeliner and her silver lip ring. She didn’t require anything more.
Today, for the first time since the age of sixteen, the real Ruby Day was coming out to play. And she couldn’t wait to show herself off to the world.
Leaving the bathroom, Ruby headed to the bedroom. Dog was stretched out on his own large bed for a change, snoring. She grinned and stroked a hand over his chest, her heart full of love for her sweet boy.
Opening the wardrobe door, she withdrew the white lace Victorian dress she’d found online—original, with little wear. She ran her hand over the superb detailed lacework, wondering about the woman who’d first worn it. Had that mystery lady’s heart thumped with excitement and fear as she’d prepared to dress all those years ago?
Slipping the dress off the hanger, she pulled it on, quickly fixing the miniature buttons and ribbon ties around the high lace neck. Lace sleeves had buttoned cuffs, and a matching lace frill draped into a point at the front. The dress fitted perfectly, and for the first time in years Ruby felt feminine in a totally different way.
‘What do you think, Dog? Will Kern like me dressed like this? Will he still be talking to me after the way I behaved the other day?’
Lifting a large white hat, she placed it on her head and pinned it with the long hat pin she’d bought from an antique shop. No longer Ruby the Goth. Today she’d be Ruby the Victorian. And tomorrow she’d start living her life simply as Ruby Day, the local vet who could heal animals with her hands.
The violent fluttering in her stomach intensified and she laughed once again. Yes, it was definitely time to be the authentic Ruby—and amazingly, she couldn’t wait.
* * *
‘Ruby you look beautiful!’ Kiki rushed over and wrapped Ruby in a hug. ‘Utterly charming. I love the dress.’
‘Let go,’ Alex ordered his wife, sending Ruby an apologetic glance as they joined her and Eloise in a local field with all the other parade participants.
The town had gone full Victorian, and everyone wore outfits suitable for extras in a Dickens adaptation. Several food and beer tents were pitched close by, and a couple of steamrollers puffed and smoked on the other side of the field. A couple of cows complained as their owners pulled them across the grass, and horses waited patiently beside farm wagons and carts.
In the middle of the crowded field was a wagon decorated with a giant papier mâché chicken, which Eloise had informed Ruby was a replica of one pictured in a Dorset newspaper from the 1800s. It shifted precariously, despite its rope fastenings.
‘I’m only hugging her,’ Kiki insisted, continuing to push the air out of Ruby’s lungs.
Alex gently detached his wife. ‘No, you’re scaring her. Though it would make a nice change for a member of staff to leave because of your irrational behaviour instead of mine.’
Panic entered Kiki’s gaze. ‘Ruby’s not going to leave—are you? Please don’t. You can have a partnership in the business if you promise to stay. Just say yes.’
‘I—I...’ She glanced at her boss for help.
‘Early stages of pregnancy,’ Alex explained, groaning as his wife suddenly rushed off to hug a passing old man. ‘She can’t keep her hands to herself.’
‘Where is MacKinley?’
Ruby glanced around the crowded field, filled with town folk eager to be part of this yearly tradition. ‘I don’t know. He should be here by now.’
Alex studied her outfit with a deep frown. ‘You do look lovely—but you’re not giving up the Goth look for good, are you?’
Smiling shyly, she reassured her boss. ‘No. But I feel it’s time for a change. It’s quite nice to wear white instead of black.’
Alex regarded her for a moment before he nodded. ‘Good, because you should never change yourself for anyone, Ruby. Anyone decent will want you for yourself—otherwise they don’t deserve you.’
Touched by his words and obvious concern, she shook her head. ‘I’m not doing it for anyone. I’m doing it for me. Thanks again for understanding yesterday.’
After she’d finished the previous day’s consultations Ruby had sought Alex out and explained everything to him. She had told him about her ability to heal animals and who her parents had been. Having recently confessed everything to Kern, telling her boss had come more easily than she’d imagined. And doing so had felt right.
After he’d listened, Alex had leaned back in his chair and asked if she’d be willing to treat some clients for whom traditional drugs weren’t helping or working. He’d explained how he wanted to develop the holistic side of their treatments and offer owners a varied choice for their pets and animals.
‘You’re gifted,’ Alex said. ‘I’d be a fool not to encourage you to use your talent.’ With a wave goodbye, he’d added, ‘Be proud of your gift, Ruby. It’s an important part of who you are. And maybe we can discuss the idea of partnership in a year or so. With another baby on the way, I’d like to spend more time at home with my family.’
Now Ruby smiled, her affection for her boss growing. Alex Morsi was a very nice man. Professor Handel deserved a large bunch of flowers for insisting that Ruby travel to ‘one last interview’. Coming to Dorset had changed not only her fortune, but her life.
‘Where’s Kern?’ Eloise demanded, interrupting Ruby’s thoughts.
She’d finished harnessing Mabel Star and putting her to the cart. The sweet mare looked glorious with her plaited mane and shiny coat.
Feeling uneasy, Ruby shrugged. ‘I don’t know.’
She checked her phone again, but there were still no messages from Kern or anyone else. For the u
mpteenth time she wondered how his meeting had gone. Had the man persuaded Kern to become his trainer? Had Kern seized the opportunity to go back into the work he loved? Had money influenced his decision? Or the way she’d shouted at him and told him to make up his mind? Did he resent her interference in his life?
‘He had a meeting in town this morning,’ Ruby said. ‘Perhaps he’s been delayed, or has stopped to pick up supplies for the horses?’
‘What meeting?’ Eloise demanded, her eyes narrowing on Ruby.
Ruby sighed, wishing she’d kept quiet. It was one thing for her to worry, but Eloise deserved to hear about the job offer from her nephew. ‘I’m not sure...’
‘Don’t lie,’ Eloise scolded. ‘You’re terrible at it and your face gives you away. Come on—tell me what this meeting was for.’
‘A friend of his recently sought him out and offered him the chance of a job training horses for some rich man. Kern told me that he had agreed to meet the man this morning, but that’s all he said.’
‘I hope he hasn’t left without telling anyone,’ Eloise said, fiddling with her necklace.
Ruby had noted that she did so whenever she was worried or concerned.
‘It’s what he did before.’
‘He was young then,’ Ruby pointed out, not wanting to contemplate the notion of Kern having gone without saying goodbye. ‘I’m sure he’d talk to you first. Maybe he can’t get through the traffic outside of town. The roads are busy.’
‘I hope so,’ Eloise muttered, patting Mabel Star.
Darkness crept into Ruby’s heart at Eloise’s concern. The horrible suspicion that Kern might have chosen to sneak away refused to stay quiet. Surely he wouldn’t hurt his aunt again? He had responsibilities both to his elderly relative and MacKinley farm.
But what if this man Kern had met had managed to talk him into leaving and insisted he do so immediately? How long did it take to set up a yard, anyway? Would Kern prefer to go without saying goodbye to her? Did the time they spent together, getting to know each other, mean nothing to him? She knew he wanted her, but was he determined to deny them both?
‘Come on.’ Eloise sighed. ‘If Kern doesn’t arrive soon, I’ll drive the cart in the parade.’
Giving Eloise’s arm a reassuring rub, Ruby said, ‘At least you can drive it. We’d be in real trouble if I had to do it.’
Eloise paled and admitted, ‘To be honest, I struggled to get the hang of it years ago, but I’m sure we’ll manage.’
‘There’s still half an hour until we’re due to leave,’ Ruby soothed, glancing towards the entrance to the field. ‘I’m sure Kern will arrive soon.’
The old woman nodded, unable to hide the tears in her eyes. ‘I’m afraid my nephew may have decided not to come. Goodbyes always were a problem for him.’
* * *
‘Come on. Don’t do this to me.’
Kern stared at his phone, silently praying for it to come to life, despite knowing it was a wasted hope. The thing was deader than a medieval skeleton.
His meeting in town that morning with the Sheikh had cemented the decision he’d reached the night Ruby had walked out. After a phone call to one of the men who’d helped him months before, he’d spent the rest of his time making plans. Plans necessary to rebuild his life.
Everything was in place except for one thing. Ruby. The woman he’d been desperately trying to get hold of since leaving the local auction house after dropping off some of his parents’ old furniture and belongings. Not precious stuff, but hopefully decent enough to raise enough funds to cover the next six months’ bills and expenses.
Shoving the phone into the pocket of his black trousers, he tugged at the blue neck scarf around his throat. With the sleeves of his white shirt rolled up, his traditional Victorian farmer’s garb was completed with a plain brown waistcoat.
Already running late, he had no time to linger. Ruby, his partner for the parade, would be waiting. The other half of the Victorian courting couple they were playing.
Only it didn’t feel like playing to him. His mind was clear for the first time in months.
When Ruby had called him a coward, he’d balked at the criticism. But once his ego had shifted out of the way he’d faced the ugly truth. A truth she’d told him straight. Denying his desire for her was cowardly—and unbelievably stupid when he knew how precious life and happiness was.
With a glance over at Evie, he led the filly outside into the yard. ‘How do you fancy a run, girl? I need your help. Don’t get jealous, but there’s a woman I want to impress and I just hope I can talk her into listening.’
* * *
‘Where’s Ruby?’ Kern led Evie over to where Alex Morsi and his wife stood, eating ice creams. Their baby girl gurgled from her pram, looking as though she’d been in a fight with an ice cream monster.
‘Where have you been?’ Kiki demanded, scooping ice cream onto a small wooden stick.
‘I got stuck in town and my phone died when I reached home,’ Kern explained.
‘She’s gone,’ Alex said, nodding to the country road going west into town. ‘Left about ten minutes ago.’
Kern’s stomach dipped and panic swirled through his chest. Gone? Had Ruby decided to leave Dorset after their argument? Surely she’d stay for her job at the practice?
He swallowed hard, and asked, ‘Gone?’
Alex nodded. ‘The organisers ordered them to line up for the parade. If you listen, you can hear the band playing.’
Kern stomach turned over as another thought hit him. ‘Who’s driving the cart?’
The other two stared at him, before answering together, ‘Eloise.’
The sickening twist inside his body became full-on dread. ‘I need to stop them.’
‘Why?’ Alex asked, following him as he turned to his horse.
Kern mounted Evie again and turned the filly towards the gated entrance. ‘Last time Eloise drove a cart she ended up in a bush. Unless she’s had lessons since I’ve been gone, there’s every chance they’ll have an accident.’
‘You’d better hurry!’ Alex yelled. ‘I don’t want to search for another vet. Ruby has talents barely explored.’
Kern grinned at the man’s words. Ruby did indeed have talents, and he intended for her to use every single one. That was if she forgave him for his stupidity and gave him another chance.
Riding through the gate, Kern headed in the direction of town. Small groups of people wandered along the pavements. The red, white and blue bunting and flags strung on lamps and gateposts fluttered in the slight breeze.
Up ahead, he caught sight of a vintage tractor, hissing out smoke as it rolled along. Carefully, he eased Evie over to the right-hand side of the road, glad the town council had closed it to traffic. After passing a wagon loaded with children dressed in white pinafores and flat caps, he finally spotted the cart.
Riding along at the driver’s side, he called out, ‘Taking over my job, Aunt Eloise?’
Eloise sighed heavily. ‘Thank goodness. I can’t stop shaking—and I’m sure poor Mabel Star can feel it.’
‘Pull over in the next lay-by and we’ll swap transport.’
Within minutes they’d stopped, and Eloise climbed down from the cart and happily took Evie’s reins from her nephew. ‘I’ll walk Evie back and meet you two at the field after the parade.’
Ruby turned to Kern as he climbed into the cart and reached for the reins. ‘I thought you’d taken the job and left.’
Kern grasped her hand and squeezed it. ‘Let’s do the parade and then I’ve important news to tell you.’
‘Will I like it?’ she asked.
‘I’m not sure,’ he admitted, suddenly nervous.
What if Ruby hated his decision? What if she decided she only wanted him as a friend and nothing else? How could he show her that he was ready to be brave?
Wi
th a flare of determination, Kern flicked the reins. Ruby might have doubts, but he was damned if he was going to let her go without fighting to prove to her that if she took a chance on him he’d never fail again.
* * *
Ruby’s heart thudded harder than the town’s brass band’s drum as Kern drove the cart away from the crowds and through the countryside. The parade was over, and everyone involved was slowly making their way back to the field to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying refreshment.
Gripping her hands together on her lap, she glanced at Kern and asked, ‘Where are we going?’
Kern took a deep breath, before asking, ‘Did you really think I’d leave without speaking to you again? Without saying goodbye? I’m disappointed, Ruby.’
‘I didn’t know what to think,’ she admitted. ‘The job offer sounded good, and after our discussion I thought—’
‘It wasn’t a discussion,’ he corrected. ‘It was our first fight.’
‘Oh,’ she said. ‘Does that mean there are going to be more?’
He chuckled and slid a glance her way. ‘I hope so. You’re right—the job is a great opportunity for someone. I won’t lie to you, I did consider it for a moment. But then we went to the beach and I knew deep in my soul I wasn’t going anywhere. Dorset is home. I’ve missed it and been away from it for too long. This is where I’m going to start over. It’s time to get back to work. I owe it to my family. Especially to my mother, who must be cursing from heaven at my endless wavering.’
‘You’ve finally decided?’
He nodded. ‘It’s time I restored MacKinley farm and the family name. Make the old place a home again. A home filled with a ton of love. Just like it used to be.’
Ruby licked her lips, her heart swelling with hope. ‘Sounds like a wonderful idea.’
Kern turned off the country lane into a familiar drive and stopped the cart once they were outside his childhood home. Ruby glanced at the old run-down farmhouse.
Awakening His Shy Vet Page 16