Page 89 of The Gentlewoman Companion

He arrived at his final stop, Gerrard’s, a jeweler where his mother had a ring repaired that she “simply must” have for the salon. He’d saved this errand for last, as it was only a few minutes from Grosvenor Square.

“Good day, Mr. Schmidt.” James had purchased a new pocket watch from Mr. Schmidt and was acquainted with the shop. “I am on an errand for my mother.”

“How do you do, my lord. One moment.” The man disappeared and returned with a box. “Can I help you further?”

James popped open the box to examine the ring. His mother would not be pleased if the prongs were still loose. “That is all. Thank you.” As he turned, his eyes snagged on a familiar brooch. Looking closer, he was certain. Or perhaps there was more than one of its kind? “That is a fine piece.”

“Rare workmanship, unparalleled quality. One does not come by such a rarity often.”

“May I look at it?”

“Of course, my lord. I received it at a discount that I can pass on to you.”

James examined the piece and became certain it was the same that so often ornamented Louisa. Its presence in the shop was proof that something was indeed wrong. Had it to do with her brother? Was this evidence that her family had financial difficulty? If so, why had she never told him?

“Can you tell me from whom you acquired the brooch?”

“One is often charged with discretion. I should not like to part with my reputation. I am sure you understand.”

“You know nothing of its history?”

“Only what I can see. It is old, perhaps over a century. And that diamond.” He whistled through his teeth. “One of a kind.”

One of a kind—it must be Louisa’s. He could only guess at why she had sold it, but he could not bear to leave it in the shop to fall into someone else’s hands when she obviously valued it. “I shall take it with me and send a note to my bank to settle the account.”

James rushed home with his purchase but found neither his mother nor Louisa. When he applied to the housekeeper, Mrs. Corfield told him they had left to see the Trelawneys.

What sort of trouble had Louisa found? Why hadn’t she applied to him? Therein lay the sting. Regardless of their intimacy, she would not confide in him.

Over the course of the evening and the day that followed, he had no opportunity to speak with Louisa. She and his mother busied themselves with flowers and last-minute errands for the salon. He locked the brooch away for another time and tried to apply himself to other matters.