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The jeweler snapped his fingers, at once summoning his hovering assistant to his side. “Bring out the Rani collection.” With a smart bow, the one called Geoff vanished behind the heavy velvet drape, returning a few moments later with a large, flat box of highly polished wood. Another servant preceded him with two short tables, both of which he placed before Eleanor. A candelabra was borrowed from a stand and placed upon one table, the box upon the other.
“These are some of our finest diamonds from India,” said Master Rundell, opening the box with a flourish.
Sorin was pleased to hear a soft gasp from Eleanor. “Well? What think you?” he asked her after a moment. They were dazzling, but the design was a bit too busy for his liking. Still, if she liked it…
“They are breathtaking,” she answered, sounding as if her breath had indeed been stolen a little. “But I think I should like something a little more open.”
Again, the little man snapped his fingers. “The Estrellis collection,” he said to his assistant without looking away.
The lid closed and the box was withdrawn. Another quickly replaced it. This time when the lid was raised, Eleanor gave a warm hum of approval.
“Would you like to try them, my lady?”
She nodded, and the man carefully lifted a glittering necklace from its velvet bed. Sorin cleared his throat softly.
The proprietor looked up at once. “My Lord Wincanton, perhaps you might assist the lady while I unfix the earrings?” he said, offering up the necklace, which Sorin took with a small nod of thanks.
The assistant held a polished glass before Eleanor as Sorin moved behind her to fasten the necklace about her throat. A hard tremor shook her as his fingertips grazed the nape of her neck, and in the mirror he saw her close her eyes and swallow. Was her reaction one of desire or repugnance? Gently, he placed a hand on her shoulder. She didn’t flinch beneath it. “You can look now,” he said at her ear.
Her eyes opened, their usual spring green darkening to forest shade as she met his gaze in the reflection.
Desire lanced through his vitals. Now it was his turn to tremble. Stepping back quickly, he nodded approval. “I think the necklace quite tasteful and appropriate.”
Her hand rose to touch the gleaming jewels at her throat. “It is lovely, but…”
“Oh, Eleanor, it’s absolutely stunning!” exclaimed Rowena from the other side of the room. “Do try on the rest,” she said, rising and coming over to join them.
Eleanor was handed the earrings which she affixed to her lobes, and then the bracelet. But when the proprietor proffered the matching ring, she politely declined. “It is beautiful, truly, but…”
Sorin looked to her in surprise, observing the way her pearly teeth tormented her full bottom lip for a moment. “Is there something you dislike about it?”
“No, not at all. It’s only that, well… Mama always said a lady’s fingers ought to remain unadorned until she receives her wedding ring. I prefer to carry on her tradition and wait.”
His pulse began to pound as the words sank in. Hope sprang anew. Has she changed her mind about marriage?
Rundell’s face fell, but he put the ring back in its place. “Of course, my lady. What think you of the rest?”
“I think we’ll take it,” answered Rowena for her, much to the jeweler’s transparent delight. “That is, if you like it, my dear.”
Eleanor’s face shone. “How could I not like it?” Her smile faltered. “But Rowena, it’s far more than I should like to—”
“Let it be a gift from your cousin and me,” interrupted Rowena, patting her hand. She addressed Master Rundell. “Have these, the watch, and my other selections sent to my London residence.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
They waited while Eleanor removed the jewelry. Sorin saw her gaze linger for a moment on the ring, a magnificent white diamond of at least two karats surrounded by smaller stones, as it was separated from the rest and taken away to the back.
“I think you ought to wear them to the Blessington ball next week,” said
Rowena as their carriage rolled away, leaving the exclusive shop behind.
“But I thought to save the rose gown for the Cleveland ball,” replied Eleanor.
Rowena shook her head. “That’s almost a month away. You mustn’t wait. First impressions are often the longest to linger. Young ladies should always come out as strong as possible at the very start of the Season. It helps weed out those who know themselves unqualified to seek your hand. You want to clear the field of clutter, enabling you to focus your attention on only those gentlemen equal to or higher than your own rank.”
“General Rowena,” teased Eleanor with only the slightest edge in her voice. “Always drawing battle plans.”
“So I am, and I won’t apologize for it. I fully intend to see you married this Season.”
