‘Are you sure?’
‘Come on.’ Nicholas began to usher her out of the door. ‘I want to buy a present for my sister and I need your help to choose it.’
Rose snatched at the door sign and slid it to closed just before he bundled her outside. She locked the door.
‘But I don’t know her. I wouldn’t know what to suggest.’
‘But you’re a woman, which is an advantage I do not have, so I’m confident you will suggest something better than I will. Just choose something you would like, and I’m sure she will like it too.’
Rose wasn’t sure what she would like as she’d never had a reason to think about it.
‘You look troubled. I’ve asked you to choose a gift, not rob a shop,’ teased Nicholas.
‘But I don’t want to let you down.’
‘You could never let me down.’
Rose felt herself grow taller at his compliment. His company had a habit of doing that, making her feel good about herself and less alone in the world. So often, without thinking, he threw in the odd phrase of encouragement or a single precious word to store away and to recall later. Even the way he said her name,gentle yet teasing, sounded more like an intimate endearment which made her feel warm and protected inside.
Rose lifted her collar about her neck as she looked up at the sky. The voluminous grey clouds, which had hung heavy in the air all morning, threatened rain and she realised she didn’t care. Nothing would spoil this day for her.
Christmas was less than two weeks away and the street heaved with shoppers. The pressure to have everything made ready was tangible, hanging in the air like a charge of electric. The street would remain busy throughout the weekdays, only falling silent at the weekends when the shops closed. The final sign that Christmas was imminent would be the line of skinned rabbits, hanging outside the butcher’s shop, being replaced by turkeys and geese. For now, Mr Hicks, the butcher, stood outside taking orders. He raised his hand to Rose and she waved back, pleased to see that he was so busy.
To prevent being separated, she and Nicholas walked arm in arm. They took turns to look into the warmly lit windows, before moving on.
‘What about some gloves?’ asked Rose.
‘She has a pair.’
Nicholas moved on to the next shop and peered in through the window.
Rose looked in too. ‘What about something practical?’
Nicholas screwed up his face. ‘It wouldn’t be very festive.’
‘But it would be useful. Everyone gives practical gifts now.’
‘But the war is over. It’s time to enjoy life a little more.’ They walked on again. ‘What would you like, if you could have anything?’ he asked.
Rose laughed, then realised he was serious.
‘Who, me?’
‘Yes you. If you could have something impractical and it was something you liked, what would it be?’
Rose thought for a moment, aware Nicholas’s eyes were on her.
‘A brooch would be nice. I have never had one before.’
Nicholas’s eyes lit up. ‘That’s a wonderful idea.’ He took her hand and they threaded their way through the crowd to the only jewellery shop in town. They peered in through the window at the glinting array of necklaces, bracelets and brooches. ‘What do you think of that one?’ asked Nicholas, pointing to a vibrant flower.
Rose shook her head. The bold colours were rather garish for her taste. Her eyes slid across the sparkling gems set in silver and gold. Although she had been engaged, she had never had a ring. Sam had left to fight before he could buy her one and although she missed not having something to confirm their promise, now she was glad she did not. A ring would be a constant reminder of all she had lost. A symbol she could not bear to wear, but equally would be unable to find the courage to give away.
‘It should represent something to her.’
‘I know just the thing.’ Nicholas led the way inside and asked to see a tray. The assistant disappeared into the back of the shop and quickly returned with a black velvet tray of brooches.
Nicholas showed Rose the brooch he had seen in the window. It was a white dove, of pearl and silver, and in its beak it carried an emerald leaf.
