‘As do you, Miss Mills,’ he touches his glass to hers.

‘Ruby. Like the gemstone.’

‘I like it. It suits you. Vibrant, mysterious, with a subtle charm. Although not as expensive, I hope.’

‘You know your stones, Alex. I like that in a man. May I call you Alex? Yes? And no, I’m not expensive. Not really. Just shower me in jewels and bring me champagne, and I’m as happy as a sandboy.’

‘Just a carefree, easy-going sort of girl, then?’ He laughs. ‘With simple tastes?’

‘That’s me.’ She mirrors his laugh as she touches him lightly on his hand and shifts a little closer.

‘Where are you from, Ruby?’ His enquiry is polite.

‘Oh, here and there. London.’

‘You have family?’

‘No. Just me. I prefer it that way.’

‘It is easier, sometimes, I’m sure. You have a young man?’

He must know that it is unlikely if she’s in a nightclub on her own.

‘Died in France.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that. I lost many fine young men in my regiment.’ He stares at his drink. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t be. I’m not the only woman in England to have lost a lover, am I? What about you? Is there a wife wondering where you are, pacing the floor at home while you’re dancing with me?’

He drops his head briefly. She sees it.

‘No. No wife. Nothing like that.’

She clasps his hand, her eyes shining. ‘Then we’re free to enjoy ourselves, Alex. You and me. Free to live life to the full, and what the hell.’

‘Amen. I’ll drink to that, beautiful Ruby.’

29

29

Saturday morning

The sun is clawing its way through the grey clouds into the morning sky when he leaves her apartment. He needs to be elsewhere, he says.

With his wife, he doesn’t say. But Ruby knows.

She lies in the bath, turning the tap on and off with her toe, enjoying the way that the hot water creates a haze of perfume from the bath salts. The room is warm, growing pleasantly foggy and humid. The new towels wait for her on a rail. She will wrap herself in the softest cotton and make herself a pot of tea on the shining stove in her very own kitchen.

She lets her body relax and slips her head under the water, the warmth of it cradling her scalp.

It is still early. She might fall back into bed. Or perhaps she’ll dress and visit a café for breakfast. He has left her money, after all. She grins. She might even buy a cake to take to Solly.

No, not Solly. He isn’t speaking to her. She’ll take it to Daisy.

She should help Daisy. Give her some cash. She won’t give any of it to Annie Richmond, that’s for sure.