The Baker's Tale by Thomas Hauser Page B

life. You will put an ocean between yourself and Edwin. It will not break his heart to lose you, nor would it have broken his heart had you never been found. Your departure will be a relief to him. He has told me so. There is no other way to mitigate the harm that you have done.”
    Ruby’s thoughts were colliding now in a chaotic jumble.
    â€œI understand, now, Isabella’s hatred of me . . . If I do as Murd says, Edwin will maintain his position and hope. If I do not, Edwin will be plunged into ruin . . . I am shamed by my past . . . In London, I will cause suffering and sorrow . . . I cannot reason clearly . . . I am humiliated for thinking that Edwin might love me . . . I have seen the words written in Edwin’s own hand. He dreams of a future with Isabella and their laughing happy children . . . I do not want to believe it. I have no choice but to believe it . . . I cannot live with this.”
    â€œTake warning by what I have said,” Murd intoned. “What I say, I mean. And what I threaten, I will do.”
    Isabella picked the second of Edwin’s two letters off of her father’s desk and waved it before her face like a fan.
    Ruby was broken.
    â€œWhere would you have me go?” she asked quietly.
    â€œTo America.”
    Murd had borne his part in the proceeding with a cold passionless demeanor. There was no change now.
    â€œI will arrange for a carriage to meet you at your residence tomorrow morning at six o’clock. Before boarding the ship, you will be given a pouch with coins that are negotiable in America. If you do not board the ship, Edwin will lose everything that he has worked for his entire life and I will take further action against you.”
    Ruby sat silent with her head down.
    â€œI should like assurance of your acquiescence to these terms.”
    â€œYou may feel assured.”
    â€œIt is all arranged then,” Murd said, allowing a touch of cheerfulness to creep into his voice.
    â€œI wish to see Edwin.”
    â€œI do not understand your request.”
    â€œIt is plain enough. I wish to see Edwin before I leave England.”
    â€œI have made it plain; he does not wish to see you.”
    â€œHe must know what I feel for him.”
    The fish had been in its dying throes. Murd feared now that the line might snap.
    â€œWhat you feel for Edwin is of no consequence. The nub of the matter is what he does not feel for you.”
    â€œI will not leave London without first speaking with Edwin.”
    â€œI will make an arrangement with you,” Murd said, thinking as he spoke. “Edwin knows of our meeting today. Given the embarrassing circumstances of the moment, he and I, both of us, would prefer that no one else know. Give me your pledge of silence with regard to all that has happened, and I will deliver a letter from you to Edwin. That way, your feelings will be known to him.”
    Murd handed Ruby a piece of paper and an ornate fountain pen. There was a glass inkwell with silver trim on his desk. She dipped the pen in the ink and began to write:
    My Dearest Edwin,
    I am sorry for the discomfort that I have caused you. I hoped that you might love me someday as I love you. But I understand now that my foolishness has threatened your happiness and your future.
    If I did wrong—and I may have done much—it was out of love and because of my want of wisdom.
    Think of me at my best.
    Ruby         
    When she was done, she put down the pen and turned her face away so the paper that was to be her messenger would not bear her tears.
    â€œI will give this to Edwin,” Murd promised. “Now let us review your instructions. To spare everyone from shame, you will tell no one about what has happened. You will leave London tomorrow. My coachman will confirm to me that you are on board the ship to America. I expect you to act with honour. Do I have your word that you will adhere to the terms of our