Page 209 of Storm of Bells
Reaching behind her, she pulled out a packagewrapped in bright, shiny pink wrapping paper, with a golden bow ontop. Carefully, I tugged at the bow and it fell open. Unwrappingthe shiny paper, I opened the carton inside, and—
‘Oh! Lady Samantha…!’
Her Ladyship smiled, eyes sparkling.
Breathless, I reached into the box lined inwhite velvet and lifted out the pearl necklace. Three elegant loopsof white-golden pearls hung down from a central nexus at the back.At the front, at the very centre of the golden arcs, hung adelicate silver flower, its beautiful petals stretching out inevery direction.
‘My Lady!’ I breathed. ‘You can’t mean…’
‘I wore this at my own wedding.’ The smileLady Samantha gave me warmed my heart. ‘Would you take it? It wouldmake me so happy.’
‘Your Ladyship, that’s so generous, but…’ Myeyes flickered over at Adaira, Lady Samantha’s daughter. Wouldn’tshe…?
Adaira grinned. ‘Don’t you worry,’ shewhispered, leaning over. ‘This is a golden opportunity! Do you haveany idea how many jewels my mother was weighed down by on herwedding day? If I’d have to wear all that, I’d need a crane to godown the aisle. Besides…’ Her grin widened. ‘I don’t know why, butI have a feeling I might be eloping to distant lands when my timecomes. I can’t let myself be weighed down, now, can I?’
She glanced over her shoulder. I followed hergaze, and groaned inwardly as I saw Captain Carter.
And it’s because of me they met. Mr Ambrose,Sir, forgive me.
‘But that will still be a long way off,’Adaira continued. ‘I’m not nearly ready to settle down yet. I wantto learn to stand on my own two feet, to be independent.’
Lady Samantha’s eyes widened, and sheshuddered at her daughter’s words. ‘Don’t mind her,’ she whispered,trying to cover my ears. ‘I have no idea where she gets those crazyideas from!’
‘Don’t worry.’ Stepping away, I patted hershoulder. ‘Once the wedding is over, I’ll have a good, long talkwith her about the subject.’
‘Would you?’ She gave me a look of deepgratitude. ‘Thank you so much!’
I wondered if she would still be thanking meif she were able to listen in on the pep talk I had in mind for herdaughter.
‘Here, let me help you put it on.’ Eagerlyflitting around me, Adaira took up the necklace and slung it aroundmy neck. I felt my ears turn red as an ‘Aaaw’ went up from all thesurrounding people.
Quickly flitting around to the front again,Adaira held something out. It took me a moment to realize that she,too, had prepared a present for me.
‘Here.’ Grinning, Adaira pressed the packageinto my hands. Pulling it open, I saw…
‘Holy Moly! Adaira!’ Two gorgeous pearlbracelets, matching the necklace exactly, sparkled and shimmered onthe white velvet.
Adaira’s grin widened. ‘My mother is lousy atkeeping secrets. So I had those made to match. I would have hadearrings made, too, if I’d felt confident enough in my stealthskills to sneak into your room at night and punch holes into yourears.’
‘I much prefer the bracelets, thank you verymuch.’
‘I thought you might. Can I?’
I held out my hands, and she wrapped thebeautiful bands around my wrists. Another ‘Aawww’ went up from thecrowd, especially the younger girls.
Giving me a firm hug, Adaira hurried awayand, as she did, gave a smile and a wink to the next person inline. That alone was enough to tell me who it was. I raised myeyes.
‘Ah. Hello, Captain Carter.’
‘Miss Linton.’ The captain bowed, giving me awarm, sincere smile. There was no jealousy or anger in his eyes.Thank goodness! He was truly over me. Had the South American rebelsblown a hole in his head, through which his feelings for me hadfluttered out and away?
Thank you, ruthless bloodthirsty guerrillafighters! Thank you! And I forgive you for ruining my uncle’ssocks!
‘You were right.’ He lowered his voice. ‘Thetwo of us weren’t right for each other. I wish you all thehappiness in the world.’
‘And I,’ I told him, my eyes glancing pasthim towards Adaira, ‘wish you the same.’
And with luck, you’ll not just be able tohave your happiness, but keep your head as well.
