“He must have had some idea of their value.” He opened a jewelry box. “My aunt’s wedding ring.” He held it out for her to see. “It needs to be cleaned.”
She took the gold band from him.
“Would you rather have a new one?”
“Of course not.” She handed it back to him. “It’s a family heirloom.”
He replaced the ring in the box and put it in his pocket. “The money will go into the bank, but the jewels are yours, Olivia. Take whatever you wish to wear. They are old-fashioned. I’ll commission a London jeweler to reset them.”
“The sapphire earrings.” She admired the dainty setting of fine stones surrounded by diamonds. They would go perfectly with her wedding gown. “And the pearls.” They were the finest she had ever seen.
“Take them, my love, with Alberic’s compliments. And you must wear the diamond parure and my aunt’s tiara when you attend London balls.” He leaned back against the desk and drew her against him. “The money will go toward improving my tenant farmers’ cottages, building fences, irrigation, and stocking the home farm.” He kissed her nose. “Quite a find, eh?”
She took his hand. “Let’s go downstairs.”
“I’ll put these in a safe place,” he said as they left the attic.
“I’ll speak to the staff. I want to invite Sam to the wedding.”
“They will all attend the wedding.”
“I know. And they will have their own celebration belowstairs. But I’d like Sam to be an usher. Do you agree?”
“If you wish.” He paused, a hand on the banister. “You seem fond of the fellow.”
“He is my friend, Redcliffe. That won’t change.”
He smiled. “I didn’t expect it would, sweetheart.”
Sam and the housemaids clustered around her when she entered the servants’ hall. “It’s like a fairytale.” Emily’s eyes sparkled with tears.
Sam greeted her in a formal, unfamiliar manner. “It shall be my pleasure to serve you.”
“I am still the same person, Sam.” Olivia smiled, realizing it would take time for the staff to come to accept her in her new role. “And I have something, in particular, to ask of you.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Dominic knew onlya few of the guests who filled the pews of the small church. The Graveses were there, the Johnsons, too, and all of his staff. Samuels performed the job required of him with quiet dignity. Dominic had to look at him twice. The cook had cut his hair and was dressed in a dark coat. Dominic was unsure if he was pleased or sorry Samuels no longer thumbed his nose at the world.
Dominic was about to enter when a grand carriage swept around the bend, driven by six matched bays. A murmur rose from the crowd gathered around the church door. People stared at the duke’s crest on the glossy black door panel.
A liveried footman jumped down and put down the steps as Dominic hurried over to greet his friends.
Four elegantly dressed people alighted.
Charles greeted him, and Nicholas slapped him on the back while Nellie and Carrie jostled to hug and kiss him.
“I just know I’m going to love her,” Nellie said.
“We didn’t think we’d arrive in time.” Nicholas grinned. “Couldn’t let you get married without your groomsmen.”
“It’s a wonderful surprise. I never hoped…” Emotion tugged at Dominic’s throat. He swallowed. “Olivia will be thrilled, as I am.”
“You have been missed in London, Dom,” Charles said. “We actually came to ensure you made it to the altar and secure your promise not to rusticate forever.”
“Pleased you’re entering the blissful state of matrimony, Dom,” Nicholas said. “You could have knocked us over with a feather when we received your invitation. No way we’d miss it! We are all eager to meet the bride. Ah, and this must be her, now.”
Jack was perched up on the box with Grimsby as the coach arrived. Olivia was inside with her two attendants.
