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“That’s right. I never could understand why you preferred some dreary article about tourism over a write-up about the latest Victoria Beckham collection.”
“We had different priorities, Elspeth,” I said, smiling sweetly. “And different-sized wallets to pay for those priorities.”
“Yes, I suppose,” she said, effectively admitting defeat. She tapped her expensive shoe on the floor and wafted her nose around. I caught Dan’s embarrassed wince and smiled.
“Despite the circumstances, I enjoyed working with you, Elspeth.”
She spun back to face me, seemingly shocked I should think such a thing. I nudged her arm. “It’s good to see you. And even better to see you happy.”
She lowered her gaze timidly – a move that was incredibly unlike Elspeth. “It’s good to see you too,” she said, quietly. “You’ve met Dan, I assume?”
I panned across to the man on her arm and grinned. “Yes, a couple of times. We met at the market before he ferried me back to mainland.”
A look of recognition graced Dan’s face. “Ah yes, the market. How could I forget? You really were the flavour of the month. Everyone wanted to know you.”
I rolled my eyes. “With notoriety comes discomfort.”
“Interesting. Who’s that quote by?” Elspeth asked, cocking her head.
“Me.” And how true it was. I was never more uncomfortable than when I was thrust under the spotlight as the Isle of Crow’s famous tour guide.
“You must have known what to expect when you took the job,” Elspeth said, thinning her eyes.
“I didn’t give it that much thought,” I replied, honestly. “I had other things on my mind.” I fluttered my fingers to illustrate the point, and only when Elspeth froze and glared at my hand did I realise what I’d done.
“Is that…?” Her mouth had dropped open and Dan was peering at her quizzically.
“It’s nothing,” I blurted. “Just a gift.”
Elspeth reached out and grabbed my hand. She held it up and tilted it from left to right, right to left, studying its colour, its shading, its purity. I felt every shameful feeling under the sun. I hated that she’d seen it at all; it felt like I’d rubbed my engagement to her husband in her face. And I felt immensely guilty that I was getting my happy ending, whereas I was certain the Consortium would ensure Elspeth would still never get hers.
I watched her face contorting, while my stomach fell deeper and deeper into my base, taking my blood supply with it. I felt lightheaded and out of control.
Then one line changed everything.
“I’m pleased to see they followed my exact instructions.”
I gulped. “What?”
A smile spread across her face, and across Dan’s too. “I hate to break it to you, but as suave, handsome and intelligent as Rupert is, he knows bugger-all about diamonds. He asked for my help so I gave it to him. It’s a damn good diamond if I may say so myself.”
The shock of her admission made me woozy.
“Better hurry those divorce papers through,” she said, clearly enjoying my discombobulation.
“Elspeth…” I whispered.
“Congratulations,” she said, pressing a kiss to each of my cheeks.
“Don’t you be stealing her away, Cartwright,” came a deep voice behind me. “I know exactly what you’re capable of.”
“Oh, don’t you worry,” Elspeth said, smiling silkily up at Rupert. “I only steal what I want to keep.” Her eyes softened and she glanced sideways at Dan. They were being discreet but I could see a deep love between the two of them.
Rupert leaned forward and kissed Elspeth gently on the side of her face. “Thank you,” he whispered.
She glanced up at him fondly, the same way a sister might to a brother. “You’re welcome. Anything else you need, just ask,” she replied. “Anything.”
He gripped her hands. “I will. And likewise.”
