“Hmmm? That’s Lourdes. She’s King’s mistress.”
“His mistress? You said he was married.”
Vernon didn’t even bother to contradict her.
“There are stories that she’s from some eastern land or that she’s half-Spanish and that she’s bewitched him,” Vernon told her.
Ruby laughed. “What nonsense.”
A man with black hair graying at the temples approached them, and Vernon seemed to stand at attention while Ruby did as she was told and smiled.
“Hello, Vern. Glad you could make it. When I told you to bring a guest, I didn’t anticipate she would be quite so beautiful.” His brown eyes were directed at Ruby.
“Allow me to introduce you. William Parker, this is Ruby Sutton. She’s a singer. Ruby, this is William Parker,” Vernon said smoothly.
“Mr. Parker,” Ruby said even as the man bent over and kissed the back of her hand.
“Please. No one calls me that.”
“William?” she asked.
“Reserved only for my mother. Call me King. It’s a nickname of sorts.” He smiled.
Ruby looked into his dark eyes and nodded. “King.”
“And this lovely jewel of womanhood, where have you been hiding her?” King asked Vernon.
“She’s from Mississippi originally.”
“Aha! I thought I detected a Southern accent. You are very welcome to our party this evening, Ruby.”
“Thank you.”
“Come, Vern. We can chat over a whiskey,” King said as he led Vernon away from her.
Ruby saw Vernon speaking animatedly to the financier as the two men moved away from the crowd. She wasn’t aware she was being watched until she turned slightly to see an older woman standing beside her.
The woman was dressed in a satin gown of deep burgundy, and the diamonds she wore glittered in the low gaslight. Her brown hair was threaded heavily with gray. She carried a glass of champagne in her hand.
“Good evening.” She smiled at Ruby.
“Good evening.”
“Are you enjoying the party? So many people,” she said softly.
“It’s very extravagant. And the mansion is breathtaking,” Ruby said.
“Yes. It is. I believe firmly in doing something right the first time and doing it well.” She nodded to Ruby. “Forgive me, I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Alice. Alice Parker.”
“It’s very nice to meet you. I’m Ruby Sutton.” Ruby suddenly realized she was speaking to the “dragon” she had been warned about.
“Ruby? Pretty name for a pretty girl.”
Ruby smiled, but some reason she felt extremely on edge. “You’re very kind.”
“Not at all. We give so many parties here, and they are often extremely dull. But William does love entertaining, even if Caroline does not.”
“Caroline?”