The Ruby in the Storm

Chapter 15: Metronome of Time

Chapter 15: Metronome of Time

John thought he would never see Beatrice again, or at least he had hoped. But that was an unrealistic hope, seeing as she was the niece of his good friend. Another meeting was bound to happen, once again at his place of work.

"I was hoping you would give me a tour of the docks, Mr. Quincy," Beatrice said.

"Nothing would make me happier, Ms. Thornton," John assured her in the most dramatically hospitable tone possible. "However, I have much to do today. Perhaps another time?"

"What other day do you know will be as clear and as crisp as this?" Beatrice asked. "Come now, Mr. Quincy, it will only take a minute. I am sure you know the docks here better than anyone."

"Hardly," John sighed. He did not like the way Beatrice seemed to hover around him, like he had something that she wanted.

"If not the docks, we can talk here?" Beatrice asked. "I have much to ask."

"Ms. Thornton, I could not imagine what else you'd want to know from me."

"You're a complex man," Beatrice replied, taking a seat without an invitation. "I feel that I am drawn to such a kind. Men who are easy to figure out are a bore, wouldn't you agree? All your questions are answered and there's never really anything else to find out."

John had no idea where this was going, but he played along. "Everyone is as complex as they want to be, Ms. Thornton. You can't figure people out upon first glance."

"Au contraire, sir," she smiled, "I've been to society for a long time. Lucy and I both were quite good and figuring people out upon a glance. At least I thought I was until I met you, and you are the puzzle that needs solving."

"To which I would also say au contraire," John replied swiftly. "One need not solve every puzzle that comes their way. Some questions are better left unanswered."

"Such as?"

"How could I know?" John said. "I've answered every question you've asked."

Beatrice chuckled. "I like you, Mr. Quincy. Your wife is a lucky woman to have a husband such as you. I wonder," she frowned, "did you tell her of our little conversation before?"

What on earth could this woman possibly gain with that information?

"I do not mean to pry, of course," she said, clearly with the hopes of clarification. "I was merely wondering how much dear Eliza was aware of what transpired between the two of us."

"Beyond the exchanging of words?" John raised an eyebrow.

"Well... Yes."

"Ms. Thornton, nothing else transpired," John reminded her. "You came, you asked questions, I answered those questions, and you left."

"An innocent encounter that I am sure you told to your wife the moment you returned home," Beatrice replied. "If you did not, I understand. Men generally do not share with their wives encounters that they have with other women, however innocent. Perhaps you think me too insignificant to mention?"

John ran a hand over his face. "Ms. Thornton—"

"Beatrice."

"Beatrice," John sighed, "I am sorry but I do not know where you are going with this."

Beatrice shrugged. "Maybe I'm still trying to figure you out. Knowing a man's character is important to learning his story, after all."

John, despite his annoyance, found himself agreeing with that. With that, he realized that he did not find Beatrice's company that irritating after all. However, the turns the conversation made did make him uncomfortable, and a need to run home and tell his dear wife everything arose in him. Keeping this from Eliza was not the sort of man John was, and he did want to become that sort of man.