“Here, sir.” Stevens pulled out a ring of keys. He turned to one of many locked cabinets behind him and retrieved a box with a note. He pushed them across the counter to Robert. “She returned this, as well. Came in herself. Been wracked with guilt, I have. Sweet girl, and lovely as they come.”
Robert opened the box. The sapphire pendant rested inside, still strung on the chain he’d seen about Emilia’s neck. He shut the lid and opened the note.
To wear tonight.
Yours, with the greatest affection,
RB
He read the lines several times, equally elated and despairing. She thought the necklace a declaration of his love, and she’d worn it.
But her expression, when she burst from the cloakroom to defend him… Obviously, she had believed Dunreid. Emilia thought he was still set on Cinthia, a woman who knew him so well. Well enough to judge his reaction upon seeing Emilia wearing a jewel he hadn’t sent.
Anger twisted his belly. Damn Cinthia, and damn his quick temper. He took a breath. “Thank you, Stevens. I believe you’ve done the right thing. You’re correct, Miss Glasbarr has been treated abominably.”
“You won’t let out I told you, sir?” Stevens cast another glance about the shop. “The lady was quite explicit about what would happen to me and my livelihood.”
“I’ll only tell one person, and I can assure you, she wants nothing to do with Viscountess Dunreid.” Robert folded the note and pushed the page across the counter with the box.
“Thank you, Mister Banbrook.” A gleam, bright like the gems he sold, appeared in Stevens’ eyes. “If everything works out, sir, please think of us for future gifts for the young lady.”
Robert nodded, for Stevens had done the right thing in the end. In a lighter mood, he would even have been amused by the suggestion. “Until then.” He left as hurriedly as he’d come. He wasn’t exactly dressed for evening, but he didn’t care. He had a ball to attend.
