Ruby's Song (Love in the Sierras Book 3) by Unknown Read Free Book Online

the yoke of censorship. “Banned in Boston!  Banned in Boston!”
    Soon, their words gave way to applause as the players came back on stage for a final bow. The strength of cheering rose higher when the company stepped back to leave Marlena in center stage to receive the praise as the lead. She bowed and nodded until the noise died down. As the people dispersed, the clap of one pair of applauding hands echoed down to her and she looked aloft at the balcony in the back of the theater to find a familiar male form.
    “He’s back,” one of her fellow actors muttered behind her.
    It had been months since she’d seen him and the familiar feeling that had needled through her chest and stomach before came again. It was only his silhouette, as the theater was dark inside, but she could make out his form and the distinct outline of something she’d not seen since the last time he was there. A hat style worn in the west.
    He stood applauding, begging for acknowledgement, just as he had in his notes. This time, she gave in and offered him a deep bow before slipping behind the stage curtain and ripping off the sweat-soaked headpiece and mustache. Her body temperature cooled instantly and she blew out a sigh of relief. Once inside her private room, she untied the bulky body suit, continuing to strip down until she stood in her chemise and bloomers.
    A knock sounded on her door and she opened the portal for Monkey, who entered with a knowing grin. He handed her the note she’d been expecting.
    “Thank you, Monkey,” she said, leaning toward a lantern to read.
     
    We know what we are, but know not what we may be.
     
    She smiled as she folded it back into its tiny square and stuffed it in her coin purse. All of his notes had been quoted from Shakespeare and pertained to her role in the social rebellion. On his first visit, he’d quoted the Merchant of Venice . With his second visit, he had written Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful . The third had brought, How far that little candle throws its beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world . But tonight’s note carried a different implication. At least, she allowed herself to imagine so. We know not what we may be? Her lips curled in a sideways grin.
    “What does he look like, Monkey?” she asked. He flinched, a blank look washing over his features.
    “He looks like a man.”
    She sighed and chuckled. “I already assumed that, silly, but what kind of man? Is he burly or lanky? Does he have an honest face or…or hooded eyes you can’t trust? Is he handsome?”
    Monkey’s face scrunched in distaste. “He looked like a man. I didn’t take in all that other stuff. But I can tell you this: he is most definitely not from Boston.”
    “Is he old or young?”
    “He’s not as old as I am.”
    She relaxed at that. “Is he still around, do you think?”
    “How should I know?”
    “Go run and see for me, please? If he’s here, tell him to stay put. I wish to write a reply.” Monkey’s shoulders sagged and he eyed her with a slant of his head. “Please?” she begged.
    With a roll of his eyes he strode off to do her bidding.
    “You’re so good to me!” she shouted after him, laughing as she searched for a pencil. With one in hand, she leaned over her vanity and scribbled out a quote from Shakespeare in return.
     
    It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves. Come again two nights hence.
     
    Her chest shook with silent laughter as she folded the note and tasked a young stagehand with delivering it to Monkey.

Chapter 4
    The hour was late by the time Marlena disembarked a block away from her residence and strode briskly down the cobbles of Beacon Street to scramble up the old oak. She fell asleep quickly and dreamt of Virginia City on a starry night; a raucous festival with roasted pig and candied apples; her first glimpse at Sarah Jeanne, The Opera Queen; her dance with Dalton. His hands, large and calloused, swallowed her thirteen-year-old