An Interview with Ruth FROM WIP ‘THE ARRANGEMENT
Welcome Ruth. I wasn’t sure you’d join me today under the circumstances.
To tell the truth, I’m still not comfortable being here. I made a last minute decision…maybe it’s a mistake. (she started to rise)
Oh please, don’t go. I’ve been trying for some time to talk to you. I want to know more about you. You don’t often hear stories like yours. Arranged marriages are rare in our culture. Are you comfortable? Would you like a cup of tea or a cold drink?
No… thank you. May we begin? I’ve pressing matters at home. What do you want to know? There’s not much to tell. I was a typical rebellious, spoiled young woman who pushed the envelope one too many times.
Hardly typical for the day I would say. 1929 was a shake-up year I’ll admit, but decorum still reigned even where young people were concerned. AND you became quite successful in your own right. Let’s start with your birth. Where were you born?
Michigan. In my parents’ home which belonged to my mother’s family. Many children were born at home in those days. We had a midwife, you know. They tell me the doctor came after the birth. The birth was in the guestroom, actually. That’s unusual…. most women liked to have their babies in the marriage bed. My parents had their own separate rooms. Mother chose the guestroom for obvious reasons.
Obvious to you, but not to our readers. Did your parents tell you why they chose the guestroom?
Oh, no. I never knew until I discovered the closet. That’s when all the questions rose to the surface. A shock I must say.
I can only imagine. Tell me about your life inside the house. Do you have a good relationship with your mother now? Or was the rift irreparable?
Oh, it’s wonderful now. But during the crisis I can say I didn’t want to have anything to do with her. I stayed confused most of the time. Though she was strict in many ways father pampered me to a degree. My only true ally in the house was Sarah, our housemaid.
You’re an only child, correct? No siblings?
That’s correct.
Did you miss not having brothers or sisters?
No, I don’t think so. I had my best friend, Ginny. We grew up together, so she took the place of siblings, I think.
Tell me about your father.
Ah, father. Bless his heart. I am his princess. He dotes on me. A good and kind man. He’s a writer, you know. And a good one. I use to help him write his stories. At least he SAID I helped him.
Is that where you got your dark hair? From your father?
No, my dark hair came from my mother. Before it turned gray, her hair was almost black. I got my pale complexion from her too and brown eyes. I don’t have many physical traits from my father. Maybe I got his love of the written word and writing.
I think your smile is like his, if I may say so. Warm and sincere.
Why, thank you. I appreciate the gesture.
Let’s talk about your friend, Ginny. She betrayed you in a way, didn’t she?
At first I thought so, but later, I understood why she ran. We were seventeen and even though we wanted to be IN the world all grown up, we were ill prepared. She tried to save herself.
If I may say, you two are an unlikely pair. Your hair and eyes are dark. She’s blonde with blue eyes. She’s skittish, immature. You’re strong and bold. How does it work between the two of you?
Rather well. I think if we’d been too much alike we’d have been in a lot more trouble. (she smiles)
I take it you were experienced with men, am I correct?
At seventeen? Of course not. We thought we knew everything about men. We flirted and giggled as schoolgirls do. We were naïve. When mother arranged the marriage and the other men became involved, I grew up in a hurry. Two years later, I’m still learning.
kay. I’ve saved the best for last. Let’s talk about Peter.
A good subject of course, but I’m afraid you’ll have to get your information from him.
All right. Fair enough. I have him scheduled for next week. Want to give your thoughts on Danny?
See above answer.
Same for Eric Horton?
(No answer, only a raised eyebrow)
Which one taught you the most? Made you a woman?
Really! Have you no scruples?
I see. Okay, let’s wrap up. Favorite color?
Ruth: Red
Interviewer: Do you like animals?
Ruth: I’m a cat lover. I have a beautiful Siamese. Her name is Honey.
Interviewer: A gift?
Ruth: Yes, from the man I love.
Interviewer: Are you going to tell us which man?
Ruth: Of course not.
