His jaw dropped, and she felt a swell of pride that almost hid how foul the medicine was.
I am going to smell of garlic for hours.She fished another bottle from her pocket and handed it to him.
He drank it wordlessly, grimacing as he did. “You will let me take you ring shopping then?”
“If you have no fever in an hour, yes.” Vivian nodded and poured out two cups of tea.
She handed one to Thomas and drank her own, grateful that the strong taste overwhelmed the taste of garlic. An hour later, Thomas looked brighter and had no fever, and the two of them set off to the jewelers.
A bell rang as Thomas opened the door for her and ushered Vivian into the shop. They were greeted by a kind-faced old man who beamed as soon as he saw Thomas.
“Mr. Mosely, it is good to see you.” Thomas smiled at the man, who gestured to Vivian. “Allow me to introduce my wife, Lady Vivian Heatcliff, Marchioness of Elington.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mosely. The family speaks most highly of your talents.”
“The pleasure is all mine, my dear.” His eyes drifted to the ring on her finger. “That is one of Mr. Jenkins’ creations, is it not?”
“The man makes decent jewelry that will do in a pinch. Given the speed of our union, I wanted her at least to have some sign of my commitment to her, but the plan was always to come to you for the proper ring.” Thomas smiled his most charming smile at the jeweler. “Though I am immensely grateful that you were able to make our wedding bands so quickly. I wanted my wife to be able to have the final say on her engagement ring.”
“Of course.” Mr. Mosely looked slightly mollified, and Vivian slipped the ring from her finger. “I am sure we will find you something befitting of your station, my lady.”
“Thank you, Mr. Mosely.” Vivian glanced from the jeweler to Thomas, scrutinizing her husband for any sign that he might feel unwell.
Thomas smiled back at her, gesturing to the cases of jewelry. “Look at those, not me. I assure you, they are far more interesting.”
Vivian shook her head and smiled, but did as she was told. The shop was full of the most beautiful jewelry she had ever seen. Rings with such fine gold work that it was difficult to believe a mortal man made them.
There were necklaces, earrings, and pendants. All of it was more beautiful than she had ever dreamed of. She walked slowly around the shop, her heart beating faster and faster as she saw the price of some of the items.
That is more money than most people live on in a year.
She turned from the case but felt Thomas put a hand on the small of her back. She looked up at him, her eyes wide. “Choose what you want, Vivian. Price is no object.”
“But—” she began, but he cut her off, putting a finger softly on her lips.
“There are no buts. You told me you wanted to discover what you want, so start here. Let your heart choose, not your mind. This ring is for you. It is my promise for your future.”
Vivian looked up into his blue eyes. They were like a calm blue ocean. He smiled at her and then gestured back to the jewelry case. She swallowed and looked at the pieces.
She moved through the shop with deliberate slowness, wanting to really take everything in.It is my future.She felt a lump in her throat, but ignored it.
Her eyes caught on a flash of something in the corner. It was a small ring with a beautiful sapphire at its center. It was surrounded by smaller stones that sparkled in the light. The blue of the sapphire reminded her of Thomas, and she found herself reaching toward the ring.
“The lady has an excellent eye.” Mr. Mosely handed it to her. “This is one of my finest pieces.”
She slipped the ring onto her finger. It fit her perfectly, as though it had been made for her hand and her hand alone. The longer she looked at it, the more it felt like the ring was a part of her.
Then she saw the price, and her stomach sank. She opened her mouth to say she did not like it and would look for something else, but she could not get the words out.
“It is beautiful.” Thomas’s voice was hoarse, and when Vivian looked at him, their eyes met. “Do you like it?”
She could not lie to him. “I do.”
“It is part of a set.” Mr. Mosely gestured to the necklace, earrings, bracelet, and tiara that shared the case.
“I think just the ring will be fine.” Vivian could not look away from it.
“Nonsense.” Thomas shook his head. “We shall take the set.”
