Chapter 26: Ruby — Summary and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

The chapter opens at the Davenport anniversary party, where Ruby Tremaine has dressed with extra care, wearing the ruby necklace that Harrison Barton returned to her. She tells herself it isn’t to impress him, but she hopes he will see her wearing it. Her mother eyes the necklace suspiciously, while her father offers a gruff compliment. Ruby’s thoughts drift to Harrison—the way he placed the necklace around her neck, the kiss they shared, and the unexpected feelings that have grown. She acknowledges that her original plan was to secure a proposal from John Davenport to satisfy her parents, but now she is no longer sure that is what she wants.

John Davenport asks her to dance. Ruby accepts, but she notices that his steps lack the bounce of their earlier dances. She also sees her mother and Mrs. Davenport watching them with conspiratorial smiles, clearly pleased. John tells her about his project with Helen: they are working on a proposal for a horseless carriage line to present to his father. Ruby listens, but her attention keeps drifting to the entrance, searching for Harrison. When Harrison finally arrives, Ruby excuses herself mid-conversation and moves toward him.

Her mother intercepts her, praising her and noting that John seems smitten. Mrs. Tremaine touches the ruby necklace and says that whatever Ruby is doing with Harrison is working. Ruby tries to leave, but her mother gently holds her arm and tells her she is proud of her. Ruby is momentarily moved by this rare show of affection. But then Harrison appears, having overheard part of the conversation. He asks to talk, and they move to the foyer, alone.

Harrison asks for the truth. Ruby admits that she initially used him to make John jealous, but insists her feelings have changed. Harrison is hurt and asks if she has given up John. Ruby cannot answer clearly; she says it’s complicated. Harrison tells her to uncomplicate it fast or he’s gone. Ruby apologizes, but no other words come, and Harrison leaves.

Later, Ruby finds Olivia in a sitting room between their bedrooms. She confesses that she thinks she is falling for Mr. Barton, but her parents are against it. Olivia advises her that the hardest thing is to decide what she wants and stride toward it. They also discuss Olivia’s involvement with Mr. DeWight’s suffrage demonstrations. Olivia admits she stumbled across a meeting and has been inspired by his words about women’s right to vote. Ruby warns her to be careful, noting that Mr. DeWight never stays in one city long. The two friends share champagne and cake, acknowledging the dilemmas they both face.

Key Events

Ruby wears the ruby necklace Harrison returned, hoping he will see it.
She dances with John Davenport, who shares his plans for a horseless carriage line with Helen.
Ruby spots Harrison’s arrival and leaves John to find him.
Her mother intercepts her, praising her and implying that her plan to make John jealous is working.
Harrison overhears part of the conversation and confronts Ruby in the foyer.
Ruby confesses she initially used him to make John jealous but says her feelings have changed.
Harrison gives her an ultimatum: uncomplicate things or he’s gone.
Ruby cannot explain, and Harrison leaves.
Ruby confides in Olivia that she is falling for Mr. Barton and that her parents oppose it.
Olivia advises her to decide what she wants and pursue it.
Olivia reveals her involvement with Mr. DeWight’s suffrage demonstrations, and Ruby warns her to be careful.

Character Development

Ruby Tremaine undergoes significant internal conflict in this chapter. She begins by clinging to her original plan—to win John Davenport’s proposal—but her feelings for Harrison have complicated everything. She is torn between her parents’ expectations and her own growing desires. Her confession to Harrison is a turning point: she admits her initial deception but cannot fully commit to the truth of her changed feelings. The chapter shows her struggling to reconcile who she is expected to be with who she is becoming. Her conversation with Olivia reveals her vulnerability and her fear of disappointing her parents.

Harrison Barton is hurt by Ruby’s confession. He had believed she was different from other girls who sought his money, and he is devastated to learn she used him. His demand that she “uncomplicate” things shows his desire for honesty and clarity. His departure, though painful, underscores his self-respect.

Olivia Davenport emerges as a supportive friend and a character with her own hidden depths. Her advice to Ruby—to decide what she wants and stride toward it—reflects her own growing involvement in the suffrage movement. She is inspired by Mr. DeWight, but she also seems aware of the risks, as Ruby’s warning suggests.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Parental expectations are central. Ruby’s mother’s praise is conditional on Ruby’s success in securing John, and Ruby’s internal conflict stems from her desire to please her parents versus her own happiness.

Strategic deception vs. genuine feelings is explored through Ruby’s initial plan to use Harrison to make John jealous. The chapter shows the consequences of that deception when Harrison learns the truth.

Jealousy as a tactic is explicitly referenced: Ruby admits she used Harrison to provoke John’s jealousy. The tactic backfires when her feelings become real.

The ruby necklace serves as a symbol of Harrison’s affection and Ruby’s conflicted loyalties. She wears it to signal her connection to him, but it also reminds her of her original goal.

Truth and confession are pivotal: Ruby’s confession to Harrison is both a relief and a source of pain. She cannot fully commit to the truth, leading to his departure.

Self-discovery is a theme as Ruby begins to question what she truly wants, separate from her parents’ wishes.

Women’s suffrage is introduced through Olivia’s involvement with Mr. DeWight, highlighting the broader social context and the choices women face.

Choosing one’s own path is echoed in Olivia’s advice to Ruby and in Olivia’s own engagement with the suffrage movement.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a turning point for Ruby’s character arc. It forces her to confront the consequences of her deception and the depth of her feelings for Harrison. The confrontation in the foyer is a moment of emotional reckoning, and Harrison’s ultimatum leaves Ruby at a crossroads. Her subsequent conversation with Olivia reinforces the theme of personal choice and sets up potential future developments in both their storylines. The chapter also introduces Olivia’s involvement in the suffrage movement, which may become significant later.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Ruby wear the ruby necklace to the party, and what does it symbolize?

Ruby wears the necklace because Harrison returned it to her, and she wants him to see her wearing it proudly. It symbolizes her connection to him and the feelings that have grown between them, but it also reminds her of her original plan to secure John’s proposal. The necklace thus represents her internal conflict between her parents’ expectations and her own desires.

2. How does Ruby’s confession to Harrison affect their relationship?

Ruby admits she initially used Harrison to make John jealous, but insists her feelings have changed. Harrison is hurt and gives her an ultimatum: uncomplicate things or he’s gone. Ruby cannot explain, so he leaves. The confession damages their trust and leaves their relationship in a precarious state.

3. What advice does Olivia give Ruby, and how does it relate to Olivia’s own situation?

Olivia advises Ruby that the hardest thing is to decide what she wants and stride toward it. This advice reflects Olivia’s own involvement in the suffrage movement, where she is inspired by Mr. DeWight but also aware of the risks. Both women face choices about their futures, and Olivia’s advice encourages Ruby to take control of her own path.

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