ISN’T THIS WHAT ALL WOMEN WANT?
Dominic had expected Charlotte to look more pleased as he revealed his surprise, but instead, she had looked taken aback. An unreadable expression had crossed her face before she had replaced it with a smile.
“Why are we here?” Charlotte asked.
“To get you an engagement ring, of course,” Dominic replied, trying not to think about how far this would stretch his purse.The winnings will more than cover this.
“What?” Charlotte looked confused, and Dominic remembered that for most people, engagement rings were not the done thing.
“I know that they are not particularly common, but they are something of a tradition in my family,” Dominic explained. “It is an old superstition, I think, started by my grandfather, and it has sort of stuck and spread. So we all buy our intendeds engagement rings or pass on a family heirloom to serve as one.”
“Oh.” Charlotte appeared to be mulling this over as she said, “And you have opted to buy me such a ring?”
“Well, yes, it seemed like the most sensible thing to do.” Dominic shrugged. “You can, of course, keep the ring after we go our separate ways. I will not need it back.”
“That is very generous. But you do not need to do that.” Her cheeks flushed.
“Think of it as an investment. Even if we do not win, at least you will have something to show for it.”It seems the most fair thing to do, and she can always sell it and help look after her sisters.
“I suppose.” Charlotte looked uncertain. “But why are we doing this now?”
“Because thus far it has not been a problem as you have mostly been in gloves, but the weather is getting warmer, and the others will notice a lack of a ring.” Dominic gestured to her hand.
“And can we not tell them we are getting it resized or something?” Charlotte frowned.
“I suspect with the way this competition is shaping up that they would check the surrounding jewellers for such a ring,” Dominic replied, trying to understand her hesitation. “And if they find no evidence of a ring, they will almost certainly tell Grandmother, and then this entire thing will be undone.”
Charlotte was chewing on her lip. “And will it not look odd that we have waited so long?”
“I shall simply explain that this has been the first chance we have had to go shopping. Besides, getting our rings from Smythe’s is also something of a tradition.” Dominic dismounted from his horse and led it over to one of the nearby resting posts and handed the reins to one of the grooms.
“Unless you have some kind of family heirloom.” Charlotte frowned down at him from her horse.
“Exactly.” Dominic raised his hands to catch her and help her dismount.
Her hands rested gently on his shoulders, and for a moment, he felt the weight of her in his arms as he carefully placed her upon the ground. The smell of lavender and violets washed over him, and he breathed deep.
“Thank you,” Charlotte murmured as she tied her own horse to the post.
“My pleasure.” Dominic replied, still feeling the warmth of her hands on his shoulders.
Before either of them could say another word, Lady Bellmore arrived. Dominic helped her down from her steed, and then moved to stand beside Charlotte.
“Shall we go in?” he asked.
Charlotte nodded, the same odd smile on her face. Behind her, her stepmother seemed to practically radiate with excitement.That was the reaction I was expecting.He shook his head and held the door open for the two women, and together, they entered the shop.
“Ah, Duke Verimore. I wondered when I would see you in here.”
“Mr. Mosely, I see word travels fast.” Dominic grinned wryly, wondering which of his family had told the jeweller of his impending nuptials.
“You know what Banbury is like, Your Grace.” Mr. Mosely beamed at him. “I take it this lovely young lady is your intended.”
“She is indeed.” Dominic gestured to Charlotte. “She is my darling fiancée, Lady Charlotte Nettle, Daughter of Earl Bellmore. This is her stepmother, the Countess Bellmore.”
“Your Ladyships.” Mr. Mosely bowed low to them.
“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mosely,” Charlotte said. “Thank you for having us in today.”
