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comment intended as advice on how to behave with him? She searched Rowena’s face for clues, but found none. I’m probably panicking over nothing. Still… “I might also have a look while we are there,” she said brightly, hoping to steer the discussion into safer waters. “I’ve nothing to wear with the new ball gown that was delivered this morning.”
“The rose one?” asked Rowena. “I think that a fine idea.” She turned her attention to Sorin. “Rundell & Bridges is rather out of the way, and it may be some time before we have occasion to visit again. Perhaps you’ll do me the favor of helping Eleanor make her selection while I peruse the watches? After all, as a gentleman, you’ll be able to offer her a different perspective regarding what is considered attractive on a lady.”
Eleanor’s mouth went completely dry. Her gaze snapped back to Sorin as, with bated breath, she awaited his response. Rowena surely hadn’t meant anything by her request, but…
“I’m delighted to be of assistance, of course,” he replied with a cordial nod. The smile he turned on her was utterly benign. Relief flooded her, making her almost giddy. He suspects nothing. Breathe.
The rest of the journey was passed in light—and thankfully innocuous—conversation.
When they at last arrived at the esteemed jeweler’s, Eleanor couldn’t help feeling a little intimidated. The foyer was sumptuous, the atmosphere as hushed and reverent as a cathedral. A liveried manservant minced forth to take their names and to bid them make themselves comfortable while he made the proprietor aware of their arrival. Another servant, this one only slightly less haughty, came to take their jackets and cloaks.
As she perched on one of the plush chairs, Eleanor thought to herself that only the king’s palace had more marble and gilt. She’d only just begun to wonder how long they would be made to wait when the first man returned.
“Master Rundell will be pleased see you now,” he murmured, bowing as he held the door open for them.
The room within had been painted white, and the furniture it contained was white, too. Unlike other jewelry shops she’d visited, this one had no jewelry on display. No glass boxes containing marble busts wearing necklaces. No cases of jewel-encrusted rings and earrings. No rows of glittering bracelets. There was not a single jewel to be seen.
There were, however, a great many mirrors. They graced every wall at close intervals, interspersed with wall-mounted candelabra. Candelabra were also scattered about on pedestals throughout the room, casting luxuriant, bright light. There was not a dark corner to be found in the room save beneath the furniture.
“Welcome, honored guests,” said the portly gentleman who waited within. He gestured to the cushioned benches. “I am Master Rundell, and I am at your service. Please, sit.”
Eleanor took the seat Sorin offered her and folded nervous hands in her lap.
“You are here to view rings, my lady?” asked Rundell, coming to her first.
Before she could open her mouth to stammer out a polite denial, Sorin spoke. “We came to commission a piece for my mother, but both Lady Ashford and Lady Eleanor have expressed an interest in viewing some of your ready pieces. Lady Ashford is looking for a watch for her husband, and Lady Eleanor requires jewels to match a particular ball gown.”
The proprietor’s round face wrinkled in a broad, happy smile. “It will be my delight to show you our finest pieces, of course.” Going to a pedestal by a curtained doorway, he took from it a small bell and rang it twice.
At once, two men entered the room, both dressed in unrelieved black, a sharp contrast to the rest of the room.
Master Rundell spent a moment delivering quick, quiet instructions before turning back to face them. “Hans will attend Lady Ashford,” he said. The one called Hans went immediately to Rowena and bowed low before her. “Geoff will assist me. Now, do you already have something in mind or shall I bring out a few items for inspiration?”
They spent the next half an hour looking at various pieces of jewelry—spectacular pieces of jewelry. Even Eleanor, for whom such baubles held little import, was impressed. There was not a flaw to be found in any piece, neither in the stones nor in their settings. Every item shown her was a breathtakingly beautiful example of perfection and skill. At last, they agreed upon an emerald brooch that would have the Wincanton crest worked into the setting with diamond accents.
“And now what may we show you, Lady Eleanor?” asked the jeweler, again smiling.
Sorin watched Eleanor most intently and soon came to the conclusion that choosing a gift for her wouldn’t be as easy as he’d hoped. She hardly glanced at the rings, asking instead to see other wares.
“The gown I wish to match is pale rose,” she told the proprietor.
“Ahh,” said he, his eyes lighting. “Rubies with pearl accents, perhaps?”
“No pearls,” she said at once. “And while rubies would be lovely, I fear they would not be deemed appropriate,” she said a bit wistfully.
“Why not?” Sorin asked, confounded. “Rubies are the favorite of our queen, and Her Majesty would never wear anything improper.”
A faint blush stained her cheeks. “My mother once told me that only married ladies ought to wear rubies because red is considered the color of passion.”
Now that was a bit of useful information. “I see.” He turned to the jeweler. “What else can you suggest?”
The little man’s ever-present smile widened another increment. “If rubies and pearls are not an option, then I’m afraid the only other thing that would go well with pale rose would be diamonds.”
“Why not a gold filigree piece?” said Eleanor with a nervous glance at Rowena, who was busy poring over another tray of watches.
Sorin could stand it no longer. He leaned down to murmur at her ear, “You are a duke’s daughter, Ellie. While I agree that you should avoid vulgar ostentation, you must not be afraid to show your rank and quality. If you wear unadorned gold people may make incorrect assumptions about your circumstances.”
It was complete and utter drivel, but it would serve his purpose. He stood and addressed the jeweler with a look that would keep the price range within reason. “Bring the diamonds. We seek something simple but elegant—tasteful.”
